On hurricanes, evacuations, family, aftermaths, and the state of the family
Yeah, a long title. But a long story. And it was quite an adventure, let me tell you. If there isn't another hurricane here in my lifetime, I'll be happy. If there is one, I have vowed to be VERY prepared for it.
I think we were more prepared than many others but it wasn't perfect and that's where I want to be (I know, there is no perfection but I want to strive to be as close as I can...).
Pre-evacuation:
We have a great network of Pagans here in Texas and it showed its colors when the hurricane was heading here. The internet was busy as were phones with people connecting and seeing who could take someone in and where they needed help. If I ever wondered why I had worked for these many years to help build this community, that doubt was erased by those hours prior to bugging out and returning when people opened up their hearts, homes, and yes, wallets to help out their sisters and brothers in the craft. I'm proud of everyone and how they stepped up and out to help.
We learned that what really matters. Yeah, that house I own is not only my home but my covenstead and I would miss it but when it came to leaving, there was no question. My family, who lives very nearby, left to the oldest daughter's where they would be safer. She kept up with three kids and two extra people for a week and she made sure everyone was safe, fed, and taken care of. I love her dearly. And her husband who is always the quiet assured person. While I worried about them, even when it wasn't going to hit, I knew they would be safe. My younger son was also handling things and was keeping up with the kids. I'm pissed off at his company. They talk a big game about being "family oriented" but then they keep their employees working through an evacuation and they doc his pay when he doesn't show up during that evacuation. Anyone have room in houston for a good programmer?
The only thing that my kids' had to handle was my son's TV was screwed when he got home. He had to buy a new one, hard to swallow but at least his apartment was ok and his kids and wife were safe. I think it was a good trade, all-in-all.
My older son, the one with the stupid-assed girlfriend's mother (I know, but it's true), survived in his apartment. He then had to go to the hospital he works at and get the computer system up and running. Then they sent him to Beaumont, Jasper, and Lake Charles to help with the other hospitals in their chain deal with their computer systems. I have no idea when he'll be back. I'm glad he's safe and back doing what he likes to do.
My coven rocks. They stuck together, checking in with each other and making sure everyone got out safe. Ravyn and her family and Bunny with her grandkids had the hardest of times with the 36 hour trip but they finally landed in the best of places. Carolynn's coven rocks even more, taking all of us in and making sure we were safe, fed, and had a place to live for a few days. I can't say enough about how Dancer lead our three-car convoy on back roads and got us out of the worst of the traffic. I can't say how much I appreciate Tony out of Carolynn's coven going on the back-roads to rescue and lead Ravyn's group out to safety.
We are so blessed.
Aftermath:
No damage to my daughter's home or both her brother's apartments.
No damage to anyone I know's home.
One board broken in my fence due to a treelimb. My tree lost a few limbs as well. The front windows on my house cracked a bit and need replacing (they were cracked previously but are far worse now and we have to replace them now).
All the animals are safe and sound.
Our roomie has a two-week temp job because someone is going to be out on vacation due to this storm. She needs longer but two weeks is two weeks at this point.
No damage in Valetta's home, just a bit of a tree problems. No apparent damage in Ravyn's apartment (we just drove by, they aren't back yet). Dancer will check his apartment today but no damage is anticipated.
We are Blessed.
We are going to plan for the next one and get supplies ready so that it is not so hard to deal with. We will all have 5-gallon gas cans available to fill up as soon as the storm hits the gulf.
EDIT: My younger son's company decided that it was ok to pay those who decided not to come in and flee the storm instead. Those who came in get a day off later and those who did not come in will get the full day paid. That's MUCH better so I'm glad for that too.
I think we were more prepared than many others but it wasn't perfect and that's where I want to be (I know, there is no perfection but I want to strive to be as close as I can...).
Pre-evacuation:
We have a great network of Pagans here in Texas and it showed its colors when the hurricane was heading here. The internet was busy as were phones with people connecting and seeing who could take someone in and where they needed help. If I ever wondered why I had worked for these many years to help build this community, that doubt was erased by those hours prior to bugging out and returning when people opened up their hearts, homes, and yes, wallets to help out their sisters and brothers in the craft. I'm proud of everyone and how they stepped up and out to help.
We learned that what really matters. Yeah, that house I own is not only my home but my covenstead and I would miss it but when it came to leaving, there was no question. My family, who lives very nearby, left to the oldest daughter's where they would be safer. She kept up with three kids and two extra people for a week and she made sure everyone was safe, fed, and taken care of. I love her dearly. And her husband who is always the quiet assured person. While I worried about them, even when it wasn't going to hit, I knew they would be safe. My younger son was also handling things and was keeping up with the kids. I'm pissed off at his company. They talk a big game about being "family oriented" but then they keep their employees working through an evacuation and they doc his pay when he doesn't show up during that evacuation. Anyone have room in houston for a good programmer?
The only thing that my kids' had to handle was my son's TV was screwed when he got home. He had to buy a new one, hard to swallow but at least his apartment was ok and his kids and wife were safe. I think it was a good trade, all-in-all.
My older son, the one with the stupid-assed girlfriend's mother (I know, but it's true), survived in his apartment. He then had to go to the hospital he works at and get the computer system up and running. Then they sent him to Beaumont, Jasper, and Lake Charles to help with the other hospitals in their chain deal with their computer systems. I have no idea when he'll be back. I'm glad he's safe and back doing what he likes to do.
My coven rocks. They stuck together, checking in with each other and making sure everyone got out safe. Ravyn and her family and Bunny with her grandkids had the hardest of times with the 36 hour trip but they finally landed in the best of places. Carolynn's coven rocks even more, taking all of us in and making sure we were safe, fed, and had a place to live for a few days. I can't say enough about how Dancer lead our three-car convoy on back roads and got us out of the worst of the traffic. I can't say how much I appreciate Tony out of Carolynn's coven going on the back-roads to rescue and lead Ravyn's group out to safety.
We are so blessed.
Aftermath:
No damage to my daughter's home or both her brother's apartments.
No damage to anyone I know's home.
One board broken in my fence due to a treelimb. My tree lost a few limbs as well. The front windows on my house cracked a bit and need replacing (they were cracked previously but are far worse now and we have to replace them now).
All the animals are safe and sound.
Our roomie has a two-week temp job because someone is going to be out on vacation due to this storm. She needs longer but two weeks is two weeks at this point.
No damage in Valetta's home, just a bit of a tree problems. No apparent damage in Ravyn's apartment (we just drove by, they aren't back yet). Dancer will check his apartment today but no damage is anticipated.
We are Blessed.
We are going to plan for the next one and get supplies ready so that it is not so hard to deal with. We will all have 5-gallon gas cans available to fill up as soon as the storm hits the gulf.
EDIT: My younger son's company decided that it was ok to pay those who decided not to come in and flee the storm instead. Those who came in get a day off later and those who did not come in will get the full day paid. That's MUCH better so I'm glad for that too.