The things I love about Spicewood are many, ranging from the general friendliness of the people who have either grown up here or made it their home after escaping from "city life." A few things, however, stand out, and prompted me to post this blog.
The vortex of a trail near my house that pulls me in and doesn't let me stop pursuing the end of it.
No sound but the chirp of crickets on my 20 minute walk on a public road at 8 p.m. last night.
Autos picking up children at the only elementary school in this small "post office" town ranging from a new Cadillac Escalade to a Diesel fuel truck. Eighteen wheelers and tall wheeled "show cars" have been seen in the car pick-up line as well.
The star-filled sky every clear night.
There are many more, but family life is calling. I must mention a few I don't like ... the slow internet service next to the lake or the abundance of small rodents for our cat to enjoy, blood and all, on the front porch.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Why Wait?
WARNING: Please evacuate the island immediately, as strong winds and rain can be devastating to you and your home. Loss of power and water are likely.
"But I love my home, and I can't leave my dog here alone," said the Galveston islander as Ike was preparing to strike. "I'm going to ride it out," another comments. "It might not be that bad anyway," is added. And lastly, "I don't have any money for gas, and I've got to work Monday."
So when the rains came down and the wind blew out all electricity and water use, the "Ike Waiters," as we'll name them, were stranded on their porches and roofs, without transportation to get out. So they looked to FEMA, the National Guard and other city, state and federal entitites for help and rescue. Workers risked their lives to recover thousands of others who did the same thing. Then they needed transportation to shelter, food, water and clothing to make it through the next couple of days, using public electricity and water.
These people were not "stranded," however. One third of the 60,000 residents of Galveston Island did not evacuate. Reports of people "not being able to leave" when their couch was floating or the TV becoming flooded by water are ridiculous. The evacuation plan was announced because of the likelihood of such events. The people actually stranded there now are suffering without electricity, water and proper sewage over the majority of the island causing a health crisis that mayor Lyda Ann Thomas is concerned about.
When the water has drained and the electricity is back on, they'll be making claims to insurance and to city, state and government agencies to be paid for the property destructed by the storm, time lost from work, and possibly disability for injuries suffered during Ike. And who will be paying for these gifts of rescue and living quarters for the Waiters? Why, it's you and me, of course. One Austin KLBJ radio commentator, Jeff Ward, today suggested that the Waiters be charged for their rescue. When are people in harm's way going to learn to listen?
Author's Note: My sympathies go out to those who did evacuate, and are now struggling to survive in shelters where help cannot get in quickly enough. Texas Governor Rick Perry praised rescue worker "heroes" who are doing their best to provide relief.
"But I love my home, and I can't leave my dog here alone," said the Galveston islander as Ike was preparing to strike. "I'm going to ride it out," another comments. "It might not be that bad anyway," is added. And lastly, "I don't have any money for gas, and I've got to work Monday."
So when the rains came down and the wind blew out all electricity and water use, the "Ike Waiters," as we'll name them, were stranded on their porches and roofs, without transportation to get out. So they looked to FEMA, the National Guard and other city, state and federal entitites for help and rescue. Workers risked their lives to recover thousands of others who did the same thing. Then they needed transportation to shelter, food, water and clothing to make it through the next couple of days, using public electricity and water.
These people were not "stranded," however. One third of the 60,000 residents of Galveston Island did not evacuate. Reports of people "not being able to leave" when their couch was floating or the TV becoming flooded by water are ridiculous. The evacuation plan was announced because of the likelihood of such events. The people actually stranded there now are suffering without electricity, water and proper sewage over the majority of the island causing a health crisis that mayor Lyda Ann Thomas is concerned about.
When the water has drained and the electricity is back on, they'll be making claims to insurance and to city, state and government agencies to be paid for the property destructed by the storm, time lost from work, and possibly disability for injuries suffered during Ike. And who will be paying for these gifts of rescue and living quarters for the Waiters? Why, it's you and me, of course. One Austin KLBJ radio commentator, Jeff Ward, today suggested that the Waiters be charged for their rescue. When are people in harm's way going to learn to listen?
Author's Note: My sympathies go out to those who did evacuate, and are now struggling to survive in shelters where help cannot get in quickly enough. Texas Governor Rick Perry praised rescue worker "heroes" who are doing their best to provide relief.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Proverbs 31:10-31 - Revisited for the Modern Mom
Proverbs 31:10-31 – Revisited in the 21st Century for a Mom with children in school.
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects organic and made in the USA products and works with eager hands.
She is like the 18-wheelers, bringing her groceries from Whole Foods and HEB.
She gets up by her alarm clock while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and pays for her gasoline
She considers a computer and buys it; out of her earnings she pays for internet service for her children.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her volunteering is valuable, and her electricity does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds a cell phone and pushes the microwave buttons with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her arms to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in jackets from Target.
She buys coverings for her bed at a discount; she is clothed in designer clothes from outlet stores.
Her husband is respected at the corporate offices, where he takes his seat among the board of directors.
She makes homemade greeting cards and delivers them, and supplies teachers with gifts.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the PTA meeting.
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects organic and made in the USA products and works with eager hands.
She is like the 18-wheelers, bringing her groceries from Whole Foods and HEB.
She gets up by her alarm clock while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and pays for her gasoline
She considers a computer and buys it; out of her earnings she pays for internet service for her children.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her volunteering is valuable, and her electricity does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds a cell phone and pushes the microwave buttons with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her arms to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in jackets from Target.
She buys coverings for her bed at a discount; she is clothed in designer clothes from outlet stores.
Her husband is respected at the corporate offices, where he takes his seat among the board of directors.
She makes homemade greeting cards and delivers them, and supplies teachers with gifts.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the PTA meeting.
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