Not to be out done by Hurricane Ivan, there is a thunderstorm that is just starting. The tower of the 13th century Dome church which I can see from my office window is shrouded by a thin vail of slanted rain that is just the beginning of a storm that could turn out to be a pain in the butt. A storm doesn't have to be really large into order to disturb things around here. I'm not looking forward to going home. I was hoping to meet a friend at one of the few remaining beer gardens before they get swept away by the fall wind. Its a sad sight seeing full squares and courtyards empty as the umbrellas, tables, and chairs get hauled off to be stored for the winter. Living here you never know which ones will return and which will be gone forever. It was a poor cold summer so I doubt that many will return. Most of the time a beer garden needs a full profitable summer in order to support itself next summer. Only the beer gardens that are run by bars and restaurants will be staples of next year's summer parties.
