So when I see a flash of lightning, I instinctively count seconds until I hear the thunder to gauge distance. I’m always forgetting whether it’s 1 second = 1 mile, or 5 seconds = 1 mile. (It’s 5 seconds per mile. Approximately.)

But what about when you see the flash and don’t even get the first syllable of, “One one-thousand,” out before shouting an expletive in surprise? Sort of a, “Wah—holy!”

My house is not on fire. The trees keep me from seeing my neighbor’s home, so I’m not so sure about theirs.