Ready for Teddy

When we moved to Nova Scotia two and one half years ago, we were aware that there were some intense weather occurrences in this part of the world. But never before had we to so carefully ready ourselves for the potential of fierce tropical storms or hurricanes.

At our former home in rural Ontario, potentially damaging weather tended to be a surprise, - the odd tornado in the vicinity or a wind wall approaching with the frightening noise of a rapid freight train. But we have now been following the trail of this storm online for days.

Our planned trip to Cape Breton this week has been postponed because of the approach of a storm called by the ridiculous name "Teddy". Until now Teddy has been the stuffed bear I was given at my Christening seven decades ago. 

Cape Breton, and almost the entire Atlantic coast of our province, seems destined to get the full force of this storm. The expectation of lovely cliff-side walks by the sea and delicious meals prepared by our hosts was overshadowed by the likelihood of heavy persistent rain and terrifying wind, not forgetting to mention the significant possibility that with power outages, meals might be sparse. Oh dear.

Although we have been following the weather alerts for our region and learned that we are in a low risk area, we have battened down the hatches as best we can, just in case.

A dear cousin once informed us that meteorologists are about the only professionals who are paid to get it wrong most of the time. In Cuba they are known as “mentirologists”, with the verb “mentir” meaning “to lie”.

I am not saying these fine people intentionally mislead us. No, it is just that Mother Nature has a mind of her own. One can only hope that people will be safe, that damage will be minimized, or better still, that the storm will stay out at sea. But what will be will be.