SANDSTORM

Since we've moved here, there have been a couple of sandstorms, though they've always happened at night. I've seen the aftermath with all the dust and gritty air. Today was the first time I was awake to experience one.
My kids came home from school around 3:30 p.m. I immediately started them on homework because they had Tae Kwan Do at 4:30. While helping my son with his spelling, I happened to look at the window. The day went suddenly from sunny to completely black. It was dark as night. I was stunned. It was only 4:00 p.m. and you could barely see a thing. My oldest son had taken the two youngest children to the indoor playpark. The wind was wild, blowing things around. I felt nervous and scared and wanted all my children at home. I called J and T to help me get the other three kids. I wrapped my scarf around my head while the boys covered up. We ventured outside in the dark. Porch lights glowed eerily in the swirling sand and dust. I could barely see the few yards as I ran to the indoor playground. I had no idea how long the storm would last and thought it would be best if we were all at home. My eldest carried the baby and I carried my daughter. The few yards home seemed to take forever as we pushed through the wind and sand. While it was only a few minutes walking, we were gritty when we got home.
From the safety of our home, we watched the storm blow around the neighborhood. Eventually, the blowing diminished and the light returned.
I sent the boys to Tae Kwan Do as the storm lightly continued. Finally, the storm ended with a drizzling of rain. It was such an odd experience. I was truly grateful for my veil, protecting my eyes, mouth, and nose from the fine, gritty sand. I hope to get pictures next time.