tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57724217353179201752024-02-07T14:12:05.824-08:00Writing WeathergirlThis is blog is about weather, along with safety tips and adventure blog posts and things I have been up to latelyDawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-80506730270644826642013-05-20T15:16:00.001-07:002013-05-20T15:16:10.377-07:00Crazy AfternoonI told myself I would never be outside when the tornado sirens go off(when it's the real thing). Sunday afternoon, my sisters Anna and Lucia went with me to our Great-Grandpa's house. They took their bikes, and I ran along with them. It was muggy and warm. Our Great-Grandpa agreed with us on the fact that bad weather was in store for us. He had grown up in western Kansas, and had bee through more weather than any of us. Our grandparents got there like they did every Sunday. We visited for a little while. A little after three o'clock, we turned on the radio, and heard something about "a possibly tornadic thunderstorm in Sedgwick County". Grandpa told us to start heading home. "Take the most direct route, move as fast as possible, and don't stop." That was good enough for us.<br />
We moved along at a quicker pace going home than coming to Great-Grandpa's house. Thunder could be heard. Previous times that I had been outside in thunder, I ran back inside. I didn't feel scared this time. About a block and a half from our house, I heard it. It started as a low wail. Tornado sirens! My pace kicked up. I hadn't felt that rush of adrenaline since my las Track meet a few weeks ago. I never before had the strength to scream while I was running as fast as was. But deep down I had found it. "Go! Faster!" I yelled at my sisters. They were on the edge of tears. They were scared. One of my first thoughts was to protect my sisters. People were rushing out of their houses to look. All of their heads looked to where the sky was the darkest. I kept yelling at them. Whatever happened, I wanted to keep them safe. It must've been some sight for other people to see.Three girls running in fear. <br />
We reached home. I saw that our big van was gone. One of the first things I thought was that the rest of my family had gone to my Great-Grandpa's to pick us up. I knew what I would do. See if we could get into the house. If no one was there, keep my sisters into the garage until I found a neighbor that could let us into their house. But Dad was home. It was Mom and my three younger three sisters that were gone. We were all out of breath and at the point of freaking out. Dad was trying to calm us.<br />
Dad eventually sent us downstairs. There was a tornado not far off to the southwest of Wichita. We went behind the stairs. I tried to sing some songs to cheer me up. I sung a little of "Tornado by Little Big Town, "Blown Away" by Carrie Underwood, and "Storm Warnin'" by Hunter Hayes. It made me feel better.<br />
The storm cleared out. We were okay. I found out about my mom and sisters. They were just pulling up to Kohl's when the sirens went off. It then started raining. Pea-size hail fell. Mom decided to go into Kohl's. My sisters started crying even harder than when the sirens went off. The doors were locked, and Clara started banging on the doors crying. Somebody was walking around in front of the doors, and let them in. Nobody in Wichita was hurt.<br />
Thankfully, Wichita is okay. But other people aren't so lucky. People in the both the past and present. Pray for those people. Pray for the ones in Oklahoma. They need your prayers. <br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-37999545769482727092013-02-23T19:28:00.000-08:002013-02-23T19:28:34.770-08:00What the Freak????Is Mother Nature going nuts?????????????? First, we get 14 inches of snow, and really bad road conditions. Then, we are going to get <i>another </i>14 inches of snow!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????Okay Mother Nature, I really appreciate that you are finally listening to our pleas for moisture, but couldn't you have spread it out a little more???? That would have been appreciated very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
The link for the National Weather Service and the Weather Channel websites is below.<br />
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We will just have to cooperate with this. There is a reason for all of this. We will just have to keep our hopes up. I know that I will be getting my workout just shoveling driveways!!!!!!!!!I will also probably get some cash for camp this summer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.weather.gov/">National Weather Service</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.b.weather.com/?pin=true">Weather Channel</a><br />
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I also have local weather for those of you in the Wichita metro area.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ksn.com/default.aspx">KSN</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kwch.com/">KWCH</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.kake.com/">KAKE</a><br />
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Good Luck those of you that will be affected by this winter storm!Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-18465697605523385592012-10-29T16:54:00.001-07:002012-10-29T16:54:29.877-07:00SickThe school year is up and running. My splint is gone, and I won't have to see the orthopedist again! I have also been sick since like Tuesday. I got home, and I was extremely cranky. Mom took my temperature, which was about a 102. I was sick up till Sunday night. My temperature has stayed normal, so I'm going back to school tomorrow. Lots of people missed me. I'll see you guys tomorrow!Matthew Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625175937707744761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-42334442944278545252012-08-29T16:59:00.001-07:002012-08-29T16:59:59.602-07:00Hurricane IsaacStart praying for some rain! Hurricane Isaac is going to go through Eastern Kansas on Friday, and Wichita has a chance! The storm is really doing some damage in New Orleans. In fact, it is worse than most people expected. This is why you don't ever try to ride out a hurricane!<br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-56836185590451174612012-08-02T14:35:00.000-07:002012-08-02T14:41:00.517-07:00Sunny and Stormy!I got two new gerbils in mid-June! Their names are Sunny and Stormy! Funny weather names!Sorry that I posted it so late. I must have saved it as a draft when I was writing this post. :s<br />
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<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-38018328999168018872012-08-02T14:34:00.001-07:002012-08-02T14:34:22.300-07:00Chance of RainI predict rain in the Wichita, KS area within the next 3-5 days. I'm not 100% sure, but I think tomorrow when I take in my observations, I should see the chance intensify.Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-88070153622921160842012-07-23T17:20:00.000-07:002012-07-23T17:20:09.996-07:00Another Update on My Fractured ArmInstead of strips, I got pink. Oh well. But there is good bone formation. Yessssss! Don't you guys think that we need some rain? I do.<br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-68452855770635827122012-07-12T16:03:00.000-07:002012-07-12T16:03:13.978-07:00UpdateMy arm is doing better now. We might be able to get a hold on some x-rays, then I could probably load 'em up on here. My next appointment with the doc is on Monday. I'm really hoping that I can get a hard cast on then. How does pink and orange strips sound?<br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-66346074554637949512012-07-08T10:02:00.000-07:002012-07-08T10:02:38.231-07:00GreatI broke my arm on the fourth of July. And it had to be my left forearm. I write, throw, and eat with that arm. I broke both bones, but not all the way. The docs did have to reduce my arm. Don't worry, I was asleep. When I was awake, everything was dizzy, and I was confused.<br />
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-44453070755978182382012-07-08T09:57:00.003-07:002012-07-08T09:57:57.442-07:00Chapter Seven<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Clara sat on her bunk.
She was at the home now. Some of the other teens had tried talking to her. But
she ignored them. Clara didn’t want to talk to them. Her parents were both
dead. How could she have any hopes? Maybe by next year, she would be in an
adopted family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara then thought of how Agnes had freely given her life
for that baby and Jason. That baby and family had been strangers to them. But
she had given her life, so that they could have their baby. Where was Agnes in
the hurricane? She hadn’t talked to her during the whole trauma. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Forget it. Agnes was still helping her. And <i>if </i>Mom was still alive, Agnes was
probably helping her. But Agnes had said that she would lose two loved ones
because of the hurricane. Then again Agnes could have meant that one would die
and the other was somehow alive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason continued to bang on the door. Where was Clara? A
note fell to the ground. “Oh no!” breathed Jason. He didn’t want to pick it up.
He already knew what it said. Jason ran back to the car. He could barely turn
the keys in the ignition. The little Pomeranian in the back whined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> He almost went way over the speed limit. It seemed like
forever, but he finally got to the children’s home. He ran to the front. The
lady sitting there looked at him. “What’s that Pomeranian doing?” the lady
asked. “I need to see Clara Wildewood,” said Jason. “Sit in this room,” said
the lady. “I’ll get Clara,” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara looked up. The door had opened to the dorm. “C’mon
Clara; you have a visitor,” Clara got up. Her face was red from crying. “You
need to wash up first,” said the lady. Clara walked into the Lady’s Room. But
even water couldn’t take away the pained look on her face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “Hurricane Ike is almost nothing now,” said the lady.
“Hurricane Ike took my parents,” said Clara. No more was said. They turned into
the room. Clara ran to Jason. “Why didn’t you stop them? You said that you had <i>everything under control!</i>” Jason bowed
his head. “It’s my birthday, my parents are gone, I end up in the children’s
home, and you come in with a Pomeranian!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “This Pomeranian is for you,” said Jason. Clara looked at
the light brown dog. She held it in her arms. “Thank You Jason; and I am
sorry,” she said. “It’s okay,” said Jason. “I’m going to adopt you,” said
Jason. “It’ll take a while, but maybe they will let me take you out of here,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara looked at Jason with surprise. He was going to adopt
her? That was just crazy. How would that work? But she remembered Agnes’s
message, “Go with the flow,” Okay Agnes, if that’s how it’s supposed to be.
Thought Clara. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara waited. Jason received his first pile of paperwork
towards adopting Clara. He would be allowed to take Clara out in a few days,
but she would be checked on often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Everything had turned out alright. Agnes had guided them
through the whole hurricane. She was with them. Even right now, she was with
Clara and Jason. Clara knew in her heart that Agnes would stay with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
End<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-18998798856693713602012-07-08T09:56:00.001-07:002012-07-08T09:56:28.491-07:00Chapter Six<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> The shelter worked really well. It was an old building that
was on stilts. At least it looked old. Jason guessed that the hurricane would
continue blowing through until about midnight that night. That would be in
about six hours. Clara laid down on one of the beds in the building. She had to
get some sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara awoke hours later. Jason was shaking her. “Get up!”
he exclaimed. Clara looked out the window. It was all calm. Dawn hadn’t
arrived. Lightning flashed in the distance. “Say goodbye to Hurricane Ike,”
said Jason. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason and Clara were soon running through the island. There
was major flooding in some spots. Other spots, the water wasn’t deep. When they
were next to the ferries, Clara saw a boat. “Over here!” she screamed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Hours later, Jason and Clara were on a plane back to
Kansas. The truck had been washed away. The sun shone in the late afternoon
hours. Fireworks were seen in the distance. It was July 3<sup>rd</sup>. And what an exciting, yet sad trip. Her
parents wouldn’t be with her to celebrate her 13<sup>th</sup> birthday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason left Clara at her house for the night. He would check
on her in the morning. Clara walked into her room. Everything was so familiar.
But there were so many things wrong. Her parents weren’t there. But they had
only found Mr. Wildewood’s body. Her mom might still be alive; hanging on maybe
just barely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> The next morning, Clara decided that she couldn’t take it
anymore. She picked up the phone. “Jason” she said. “Hi,” replied Jason. “I
really can’t take this,” said Clara. “What about the bills?” she asked. “It’ll
be O.k.,” said Jason. “I have everything under control,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> The door bell rang. Clara hung up the phone and walked over
to the door. Great. It was the police. She opened the door. “Yes,” she said.
The chubby police officer cleared his throat. “You are officially an orphan
now. One parent has been found dead and the other is missing. Now it is off to
the children’s home. You have twenty minutes to get into fresh clothes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara began to shake violently. She could barely walk up
the stairs. Great way to spend her birthday. In about ten minutes, she was ready.
Clara walked out the door. The police officer escorted her into the car. Clara
took one last looked around her neighborhood. Then Agnes’s voice was heard.
“Don’t worry. Just go with the flow,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara climbed into the car. “So,” said the cop. “What happened?”
Clara thought for a second. What had exactly happened? “We went on a chase with
my deceased sister’s best friend, Jason, down in Corpus Christi. We went into
Port Aransas, and that was where the real trouble started. The storm surge hit,
and washed us apart. Jason was able to climb into a ferry, and found my Dad’s
body. Mom was never found. I ended up on the same ferry that Jason was on. That
was how we found each other. Then when the hurricane was over, we were rescued
and came back here,” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> There was a long period of silence. A tear trickled down
the cop’s cheek. “All kids,” he finally said, “that I pick up to take to the
children’s home have a story. But I have never heard a sadder story then yours.
You didn’t do anything, neither did your parents,” he finished. “Oh by the
way,” said Clara,” Today is my birthday,” <o:p></o:p></span></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-41413484056355175412012-07-08T09:55:00.003-07:002012-07-08T09:55:42.645-07:00Chapter Five<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> The wind blew so hard, that it hurt to face it. Every
building on the island was empty. Jason groaned. “We should’ve bought the
truck,” he said. The others nodded. “Or just stay on Corpus Christi,” suggested
Clara. Jason pulled out the barometer.
The barometer read 29.50 in. It was falling speedily. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara looked around the abandoned island. She spotted a
small building with the door swinging open and close. “This way!” she yelled
over the wind. The small group fought their way towards the building. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> But just as Clara reached the door, a terrific roar was
heard. All looked to the right. A towering fifteen foot wave was looming closer
<i>fast! </i>Before the group had time to
think, the wave crashed over them. Clara was pressed to the ground. She bobbed
to the surface seconds later. No one was in sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara tried to tread the water. But she soon found that the
water was carrying her. All she had to do was stay calm. She found it hard
though. Clara wondered where Jason and her parents were. What two would she
lose during this hurricane? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason was washed out into the bay. He saw the ferries. He
might be able to climb up the sides. He swam with the waves, using all of his
strength. Jason finally touched the side. With great force, he swung his body
up and over. He rested on the deck, breathing heavily. Another wave washed over
minutes later. When everything cleared, Jason saw the body of Mr. Wildewood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Mrs. Wildewood found herself clinging to a palm tree. The
waves thrashed about her. Her heart cried out to her husband, child, and
friend. She was moving farther away from land. Her hopes for survival were
weakening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara was soon gently slammed into a boat. Or was it a
boat? She hoisted herself up. She didn’t have quite the strength. Just then,
the water rose suddenly. She was now a few inches from the top. Clara breathed
a sigh of relief. At least she was out of the water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason shook with fear. Who knows what had happened to the
others. Could they have possibly drowned too? He shook his head. Clara was too
young to die; like Agnes. He had to find them. He ran around to the other side
of the deck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara looked up. In the faintly rising dawn, she was barely
able to make out the figure. Something told her who it was. “Jason!” she
screamed. The figure ran towards her. “Are you alright?” asked Jason as he knelt
next to her. Clara nodded. “Where are the others?” she asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason bowed his head. “I haven’t seen your mother; but I
have seen your father. He’s dead Clara,” Clara couldn’t believe it. “We still
have to find Mom,” she sobbed. “She can’t die,” Jason hugged her. “I know,” he
said, “but for now, we need to survive,” Clara nodded. “Yes,” she said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason found a little room on the ferry. Inside were
lifejackets! Both hurried to put them on. Suddenly, all was quiet. The ferry
stopped rocking, and the thunder was silenced. Sunlight streamed in from under
the door. Jason turned and opened the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> The whole world was in such peace. The dark clouds
surrounding them weren’t dark. They were white; pure white. “It won’t last long,” said Jason, “It’s the
eye. We have enough time to find a substantial shelter and food,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> The other side of the hurricane struck two and a half hours
later. The winds were blowing in the other direction now. Mrs. Wildewood was
still hanging onto the tree. But she was out of the hurricane. Every now and
then, she saw someone else in the water; dead. Fortunately, none of them were
from her party. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Mrs. Wildewood finally saw a sight that meant rest. A
tropical island. It looked deserted. At least she would be on land. Now all she
had to do was get onto the island. Mrs. Wildewood jumped off the tree and began
to swim for the shore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-86172438244904182892012-07-08T09:54:00.002-07:002012-07-08T09:54:47.789-07:00Chapter Four<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">In Wichita, they
stopped in Wichita for lunch. Mr. and Mrs. Wildewood went inside, but Jason and
Clara stayed in the truck. “Did you hear it?” asked Clara. Jason nodded. “Who
could it be?” wondered Clara. Jason shrugged. “We’ll find out sooner or later,”
Both of them climbed out of the truck, and inside McDonalds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Within thirty minutes, it would be time to get back on the
road. That was just enough time for them to eat a quick lunch, and for Jason to
check the hurricane; Hurricane Ike. So far, he was strengthening up steadily.
Clara watched it intently. That voice whispered in her ear again! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “It will stay at a Category Four, but it will almost hit
Category Five. You will lose two people that are close to you, no matter what
you do,” Then, the voice stopped. But Clara suddenly realized who it was. <i>It was Agnes!</i> Her head spun. She
couldn’t stand straight. Clara collapsed to the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason heard something thump onto the ground behind him. He
looked down and saw Clara lying there, as pale as snow. He bent down. “Clara,”
he said, “wake -up!” Mrs. Wildewood watched nervously. She was shaking. Clara’s
eyes opened. “Wh…wh…what happened?” she asked. “You fainted,” said Jason. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara sat in the truck, drinking some water. “Feeling
better?” asked her obviously concerned mother. Clara nodded. They had just
passed over the Kansas-Oklahoma border. It was about three in the afternoon. She
pulled out a book, and started reading. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> It was ten at night, and they were about an hour away from
Corpus Christi. Hurricane Ike was approaching rapidly. Clara could see the
occasional glow from the hurricane. She began to get excited. This was going to
be probably the most adventurous time in the summer. But she remembered Agnes’s
warning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> An hour later, they ran into a stream of traffic going to
the other direction; back north. The highway going southbound was completely
open. No one would go towards the hurricane. The lightning bolts were seen over
the ocean. Clara put on her backpack. They would be getting out soon.<br />
When they got to the ferry
leading over to Port Aransas, all of the ferries were being closed down. One
last one was going over to the other side to be rigged down. Mr. Wildewood
asked if they could take the truck over with them. The ferry man shook his
head. “With this wind; it’ll be dangerous. Ya’ll could leave your truck on this
side and aboard the ferry on foot,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> It was their only choice. Corpus Christi wasn’t the best
place to watch a hurricane. They had to be right on the ocean. The four fought
their way onto the ferry against the driving wind. The rain was beginning to
fall in a light mist. The ferry made its way ever so slowly out to the bay. A
wave occasionally splashed over the side. The ferry docked onto the other side.
They waved their thanks to the ferry man, and headed for the beach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-68236647544222574442012-06-26T12:45:00.000-07:002012-06-26T12:45:00.083-07:00Chapter Three<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">They drove along a dirt
country road. Thunder rumbled, and the wall cloud let out a funnel. Jason
watched it nervously. The funnel twisted down. It touched the ground and began
to dance. Clara snapped a picture. The twister
headed for an abandoned barn! Jason finally began to calm down. “You were right
Clara,” he said. Clara smiled. She knew in her heart that it would work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Afterwards, Jason started storm chasing again like he used
to. Clara sometimes went along. It was always good wall clouds that never
dropped anything or thin rope tornadoes that spun for only a few minutes. But
it was good anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> A few months later, it was the official start of hurricane
season. Jason was thinking about going to chase a hurricane, but no hurricane
got higher than a category two. He began to worry. But Agnes always had faith
in things like this. Last summer, she just waited, telling Jason that one would
come along soon. About a month later, a strong Category Three came. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara finished up the school season, and now her days were
spent in almost complete boredom. She missed Agnes and Willow. Clara’s birthday
was on July 4<sup>th</sup>, which was in a few weeks. This year hadn’t been a
good year for the Wildewoods. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> One morning, Jason woke to a cloudy Monday morning. He
walked over to his computer. As the compute turned on, he walked over to the
counter and poured his coffee into his cup. The computer finally finished
loading. Jason looked down towards Corpus Christi Texas. He couldn’t believe
his eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara heard the phone ring. She dropped her spoon into her
bowl, and walked over to the phone. Clara picked up the phone. “Hello?” she
asked. “Clara!” exclaimed Jason. “There’s an awesome Category Three hurricane
on the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s coming for Corpus Christi!” Clara was a bit
confused. “Are you positive?” she asked. “Yes!” said Jason. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> According to future track, the hurricane was going to
strengthen in a few days. By then, the hurricane would be a Category Four, and
12 hours away from Corpus Christi. Traveling plans were suddenly being
arranged. All the Wildewoods and Jason would be going. The National Hurricane
Center wanted Jason to perform a study in the heart of the hurricane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason had to have one whole pack just for his tools. Half
of them were weather instruments. The other half consisted of one box of
granola bars, 5 water bottles, twenty – five feet of rope, and other necessary tools.
All of the others had a backpack filled with everything, but only one weather
tool. Each one had a barometer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> On Wednesday, Jason came over. The Wildewoods had just
finished up eating. Jason loaded his pack into the truck. As they drove south on
Interstate 135, Clara prayed that everything would go smoothly. Hopefully, they
could just get in there, watch the hurricane, and go home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> As they came close to Wichita, Clara and Jason at the same
time began to feel strange. A little voice spoke into their ears. It sounded so
familiar. It said, “Don’t be afraid. I will guide you on this deadly trip,” the
strange voice then disappeared. Jason and Clara looked at each other; filled
with confusion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-2336470611546131982012-06-03T08:37:00.003-07:002012-06-03T08:37:33.215-07:00Chapter Two<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Clara ate lunch, and
then went home. She had had a full morning. She sat down on the couch.
Something felt wrong. Their German Shepherd Willow would normally come in.
Clara ran down the basement stairs. She looked at Willow’s pallet. She was
lying there, breathing heavily. Clara knelt down next to her. “Hey girl,” she
said with a trembling voice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Willow looked up at her. There was a sad look in her eyes.
Both of them knew that it was time. Willow was a little over 10 years old.
Clara placed her hand on Willow. Jason came down to check on Clara. “What’s
wrong?” he asked. Clara looked up at him. “It’s her time, Jason,” she said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Without Willow, life changed for the whole household. Clara
was used to seeing a dog sleeping at the end of her bed. It became hard for her
to sleep those first few nights. She had lost two loved ones in the last month.
There had to be a reason for this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Over the course of the next month, friends were sending
meals to the Wildewoods. Jason hadn’t storm chased since Agnes had died.
Somehow, tornadoes made him feel sad. Every time a tornado showed up on either
the Internet or TV, Jason tried to ignore it. If it happened on the computer,
he shut down the Internet. On TV, he changed the channel. He blocked the
Weather Channel on TV. Jason was obviously running away from something that he
had loved yesterday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara’s friends at school tried to be helpful to her. Even
the kids that hadn’t ever talked to her were now talking to her. Clara was now
troubled by something other than Agnes’s tragic death. She was worried about
Jason. She had seen his attitude towards tornadoes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Later at home, Clara talked to Dad. “You know that Jason is
running from his fears,” said Clara, “and we need to fix it,” Dad nodded. “I
suppose that we could do something,” he said. “Let’s wait until there’s a good
chance for tornadoes in the area,” said Clara, “and we can take him on a storm
chase without him knowing,” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> In about a week, another chance for storms showed up. The
probability of a tornado was high. All they had to do now was lure Jason into
the car. Clara called Jason. “We just wanna take you somewhere,” said Clara.
Jason was obviously unsure. “Alright,” he finally said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> He showed up. As they drove down the highway, Jason became
more and more uneasy. It was the menacing clouds that were frightening him.
Clara watched him closely. Dad drove deeper into the storm. When a wall cloud
showed up, Jason reacted in a way that Clara had never seen him do. He buckled
over, and began to cry. “Just take me back,” he begged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “I will,” said Clara,” but you first need to face a
tornado,” Jason still cried. “I can’t,” he said. “You are running from your
fears,” said Clara. Jason was still looking down. “I just feel so guilty,” he
said. Clara pressed some more, “It wasn’t your fault,” Jason quit crying. “But
I feel like I could have done something,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-43603615048041162022012-05-30T12:32:00.000-07:002012-05-30T12:32:10.590-07:00Story<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prologue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Agnes looked at the sky. Clouds were boiling high into the
atmosphere. The air was humid. The thermometer was at 97 degrees Fahrenheit.
The barometer was falling. These were the ripe conditions for severe
thunderstorms; the kind with hail, wind, torrential rain, and tornadoes. It was
time for Agnes to call Jason. They had both been waiting for a day like this.
Clara was in the house, watching the radar. Agnes had promised to take her on a
storm chasing trip. Their mom, Mrs. Wildewood,
watched the clouds nervously. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason arrived ten minutes later. “Dang traffic,” he said as
he got out,” We’re going to have to find another way out of the city,” Agnes
ran back inside.”Clara,” she said as she walked into the computer room, “It’s
time to go,” Clara looked up. Even though she was only twelve years old, she
knew a lot about weather. “We’ve got a hook trying to form,” she said. Agnes
banged her head against the wall on accident. “What?” she snapped. “It’s
already forming a hook? That thing formed only five minutes ago!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara and Agnes ran out to the truck. “We’ve gotta go
Jason!” said Agnes as her and Clara climbed into the truck. Jason ran to the
driver’s seat. He pushed the keys into the ignition. They all waved at Mrs.
Wildewood as the truck backed out of the driveway. The traffic was Salina’s
typical rush hour traffic. Jason
navigated the truck south onto the highway. The storm was moving to the East,
and rotating. Clara watched the radar. They were only two miles away now from
the storm. A solid hook had formed. There wasn’t really much time now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason turned down a country road in to the storm. Lightning
flashed here and there; touching the ground. When the rain fell, it was almost
impossible to see the road ahead. Clara continued watching the storm. An e-mail
from a nearby storm chaser was received. Clara read it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Agnes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> There’s
a tornado on Water Well Road about three miles west of the turnpike. It’s a
rope, barely doing any damage. You have to come out here and see it if you have
time. If this one dies, I’m pretty sure that another one will form in the area.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">See Ya!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Joshua
Pic<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Hey Agnes,” said
Clara,” You’ve gotta hear this,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara read the e-mail. Agnes was surprised. “Who’s Joshua
Pic?” asked Jason. “Never heard of him,” Agnes responded, “He’s a storm chaser
friend that’s in my class,” Jason nodded as though that made perfect sense. “So
are we going to head north or what?” asked Clara. “North?” asked Agnes and
Jason. Clara said. “We’re a mile too far south of where the tornado is,” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason found a road leading back north. When they came to
Water Well Road, Clara confirmed that they were four miles west of the
turnpike. Jason swung the truck the east. As they drove, the tornado came into
view. Clara was breathless. She had been waiting for this day. The tornado
swayed, as though it was dancing, across the field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> The tornado died a few minutes later. Agnes, Jason, and
Clara later met up with Joshua Pic. He was uploading the videos and pictures of
the tornado onto his computer. “How ya doin’” he asked when Agnes stepped out
of the truck. “Good,” she said. Clara walked around to the back of the truck.
She sat down on the bumper. Thunder rumbled in the distance. Jason and Agnes
were talking to Joshua. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">It
wasn’t until Clara looked up when she saw something. A funnel was twisting its
way down. “Agnes!” she yelled. “Get over here!” Agnes and Jason hurried over
with Joshua close behind. All of them stared in awe at the funnel. It twisted
its way elegantly down. A few minutes later, it touched the ground. Everyone
ran for their trucks. The tornado moved east, and grew bigger. It soon turned
into a monster tornado. As it crossed the highway, cars were seen, flying into
the air. Clara prayed that no one was in the flying cars. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Jason sped up the truck. He would be
able to outrun the twister when the speedometer hit 80mph. As they crossed the
highway, Clara was in shock at the twisted scraps of metal. A few people were
wandering around; dazed. Only a few noticed the two trucks, with squealing
tires, and the dirt covering them, crossing the highway. They were only about
100 yards away from the tornado. The trucks past the tornado. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> “We have to find shelter,” said Agnes.
Jason nodded. “It’s too big to keep wandering around like this,” he said. Agnes
called Joshua and told him the plan. He agreed. They did have to find shelter.
Clara spotted a farmhouse. They pulled into the driveway. The wind was
screeching. The twister had grown larger. And it was still coming for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Agnes led the group into the
farmhouse. Good thing that it was unlocked. The stairs were found in the
kitchen. When they went down them, the storm chasers discovered that they
weren’t alone. A family of five was huddled in a corner. As the twister grew
closer, the mother of the group realized something. She started with a scream.
“My baby!” Agnes glanced up the stairs. “Stay here!” she yelled. Jason followed
her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Through the living room they went. The
twister was narrowing in on them. That was when Agnes realized that Jason was
with her. “You!” she snapped. There was no time to talk. They hurried into a
bedroom. Nobody was in that one. They looked into the next one. A little baby
was in the crib. Agnes grabbed the baby, and handed the baby to Jason. At that
moment, the roof began to tear away. Jason ducked down, covering the baby.
Agnes was too late. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">She
flew into the air. She saw the shocked look on Jason’s face. This was probably
the last time that she would see him, Clara, and the rest of her friends and
family. She wanted to cry, but the tears didn’t come. A piece of glass scraped
her forehead. She looked up. She saw the blue sky. <i>God, if it’s time for me to go, please make it painless. </i>She
thought. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Jason
soon felt the wind quit tugging on his body. The baby began to cry. He looked
around him. The walls were sagging. There was no ceiling. He ran to the stairs.
“Get up here!” he yelled. Joshua was the first one. Jason explained what had
happened. He spoke quietly. He didn’t want Clara to know just yet. The family
was safe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
chasers got into their trucks. Clara was angry. “Why won’t you tell me where
Agnes is?” she asked. Jason thought for a moment. “She flew up into the storm.
I don’t know if she will make it alive or not,” Clara sat speechless. “There’s
nothing we can do besides looking for her,” said Jason. His voice was
trembling. Police sirens were heard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">After
about ten minutes, Jason saw a group of police cars gathered in the middle of
the road. An ambulance had just pulled up. Jason and Clara jumped out of the
truck. Jason looked over the cops’ shoulders. Lying on the ground was Agnes.
She was covered in mud. Her face was masked with blood. A paramedic was giving
her CPR. She was soon loaded into the ambulance. Jason talked to a paramedic
about Agnes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">They
were going to follow the ambulance to the hospital. Agnes was in critical
condition. Her spine might have been broken. Clara called her parents. They would
meet them at the hospital. Once at the hospital, the waiting took forever. Those
next few days were spent in prayer and hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Agnes died two days later due to her injuries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Chapter One<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A
few months after Agnes died, Clara started going to Track. This bright morning,
was her first meet. She was excited. Her best time for a mile was 7:30. She was
hoping that she could beat it. Maybe just a little less than 7 minutes would be
good. Her parents and Jason were in the stands, waiting for the race to start. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara checked in, and then stretched a little. The sun
shone brightly, and the wind blew a nice cool breeze. About five minutes later,
it was time for her to line up. She would be in lane 2. The starter raised his
gun. All Clara could hear was her heart pounding in her ears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> BANG! A wisp of smoke flew into the air. All six runners
took off. Clara gained on the first two. She started to have trouble when she
got close to the front. She was in third place now. All she had to do was hold
her place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> At the third lap, Clara’s leg felt as though they were on
fire. She had to keep going. Her family and friends were screaming at the top
of their lungs. They were on their last lap now. Clara let it go. She sprinted
faster then she had ever gone in her whole life. She was now tied with first
place. They were fighting for it. The other girl was giving her challenging
looks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> At the last 100 meters, everything went in slow motion.
Clara set her eyes in the finish line. Those last two steps were the hardest.
As she past the finish line, her mind began to race. She didn’t know what place
she had gotten. As she heard her time, she almost thought that they had gotten
the times mixed up. That wasn’t possible! She had been one of the first two! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Her time was 6:15. Such an amazing time! She had taken 1:15
off her original! Her timer patted her on the back as she headed towards her
coach. “That was some race,” he said. Her parents were there to greet her.
“Agnes,” said her coach, “Guess what place you got,” Clara didn’t know. “1<sup>st</sup>!”
exclaimed her coach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> For the next few hours, Clara watched her other teammates
doing there events. A few were doing High Jump and some others were doing Long
Jump. No one was doing Pole Vaulting or Hurdles. Clara had high hopes to do Pole
Vaulting next spring. Mrs. Wildewood, was highly against it. It didn’t make
sense. She let Agnes go stormchasing, and she let Clara go stormchasing. That
was pretty dangerous; more dangerous than Pole Vaulting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> During the boys’ relays, Clara began to get ready for the
400m race. Her best was 1:15. She might be able to take 5 seconds off that. If
she took more than that off, that would be impressive. She walked back to the
stands and grabbed her cleats. They were a hot pink. That color made her look
fast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> After checking in, Clara changed into her cleats. This was her
last race of the day. A few of her teammates lined up along the fence watching
her. Jason was snapping pictures. Her parents were watching and smiling. She
walked to her lane. Clara looked straight down the track. The starter raised
the gun. He squeezed the trigger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> The first 100 meters were easy. But then it got harder.
Clara was barely hanging in third place for her heat. She needed to speed up.
Where was that extra burst of energy? Unexpectedly, she began to speed into the
lead of the race. Without even knowing it, she sprinted far ahead of the
others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> She was coming onto the finish line. She was so close. As
she crossed, she wondered how well she had done out of all of the heats. She
waited for them to record her time. Clara felt sick. They allowed her to go
over with her coach. She felt something come up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clara was brought a cup of water. After washing the bitter
aftertaste out of her mouth, she walked over to her parents. “Are you alright?”
asked her mother. Clara nodded. “It happens,” said Jason. Clara felt so embarrassed.
She hadn’t seen any other athletes throw up after a race. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What'd ya think so far?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Who wants the next chapter?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 38px;"><br /></span></span></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-17219813155552927872012-05-08T14:00:00.000-07:002012-05-08T14:00:26.969-07:00Curiousity Killed the GerbilReally. I'm not joking. The gerbils got out of their cage because someone left the lid off. Dad discovered the empty cage early this morning. After a little bit of searching, he found Itsy in the sump pump.....dead. I really didn't want to go to school today. When I got homw from school, I convinced Mom to let me stay home and find the other gerbil...Bitsy. Let's see how this goes. <br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-40235325386263217842012-05-06T08:04:00.001-07:002012-05-06T08:04:21.370-07:00Track 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0U5ZEvg-9BU_sViNIDNVOujPihblrwOKjE8z-R1PGwcUPKfGL5wOKoAW9-zTnM75N04INxnNeubkHBuvPFXSDc8Bc6ig3LvuO_-unKWu046jJ0AiGkwtGCIFeIYGhUIk6HDbzR2WPMHAZ/s1600/Graduamageddon-7397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0U5ZEvg-9BU_sViNIDNVOujPihblrwOKjE8z-R1PGwcUPKfGL5wOKoAW9-zTnM75N04INxnNeubkHBuvPFXSDc8Bc6ig3LvuO_-unKWu046jJ0AiGkwtGCIFeIYGhUIk6HDbzR2WPMHAZ/s200/Graduamageddon-7397.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKND3Cn054ajR0TEVXd3U_GZcvWPPBT6X7htfxzO3weMjWBql4MtVpUWhQ_b04ZfxQviUTWXcElzuD8FhszFl_KL5AjhOF8McqsXxBUI-lyVt0tRAXxj8ANjwMA-FcvaIvHOXfQ1E3aJq/s1600/Graduamageddon-7421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKND3Cn054ajR0TEVXd3U_GZcvWPPBT6X7htfxzO3weMjWBql4MtVpUWhQ_b04ZfxQviUTWXcElzuD8FhszFl_KL5AjhOF8McqsXxBUI-lyVt0tRAXxj8ANjwMA-FcvaIvHOXfQ1E3aJq/s320/Graduamageddon-7421.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is a picture of me starting off on the 1600m running event at BC. At the beginning of the Track season, I was at 9:06 minute mile. Yesterday, I ended at 7:19.<br />
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This is a picture of one of the other kids doing High Jump. This was probably at 4 ft. 6 in or a tad higher.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mO8hpsqc_23uqZp944GrinwsQO-6wsZ3A_Dw657YzFdaIhcIhqnsaP92XATXPkITcWd1B7W8HZtdlvjBR7Bd8uOoS65Kik1VnqkmQRKeurm0HW5i2QK36IYd-dGPGKRcLNo_WsvqvS48/s1600/Graduamageddon-7437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mO8hpsqc_23uqZp944GrinwsQO-6wsZ3A_Dw657YzFdaIhcIhqnsaP92XATXPkITcWd1B7W8HZtdlvjBR7Bd8uOoS65Kik1VnqkmQRKeurm0HW5i2QK36IYd-dGPGKRcLNo_WsvqvS48/s320/Graduamageddon-7437.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
And her I am again starting on the 400m race. I started at 2:06 and ended at 1:30.<br />
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These next few are from the CO-ED relay. There were three heats, and we had two teams in two of the heats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiP7w0iNRA_Zm8WhfQjpVLFFFYtBevhq-OQ_b92OXt2J4fkxl0G0ZLtTpdD8xz8eAzr4F69EsJXC4H4sV8PlYl4QBfWWX-pdsD-I9Ozsvg-O-l8GZRSHVtFZhl-Ame8CSJhga8YUACaHR/s1600/Graduamageddon-7480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiP7w0iNRA_Zm8WhfQjpVLFFFYtBevhq-OQ_b92OXt2J4fkxl0G0ZLtTpdD8xz8eAzr4F69EsJXC4H4sV8PlYl4QBfWWX-pdsD-I9Ozsvg-O-l8GZRSHVtFZhl-Ame8CSJhga8YUACaHR/s320/Graduamageddon-7480.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br />Matthew Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625175937707744761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-2545112012633675102012-05-01T18:45:00.002-07:002012-05-01T18:45:53.312-07:00No More TornadoesThis is a paper that I had to write for school. It's a "One Wish" paper. Hope you like it!<br />
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<br />
<h1 align="center" style="margin: 24pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #365f91;">No More Tornadoes<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">By
Mary Beth Sauer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My wish is that there will be no more tornadoes. I want
this wish to come true, because tornadoes are scary and violent. Many people
die every single year due to tornadoes. Tornadoes can, and normally do, cause
millions of dollars in damage. Maybe even billions of dollars in damage in
significant cases! They can take away some of our loved ones and our friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With every wish, there are positive effects. I will name
a few. One good positive effect is that money wouldn’t have to be used to
rebuild the hit area. This extra money could be used for other things. Another
positive effect is that the death rate for natural disasters would go down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My sisters wouldn’t be so worried when there is a storm.
We could use the space that our tornado kit is taking up for other things. We
wouldn’t have a really big need for a weather radio. We wouldn’t have to start
all over again if a tornado came and took everything we had. A whole lot of
people would benefit from this wish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly,
there are quite a few negative effects. In a way, tornadoes bring peace. After
a thunderstorm, everything is normally pretty calm. Before a storm, everything
is restless. The birds can’t seem to quit moving. Tornadoes bring that peace,
but it lasts a lot longer. I notice one time, when I was watching a clip with a
tornado that had just touched down, all the birds just quit chirping. Dead silence,
except for the wind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When a tornado hits a town or city, people can learn
about who really cares about them. They realize what their blessings are. Authors,
who write about weather, would lose something to write about. Tornadoes are
probably God’s way of teaching us a lesson about what is important in life. We
all think that our Wii is important; our X – Box is important. After a tornado,
we learn that those things aren’t really necessary. What is necessary, is food,
water, clothing, and shelter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tornadoes are violent. There is a great loss of life to
tornadoes. Even though they can be bad, tornadoes are good in some ways that
you haven’t really heard of. It might be cool to have this wish come true. What
do you prefer after hearing or reading this paper? <o:p></o:p></span></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-73107487319200813022012-04-30T18:45:00.000-07:002012-04-30T18:45:33.132-07:00Tornado WarningsAnother crazy evening in Kansas.<br />
Tornado Warning in Kingman - possibility of a tornado near Nashville<br />
Tornado Warning in Harper - possibility of a tornado 6 miles north of Amorita<br />
Tornado Warning in Barber - possible tornado 2 miles SW of Hardtner<br />
Tornado Warning in Grant, Olahoma - strong rotation 8 miles W of Jefferson. 2 tornadoes have been spotted with this storm.<br />
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In SW Wichita, we are getting pretty good lightining. It's kinda scaring the kids. I will try to keep you updated on these storms. <a href="http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ict/">http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ict/.</a> This is a link to go to for severe weather.<br />
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Adios!<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-22794816612761460872012-04-25T18:14:00.000-07:002012-04-25T18:14:42.034-07:00C'mon!So, we had a tornado come tearing through Wichita a few weeks ago.Right? I was just looking on the National Weather Service, and I saw that there is a potential for tornadoes in our area again on Friday. Get ready. It could be another wild ride. Then again, this could be another warning for no reason. But I have begunto recgonize weather patterns over the past few years. Around my Dad's birthday, which is tomorrow, we tend to get storms. Hmmmmm...... And last year on April 14th 2011, there were severe thunderstorms in Kansas. The next year, we got severe weather. I think that we will definately got some storms this weekend, but I could be wrong.Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-48626968806387284342012-04-23T13:59:00.001-07:002012-04-23T13:59:48.017-07:00Wichita and TornadoMost people in Kansas are used to violent weather. But on the night of April 14th, 2012, an EF3 struck south central Kansas. People in Wichita later said that they now had a taste of the pain and fear that other tornado victims had gone through, such as in Joplin and Greensburg, along with other towns.<br />
The tornado that had hit Wichita, was just one of about 90 tornadoes that had hit Kansas. The storm started out in Oklahoma, moving to the NE. It was close to sunset, but a powerful and warm jet stream was helping to fuel this storm.<br />
This storm had the history of creating a tornado sucking it back in, and dropping another about 5 minutes later. These tornadoes were all pretty significant. The minute the storm crossed the Oklahoma/Kansas border, Kansasans became concerned.<br />
That day, I had had a track meet that lasted until about noon for me. It had already rained once that day. Now, like it had been since that early morning, it was cloudy,chilly, and windy.<br />
All afternoon, it got windier. Storms were popping up from Oklahoma and moving NE. After dinner, our family kept a close eye on the weather. The first significant tornado of the evening ended in Saline County. Afterwards, tornadoes started popping up everywhere.<br />
At about 8:30 p.m. , my sisters and me went to bed. I couldn't sleep.Using a simple traveling map of Kansas, I tracked the storm based on where the stormchasers were were on KFTI (101.3 FM). After about fifteen minutes, I estimated the storms arrival tme to be in about 30 minutes.<br />
The tornado that started it all touched down in Harper County. It headed for Anthony and Bluff City. It was a large wedge - shaped tornado. I continued to track the tornado, and gave Dad an update. Conway Springs was next in line.<br />
Mom and Dad had a bit of an arguement. "We can leave now. What about your parents house?" she asked. Dad shook his head. " That is how people get killed in a tornado," I shot back. " But the tornado is between Conway Springs and Clearwater, Dad. We know where it is!"<br />
The second that the storm crossed the county line into Sedgewick County, all sirens blared. The tornado was still on the ground, and going strong. Everyone was out in the living room, watching KWCH 12. When the tornado got close to Derby, it lifted.<br />
If you paid attention to the history of this storm in the 3rd paragraph, then you should know that we weren't out of the firing line just yet. Everyone was ready. Each one of us had pants, a jacket, and a pillow. Our shoes were already in the basement.<br />
We went into the basement. Who knows where that tornado would touch down next. I put on my sisters shoes. Dad gave us some jelly beans, but most of us didn't feel like eating anything at that moment. It touched down again in Derby at the area of the Kohl's and Lowe's. It was a wedge, and moving NE. It was moving away from us. After a few more minutes, a report came in that the tornado had damaged Spirit Aerosystems.<br />
Mom had a frightened look on her face. It was heading for Dad's parents house! And if we had evacuated, we would have been toast! I wanted to scream, and stop that tornado! But I couldn't. No one could. It was all in God's hands now. We had to pray. Mom was already on that, but I was so frightened, that I couldn't keep everything straight. The words of the prayed that I tried to say was mixed up with another pray. Obviously, I was frightened.McConnel was next in the line for the tornado. And my grandparents were after that. When the tornado got to Bultler, we went upstairs. Dad immediately called my grandparents. I was almost to tears. "Are you guys alright?" asked Dad. I looked up. Dad nodded. "Good. Do you need me to get you guys out?" He mouthed to us. "They're alright!" <br />
Never had I felt more grateful. We next found out that the tornado had gone through Oakland. I was then worried for two other friends. Justin and Michelle. Justin didn't live in Oakland, but he was really close. Michelle lived in Oakland. After looking on Facebook, we came to the conclusion that she was fine, and spending the night at a shelter. Mom would let me try and call Justin in the morning.<br />
After Mass, I found out what I needed to know. He was alright. There was no need to call him. His power had gone out, but there was no other damage. Disasters like this, bring families and friends closer together. When we feel like we don't have enough, a tornado, or other disaster comes through.Then, we realize the things that are important in life, and what isn't. Maybe it is God's way of teaching us a lesson or two.Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-71519049986334655012012-04-23T13:46:00.000-07:002012-04-23T13:46:37.970-07:00Track Meet I and III have been crazy busy, but I can now write a post. Sorry people in Wichita that I didn't put up a warining for us on April 14th when that tornado came through. I totally forgot about that when the sirens went off. Anyway, Dad needed to be using the laptop when we were in the basement to check where the tornado was. Sorry folks. :( On my first track meet, I did the 1600m in 7:58. I was timed for 9:34. Awesome PR! In the 400m, I got 1:34, and was originally timed for 2:06. Awesome again! On the second meet, I did the 1600m in 7:43! I took 15 seconds off! In the 400m, I got 1:31! 3seconds off! I might be able to take some more off on the mile, but I really don't know about the 400m. I'll just have to wait and see!:)<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320293841864572906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-10606233238787218312012-04-14T15:59:00.000-07:002012-04-14T15:59:23.159-07:00Tornado Warning 3NW Barber County<br />
NE Comanche County<br />
SE Kiowa County<br />
SW Pratt County<br />
<br />
You guys are under a Tornado Warning. Please get into shelter NOW! See the post labeled Tornado Warning for more tips. It's just down the page a bit.Matthew Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625175937707744761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5772421735317920175.post-82223209629855869442012-04-14T15:54:00.000-07:002012-04-14T15:54:23.241-07:00Tornado Warning 2Reno County, you guys have the potential for a tornado. Please get to shelter.Matthew Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625175937707744761noreply@blogger.com0