Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Stormy Weather, Jury Duty, and a Walk in the Garden
The last two weeks have been intense.
The Pacific Northwest has been ravaged by fierce weather; heavy rains caused severe record-breaking flooding, resulting in road closures, evacuations and homes under water. Many suffered the loss of everything and are thankful to be alive.
A reminder that life is fragile.
The last two weeks were intense for me for another reason: Jury Duty. It had been many years since I last served as a juror, listening intently to witnesses testifying under oath (some truthfully, some not), and scrutinizing exhibits admitted as evidence. It was a civil case, a small business owner was sued for breach of contract, a terribly written, and deficient contract. It had been signed quickly after her husband and business partner was diagnosed with a rare, fatal disease, and intended to bring someone in to take over the business. After her husband died a few months later, many issues arose (not her fault) and she was sued by the other party. It was a sad and complicated affair, and we rendered our verdict in favor of the defendant. It was an interesting experience. I appreciated my fellow jurors and learned a lot. Mostly, I’m glad that justice was served.
My service is complete, so my time is my own again. The winds have died down, the rain has stopped, and the sky is blue, who knows for how long?
I went outside to see if there was any damage from last night’s terrible rain and violent wind. Thankfully, there was none. Instead, I found everything as it was the day before.
My favorite red berries at the front door.
Fallen leaves on soggy ground.
Designer mushrooms scattered about.
And unexpectedly, a rhododendron in bloom.
I’ll take it.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
Aww, how lovely to read this, Susanne! Jury duty over and the crazy weather for now. And look at the beauty that came of it! Those red berries sure look fesrive but the rhodi wins the day. Time to relax and enjoy the joy and peace of the season.
Thanks so much, Terri! 😊 I enjoyed serving as a juror but it was intense and stressful at times. I’m definitely relieved now that it’s over and was happy to see the rhodies blooming today! Time to rest, for sure! ☺️
You have rhodies blooming in December? What’s that about? The jury duty does not sound like fun. I hope the rains didn’t wash you away.
I was so surprised to see them blooming!
Jury duty was interesting, but I’m glad it’s over. And though rivers are flooding, we’re not very close to them, thankfully!
An interesting couple of weeks, Susanne. Seems it’s always someone’s turn to be battered by the weather, and for the rest of us life goes on as ‘normal’. Feeling grateful xx
Yes, indeed. I’m grateful too. And was happy that justice prevailed for the defendant at trial.
Finding the beauty around me helps to set things right. I can see it does the same for you.
Yes, indeed. 😊
It must have been such a treat to come across that beautiful rhododendron flower after such an intense week! I’m glad your jury service went well and the terrible weather didn’t impact you directly, though I feel for those who were affected.
Yes, thank you, Sarah. I was happy that justice prevailed for the defendant at trial, so it was worth it. And I’m thankful not to be suffering the ravages of the stormy weather, as so many are. And the Rhododendron was a pleasant surprise! 😊