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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

I've Never Seen Anything Like It....

 I've lived in WEST TEXAS, home of some of the worst sandstorms, all my life....
but I've never seen what happened the evening of Oct. 17th, 2011.
♥
It was about 5:30 in the evening and I was in the bathroom, getting ready to 
go see my daughter, STACY LEIGH...♥
All at once, it got as black as night and I ran from the bathroom, thinking we might be having a tornado.
By the time I reached the front door, it was so windy and
SO RED that I really thought my neighborhood was on fire.
Mr. Sweet met me in the hallway and couldn't believe that
IT WAS DUST...
SAND...
a HUGE wall of DIRT.
Being the TRUE BLOGGER that I am...
I ran for the CAMERA..
 and, THIS is what I ran out into....
Mr. Sweet was yelling, "get back in here...."
and I was still trying for another shot...
 THESE photos are NOT  retouched at all..
these came right out of my camera this way.
We could barely see the houses right across the street.
 You can see why I thought we were in the middle of a huge fire..
So RED, I just couldn't believe it.
By the time I snapped 3 photos, my eyes were full of the red sand and
the wind so strong, I could barely stand.
I later found out we had gusts up to 74 miles per hour. 
♥
Blew every pecan on my tree right off.......probably if YOU go look in YOUR yard,
you will find pecans from SWEET NOTHINGS, all the way from West Texas...
BUT....my final photo here is THE BIG BLESSING..
No major injuries.
Cars on the highways around here had to pull over as they just couldn't see thru
that red cloud of dust.
AMAZING....
and so THIS is for my OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY and REDNESDAY and even
because, believe me, it was a HUGE WOW !!

NOW....if you will excuse me, I have about a TON OF DIRT to get out of my cottage....
and you KNOW WHAT I ALWAYS SAY....
bwaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Won't you pleazzzzzzz SEND CHOCOLATE ?






Be sure to leave a comment HERE for a chance at winning a beautiful ENAMEL HOUSE NUMBER SIGN....they sure are pretty.
And REMEMBER...this is open to the whole world....AND...you don't have to be a BLOGGER to leave a message..as this is a FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY,. just FOLLOW me, and leave an email address so I can get in touch with you.
GOOD GOOD LUCK TO ALL !! ♥
at

65 comments:

  1. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartOctober 18, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    Wow! Amazing. So thankful no one was hurt! You must have been terribly frightened!

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  2. Janette@the2seasonsOctober 18, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    OMG! That looks frightening.

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  3. Yvonne @ StoneGableOctober 18, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    I am so glad you are safe and sound! What a storm, and a red one to boot!
    YOu are a wonderful blogger to brave life and limb to get those incredible shots!!!!! Better than the newspaper ones.
    I bet you will never forget this!
    Stop by StoneGable and enter my giveaway dear friend!
    Yvonne

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  4. SusyOctober 18, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    Goodness BJ!! You're a blogger to the bone. I think these giant dust storms are called "haboob". Glad everyone is okay. Would send chocolate, but I ate it ):

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  5. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEOctober 18, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    Do you remember my post about cleaning my patio that took two days...?? that was from a Haboob...which we get here more often in AZ!! I feel your pain!!

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  6. BalishaOctober 18, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    I've heard about them being called "haboob's" too. Must have been very scary.
    I did some checking and found your dream living room at:

    http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2008/07/james-radin-something-gotta-give.html

    I didn't have time, but maybe they tell the shade of paint used.
    I saw the movie and fell in love with the room too.We can dream can't we? Balisha

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  7. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleOctober 18, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    That is a wow. I saw that in the news this morning. Didn't know it was at your house. Thanks for the nuts.

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  8. Sonny GOctober 18, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Hollee duststorm Batgirl..
    I woulda been terrified. You were brave to run out there and get photos for us..
    I hope ya'll dont have anymore of those.

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  9. AnonymousOctober 18, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    I saw this on the news & wondered what else was next. We have had epic flooding in September & now this dust storm... locust??!!
    Glad all is o.k. with you & yours....
    Marilyn

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  10. LynnOctober 18, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    That looks pretty scary BJ, you can really see the leaves whipping in the wind! I'm so glad everyone is ok! And now if you'll excuse me I need to go look for -more than welcome- pecans:@)

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  11. Ann from On Sutton PlaceOctober 18, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Unbelievable. I've heard of dust storms but I thought they were in the desert...so glad you are OK. Sorry about your pecans. :o(

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  12. Anita Rowe StaffordOctober 18, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    How scary! So fortunate no one was hurt. Your pecans were great, I made Lemon Pecan Tea Bread today! Didn't want them to go to waste.

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  13. From the KitchenOctober 18, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    My friend, Kathy Bloom, who lives in Lubbock sent me the link to a YouTube posting and I couldn't believe my eyes!! I remember dust storms when we lived there but nothing like yesterday's. So glad no one was injured or worse. You deserve chocolate!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  14. OliveOctober 18, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    That shows true grit and dedication getting those images for your blog!

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  15. DonnieOctober 18, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    I saw that on the news too and it was incredible. Glad you all are okay and Texas is in my prayers as are you too. Hugs, Donnie

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  16. VeeOctober 18, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    Oh my heavens! And you were outside taking pictures for all of us? Wow. No wonder Mr. Sweet was yelling at you. I wish that I had found a pecan or two blown up here from West Texas, but have seen none yet. I'm sorry that you lost them...perhaps some others blew in. So that dust filtered right into the house...ugh. Don't overdo!

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  17. NanaDianaOctober 18, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    OMGosh BJ! Can you believe it? I have never seen anything like it in my life. Never! I can only imagine how gritty everything must feel after that little dirt explosion! Glad everyone is okay...that IS the best part! xo Diana

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  18. UnknownOctober 18, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Oh BJ I just saw that on the national news tonight. I can just imagine what you all thought was happening. I am so glad no one was hurt. I am going out to check for pecans.
    QMM

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  19. Barbara F.October 18, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    You are a brave soul to go out in a storm like that! I have never seen anything like it. Glad you were all OK. xo

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  20. Debby@Just BreatheOctober 18, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    Those pictures are unbelievable. I heard about this and couldn't believe it. That is great news about no major injuries.

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  21. AnonymousOctober 18, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Is this my sweet BJ from RMS?
    Jill4bbb

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  22. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda GOctober 18, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    Wow! I bet that was a little unnerving! So glad you were safe from the winds!

    Didn't know you were still blogging. Since I returned to the blogging world, I'm trying to catch up with old blogging friends! So many have closed their blogs or gone private. Adding you to my new blog roster! :)

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  23. Visits With MaryOctober 18, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    WoW~WoW~WoW..that is awesome, no awful..

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  24. Bunny JeanOctober 18, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Oh Bj... when I saw the news this morning I thought of you.

    I am so glad that no one got seriously hurt. Especially that crazy woman with the pecans in her hair and the camera in her hand!

    And I want chocolate too...always do :]

    xoxo Bunny Jean

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  25. DebbyOctober 18, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    That is just unbelieveable. So scary, I'm sure. I wouldn't have know what was going on. Glad no one was hurt.

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  26. Miz HelenOctober 18, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Hi BJ,
    The dust storm that you had in Lubbock reminds me of the ones we used to have there when I was a young girl. We never went anywhere without our "head scarf" that was often times used to cover our nose and mouth as well. I also remember helping my mother clean the dust out of the house. Thanks for the great photos. Glad you are ok!
    Miz Helen

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  27. Gypsy HeartOctober 18, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    I'm so sorry you had to experience that! I was in one just like it once while we lived in Amarillo. Was trying to get home...south of the city, toward Canyon...from Bell Helicopter, out by the airport on the opposite side of town. We could barely allow the car to move as you could not see 1 thing in front. Signs were blowing around, just horrible!

    I don't envy you trying to clean either. My heart goes out to you! Just so happy you're ok ~

    xo
    Pat

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  28. Gypsy HeartOctober 18, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    I'm so sorry you had to experience that! I was in one just like it once while we lived in Amarillo. Was trying to get home...south of the city, toward Canyon...from Bell Helicopter, out by the airport on the opposite side of town. We could barely allow the car to move as you could not see 1 thing in front. Signs were blowing around, just horrible!

    I don't envy you trying to clean either. My heart goes out to you! Just so happy you're ok ~

    xo
    Pat

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  29. JojoOctober 18, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    That was incredible! Brave you!

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  30. StaceyOctober 18, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Oh mercy! I'm so glad no one was hurt. It's got to be a big mess. We've had some dust storms here but nothing like that. Yikes!

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  31. Korrie@RedHenHomeOctober 18, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    It is amazing that there were no injuries! Happy housecleaning, my dear!

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  32. D. Jean QuarlesOctober 18, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    Wow! Quite the storm. We have those in Phoenix quite often, but I've never heard of them elsewhere. Glad you are safe and love the pics.

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  33. Mid-Atlantic MarthaOctober 18, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Good Golly! What a frightful event that must have been!

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  34. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereOctober 18, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    BJ, I have never seen anything like that! Us bloggers will do anything for a blog picture.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  35. BethOctober 18, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Amazing! Great photos of a very unusual weather phenomenon.
    Beth

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  36. middle childOctober 18, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    And that's why I love weather!

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  37. KellyOctober 18, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    I saw that on the national news tonight. I didn't realize that was in your neck of the woods! Wow! That was amazing. Glad it went away and noone was hurt.

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  38. Sweet TeaOctober 18, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    I saw that on the news. AWFUL!!
    I was in a similar situation in Oklahoma many years ago. I'd never been in anything like it before and haven't been since.
    I was trying to get my children into the house when the "storm" blew in. I was standing at the front door calling to them and the wind blew the heavy front door shut on my fingers...made a trip to the hospital for that. TMI. Sorry!

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  39. Cottage and BroomeOctober 18, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    Wow cool photos! How freaky was that sand storm! Laura Cottage and Broome

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  40. Alina @ My Yellow UmbrellaOctober 18, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    Oh my goodness! I'm a misplaced Lubbockan (born and bred, but currently living in Kansas). I knew EXACTLY what this was when I saw your first picture in my blogger feed. It took over my facebook feed the other night as all of my Lubbock friends started posting pictures that look much like yours! So glad everyone is OK!

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  41. MarigeneOctober 18, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    Yikes, that is not only scary, but could have been very dangerous. And you braved going outside...to get pictures for us...thanks, BJ!
    I can remember being caught in some horrible dust storms while being on the road between Phoenix and Tucson, not fun at all...the car looked like it had been sandblasted, oh wait, it had been...

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  42. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiOctober 18, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    Oh my, bj, this must have been so scary! My sister lives in Arizona and her area had two of these giant sandstorms this past summer..they call them "haboobs."

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  43. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    Looks very frighteninig!
    Have a nice day, kisses from Croatia.

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  44. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)October 19, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    BJ, that is amazing! I've never seen anything like that! Thanks for taking pics and sharing those. I hope you didn't breathe any of that stuff in. Scary!

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  45. www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.comOctober 19, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    Wow! I have never seen anything like that except for when they imploded the old Hudson building downtown! How crazy is that! I can just see you out there, "Just one more pic honey!" I think that would give swifter a run for its money!

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  46. Lynn at Cottage and CreekOctober 19, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Wow, BJ - what an incredible story and experience. I cannot even imagine a sand storm like that. Snow storm, yes. But not red sand! I'm so glad you and your community are safe. Thanks for sharing your photos. You're a brave lady and a true blogger hero!
    Lynn :)

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  47. The French HutchOctober 19, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    I saw this on the evening news bj, it was such a scary sight! Glad you were quick to grab the camera for snaps but I'm sure the red dust in the eyes had to be terrible. Thanks for the amazing story and photos.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  48. suzyqOctober 19, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Wow, BJ that was some storm!! We actually heard about it here in Australia on the nightly tv news!!
    I can only imagine how much cleaning you have to do! Please count me in for your giveaway..
    Suzyq

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  49. Auntie sezzzzzz...October 19, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Ohmygraciousmeohmy!!!! What a happening!

    So glad you are ok and no major damage was done.

    What pictures you got, though.

    Spooky!!!!!!!!!!!

    Gentle hugs,
    "October, here’s to you. Here’s to the heady aroma of the frost-kissed apples, the wine-y spell of ripened grapes, the wild-as-the-wind smell of hickory nuts and the nostalgic whiff of that first wood smoke." ~ Ken Weber

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  50. TheresaOctober 19, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    OH MY, I saw that on TV... SO scary but thankful nobody got hurt! Eeerrrrrry pics! Have a blessed and dust-free day! HUGS!

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  51. Wsprsweetly Of CottagesOctober 19, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    I think your photo's are the ones that should have been in the paper. You were brave enough (silly enough!) :) to run right out into it, totally disobeying Mr. Sweet! Now that is DEDICATION!! (to us bloggers, of course!)
    I hope your eyes are alright. Could have been terribly painful! Silly girl!
    I just read some of the other comments..and they feel the same as I do. YOUR photo's are fantastic!!
    Hugs and love,
    Mona

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  52. RitaOctober 19, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    WE saw this on televion; had no idea you were in the middle of this. Thank God you and your Mr are OK.
    Rita

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  53. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️October 19, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    That was some storm. It must have been quite scary. I can't believe you were able to get those pictures.

    Dee

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  54. TexWisGirlOctober 19, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    i saw this on the news! you were crazy to go out into it! but lordy those are cool shots! and hopefully a once-in-a-lifetime occurence!

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  55. Debbie@Mountain BreathsOctober 19, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Oh my, never seen anything like that. Did the interior of your house get dirty?

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  56. Kathleen GraceOctober 19, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    Wow, that looks moe than a little frightening BJ. I'm so glad you weren't hurt! If only I could send you some of our rain...

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  57. LindaOctober 19, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    This is simply amazing! Bet it will be a long time before everything is clean again!!

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  58. Theresa @ Take A Sentimental JourneyOctober 19, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    WOW !! Will you ever get rid of all of that dirt ? Yuck !Good lord I would have had a heart attack . Great pics !

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  59. SaunOctober 19, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    Wow, that's crazy

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  60. Magical Mystical TeacherOctober 19, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    I would have run out there with my camera too. (Tell THAT to your hubby!)


    DON’T LET THAT SCARLET GO TO YOUR HEAD

    Don’t let that scarlet go to your head!
    Be very glad you haven’t been bled!
    Give thanks for the colors dear to your heart:
    Carmine and cherry and wine— a good start!

    © 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher


    Vibrant Red Tomatoes

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  61. SueOctober 19, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    I wondered when I saw this on the news if it affected you...I guess so! I can't believe you ran out into it, but I would have done the same thing. I loved seeing pictures from inside the storm, but I can only imagine the mess left behind! Wow!

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  62. DebbieOctober 20, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Oh my word, BJ!! I have heard of dust devils, but I've never even seen a picture of one. It really does scare me a little to be seeing the "dust bowl days" in my lifetime.

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  63. Ricki TreleavenOctober 21, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Amazing photos. It is a miracle no one was killed in that mess!

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  64. AnnesphamilyOctober 22, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    I am so thankful no one was seriously injured! What a terrible ordeal! But your shots are newspaper quality! I bet your photos were as good as the local paper!

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  65. Gail (sugarshack)November 2, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Jean,
    We are so glad to know that ya'll made it through the "Great Dust Storm of 2011." I must say that you are braver than me. You have a lot of GRIT(S) in you!! Love you all,
    Gail & MW

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Thanks SO much for commenting. I am blessed for knowing you.