CrabAppleLane Backyard - September 1, 2008
So far, so good. No loss of power or communication. Some flickers only. I was very concerned about our water tank being exposed like you see here. Just before I snapped this picture, Gustav broke a pine branch above it. Hoping it will stay, fall straight down, or get blown completely away from anything. Have talked to Katie and Patsy's sister, Bobette, in the last few minutes. They're both south of I-12 in the mandatory evacuation areas and are doing fine.
I am writing from the comforts of Lawrenceville. Sue fixed us a nice pancake and fruit salad for breakfast.
It took Julia, Aaron, Shelby and I approximately 15 hours to get here. It was arduous, and bathrooms and gas stops were extra crowded. At one place in Mississippi, we stopped at the first exit that would let us off to use the bathroom. We waited in a line outside of the store for over 30 minutes until we were let in a few at a time. Then, we got into another line inside of the store and waited about 10 minutes before deciding to take our chances on finding a clump of bushes that offered privacy. I could only imagine what condition that bathroom was going to be in once those hundreds (thousands?) before us were finished.
We ate at a Chinese buffet in Meridian, Ms. and then took a backroad into Montgomery ALA. I am SO not into the long, bumper-to-bumper traffic. I don't have cruise control, and my knee started bothering me. Every time I thought of my discomfort and the tedium of driving forever, I had to mention to Julia how mad I was at her. Aaron was too. She complained to Michael on the phone how ugly we were to her before handing to Aaron - where I am sure Michael told him to be nice to her. I told Scott this morning that I still love Her, but I don't like her. I am just kidding to relieve my stress. I hate evacuating and don't feel that it was necessary. I just spoke to Michael. We have two dead trees that came down, smashing our bench to smithereens. Aaron and I lamented that we didn't move it the day before, but thought Michael would. He p-shawed that idea when we told him to move it before today.
It isn't over, but it's definitely something we could have lived through. We have a generator and plenty of gas and food supplies to last us a long while. I am glad he's there to comfort and take care of the pets. I dread the ride back. I will have to forgive Julia for making me leave before embarking on the drive back. And nobody better tell me "better safe than sorry" or I'll punch them in the mouth, in my imagination at least.
Glad to hear things weren't as bad as predicted. Hope everyone else is well, all property intact, and services up and running soon. Keep us posted.
The ride back was only 9 hours. We came back yesterday, despite officials saying not to. Nobody was checking when I approached my parish. I only allowed myself a good cry when I got in the shower to wash away the weeks build-up of negative energy I had accrued, mostly generated from within.
I still have Shelby. David doesn't have electricity yet. Michael was only without for about 8 hours. Katie and Kevin's was restored last night.
Sorry about the imaginative punch in anybody's mouth. I wouldn't really do that. You know that?
I should go help clean up the debris. Michael says there's a dead fish in the backyard. How'd that get there?
I feel horrible that all I could think of was myself yesterday. It was Elizabeth's birthday - the 2nd. She called Sue in the a.m. and it slipped both of our minds as the fact that she threw out her back was what preoccupied us then. Sue had some advice about hot and cold relief for her back pain. Poor Elizabeth. Not a way to spend one's birthday. It occurred to both of us later on that we didn't wish her a happy birthday when she called.
For what it's worth, and wherever you are now, Elizabeth, a belated happy birthday. And many more, dear sister. I love you. May it be the best year yet.