Always Learning and Re-Affirming

Well, we said to ourselves, what have we learned from Hurricane Ike?

Keith’s father, Dee, who lived to be 94, said he always tried to learn something new every day. We try to live by this philosophy also. 

So, did we learn from Ike? 

Oh, yes. We learned that sometimes we only think we do not really need to do something. This time, at the last moment, we decided to board up a window in a middle room. Keith spent almost all day Friday on this. Of course, being the Engineer he is, he meticulously built something semi-permanent which can be removed after hurricane season (November 30^th, folks)! 

It held up extremely well, as opposed to a neighbor’s efforts preparing for Rita. That came down with the first gust. 

So, what was the difference between Keith’s job and the neighbor’s? Well, Keith is a little older than that fellow and so that makes him more experienced. It also means he really might not want to be up on a ladder on his own doing the Paul Bunyan thing! Also Keith had made window protectors years ago when he lived on the Gulf Coast of Texas. So, he knew what he was doing! 

Does granddaughter Krista’s firm belief from when she was a child that “My grandfather can fix anything” ring true? Sure does!

What else did we learn? Well, like most people in hot climates, we sure do like our air-conditioning, although we were blessed with cooler than usual temperatures. 

We also like all our gadgets, some which have become “necessities” but most powered by electricity. So, we are no different in that respect than younger people. 

We missed being current because we are always up on everything that is happening everywhere. Or we try to be! 

And did we learn anything about our family? Sure did! We have a super family who all love us and were all really concerned. They kept in touch – some by calling, some by texting. 

We also learned that we have lots of friends. 

We also know that we could have help from several people and all we have to do is ask! That feels really good! 

We missed church on Sunday very much. But, you knew we would! There were a few little problems that would have made it difficult to hold service. So, some of us called around and told as many as we could. Pastor put a sign on the door and the TV and radio stations announced it also. 

We also learned how blessed we are that our house was spared. 

We are very much people with a routine and Hurricane Ike kind of spoiled that routine this week! Think we have instilled routine in Buddy the Lhasa Apso also and he is also glad we are back to usual routine.

Also, wasn't it nice that Keith dropped me off at my favorite scrapbooking place to crop for a couple of hours while he ran some errands! You gotta love that! Of course, Hubby knows that cropping is calming. He's a smart guy, you know!

Dear Lord, Thank you for helping us and our friends and neighbors through Hurricane Ike. And, God Bless Texas! Amen.