Sand Storm

We are used to wind around here.  However, almost two weeks ago we had probably the worst sand storm I can remember since moving here almost 32 years ago.  I saw it approaching our area from the North when I ventured out to do some grocery shopping, but didn't know if/when it would reach us. About an hour later the rooms in the house became decidedly darker so I looked outside into our back yard and this is what I saw:

There was so much desert sand blowing around that it almost looked like fog because the visibility was so poor.  The next day was Cheryl's birthday and she wanted to invite some friends over for a BBQ. In order to prepare for that, I needed to sweep the back porch from all the debris that had blown in.  Here is just one pile I accumulated as I was sweeping.

The patio floor was not the only victim of this sand storm. The patio table and chairs were covered with sand.  I didn't get pictures of them, but trust me, they were covered. I am amazed at how much sand accumulated on our patio floor because we have a covered patio.

This is a photo of Cheryl and some of her friends from High School who attended her birthday BBQ. One friend, Jessica, brought a couple of her daughters with her. (front row: Cheryl, Kaylee, Brinn, Becka, & Michelle. Back row: Leeanna & Jessica)