Locusts

Hearing the locusts buzzing loudly outside gives brings back fond memories of my childhood. I remember going outside in the evenings and playing in the yard until dusk while the locusts 'sang' in the background. We would play baseball and volleyball and swing in the tire swing and dig in the sandbox and brush the horses and serve 'supper' in the playhouse. I also fondly remember Mom and Dad being out there with us often, playing just as hard as we were.

I hope I can give my kids these types of fond memories some day.

Tornado

A tornado struck Williamsville last Wednesday (8/19), destroying Casey's, and antique mall, the Christian Church, and 25 homes. It began its destruction around 3:20 and was out of town by 3:25.

Upon hearing about it, Walt took off work and we tried to get into the town to be available to people who were grieving. At every road into the town, patrols were set up blocking entrance. Some okay'd us to go into town--via foot due to debris in the streets--but as we would come to another inner blockade, we'd get pointed to a different entrance. After trying for about three hours to get into the town, we were finally allowed entrance and were directed to the Red Cross station where most victims were gathered, waiting to be told they could return to their homes.

We ran into the preacher at Williamsville Christian Church and he told us his terrifying experience of being among 7 people who were in the church when the tornado passed. We waited with him and his family while they waited for permission to get into their house to get belongings. And when they were allowed to head in, we headed home.

The next day, Walt went back and worked with the church people at salvaging what they could out of the church. Only the steeple and part of a roof were left standing, and a horse trailer ended up in the middle of the sanctuary. He said it was quite an experience to witness the male leadership in progress, making decisions no one would ever think they would have to make. He was quite impressed with the leadership and encouraged by their servant attitudes.

Our neighbor Bruce is a detective on the Williamsville PD and was in his patrol car when the tornado hit. He said it went right over him! He also had many good stories about the people of Williamsville working together and about the support coming from outside the town. Unfortunately, he had to arrest two pathetic criminals who were looting metal--ruined and new for reconstruction.

We listed our church with the Red Cross as a safe haven place, but all the victims were cared for in other ways. Hopefully our church will be able to continue ministering to these victims in the days to come.

Axe

While some of Axe's scents are appealing, I cannot stand their more than inappropriate commercials, and therefore, I will not give them a penny of my money. Using stripping, drunken parties, one-night stands, etc., to appeal to teenagers is just unacceptable to anyone who respects family values.

Root Beer

I have never been a fan of root beer but have enjoyed the occasional sarsaparilla. However, last night in an attempt to get myself off of caffeine after 8 p.m., Walt encouraged me to try some root beer with my pizza. And it turned out to be pretty fantastic. Much better than I ever thought root beer to be. Walt says each root beer has a defining quality: bite, smoothness, strength, etc. It's a whole new world for me, and apparently I have a lot to learn.

Relay for Life

We participated in Relay for Life the other night for the first time ever. Due to severe storms, it was held inside the high school gym, but that didn't damper anyone's spirits. The event ran from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, but our team didn't stay for the entire event. Our team was comprised of people from our church, three of whom are cancer survivors, and we called ourselves the Broadwell Rockets in honor of the late Broadwell school. Despite the tremendous humidity and heat, we all did plenty of walking and relaying and visiting other teams' booths. Walt & I left after a few hours because Walt had to work the next morning, and it was, after all, our 5 year anniversary. Now that we know what the event is all about, we intend to participate every year in honor of Walt's grandparents and father (who have all died of or are currently fighting cancer), and my aunts (who are fighting cancer now).

Clean Car

Something about have a freshly cleaned car makes me want to drive more carefully. I think it's because the car feels brand new again. I've never actually paid to have my car cleaned inside, but you can't beat the deal we got on the detailing.

Next-Exit-Chinese-Fire-Drill-Driver-Swap

Here's to those little blips on life's journey. 

 

Sometimes when on a trip you feel like you've been behind the wheel for days and your eyes begin to droop, you must take the next exit to swap seats with whoever's willing to drive next. These moments are seemingly empty until you witness someone else doing it, and it brings a smile to your face in remembrance of your own swaps.

 

Walt & I like to spice our swaps up and therefore make it a point to meet in the middle of the Chinese fire drill with a kiss.