Aftermath

 This is going to be a kitty heavy post.  I've snapped so many pics but haven't posted.  I figured I could continue to accumulate them, or I could post them.  I decided to go with posting.  But, first, an update on B and thoughts about hurricanes.

Brien is doing well, thank you all so much for asking.  Because of his aneurysm, he is very good about listening to his body and its needs.  He wasn't feeling "right", his b/p was 88/46, so we went in.  He was a bit worried (as was I) and they hooked him up to every monitor possible and by the time we left five hours later (no such thing as a quick trip to the ER, huh?) he was declared fit.

We think he simply overexerted himself trying to get the generator going and staying going (not that that sentence was at all grammatically correct).  When your b/p is kept low anyhow, bending over and yanking on a pull cord can really do a number on you.  :oS

He was home on paid administrative leave today (Langley floods in the blink of an eye) and took it easy and is doing very well.

As I may have mentioned, after Isabel we were without power for eight days.  EIGHT DAYS.  I was so insanely jealous of those that had power I could hardly stand it.  But, I never got mad at the power company.  I knew they were doing all they could to get the power up and running and they would get to us just as soon as they could.  Havoc had been wrought, trees were down, lines were down, it was bad. 

But, I was hot.  I was sweaty.  I was miserable.  And, I had a miserable two year old with me.  Heck, all of us in the neighborhood were in the same boat.  I came to associate the sound of generators and the smell of grilling meat with hurricanes. 

This time, we have power.  I can't believe it.  There is very little in the way of damage to our property, or to the property in the neighborhood.  Secluded back here, I can almost forget we had a hurricane and that it scared the bejeebers out of me.  I can almost forget there are those out there who are without power and will continue to be so until Friday at the earliest. 

It was brought home to me this afternoon as I headed out to the grocery.  I wanted to pick up some salad fixin's (I hadn't wanted to purchase any on the off chance we did lose power, generator notwithstanding) to go with dinner.  We headed into Martin's and discovered no power.  Okay. So, we drove to Farm Fresh and we found no power there as well.  We were greeted on our way in by a man who said, "If you need ice, you better get in there FAST." 

I remember being there 8 years ago.  I remember being desperate for ice and being amazed that there were folks who just didn't need it.  I thanked the man, never mentioning we still had power.  You just don't want to be those people. 

So, once more I feel so blessed.  I don't mind being a respite house for those who need a break from the heat and humidity.  Nana and Pop came over this morning (Pop to get the generator and to see if he could get it going for good), and Nana for coffee.  It's funny.  You wouldn't think you would miss coffee, but when you can't have it, you crave it.  They came back this evening for dinner. 

Right after Mom and Dad took off this morning, Sarah and Erik arrived for a nice visit, and for a break from a life of no power. 

Jana's (the neighbor--Sadie's mommy) babysitter still has no power, so I'll be keeping Sadie and Sally tomorrow.  Lily is ecstatic--so was Sadie.  :o)  We'll see how Sally and Ellie do together.

Brien heads back to work tomorrow, so life will head back towards normal up in our little neck of the world.  I know the rest of the east coast is really struggling, and my prayers for those who are in more dire straights than us. 

 Now, for the boys.  They are still the cuddliest, funniest kitties.  During the afternoon, when all is calm and quiet in the house, I can typically be found with a lap full of kitty.  Fred was on his back and George settled in right on top of him. :o)

 They love to help do laundry. Oh, and today they helped make our bed.  Sheets are tricky things, you know, and they need to be subdued. 

 Holly is a bit nonplussed at having been caught spooning with Fred. ;o)  We're going to have one giant furry pile by the time Christmas rolls around.

 Watching the window leak and the rain pound down.

 This is the art table.  That "portal" the George has his head in is where the garbage bag should go.  He's playing with the balls on Ellie's table toy. 

I was ready to put the toy away and find a good home for it, and Brien said I couldn't because the boys like to play with it. :oP

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Today's Sparklies:

1.  Have electricity.  Ah.
2.  My house looked like the hurricane had blown through inside as well as outside and I spent today putting everything to rights.
3.  Breakfast and dinner with Nana and Pop.
4.  A wonderful visit with Sarah and Erik.
5.  I got such GOOD sleep last night.

No milestones.

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Sarah told me today that the little boy who died in Newport News was one of her students.  She said he was a sweet and wonderful little guy.  My heart hurts so much for his mama.