We survived Irene.

[Jerry]

Well, I am finally back online. On Saturday when the wind gusts were hitting 59 MPh or so, my lights flashed on and off, on and off, on and off and then stayed off, That was about 2PM, and we just got power back. I still have no phone, and Verizon says that the first available appointment to check it is Tuesday. Of course that is Tuesday the 13th of September. Maybe they would have come a bit sooner if I had told them I am a retired electronics technician and was quite capable of checking their wiring in that little box down at the corner of the road. But, oh well, at least now I can charge my cell phone so I can drive several miles and make a phone call in an emergency.(also on Verizon) Oh yes, I made one discovery. Did everyone else already know that one can get ice water directly from a well? I made that discovery early this morning when I plugged the old jet pump in and valved my old well into the house to take a shower before playing golf with 83 other crazy senior golfers. At least I was wide awake (instantly) for my round of golf.

Other than the loss of electric power for 3 days and loss of phone service we made it through the big storm with only slight damage. One cheap plastic fake storm shutters blew off of one of my front windows. I didn't have but one tree, at least that I've been able to find so fat, fall, and that one is far back in the woods.

I'm glad to be back on the forum today, and especially glad to see Panache post something new. I've really missed his insightful posts.

[Tartan Tess]

Hey Jerry
I saw pictures of Virginia on the newspapers today.
Maine got clobbered with trees falling but at least the power crews could get to them to cut them out of they way. Looked like alot of roads are gone in your state from flooding and they can't get to the lines easy.
By the way ..if there are any electrical power crew guys on xmarks, Thank You for all you do to get everybody back on as fast as possible.

[Tartan Tess]

I'm so excited about lights and hot water I double clutched the reply

[tkdog]

We survived too...barely. No worries - all are well and safe.

[KiltedKnome]

Ouch! So glad you and your family are okay......
I remember as a child being in a house in Kansas when a tornado struck -- a tree came down, splitting the house in two. When we came out of the basement, it was to a "new skylight".

[Mael Coluim]

Glad to hear all is well.

[chrisupyonder]

OMG hope your house is not damaged.

Up here in the far north of Scotland, we get winds up to 90 and 100 mph several times per year but rarely makes the news and the buildings are built with this in mind and no one puts trees too close to their houses.

Chris.

[BEEDEE]

We were without power from 5:30 am Saturday until 7:20pm yesterday. Five days without kilts cleaning the fallen pecan tree and debris from our yard. Still have four trees down in the back but need professional to get them down as they are hung in other trees.

Center of Irene made landfall and passed about 30 miles east of us, winds at local fire department were 100mph gusting 120. Fortunately we are 25 ft above sea level many others in Pamlico County has severe flooding and are still without power. Photos will follow later.

Brian