Sadness

An off-season tornado ripped through our area this afternoon, causing some drama in our neighborhood with the community sirens roaring just as the kids were getting out of school. Fortunately it was just a funnel cloud when it passed over us and there was no damage.

The same cannot be said of the entire region. An actual tornado touched down northeast of us, in Poplar Grove, and did some substantial damage to -- of all places -- Edward's Apple Orchard.

The trek out to Edwards' Apple Orchard has been an autumn ritual for over 30 years, first as a child with my parents and eventually with my own kids. It's hard to imagine it being wiped out in a day. The orchard itself is still intact but all eight of the outbuildings are destroyed. The house was significantly damaged.

Doesn't sound like there were any injuries.