Today has been another time of waiting, preparing, and more waiting as the storm bears down on the eastern part of the country. I have been cooking, filling various containers with water, finding candles and looking for batteries to fill my boombox so I can have radio once the power goes out. Unfortunately, the boombox uses the same batteries as my flashlights do. Interesting conundrum. Still, because I have candles, I can spare the batteries for the radio. This is a surreal feeling. The last time I had to prepare for something like this was several years ago when we were living in Pennsylvania and were in the path of a blizzard that was bearing down on us. As I wrote the other day, it’s good to know something is coming so that you can prepare for it, but with forces of nature like hurricanes and blizzards you can only plan so much. I am trying to get this blog finished while I still have electricity which, from the sounds of the wind outside and the periodic flickering of my lights inside, could only be a short time longer.
Listening to the wind howl outside is a bit unnerving, and I am aware of the locations of all the trees around my house and car. The rain is being driven into the windows and pelting off the house. Under most circumstances, the sound of rain falling and the wind in the trees is relaxing and comforting. But when you know that the rain and wind are coming from a massive hurricane and that “the worst is yet to come” according to the news, then the sound is far from relaxing.Given that the worst of the storm is expected to hit late tonight, I imagine that sleep might not come so easily this evening. It is not so much about being frightened, it is more about being aware of what’s happening outside.
I have had the news on all day. At one point I was on storm information overload–I switched the television over to ESPN and might actually spend a few minutes watching a movie or part of the football game if I still have electricity. We shall see.
I am grateful that at this moment I am safe and warm and dry. My thoughts and prayers are with those who do not have adequate shelter in the midst of this storm. I have been in touch with my sisters by text and phone. Everyone is safe and hunkered down and at the moment everyone has power. We shall see what the rest of the evening and the morning will bring. I am optimistic that all shall be well. We’ll see you back here tomorrow!
