One or two people have e-mailed me to ask how I can like wicked weather when it's ruined lives and washed away homes. Well, of course I don't like it when it ruines lives and washes away homes. I also think trains are beautiful, but not when they hit people or crash.

I do love seeing nature's fury, when the sky turns charcoal and green and the winds toss the traffic lights and the rain creates pools of reflection in the street. Sometimes it's nice to walk around in a storm and be reminded of the power of this world you might be lucky enough to inhabit for 70-80 years.