Solhaven

Many years ago, I worked at the Electric Tower in downtown Buffalo.

One of the most amazing things I have ever experience was watching thunderstorms race in off the lake from the 11th floor. The nickname for the building is "The Power Tower", but the second you get up high enough to get a sense of how big a thunderstorm is, the name pales. On many occasions, I have seen lightning at extremely close range from that vantage point. It is mind-blowing to be in an edifice that is engineered to take direct hits from lightning yet know even the lightning is tiny compared to the storm outside.

Awe-Invoking doesn't cover it.

There is a tiny Cafe in Solhaven that has managed to capture this effect. You can sit with with warm beverage and enjoy the atmospheric effects through the windows, all warm and dry.

File under Nostalgia - The Tower of Power

Many years ago, I worked at the Electric Tower in downtown Buffalo.

One of the most amazing things I have ever experience was watching thunderstorms race in off the lake from the 11th floor. The nickname for the building is "The Power Tower", but the second you get up high enough to get a sense of how big a thunderstorm is, the name pales. On many occasions, I have seen lightning at extremely close range from that vantage point. It is mind-blowing to be in an edifice that is engineered to take direct hits from lightning yet know even the lightning is tiny compared to the storm outside.

Awe-Invoking doesn't cover it.

File under Funny - Kitty's Whim and Horses

It started when Kitty wanted to ride horses. So one cold winter day, we were off to ride horses on a whim. Her horse was named Star and mine was called Chico. I can managed to mount a horse and saunter around, but I am far from experienced.

Chico was a majestic, deep brown horse, standing about 16 hands. I got on him like a champ. And I sat there for about 5 minutes smiling and admiring him as he admired me.
Well, no. He was sizing me up.

First, he twitched head to hoof. Then he spun, followed by a serious attempt to throw me. Since I was still attached, he took off like bolt of lightning racing over mud and snow, on the trail and then between trees. His final trick to get me off was to crash to a stop in a shallow pond and roll.

I managed to keep my seat through all of it, including in the part where he rolled over me in 18 inches of water, mud and ice. I somehow fell backwards against Chico's rump instead of being smashed forwards onto the pommel. Then we trotted back to the barn where the rest of the group was waiting.

I was terrified. So terrified, that the grin I had on mounting him was locked on my face. I couldn't speak because I had the wind knocked out of me. The people who were expecting a complaint or possibly a lawsuit were left the impression that I was completely unfazed by the horseplay. And off we went on the rest of the ride. Me, sopping wet, bruised and bloodied; others, happy, dry, and content.

After that, I was in with her.

File under Funny - College Job

In the early 1990's, I had a "job" watching the computer rooms at my school. I didn't take much effort, either it was nailed down or too old to be of use to the average student. I wasn't required to know anything about computers. Which was good, because I didn't. 

One day, a guy who had interviewed for the very job I currently held came in the room. He knew a lot about computers and for whatever reason wasn't given the job. I think he had a relative at the school and it was a political thing. Anyone but him as show of "fairness". 

His sudden appearance set off alarm bells. He was acting oddly, fidgeting with stuff and moving from work station to work station. Since the room was fairly full, it was a distraction. If someone got up, he plopped himself in to the empty chair and fidgeted before moving on. Final, I asked him what he was doing. 

He muttered something and turned bright red. It was clear he was both angry and embarrassed. I asked him to repeat himself and he shouted "I'm cleaning mouse balls!" 

I nearly died.