After the Storm

Hurricane Ian finally left us for greener pastures. We were fortunate and kept power throughout. However, we lost internet, cable, and cell phone reception and, as night fell, we were literally and figuratively in the dark as to the destruction being caused elsewhere.

We now have cell reception, but I'm typing this on my phone in the mosquito laden courtyard - the only place I can find internet!

At daybreak on Thursday, I set out on my bike to do a damage assessment - that and logistics are my typical roles when I deploy with Team Rubicon. I often feel guilty that I'm not doing the physical work of the sawyers or mucking out homes. But, we each have our own skill sets.

I rode to my friends home to check that she was ok, and determined that she obviously wasn't; front door unlocked and wide open, doors into lanai were wide open, and she .... doing her own damage assessment in the neighbourhood! Close friends can imagine the exchange when we caught up!

We rode our bikes the short distance to McDonalds, hoping, unsuccessfully, for internet. But, it provided my favourite photo from the storm; during the recent funeral for Queen Elizabeth, we Brits were ridiculed for queuing. The queue at the McDonalds drive through stretched about a quarter of a mile ... but McDonalds wasnt even open!

Donna and I continued our ride around the subdivision. Many downed trees - although few blocking the road. She lost her favourite tree and there was damage to another.

Some damage to carports and fences, but, mercifully, little apparent structural damage. The coming days will give a fuller story.

Much of the remainder of the day was spent in delicious, delightful, peace and solitude. There are benefits to losing internet and cell reception! I did discover that a cheap, primative, Cricket phone, belonging to one of the organizations with which I'm involved, was able to send and receive texts! A lifeline - and one I used to keep in touch with Frank, Linda (in NY) and Jim.

My neighbour, Joann, and I went for a short bike ride at sunset and encountered a squirrel in the middle of the road. Her tail had been badly damaged and she appeared to have a broken leg. She was trying valiantly to right herself, but not doing well. I scooped her up and put her in my bike basket - I'm not sure what she thought of the bike ride, but she seemed to sense we were trying to help.

I named her Pickles, and made her as comfortable as I could. She gathered the towel around herself and lay quietly as I stroked her head gently. A couple of hours later she let out a couple of whimpers and then she died. At leadt she wasn't alone on the road. 

Today (Fri, Sept 30th), my friend Roxy and her hubby came over to cook pizza. They have had a full house - all refusing to play strip poker with her - and are without power. Roxy is one of the delights in my life. She believes that almost anything can be solved with orange sherbert and vodka served in a pretty glass, with a spoon. She balances my seriousness.

After pizza we took a quick drive on the island. The devastation to our little theatre is heartbreaking. I'm not sure what will happen to Michael Biehl park, the park I adopted through the City's Adopt a Park program. The beautiful mural is painted on one side of the theatre. (Pic, below, was taken months before the storm).

At the beginning of Sept, I had a date with a fella named Jim. He seemed nice... kind, thoughtful, considerate, laid back, funny - and intelligent!  I could not have anticipated how wonderful he has been through this storm. Although he lives nearby, he has been witnessing the storm from afar, at a conference in Las Vegas! Concerned about his own house, but remaining in contact and checking in with (on?) me, and offering suggestions and solutions to issues that arose. I am very fortunate and hope he sticks around for a good long time! He's definitely a good'un.

Here's a link to photos from my damage assessment

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8YsFbKjzqn7dTxf6A