Dichotomy

On the peaceful porch

Flowers bloom--in the distance

Helicopters throb.

 

Josie's Boring Day

Things are embarrassingly normal here on the mountain. Our cell service was even restored as of Thursday night and John has been able to get gas and groceries.

While hazmat teams are assessing the mud in Marshall (there was a toxic spill at a plastics plant upstream) and relief centers are working overtime and goods are being distributed by 4WD and helicopters and even a mule train, Josie and I are back to the usual routine.  

                                                                                 

A family of four took refuge at Josie's house, and she has had continuous fun with the two girls for six days. When they moved out yesterday to a more spacious, though temporary, apartment, Josie was bereft. A day with Meema was a bit of a bore. But we did the usual things, including making pumpkin bread.

Of course there was reading and she chose this charming book The Little House. KC Larsen sent it to her some time back and this is the first time she's read it on her own. It's the story of a little house in a field of daisies with apple trees all around. And a pond. "It's like my house," Josie exclaimed. It's a lovely little story--thank you, KC!

School is closed. Next week was Fall break anyway and many of the schools are being used as relief centers. Also, there's the question of school busses or parents' vehicles on potentially unsafe roads. At this point, no one's saying when schools might reopen. 

She chose to do some work in a few workbooks we have. I'm not worried about her falling behind academically, but I know she misses the kids and her teachers.

An artist's kneaded eraser makes a good mustache.

It was a good day, all in all, and at its end, Claui and Justin came up to dinner--the first time since the Great Disruption.

 We ate and drank wine and were thankful.

Fairy Ring

John returned from mowing down at the lower place and told me there was a fairy ring in the meadow. I grabbed my camera and we went down so I could see it.

One should avoid stepping into the ring, English folk lore says, or you may be forced to dance on and on with the fairies. When at last you fall asleep from exhaustion, you may awake to find that years, not hours, have passed.

                                                        

                     The little girls aren't worried about legends.

I stayed clear.

You can learn more about fairy rings and the many stories attached to them HERE.

 

Take Time to Breathe

Last year's picture--we haven't that much color yet.

 

What Can You Do?

                                                

The flood has brought out wonderful willing workers, shoveling mud, organizing and distributing supplies, checking on neighbors. I follow this on Facebook, wishing I could do the same.

But I can't. At 81, with wonky knees and limited mobility, I do best by staying put and not using resources. This is no time to fall and break something.

My Tuesday contribution was to watch Josie and the two little girls who are staying at her house. There is a lot of running and squealing but they pretty much entertain themselves.

Which is good, because it means I can get on with the paid job of editing a novel--100 pages done, more to go.

Along with this, I keep checking FB and sharing useful info as it surfaces. It looks as if supply chains are beginning to function again.

While I was doing this, I was tagged by my friend Karen in a post that spoke directly to me. An on-line auction sponsored by writers to benefit charities that serve our area. One could donate signed books and/or services.

Perfect! I've signed up to donate up to 400 pp. of picky line-editing--which at my usual rates of $5 a page, could bring in a tidy sum.

What can anyone do--who isn't here or isn't up to the physical work? Send money. Madison County Animal Shelter is working hard to care for lots of critters; World Central Kitchen was on the ground in Hot Springs with hot meals and Chef Jose Andres himself.  ASAP Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project supports small farms--many of which were wiped out at this season of harvest. Zuma Coffee, a beloved meeting place in Marshall needs help to get going again. Community Housing Coalition  is local and helps with home repairs--they will be busy in the coming months. There are many more.

And for the love of FEMA and all the governmental agencies supplying emergency relief--many of which would be weakened or eradicated if the proponents of Plan 2025 have their way, vote Democrat!

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