I'm Still Here

I'm still alive and kicking, but things have been a bit crazy around here post-Ike. We were fortunate enough to have our power restored on Tuesday afternoon, just 4 days after the hurricane hit. I praised God every morning for the cool weather and comfortable days following the storm. After Rita, it was sweltering hot and it made working in the yard a bit hellish. This time, we had plenty of cool breezes and cool evenings to take the edge off.

I thought you might get a kick out of seeing what a small town I live in. The powers that be still use a siren to let the town know when there is a tornado, fire, wreck or (in case you don't own a clock) when it's noon. I recorded the siren going off the night that Ike hit, and it struck terror in my heart when I heard it because when the weather is bad, it usually means tornado. (We actually had one touch down in the woods behind our house later that night) In this case, there was a fire, because soon thereafter we saw fire trucks racing by our road.

I also included a little video of the tail end of the storm. The winds had died down a bit by the time it was light enough for me to take any video footage, but it was still whipping the trees around a good bit.

So, I haven't disappeared, but I have been busy. As soon as I get a few minutes to gather my thoughts, I'll post again. Your prayers were much appreciated and I ask that each of you continue to pray for those who are still without power and for those who have lost everything.

(BTW...does anyone know why my videos always appear TWICE when I post?? It's really annoying.)

We're Ready

• 8 bags of ice in the deep freeze....check.
• 80 bottles of cold water...check.
• extra bread and milk...check.
• 2 jars of peanut butter and jelly...check.
• telephone that does not rely on electricity to work...check.
• every single item in our yard stored in the shed...check.
• generator and 20 gallons of gas...check.
• chainsaw and 4-wheeler for post-Ike cleanup...check.
• window unit air conditioner...check.
• all clothing washed, dried and put away...check.
• beds freshly made...check.
• floor vacuumed...check.
• trees trimmed of all dead branches and overhang...check.

I guess we're ready for Ike! Ready for it to be over.....