Atlanta, Georgia, 9:47 a.m., D.S.T., June 18, 2009~

Dear Journal~

Spinner Regan Patterson here.  Hope this finds y'all well.  We're okay; however, I am still worried about Uncle Twister, who lives in Oklahoma.  He broke his back back in February, when severe storms rolled through his area, and he still can't walk now, in June.  He's in a wheelchair; he may be paralyzed for the rest of his life.

I have been having a hard time trying to accept this; Uncle Twister loved chasing storms; you can't really do that from a wheelchair.  He may have to give that up, which would make him sad.  It makes me sad, just thinking about it!!

Mama and daddy have offered for my uncle to come live with us; I wouldn't mind, but I don't want to see him sitting in a wheelchair!  He used to play baseball or football with me; he was always laughing, and he was very smart.  Now he may need our help, especially since our house isn't made for a wheelchair.

In other news, I wish I was in the Upper Midwest:  they have a moderate chance for severe storms (when there's a moderate risk, there's a good chance storms will happen), including the threat of tornadoes.  I wouldn't mind taking pictures or videos of some of the storms!  I think that would be cool if I captured a real live tornado on film or video!

Instead, I'm here in Hotlanta:  it's very hot here.  It may be just over the middle part of June, but summer's already come.  The only way I can keep cool is to stay inside our house or go swimming at the pool not far from where we live.  Or get sunburned, even when using sunscreen.

Just yesterday, at the swimming pool, a lady had to be taken to the hospital because she got a severe sunburn.  She got blisters so big they looked like balloons hanging off her back and shoulders, and she was in terrible pain.  She was also a dark brick-red.  I've never seen such a horrible sunburn in my life; it made me hurt just looking at her!

Now mama makes sure we pack plenty of sunscreen (and some clean shirts) before we are to go anywhere!  She doesn't want to risk us getting burned that bad!  I don't blame her; I bet that lady is miserable!

I am glad I am done with school.  I passed; I will be in the fourth grade.  School's okay; it's just I'd rather play:  hey, I'm a kid!  Kids play in the summertime!  :)

Well, mama is calling; the rest of the family is up, so it is time for breakfast.  I will write in here again soon; until then, this is Spinner signing off!  Bye for now!  Be praying for my Uncle Twister; we'd really appreciate it!  Thanks!

~Spinner Regan Patterson, future stormchaser.  :)