rain – To Create Sunshine

Hurricane Harvey – Waters Rising

Published on August 29, 2017April 27, 2019 by Gerri8 Comments

I truly never believed this could happen to our city!

I’ve been through Hurricanes Alicia, Allison and Ike. I thought I knew what to expect. I’ve been through hurricanes with the wind howling and the rain pouring down. I’ve stayed in my home and watched the pine trees bend down and almost touch the ground. I’ve been through storms where we’ve lost power and were lighting candles and lanterns to see in the dark.

This storm was different. It was sneaky. Just a bit of rain. No howling wind. No bending pines. Over time the rains began to come down harder. Pounding. Constant.

Over the past few days, our neighborhoods have become a collection of islands. The news reports 95% of our roads have high water or are impassable. However, through all the rain, many of us have never lost power. We’ve watched the news to see what’s happening across the city. We see the people standing on rooftops. We watch the helicopter rescues. We text our family and friends “Are you okay?” We pray. And so many citizens have come out to assist those in need.

Even in their own distress, so many people have turned to help their neighbor. I’ve known people who offer their warm, dry homes to strangers that were left at a holding station in the rain. I’ve watched people that were evacuated return to be sure their neighbors were out and safe. I’ve seen others come volunteer in the shelters or bring whatever supplies they can offer, anything they can do to offer assistance.

I am so proud of our city officials and first responders. I am so amazed by the entire Houston community! People helping people. People leaving their own comfort behind to assist those that are in trouble. There are so many volunteers coming from smaller communities outside of Houston bringing their boats to assist in the evacuations. The Cajun Navy is coming from Louisiana to assist. Volunteers are on their way from Lubbock bringing food, bottled water and supplies. Volunteers from Oklahoma. Thoughts and prayers from all over the country.

As I watch the people of Houston being rescued, they are smiling and their hearts are filled with gratitude. Houston you are truly setting an example for the rest of the country. You are showing the world not only how to handle a catastrophe, but also the way to live each day, hand in hand, helping each other, hearts filled with love for one another.

In every cloud there is a silver lining. Our silver lining is the compassion that is being shown for the well being of our fellow citizens.

If your looking for a way to help and show your support in the wake of Hurricane Harvey:

Feeding Texas – coordinates with the state and other providers for quick relief to those in need

Food Bank of Corpus Christi – click on the link donate

Houston Food Bank – they are currently closed due to flood waters and will reopen as soon as possible, they do have a link where you can click to donate

Hurricane Harvey – A Cypress View

Published on August 27, 2017April 27, 2019 by Gerri19 Comments

I’m sure many of you have seen the news of Hurricane Harvey hitting the Texas coast and the destruction that followed. As I write this we are into Day 2 of this catastrophe. I live in Cypress, a suburban neighborhood northwest of Houston, and we are very fortunate here. Although there has been what feels like an endless amount of rainfall and some flooding in the neighborhood, our street is draining and we are safe.

However, other Houston residents have not been so fortunate. In a metropolitan area of six million plus residents, the city is at a stand still. Businesses are closed. The buses aren’t running. Schools are cancelled until after Labor Day. Our church even cancelled services this morning because city officials have asked for everyone to just stay home! And the worst is that many people are stranded in their homes and neighborhoods and can’t get out! They are frightened which is understandable. The streets are flooded and impassable. The rainfall is hard and constant. It is as if bucket fulls of water are being continuously poured on this city. Yes, we get little breaks in the rain, but it is not a long enough time for the streets to drain before they start filling up again.

The miracle in all this is how the city residents are coming together. People helping people. Not just first responders and rescue teams. People that own boats are out there offering to assist those in need. There are no haters. Just good people coming together to help in anyway they can.

Some have criticized the news media for their hype. However, I applaud the news media and our city officials. How do you plan to keep an area of six million plus people safe from wide spread unprecedented flooding? They asked people to stay home. They warned people repeatedly of the dangers of driving into flood waters. You get the word out about the possible dangers and worst case scenarios. Many people are new to our city and have no idea what a hurricane and Houston streets can be like.

There has been loss of life and I fear for what will be discovered as the days go on….and yet the rain continues.

How you can help Hurricane Harvey Victims

American Red Cross – call 1-800-red cross or text HARVEY to 90999 to make a donation

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services – call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to help

Catholic Charities USA – they have set up a website devoted to Harvey relief

Austin Pets Alive!– they have created a page on their website specific to Hurricane Harvey needs

**sources via abcnews.go.com

A Rainy Summer Day

Published on July 17, 2017April 27, 2019 by Gerri2 Comments

As I look at the sky, I notice the gathering of dark water-laden storm clouds and wonder will we actually get some rain. A bit later, I hear the patter of gentle raindrops as they slowly begin to fall. The thunder rolls and the lightning strikes….. and, it has begun! A much awaited summer storm!

I know we equate summer days with lounging by the pool, relaxing at the beach, or perhaps a backyard barbeque. But one of my favorite summer events is when the rain begins to fall!

With summer temperatures rising into the nineties, and the blazing summer sun beating down with brutal strength, the summer rain brings as much excitement to me as the first cool autumn breezes blowing in.

I embrace the summer rain much as I would a winter storm. A chance to power down, choose a good book, grab a cuppa tea and hide from the world. Believe it or not, I even have a favorite blanket (more for comfort than for warmth) that I pull out as I escape to a quiet corner with my awaiting summer read. There I immerse myself in whatever novel has recently piqued my interest as I know the rain is continuing to fall just outside my window.

I don’t always read during a summer rain. Sometimes I take cover on the back porch and luxuriate at the musical sound of the raindrops pounding the roof. I have to position my chair just so under the breezeway as not to be splattered by the rain falling on either side of me. From this vantage point I can watch the thirsty plants gobble up the falling drops. It’s as if I can hear them chanting to the sky, “Thank you so much for this magnificent rainfall!”

Eventually, the rain will pass and the sun will come out again. The temperatures will again rise and I will do my best to hide from the midday sun.

But until then, I will enjoy this refreshing break from summer’s heat with this delightful summer rain.

What do you like to do in a summer rain?

Have a lovely summer day! – Gerri