Happy to report we lost power for only about 8 hours last night. Up this morning making wheat pancakes for my family (even some to freeze). Gustav was a great storm for practicing the evacuation and preparedness plans that resulted from the absolutely devastating storms of 2005, Hurricane Katrina AND Hurricane Rita. Rita is the storm that was most devastating to our neck of the woods and seems to often get altogether overlooked for the more highly publicized and deeper public outcry over Katrina. Still, there are homes 3 years after Rita with trees smashed directly through the middle of them and others with tarps where roofs should be. I thank the Lord that most people heeded the evacuation orders this time around and pray that they do not become complacent due to the anticlimactic results of Gustav.
And what is up with news people?? They stand out in the storm in cities that are under mandatory evacuations saying things like, "Whoa! Did you SEE that debris fly by?? That is why you should NOT come out of your homes!!", "We are now in a city (which is under mandatory evacuation) that has no power, water, or sewer. PLEASE do not come back here." I would like to suggest stationing unmanned cameras with remote controls around the areas you want to report from and keep the people safely in shelters where they should be. Somehow seeing a person able to stand in hurricane force winds and talk to me about it, makes me feel less inclined to take it seriously.
I am thankful that the worst complaint I can muster for my Gustav experience is that I still cannot go get McDonald's. Come on Ronald - give a girl a McMuffin!
P.S. - My husband would like me to tell you of his harrowing and most dangerous story of how he was outside doing something manly and heroic when a tree came flying at him and he punched it away with his fist. Saving himself and the little old lady behind him.
