In the wake of all the horrific flooding here in Blanco County, Linda Lehmusvirta and her crew from "Central Texas Gardener" program (KLRU-PBS, Austin) braved the weather and drove out to Blanco to visit with us about our Texas Wildscape and tour our native gardens. Everything started out pretty well. Gray, cloudy skies actually make for better shots.
While Ed Fuentes (CTG director and director of photography, also technical director for "Austin City Limits") and Mark Morrow (audio and lighting, also a camera operator and producer of KLRU's "Strange Town") unloaded the camera and gear, James and I hammed it up next to their cool Suburban. Colorful, eh?
Then they wanted shots and film of the Meadow. As we were "strolling" through the flowers (yikes, they were THICK!), I happened onto a snowberry clearwing moth, just freshly emerged from its cocoon. Needless to say, I was QUITE excited (though I don't look so much in Linda's photo). I was hoping to share my find with Linda, but it flew away just before we finished our stroll.
From the Meadow and front yard, we moved to the back yard, where Linda scouted out shots, and Ed and Mark filmed. Then the weather began to change....
By this time, the dark skies I'd been watching toward the east were now approaching. Dang it. A light shower soon turned into a heavy rain. I went inside for towels. With no end in sight, Linda and Ed voted to take our outdoor, sit-down interview inside to our dining room. After a quick blow dry of my bangs and shirt, we were ready to chat.
(We don't know yet when our segment will air, but now you know I was barefoot while on camera.)
Toward the end of our interview, thunder boomed. Great, wonderful. After we wrapped up, the phone rang. It was a reverse 9-1-1 call! TORNADO WARNING! Ed and Mark were outside, getting last-minute shots. Thankfully, though, the tornado moved northeast ward and dissipated. As far as I know, no one was hurt. (Later, the ladies at the Blanco National Bank told me that, as soon as the warning was issued, they all sheltered in the bank vault.)
All said, the five of us shared an exciting morning that we won't forget. Thank you, Linda, Ed and Mark! Come on back to Blanco any time! That is, if you dare!