Saturday, August 27, 2011

Chainsaws and Dozing Doggies

For the whole thirty years that we have been married, Steve has wanted a chain saw. Well, yesterday his dream finally came true. He figured that the aftermath of this storm would be best handled with chainsaw in hand so off he went to purchase one.

It was a great moment in his life, if you can’t tell by looking at this grin.

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He spent several hours in our yard yesterday, felling a few fifty-foot trees that were leaning in dangerous directions and also cleaning up some underbrush-- grinnin’ like a fool the whole time.

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I was grateful that my contribution to Hurricane Prep yesterday left me indoors with the air conditioning. I love me some air conditioning.

Packing for a hurricane is not for the faint of heart (will we have electricity or not? how long will we be gone from the house?) but I finally managed to get several days of easy-to-prepare meals and snacks together.

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Here is our stuff as we moved into the church this morning. Dog stuff, water, and suitcases--just in case.

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After we had put some stuff away, Sarah and I set up The Smith Woman Computer Camp.

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So far outside, it hasn’t looked too bad . . .

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. . . although the worst of it is supposed to hit us in the next hour or so. A few minutes ago we lost electricity for about ten minutes but then (happily) it returned. Electricity brings joy to my heart. Have I mentioned how much I love air conditioning?

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On the way to the church this morning, we took a detour past the bridge on the north end of the island; the waves were kicking up bigger than I’ve ever seen them. Our beloved bike path was already covered with tree debris and that was five hours before the storm. Who knows how long it will be till it’s rideable again. I miss it.

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As you can tell from these photos, Snowy is experiencing quite a bit of stress over this hurricane. I think we may need to get him into doggie therapy.

Ya think?

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Okay. It’s really time to hunker down. The wind is whipping out there and it will only get worse over the next hour or two. I'll keep updates coming as long as I have power.

Thanks for checking in . . .

5 Had Something To Say (Just click here!):

jbaj said...

Be safe!!!

MaryH said...

I keep checking.....and praying for all people and animals in the path....looks like you are well prepared. Men and their toys!

Holly said...

Take care! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

My husband got a chainsaw a few years ago, and I don't know why but it seems to be a great day in a guy's life! Wait until Nathan gets one. My son got one as a wedding gift and I felt like someone had given it to my 10 year old! Mom, I'm a grown man! Yeah but you might hurt yourself! Not one of my finest moments. However he is still alive and uninjured. I drove up to his house one day and he was up in one of his trees with it trimming branches and I just backed out of the driveway and left. My mother once told me "Remember, as long as I'm alive you are my baby. So take care of yourself, and don't get upset when I worry!". I guess she was right!

I'll be checking in often. You guys stay safe!

Love,
Holly Hart

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the updates! Glad you are doing well. Jill- FL

Anonymous said...

So happy to see that Snowy is stress free. Hope it doesn't get any worse and the beach house Chlorita and I stay at is ok. We would be crushed if we had to cancel our Oct. trip! Did you bring the brownies? I didn't see them in the tub.

Cindy from Sonoma