Hurricane Ike - Day 1 Home After My Evacuation

Friends, I'm still writing for Associated Content so you can catch me there too at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1052293/hurricane_ike_day_1_home_after_my_evacuation.html

Another Timeline

September 19, 2008: I am luckier than a lot of residents. My neighbor had called yesterday to say our electricity was on. I called our local Sheriff's department and was told that I was allowed to return to the county if I could be self sufficient.

My son had taken me to dinner the night before then he and his friends had a gathering for me to wish me well.

That same morning I took my truck to have the oil changed. Almost seven hundred dollars later I have a new power steering pump and gear box. Glad I asked them to check out that new squeak.

I packed my belongings while the truck was being worked on in order to leave today.

The drive home had it's slow spots, but the real JERKS of the road must have been sleeping it off somewhere. They were noticeably absent. I made good time home.

Home is good and yard is a mess. Will investigate further tomorrow in the daylight.

In the meanwhile, had to clear a path of limbs and such to get to my deck and looked really well before going up there for fear that I really have alligators, snakes and such looking for high ground too.

No varmints present. I skedaddled into the house.

Saturday, September 20: Strolled the property. Limbs, sticks and twigs the length of my arm everywhere. Luckily the smaller ones were the majority.

The only tree down is one Confederate Rose which has a trunk type growth of a crepe myrtle (multi trunked) (is trunked a word?). I have other Confederate Roses and they were all started with cuttings. Now I can have seven hundred more (just kidding).

I have hauled limbs to the front of the property in a safe burn (later) location and feel like a mule. Tired, hot, smelling to high heaven I'm sure.

I have taken cool down breaks off and on all day. I hope I can walk the soreness out tomorrow. Will be sure to take ibuprofen before going to bed.

I will write to you of all the news of the area that I've listen to on our local radio and TV stations another day. It's all something else.

Hurricane preparedness and recovery promises to oneself is much like New Year's resolutions. Rarely kept.

I vow to begin an exercise regime.

Don't put money on it, friends.

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