A Storm Update

Well it's been 4 days since the hurricane and life is beginning to return to normal, at least for us. I know there are many, many people still without power, including my best friend just over a mile from me, friends in Columbus and my sister-in-law in KY. Most of our storm damage is cleaned up now. My wonderful parents came down Tuesday to help out. My dad is a whiz with a chainsaw and he and Phil spent the day chopping trees, hauling debris and driving back and forth to a nearby site to dump everything. They were seriously tired at the end of the day but managed to get the job mostly done. We still have some small branches and debris in the backyard that needs cleaned up but at least we can walk out there safely now.

Most stores are open now, although a few still aren't. It's very random-a house or store will have power and the home or business right next door won't. Very strange if you ask me. There are still gas stations closed and the ones that are open are charging $3.99/gallon, which is ridiculous. I filled up our minivan yesterday and paid $75. That is just too darn expensive! But I digress. . .

This week I've noticed that whenever I call anyone (friends or businesses), my first question is "Do you have power?" We were without power for just one day and that was enough for me. My friends that are still without power are starting to go slightly nuts, having to live like the pioneers this week. Personally I have more sympathy and compassion for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Ike and all the others that blow through the south. I can't imagine living without power and water for weeks or months on end. It makes me want to help them more; I'm just not sure what I could do. It certainly makes me think about how lucky I am!!