Storm

Dappled sky like sugar frosting

The weather made a quick switch last night. It started raining and the temp. began to drop drastically. This morning was only 6 degrees. And it'll get colder such that by Wednesday it would be only 3 degrees. Snow is expected in the north and graupel in the south. Finally sounds like winter 20 years back. The clouds this morning were wickedly threatening ... dappled and very usual.

Schools begin on Monday ... right in the middle of the storm. So that should be interesting. Today is Epiphany Eve and there's a solemn entrance into Bethlehem by the Custos of the Holyland. That means police and cavalry escort from Rachel's Tomb to Bethlehem - a good 1 km. Lots of Crusader pomp and pageantry. Prayers will be sung the whole afternoon today and into past midnight. I'm too tired and weak to go. Am still with fever and down with a cold from yesterday. But my asthma was greatly reduced after I took Solvex yesterday. And a nasal spray that unblocked my nose. Finally could sleep for a few hours with suffocating.

The country is broiling in pre-election fever. Lots of posturing, promises and secret deals .... It could be a close race but anything is possible in this country. A political storm is brewing ... no less potent than the climatic one that's blowing right now.