Hey guys...just to let you know...we had an F4 tornado strike the city next to us yesterday...everyone is fine...but it was very scary...we NEVER get tornados here... Here's the vid... Suffolk Tornado

I'm glad you made it through all right, Springie!

I just saw that in the news and was going to ask you about it. That's close to my old stomping grounds. Glad you're alright!!

glad to hear you are fine Springie.

Wow...scary and amazing all at the same time! I'm glad to hear your OK and it didn't hit your city Springie. I didn't hear about it, but then I didn't watch the news last night.

Holy shit! I'm glad to hear you're alright Springie! I have a feeling it's going to be a bad year for storms. I wonder what the meteorologists have to say...

Wow! Awesome footage. Really neat clouds! Very early in the season for an F4. They can come up with very little warning, and be very local. I was walking my son 5 miles from the F4 in Guelph in 1999. Beautiful evening, not enough clouds to worry about rain when we started, then deluge and winds out of nowhere. I didn't know it was a tornado than the last day. The meteorologists back then were taken totally by surprise. They couldn't get any of their models to admit a tornado was even possible that day. I'm guessing they took a good close look at those models. So glad you're alright Springie! Those things can be really scary.

So, you weren't in Kanses anymore and did your house land on a wicked witch of the west and did her fellow wicked sister in the east ger you and your little dog too? Also, what do you mean by a F4 tornado? Sounds like a plane or something.

LOL...no, I am definitely NOT in Kansas...and we never get tornados...so it was really freaky... The "F" in F4 stands for the Fujita scale... which is how they measure the magnitude of tornados...F5 is the most damaging...Check this out... Fujita scale

Thanks for all of the well wishes, guys...my Mom was out in Suffolk when it happened, and she did something really dumb... she got in her car and outran it!!! She made it home ok, but had to swerve around downed trees and power lines...

They do happen and they are at random. I remember an account from donkeys years ago. a caravan was liften from a garden and dropped on next doors car....

Springie I'm so glad you are all well.!!! Cricket we had an F4 tornado hit about 10 miles from here in 2002. Another case of a slightly strange time in the year (Nov.) With that one I think only 2 people died from it. Many business were taken down.

Glad you're fine, Springie! Tornadoes scare the hell out of me. Twisters are not common in the Philippines, but we had a waterspout before in my home province that almost sent a tamarind tree crashing into our ancestral house. PS I see your sig piccie has become colored. He he he.

Heehee...I am glad i didn't end up flying through the air! And yes, the siggie is colored now... thanks to you!

Wow, Springie, I'm so glad you're ok! That footage was pretty scary and reminded me of another thing I hated when I lived in Florida... The severe thunderstorms they get over the summer will spawn one without much warning. And the hurricanes are even worse... Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the northeast quadrant of a hurricane, and that was right where I was for most of them. My biggest fear was that one would hit in the middle of the night. Or when I was on the road and had no way to escape it.... Scary scary stuff. I hope you don't ever have to go through that again!!

IKWYM... I have that fear, too...and lots of tornado dreams...

I can imagine! America has such a diverse climate, you get everything from Twisters to major earthquakes! Hino....Here Cyclones hit the top part of Queensland and the NT, they can be bad in those parts...

Springie!!! Does that mean if I go on a holiday to America you'll take me on a "Wizard of Oz" storm tour????

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Springie!!! Does that mean if I go on a holiday to America you'll take me on a "Wizard of Oz" storm tour????

Believe it or not, Ebony, I remember back in the 90s, when the movie twister was big, you could actually take 'tornado tours.' People would come mainly from other countries to the midwest in the summer in hopes of seeing a tornado. I used to think, 'yeah, really interesting. Hope to see a tornado to tape on your camcorder but don't think about the houses and lives it may destroy.'

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Springie!!! Does that mean if I go on a holiday to America you'll take me on a "Wizard of Oz" storm tour????

Come on down! And be sure to bring your ruby slippers!

Totally understand that the local might not appreciate that Fairlight! Ruby slippers...Springie....How did you know I like red shoes!

We have had mini tornadoes in the West Midlands in Britian over the past few years and even had 2 in and around Bloxwich in one summer and one on a motorway (I think it got stuck in traffic ).

Hello Springie and everyone, Sorry for being away for so long! Picked up some extra shifts these past few weeks. Just too busy and too tired. Springie I'm so glad that you're OK! I live in Maryland and all we got was gusts of wind and moments of hard rain. Couldn't believe that a tornado had struck! I'm from South Carolina and although they don't show up often they have shown up! We use to just sit on our floor and pray for storms to pass over. I also lived near the coast and at least once during the summer/early fall months came a hurricane warning. When you hear that wind and the awful,eerie noise that accompanies it; you realize just how small you truly are in this world. I'm glad that it bypassed your town.

Originally posted by Summer39 Hello Springie and everyone, Sorry for being away for so long! Picked up some extra shifts these past few weeks. Just too busy and too tired. Springie I'm so glad that you're OK! I live in Maryland and all we got was gusts of wind and moments of hard rain. Couldn't believe that a tornado had struck! I'm from South Carolina and although they don't show up often they have shown up! We use to just sit on our floor and pray for storms to pass over. I also lived near the coast and at least once during the summer/early fall months came a hurricane warning. When you hear that wind and the awful,eerie noise that accompanies it; you realize just how small you truly are in this world. I'm glad that it bypassed your town.

Hey summer. I haven't seen you before--I'm new. You're from SC? I'm in NC. I know exactly what you mean about the hurricanes. I used to live in VA Beach, and we got them pretty regularly there. Even living inland in NC I didn't quite escape them. Were you in SC during Hugo? BTW, you're in one of the states I most want to move to when I finish school. My best friend's granny lived in Chincoteague and she would go every summer to the wild pony roundup.

Hey Fairlight! Nice to "meet" you! I lived in a tiny town in the midlands of S.C. for most of my life about 30 miles from the capital of Columbia. I have relatives in Charlotte N.C. and love it when I'm able to visit. We lived in Myrtle Beach for about a year and half before moving to Maryland and I've been here for almost 10 years. We were in Florida I believe when Hugo hit. I remember seeing the devastation when we traveled back along the coast and crying as we drove by at the damage it had done. I actually forgot the name of the hurricane that struck the S.C./N.C. coast several years ago but it didn't have the impact that Hugo did. We managed to make it inland and stayed with my husband's relatives about 40 miles away but you could still hear that wind when it struck. The hurricane spawned tornados and it really does sound like a freight train. And it occurred at night. Imagine sitting in a pitch black house and hearing a howl like that with no where to go.

Hello Summer and I know this is a bit late but welcome to the madhouse.

Summer!!! *pouncehuggles* It is so good to see you again!!! I knew Fairlight lived pretty close to me, but I didn't realize you were just North of me ! Hooray for the East-coasters!!

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Totally understand that the local might not appreciate that Fairlight! Ruby slippers...Springie....How did you know I like red shoes!

Swannie's intuition?

Thanks Metaliant for the welcome! I've been gone for a while but nice to see I'm still welcome into the fold. Springie! I knew you lived in Virginia but I wasn't quite certain where! Nice to hear from you again!

Welcome back, Summer!! Wow, I think we have a good portion of the US eastern seaboard represented here! I'm in NJ, Summer's in MD, Springie's in VA, and Fairlight's in NC! Anyone for a Gatcha-roadtrip?? Between where we all currently live (and where we all used to live), we should be able to make a stop in every state along the coast and not have to pay for a hotel room! And then we can cut inland and drive up to Toronto to see Kimi, CD, and TB!

Can I trade my ruby slippers for a Birdstyle Bracelet?

Oooo...good idea!! I want a bracelet, too! Although, with the ruby slippers, do you think we could click our heels together and go to visit each other instantly? Maybe we could all meet at the CCB...

Originally posted by Springie Although, with the ruby slippers, do you think we could click our heels together and go to visit each other instantly? Maybe we could all meet at the CCB...

I'm there!

Originally posted by Hinotori Welcome back, Summer!! Wow, I think we have a good portion of the US eastern seaboard represented here! I'm in NJ, Summer's in MD, Springie's in VA, and Fairlight's in NC! Anyone for a Gatcha-roadtrip?? Between where we all currently live (and where we all used to live), we should be able to make a stop in every state along the coast and not have to pay for a hotel room! And then we can cut inland and drive up to Toronto to see Kimi, CD, and TB!

Can we go in birdstyle?

Originally posted by Summer39 Imagine sitting in a pitch black house and hearing a howl like that with no where to go.

I remember my mother telling me about Camille, and she felt like that. They were huddled in the living room while the house shook and shifted and the chimney swayed. Believe it or not, it didn't fall down!

Originally posted by Fairlight

Originally posted by Hinotori Welcome back, Summer!! Wow, I think we have a good portion of the US eastern seaboard represented here! I'm in NJ, Summer's in MD, Springie's in VA, and Fairlight's in NC! Anyone for a Gatcha-roadtrip?? Between where we all currently live (and where we all used to live), we should be able to make a stop in every state along the coast and not have to pay for a hotel room! And then we can cut inland and drive up to Toronto to see Kimi, CD, and TB!

Can we go in birdstyle?

Sure, but if you make it up here you might frighten my neighbors. Of course with the number of time the Phoenix has stopped by they may have become use to the costumes by now.

Of course we should all go in birdstyle... because we're too sexy for our civvies...

Originally posted by clouddancer Sure, but if you make it up here you might frighten my neighbors. Of course with the number of time the Phoenix has stopped by they may have become use to the costumes by now.

Party at CD's!!! I call dibs on the condor!! CD, *dude* (yeah I know you're a gal!). I just read your BotP Universe at Clubhouse le Fanfics. I LOVE it!!! Especially at the end when you sum up by describing what role BotP plays in your life. Too good, my friend, too good. I can see why folks want you to write fics. BTW, I thought I was the only one listening to the team in my head!

I think, to some extent, we ALL listen to the team in our heads! And hey, if you guys are doing a meeting up in TO, then LMK! I'll see if I cna arrange a visit to my parents!

Originally posted by Fairlight

Originally posted by clouddancer Sure, but if you make it up here you might frighten my neighbors. Of course with the number of time the Phoenix has stopped by they may have become use to the costumes by now.

Party at CD's!!! I call dibs on the condor!! CD, *dude* (yeah I know you're a gal!). I just read your BotP Universe at Clubhouse le Fanfics. I LOVE it!!! Especially at the end when you sum up by describing what role BotP plays in your life. Too good, my friend, too good. I can see why folks want you to write fics. BTW, I thought I was the only one listening to the team in my head!

Thank you for the compliment Fairlight. When I wrote that I had not expected to do any writing about my Universe at all. I thought I would tell people about it and then get laughed off the board. I figured it showed how lonely my life was still having imaginary friends who talked to me. I did not realize that others lived hearing the voices of the Eagle, Condor and Swan as well.

Originally posted by clouddancer Thank you for the compliment Fairlight. When I wrote that I had not expected to do any writing about my Universe at all. I thought I would tell people about it and then get laughed off the board. I figured it showed how lonely my life was still having imaginary friends who talked to me. I did not realize that others lived hearing the voices of the Eagle, Condor and Swan as well.

I don't see it as lonely or silly. I see us as privileged people who have an incredible amount of imagination and creativity--too much to be satisfied with the mundane boring world sometimes.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I think, to some extent, we ALL listen to the team in our heads! And hey, if you guys are doing a meeting up in TO, then LMK! I'll see if I cna arrange a visit to my parents!

I could never get by with that! I like visiting my folks as much as I like a root canal!

Originally posted by Fairlight

Originally posted by clouddancer Thank you for the compliment Fairlight. When I wrote that I had not expected to do any writing about my Universe at all. I thought I would tell people about it and then get laughed off the board. I figured it showed how lonely my life was still having imaginary friends who talked to me. I did not realize that others lived hearing the voices of the Eagle, Condor and Swan as well.

I don't see it as lonely or silly. I see us as privileged people who have an incredible amount of imagination and creativity--too much to be satisfied with the mundane boring world sometimes.

That is what I have been learning while visiting these boards.

Originally posted by Fairlight [quote]Originally posted by Summer39 Imagine sitting in a pitch black house and hearing a howl like that with no where to go.

OMG, yes! Ooh, I hate that sound! I lived in FL during both the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons.... Needless to say, I've been through enough hurricanes to last me a lifetime! Though I've learned a bunch of tips and tricks to get you through the storm and the aftermath! Anyway, since I lived by myself, I always made sure I went to someone else's house for the height of the storm. Where I lived, the lights would go out if you sneezed, so I knew that the power would be out shortly after the winds started picking up (which it did). The thought of me sitting alone at night in a pitch black house with the wind, the torrential downpours, the vivid thunder and lightning, and the constant threat of tornadoes was too much for me.... Plus the fact that there were pine trees all over the yard and if any came down, there was practically no way it would miss the house... So once the main rain bands started moving in, or dusk was coming, I would leave for my friend's house. I don't miss those days! Though it's funny how since I left FL, the state hasn't been touched by a single hurricane!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I think, to some extent, we ALL listen to the team in our heads! And hey, if you guys are doing a meeting up in TO, then LMK! I'll see if I cna arrange a visit to my parents!

I have a couple of extra beds at my place if you intend to stay, and I am sure I could arrange something in my new basement. The Eagle and Condor have never complained about the arrangements.

Originally posted by Fairlight Party at CD's!!! I call dibs on the condor!!

If Fairlight has the Condor, then the Eagle is mine!!!

Originally posted by Hinotori

Originally posted by Fairlight [quote]Originally posted by Summer39 Imagine sitting in a pitch black house and hearing a howl like that with no where to go.

OMG, yes! Ooh, I hate that sound! I lived in FL during both the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons.... Needless to say, I've been through enough hurricanes to last me a lifetime! Though I've learned a bunch of tips and tricks to get you through the storm and the aftermath! Anyway, since I lived by myself, I always made sure I went to someone else's house for the height of the storm. Where I lived, the lights would go out if you sneezed, so I knew that the power would be out shortly after the winds started picking up (which it did). The thought of me sitting alone at night in a pitch black house with the wind, the torrential downpours, the vivid thunder and lightning, and the constant threat of tornadoes was too much for me.... Plus the fact that there were pine trees all over the yard and if any came down, there was practically no way it would miss the house... So once the main rain bands started moving in, or dusk was coming, I would leave for my friend's house. I don't miss those days! Though it's funny how since I left FL, the state hasn't been touched by a single hurricane!

I didn't realize it has been that long since a hurricane hit FL. I hope they're not in for a bad one to make up for that...

Originally posted by clouddancer I did not realize that others lived hearing the voices of the Eagle, Condor and Swan as well.

Is that what those are?? Thank goodness! For a while there, I thought the voices in my head meant something else....

Originally posted by Hinotori

Originally posted by clouddancer I did not realize that others lived hearing the voices of the Eagle, Condor and Swan as well.

Is that what those are?? Thank goodness! For a while there, I thought the voices in my head meant something else....

Originally posted by Hinotori Is that what those are?? Thank goodness! For a while there, I thought the voices in my head meant something else....

They mean that you belong here, with us...

Originally posted by Hinotori

Originally posted by Fairlight Party at CD's!!! I call dibs on the condor!!

If Fairlight has the Condor, then the Eagle is mine!!!

Ummm, well .... okay, I guess I can let you have the Eagle when you come to visit.

Originally posted by Hinotori

Originally posted by clouddancer I did not realize that others lived hearing the voices of the Eagle, Condor and Swan as well.

Is that what those are?? Thank goodness! For a while there, I thought the voices in my head meant something else....

Welcome to the group Hino. There is no escape form those voices ... except to write or draw.

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by Hinotori

Originally posted by clouddancer I did not realize that others lived hearing the voices of the Eagle, Condor and Swan as well.

Is that what those are?? Thank goodness! For a while there, I thought the voices in my head meant something else....

Welcome to the group Hino. There is no escape form those voices ... except to write or draw.

Unfortunately for me, while I'm writing, they change the conversation and start talking about something else!!! I can never keep up...

Originally posted by Fairlight

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by Hinotori

Originally posted by clouddancer I did not realize that others lived hearing the voices of the Eagle, Condor and Swan as well.

Is that what those are?? Thank goodness! For a while there, I thought the voices in my head meant something else....

Welcome to the group Hino. There is no escape form those voices ... except to write or draw.

Unfortunately for me, while I'm writing, they change the conversation and start talking about something else!!! I can never keep up...

Oh they do that for me as well. Especially when I have several stories running at the same time. I try and keep pen and paper ready so I can write down major point and then hope I can recall the actual words when I type. Some times though I have to write down a spoken line or two if I think I will forget it.

Whew! I knew I was in the right place!!!

Originally posted by Hinotori Whew! I knew I was in the right place!!!

CD the birds are sometimes the greatest friends we can ask for. And if this road trip is going along the path I think it is, then don't forget to stop by Ohio and see this gal with ya all.

Look at all the silliness that a tornado has spawned! I miss everything when I work at night! Will someone please tell me who's responsible for the various buxom babes scantily attired in Birdstyle striking "Vogue" poses? How long has this been going on? They're actually pretty cool!

Originally posted by Summer39 Look at all the silliness that a tornado has spawned! I miss everything when I work at night! Will someone please tell me who's responsible for the various buxom babes scantily attired in Birdstyle striking "Vogue" poses? How long has this been going on? They're actually pretty cool!

Well Summer it looks like you need to check out the 7 Zark 7 thread, where Thunderbird has been creating avatars for everyone. Sometimes those threads you want to be scared of are the most interesting.

Originally posted by Summer39 Look at all the silliness that a tornado has spawned! I miss everything when I work at night! Will someone please tell me who's responsible for the various buxom babes scantily attired in Birdstyle striking "Vogue" poses? How long has this been going on? They're actually pretty cool!

Hi SUmmer! Glad to see you back here again! There is an avatars thread in the Artist's forum. Ask Thunderbird to create one for you (posting a pic of the related bird will help).

Well I sure as hell never would've expected to look there! I hate Zark! Thunderbird I love your work! Great talent!

Hi TJ! I've missed you guys! And thanks. If the offer still stands I might take Thunderbird up on it! Gotta take my nap. I just did 4 hours overtime!

Originally posted by Summer39 Well I sure as hell never would've expected to look there! I hate Zark! Thunderbird I love your work! Great talent!

That's what I meant. We like to keep things under cover here. Eagles Lair folks did not want to wander into the Eagles Lair thread, Zark haters would not go into the Zark thread unless told to. Hmmm I might start a RI thread and see what fun we could have there ....

Originally posted by Summer39 Hi TJ! I've missed you guys! And thanks. If the offer still stands I might take Thunderbird up on it! Gotta take my nap. I just did 4 hours overtime!

We missed you too, Summer! I hope you had a good nap!

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by Summer39 Well I sure as hell never would've expected to look there! I hate Zark! Thunderbird I love your work! Great talent!

That's what I meant. We like to keep things under cover here. Eagles Lair folks did not want to wander into the Eagles Lair thread, Zark haters would not go into the Zark thread unless told to. Hmmm I might start a RI thread and see what fun we could have there ....

You'd be brave indeed, CD. But if you're up for it, let's see what happens!