Last night, after getting back from a pretty great anniversary date (great, inexpensive food at Capital Ale House and a very entertaining couple of sets from Eddie Izzard – the only thing missing was “cake or death”), we had a pretty active storm system run through the neighborhood; lots of thunder, wind, and lightning. This isn’t uncommon here in the mid-Atlantic this time of year; in fact, I generally find these things pretty relaxing as I’m lying down to sleep.

I woke up a little later than usual – I took off today; knowing I would be back late, and I had a chiropractor appointment scheduled this morning – and upon planning to head out for my commitments, I noticed what you see two paragraphs up. A big crease through the hood of my car, and a couple of very large limbs (the smallest was about five inches in diameter – the others larger – I’m not sure which one is the culprit) lying on the ground in front of the vehicle. The crease/dent is about 18 inches long, maybe four inches wide.

This sucks. This car is, as attentive readers will remember, only six months old, and just yesterday turned over 8500 miles. It was pristine (other than some road dust).

Anyway, thank goodness for low deductible comprehensive coverage, and a good auto insurance company (as it was my car, my property, and my tree, homeowners doesn’t cover it). After taking a bunch of photos, I placed a quick call to the insurance company, opened a claim, and got an estimate for repair scheduled.

I wrapped that a little while ago – I’m looking at a little over $900 in damage; basically, I get a new hood – no other damages anyone could find. It could be much worse, I suppose. I’ve got a repair appointment coming up in a couple of weeks (I’m in the “driveable” category, so I can stand to wait a bit); I’ll trade the car in for a rental for a couple of days in early August.

In the meantime, I get to drive around with a bad-ass battle scar. Ain’t nobody going to mess with me.