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                    <h2 class="large-post-header-blog-name">Life is a Highway</h2>
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      <h1 class="large-post-content-title-p">Hurricane Harvey - My Red Cross Deployment Diary</h1>

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                </a><br>Photo Credit: Red Cross Team<br>I've been home for two months now after volunteering in disaster relief from Hurricane Harvey. So many friends and family have asked about the things I saw there in Texas, what kind of work I did, was I in a lot of pain with rheumatoid arthritis, was I able to get a lot of rest, was I able to eat well, and the questions don't stop there.<br> <br>The best way for me to answer these questions is to just share everything in the form of a diary. Any photos I share here belong to me and my Red Cross team. There was so much photo-sharing going on that I lost track of which photo belonged to whom, so I'll just give photo credit as "Red Cross Team".<br> <br><strong>Friday</strong><br> <strong>August 25, 2017</strong><br> I'd been watching the news about Hurricane Harvey the last few days. When it made landfall in south Texas, I thought will Cathy call me to deploy? Well, she did call me in the late morning. She said something along the lines that she felt bad she couldn't deploy me to Yosemite a few weeks earlier because the San Diego American Red Cross (SDARC) wanted to keep their new shelter supervisors in town in the event we had our own fires. She asked if I could deploy to Houston this evening. I admit that my heart skipped a few beats because deploying is a huge deal. It means being away from my family, seeing disaster in the aftermath, the uncertainty of shelter conditions, where will I be sleeping, so much going through my head in milliseconds! I told Cathy I'd get back to her. I wanted Gerry to know the deal before I gave her my answer. While Gerry understands my need to do this type of volunteer work, he does worry a great deal about my safety. I'm so very thankful that he supports me 100%. Of course, Gerry said okay. I phoned Cathy back and said I needed 48 hours to take care of things at home, and to pack. I needed to let my siblings know that I'd be gone for two weeks, and that I wouldn't be able to do my share of tasks where my 89-year old mom's care is concerned. Packing my bags was easy. <br> <strong><br></strong><strong>Saturday</strong><br> <strong>August 26, 2017</strong><br> Gerry and I awoke early, and we went to CVS and the ATM. I purchased basic personal care items in travel sizes, and got pocket money for things that my Mission Card would not take care of. A Mission Card is a debit card loaded with $450. This is donated money for my food, lodging, land transportation and for necessities like medication. This had to last me two weeks. When it came to packing, I used a medium-size suitcase. For Hurricane Matthew last fall, I brought a large suitcase. Big mistake. This time, I brought one convertible pant and a boyfriend-cut pair of shorts, sandals, shower slippers, magazines and a book, glasses, personal care items, two pairs of undergarments, a pair of socks. That's it. Oh, and my executive notebook in case I ended up being a shelter supervisor. I had a difficult time getting a good night's sleep.<br> <br><strong>Sunday</strong><br> <strong>August 27, 2017</strong><br> I'm at the airport early in the morning for a 10:43am departure on American but when I show up at the ticket counter, I'm told that I had been re-ticketed to an earlier flight, which I already missed. That flight left at 6:30am. Apparently, the Red Cross travel agent was trying to get me into Houston as early as possible, so when a seat opened up on the 6:30am flight, she put me on that plane, except I did not get the message. The travel agent now re-routes me to a Delta flight that has me going to SAN-LAX-MSP-IAH. That's departing San Diego at 7:51pm, and arriving Houston Bush International at 10:18am tomorrow. When I hand over my ticket to the gate agent for the flight to LAX, she tells me I've been diverted to a later flight, and makes a comment that "it looks like the Red Cross is trying to get you into Houston as early as possible". So now I'm on an evening flight to Atlanta that has me arriving at 5:39am the next day. <br> <br><strong>Monday</strong><br> <strong>August 28, 2017</strong><br> My flight arrives in Atlanta on time. I immediately make my way to the hotel shuttle pick-up area. Gerry earlier made arrangements for my early check-in at the Fairfield Inn by the Airport so I wouldn't have to sit around at the airport for my regular check-in time at the hotel. I'm in my room by 6:30am. But before I do anything else, I head back to the lobby dining area and have the complimentary breakfast. It's tastes all right, and I am grateful to have food because I know having a full tummy will help me to sleep better. After a real nice sleep, I debate what to do for dinner. There are no restaurants nearby. I decide to take the shuttle back to the airport to pick up some good eats. I spend the rest of the evening reading and watching CNN. Rain is now pounding Houston. It looks real bad.<br> <br><strong>Tuesday</strong><br> <strong>August 29, 2017</strong><br> After breakfast, I'm back in my room watching the news and gathering my stuff because I'm flying out today. Then I'm notified that my flight to Houston is cancelled. Both major airports are now closed due to flooding. I call Red Cross Staffing and tell them I do not care to sit in my room another day. I ask if I can just rent a car and drive into Texas as close as I can get to Houston. They said it's not safe to drive. Staffing tells me to call the travel agent and they book me on a flight to Dallas. I'm to stay in Dallas until further notice. My Dallas flight is full. I notice a lot of people in uniform, maybe Army or National Guard. Towards the end of the flight, the flight attendant gets on the PA and asks if there is a doctor on board, and suddenly hands are raised, and a couple of people rush to the forward cabin. My seatmate was one of those who raised his hand. I thought there's no way this kid's a doctor. He looked so young. Turns out he's an EMT and is a member of a New Jersey group that volunteers their time to disaster relief. They were on the plane, too. Meet Pierre!<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vj_rebymSYs/WcmcbS_e-NI/AAAAAAABx98/-5p_nWlbbME4IQKzmZt1Eg0lYbCxo9NswCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9152.JPG">
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                </a><br> This flight was full of disaster responders. As we deplaned, nearly everyone wished each other to stay safe and well. I'm often asked how I know what to do when I deploy? Well, we receive lots of training which happens over the course of many classes, workshops and hands-on exercises. It took me several months to complete the required courses. When we deploy, on a daily basis and a few times a day, a volunteer will receive e-mails and phone calls from an Emergency Mass Notification System on what we are to do, step by step. The phone calls always follows the e-mails. It's important that we respond accordingly, that we received the message. After I exited the airport terminal, my directions said to take a taxi to the Holiday Inn, just a little walk from the Dallas Red Cross headquarters. I got in the cab at the front of the line of cabs waiting for customers. This driver seemed nice and was talkative. I had no idea that while he was talking, he was jacking up my cab fare. What should've been about a $40 fare, turned out to be exactly $93. I should've remembered what I said in a <a href="http://www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com/2014/08/did-my-cab-driver-just-rip-me-off.html">blog post dated August 28, 2014</a>. I'm not in the habit of taking taxis so I am not aware of what taxis would normally cost. Do your research next time, I tell myself. I checked in to my room and met my roommate. Yes, we have to room with other volunteers. Men and women always room separately. No one gets their own room. Joni is not a responder like me. Her skill set lies in finance. <br> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-grYuCeJCIo8/Wcmju9u5FvI/AAAAAAABx-Q/wyKYr2lXcgMzBKqVZfAO-oPaCjX0lwLDQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9184 My roommate%252C Joni%252C at the Holiday Inn..JPG">
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                </a> <strong><br></strong><strong>Wednesday </strong><br> <strong>8-30-17</strong><br> I report to Dallas headquarters to attend a mandatory Orientation class. After orientation, we process-in and wait to be assigned to a shelter in Dallas. I'm bummed because I want to be in Houston, but there's no way in. On CNN, I see people wading in waist-high water. Their homes are ruined, and I want to be there to help. As I stare at the Staffing board, I'm totally dumbfounded. What the hell am I looking at? One of the guys from the orientation made a comment about Post-It notes. Yes, where are the Post-It notes? When I worked Hurricane Matthew in the Carolinas, that's how it was done. Each Post-It represented a shelter. Written on it would be the staffing positions (shelter manager, shelter supervisor, shelter associate, and feeding) Names and cell phone numbers of volunteers were then filled in. The Post-Its remain on the huge board, the teams write down the information on their little notebooks, and off we go to our shelters. When a shelter closes, the Post-It is taken off the board and tucked away. A digital copy of the shelter teams are also kept for headquarters. I decided I was not going to work in Dallas. I was determined to get to Houston. The guy who stood with me at the board? He decided to remain in Dallas to volunteer his IT talents to create and maintain Excel sign-up sheets for Staffing.<br> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DR23YL2kPEM/Wcmov7IawWI/AAAAAAABx-o/tAm8YIOTlLIdbL1qaO9bf06boESQKqNrQCLcBGAs/s1600/8-30-17e.JPG">
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                </a> By late morning, a lot more volunteers showed up. There was a group from Mexico, the Cruz Roja Mexicana. They function 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Like the American and Canadian Red Cross, it assists at disasters, but additionally acts as an Emergency Medical Service. By Mexican law, it is the only organization, outside of big cities, authorized to render first aid to anyone injured in an auto accident or in the commission of a crime.<br> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--h3KW03WipI/Wcm1S2msG4I/AAAAAAABx-4/VBj6woh4NAgNpeAIwoOr6KoO1hyneSdLgCLcBGAs/s1600/8-30-17j Marie.jpg">
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                </a> Members of this team came from Tijuana, Tampico and Chihuahua. All of the volunteers waited hours for shelter assignments. While I waited for mine, I was invited to join a group at their table. For the next couple of hours, we bonded and found a job to do, and that was to sort through bags and boxes of donated shoes and clothing for the Salvation Army. <br> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o667roIjuBo/WdGHWT-8mYI/AAAAAAAByAY/g_fdyZ6g_R8Cl0LZqmMWl7mlF5q1mpJqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9175.JPG">
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                </a> It was during this time that we decided we would stay together as a group and be a team of eight. There was Ray, the Shelter Manager, then Roger who was Shelter Supervisor, and the rest of us as associates.<br> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-paQwRtFKi7Y/We04sUMt_TI/AAAAAAAByIM/0WjJJn7Tz3ESWyVXqNkFL8QaOJs7U_hVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9192.JPG">
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                </a> It wasn't long before we heard an announcement to gather<br> in the next room. We are told to pick a day - tomorrow or the following day - to take a bus into Houston. I told Roger to move in through the crowd to the table where the sign-up sheets were. He had no choice, we had to be first on the list. It's what I used to tell my kids when they were young. Be the first to answer a question. Act quickly. Just do it! I kept whispering we have to be first on the list, but shoot, someone was already signing up on tomorrow's list. I motioned for the others to get in close behind me. Take the pen, I told Roger, but he didn't move fast enough and before I knew it, I was writing my name down to be #2 on the list. Number 1 on the list turned out to be one of our team members. Good job, Randy! I didn't recognize him from where I stood because his baseball cap covered his face. Good for him! I handed the pen over to Roger, and the other team members signed up right behind him. I returned to the other room to continue sorting through clothes, smiling and feeling pleased with myself. <br> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpyAqun04Lo/Wcm22vwvqAI/AAAAAAABx_E/XJVEdlUb8o8-gM1ekrp3FyhtknOpMotPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9180.JPG">
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                </a> <br> <strong>Thursday</strong><br> <strong>8-31-17</strong><br> I'm so excited to be getting on a bus going to Houston. No more sitting around. I am finally going to a shelter!<br> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bfUy-1zqQk/We0-2UXUfiI/AAAAAAAByIY/DGr07yrHjmkKAAyJ9TKt5czHm0amKqitACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9197.JPG">
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                </a> Our bus of Red Cross volunteers made a stop at Walmart in Ennis, 25 minutes south of Dallas and home of the "Official Blue Bonnet Trail in Texas", so we could purchase for ourselves what we need in our shelter. An employee approached me and thanked me for my service, and gave me the biggest hug. She said I was "so wonderful and God bless you." It's very heartwarming to hear those words. I bought a bag of throat lozenges because my throat was feeling kind of scratchy. Probably due to weather and stale air in hotel rooms. The temperature was 90 degrees.<br> Afterwards, I and two others ran across the street to a Starbucks. We had 15 minutes to get back on the bus. I had a big goal to purchase a Texas mug. I collect those state mugs. Four down, 46 more to go! I should've started this hobby as soon as the You Are Here Collection came out. Now I'll have to resort to Amazon to collect mugs to states I've already visited. The cashier gave me her partner discount and thanked me for going to Houston to help out. Her discount saved me $3.29. What a nice lady. A truck hauling a boat pulled up next to our bus in the Walmart parking lot. <br> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUiuZgeNa-k/WfGPoqw5eVI/AAAAAAAByLI/htaSry7PU5Y0MAGnpVmkRy3z25WKv2LcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9205.JPG">
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                </a> Definitely a volunteer water rescuer. All the way from . . . <br> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scfxaR6LTG8/We1CDOBi9VI/AAAAAAAByIk/Vp9fhPSZw6UkNeFQHKeVor5Hva9PKcSFQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9206.JPG">
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                    data-title="Hurricane Harvey - My Red Cross Deployment Diary"
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                </a><br>Photo Credit: Red Cross Team<br>Later on we will stop in Madisonville to have lunch at Buc-ee's, and to pick up last-minute items like pillows and mattress pads for the cots we sleep on. I already have an awesome flannel inflatable standard-size pillow, and decide that I'm going to be a tough gal and don't need to have a cushy bed to sleep on. I'd done tons of camping trips in my life and didn't always have a cot mattress. If you've never been inside a Buc-ee's, it's like a 7-Eleven store on steroids. They sell awesome food to take out, artsy-craftsy items, very nice souvenirs, lots of snacks and candy, and drinks of all kinds. <br> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NIRnb4Cw9Ps/We17-N8bGLI/AAAAAAAByJQ/_s9LyXhT3n46ZbJfyN9G5bRL-5zHeOoYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9207.JPG">
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                </a> With full bellies, we board the bus and we're off to Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush International Airport, where we will overnight, but once we get there, we learn there's no room for us. Who knows what happened. We are then sent to downtown Dallas to overnight at another Marriott. Lodging isn't always this nice, but this Marriott sure makes up for some of the places I've had to sleep in! Here's a photo of downtown Dallas from the freeway.<br> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7x5YD_OLdw0/WfISbhWmgII/AAAAAAAByLY/b9S6FoYn5hMWvs7HWn8VKuUNawfK3EMlACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9225.JPG">
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                </a> <br> Now click on the link to see what this freeway looked like two days earlier. <a href="https://qz.com/1066033/hurricane-harvey-highways-closed-by-record-rainfall-are-trapping-texans-in-flooded-communities/">Unbelievable!</a> The downtown photo is below the map. The blue dots on the map are road closures in and around Houston. Where did the floodwaters go? It continues to flow, and as it moves on and slowly dries up, the shelter locations close or move, too.<br> <br><strong>Friday</strong><br> <strong>9-1-17</strong><br> Harvey pummeled southwest Texas with rain from August 26-30. It moved slowly resulting in catastrophic flooding. Numerous flash flood emergencies were issued for the Houston and Beaumont, Texas, metropolitan areas. We're shocked at what we're seeing on CNN as we sit in the lounge area of our hotel. <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1zNsIhH_DlA/We18mgxJOnI/AAAAAAAByJY/DCz4a8zz3e0Xf-x2kLUBK2RnTedOgaYCwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9232.JPG">
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                </a><br> Beaumont is now completely under water, and the Texas National Guard is descending on the city to perform water rescue, but I also heard on the news that the National Guard was there to prevent looting. Ray, my team's supervisor, talks to someone at the Beaumont Red Cross headquarters. He tells them we want to go into Beaumont. Word is we're going in. The National Guard is going to airlift us into Beaumont! It's an extreme hardship situation, says headquarters. I am blown out of my mind. This is turning into an adventure, and I post about it on Facebook. <br><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DI92AkS5tAA/WfVqZiD0cEI/AAAAAAAByOc/Bqh-3bRqtoMbnnzHb7MWQlVindDwZOH5ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9628.JPG">
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                </a><br>Photo Credit: Red Cross Team<br>Earlier in the day, Dallas headquarters asked that three members of our team go to Avis at the airport to each rent a car. Headquarters always needs a supply of cars for incoming volunteers. The cars are not donations from Avis. The Red Cross pays for them through charitable donations. There was a long line of people at Avis. A lady and her father are at the counter looking to rent a car. When they're told the price of the rental, the lady asks for a large discount because they had just lost their home, and everything in it. She also lost her car, and she needed a car to get to work. Avis couldn't help and the lady pleaded for some kindness and charity. She left in tears. I couldn't get her words out of my head, and my heart was hurting for her. I remember saying to Joe, my teammate, if I had a million dollars, I'd buy her a car. Minutes later, Joe quietly said to me that he'd watch my paperwork if I needed to step outside. I stepped outside, turned the corner of the building and cried a little bit. What felt like hours later, we each had a car and it's already nightfall. Damn, we're going to be driving in the dark, all the way back into Dallas. I lived in Dallas for two years, a very long time ago. I didn't like the way the freeway exits and entrances were set up back then, and I could see that nothing's changed. I walk to the back of the lot to collect my car rental. It has a push button ignition. I'm not familiar with that kind of car. Starting it was no problem, but releasing the brakes was really giving me a sh***y time. I couldn't see anyone around who could help me, and all the while I'm touching every contraption trying to figure out how to release the brakes. Finally, by accident, I did it! I drive to the front of the lot, and the guys ask what took me so long. If they only knew. And if that weren't enough, I lost them on the freeway, in the dark, and I pull off the freeway to get my bearings. Of course, I hit a divider because it's too low to be a divider, by California standards. When I finally get to the Marriott, there's a lot of activity and I see volunteers piling into vehicles. I park the car in what seems to be the last parking space, which is all the way towards the back of the hotel. I approach the others and I'm being told we're leaving, to get in the car, but I want to know where my suitcase and bags are. Ray is very upset and wants to know where the car is. I had no idea we were going anywhere in the first place which is why I parked the car. I'm very concerned about my belongings. Were they moved from one car to another? Are they all together. I've been very careful with my laptop? Where is it? A woman, whom I never met, comes to me and asks what my bags look like, and she starts looking for them. Roger remembers what they look like so he tells me to get the car and he'll see which vehicle my bags ended up in. When I brought the car to the front of the hotel, I said it was imperative my bags be in the vehicle I end up in, because I know sometime in the near future, our vehicles and the people in them will separate and go in different directions. Before the caravan of van and cars drive off, Ray leans into the car I'm sitting in and apologizes to me. He said he was out of line, and was reacting to something that had happened to him earlier in the evening. I accepted his apology, and later when the caravan stopped at a gas station, he offers to buy me a cup of coffee, which I accept. Four hours later, and it is already midnight, we arrive at a church in Lufkin where we will spend the night. It's been an awfully long day, and I barely sleep. <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kwr0T12ZIoc/We5M-ekBHZI/AAAAAAAByJ0/ORKcvnK5ijI_b5ksq_fhVx4xrg__QLxRQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9245.JPG">
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                </a> <br> <strong>Saturday</strong><br> <strong>9-2-17</strong><br> Not able to sleep, I quietly grabbed my clothes and toothbrush and tiptoed to the restroom. When a shower is not available, baby or body wipes is the way to get as clean as you can. Deodorant is a must and talcum powder helps. I'm dressed and having my cup of coffee at 4:30 am and on my laptop at 5 am. I have to reply to an e-mail from the Red Cross asking why I need more money deposited on my Mission card. It's because of my forced hotel stays in Atlanta due to flooding at the Houston airports, and airport food that I had to buy because I'm stranded, and the fare that the rogue cabdriver charged me in Dallas. The lady on the other end of the phone pitied me and gave me money that I might need for the next week. In the end, I barely used the funds. What's left on the Mission card goes back to the Red Cross. My bags are packed and ready to go. We are ready to head out but we're told to stand by for a nurse who will join us. What seems like hours, the nurse Kelly shows up but there's another nurse with her. We only have room for one more person in the car. This other nurse wants to go with us so badly. Like us, she thinks there's still horrific flooding in Beaumont, and we all still think we're going to be airlifted there. Sadly, the other nurse drives away. By this time into our Red Cross journey, Janet and I had already shared how much we love Starbuck's Flat White coffee. We tried to get one at the Starbucks close by the Dallas Marriott Hotel where we stayed, but the coffee shop was closed due to the flood. So many businesses were closed. We tell each other that the next Starbucks we see off the freeway, we're going to get a Flat White because we are craving it! And we see one on our way to breakfast at the Cracker Barrel, but we didn't stop. On the way out, says Roger, we'll stop at Starbucks. He's the driver this morning.<br> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffeKq1BQAow/We5SeWosueI/AAAAAAAByKE/Ap7AQw_hckYhnNRcgnEvsitdMtaBmwDnACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9258.JPG">
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                </a> While we're waiting for our breakfasts, a woman behind me thanked us for our service. She had to evacuate her home and was staying at a Marriott nearby. She said many residents were in hotels. On the road now, we saw a Starbucks, missed the exit, saw Starbucks again, and missed that, too. When we get to Beaumont, we'll surely get our Flat White coffee then. But the only Starbucks we saw was also flooded out. As we drive through Hardin and Jefferson Counties, our vehicles are pelted with millions of bugs. Is it the heat that draws these bugs out, or the huge areas of standing floodwater? The bugs dirtied our car with their blood and guts. Disgusting. Besides Flat White coffee, Janice and I have something else in common, we love history. Every time we saw a historical marker on the side of the freeway, we'd point and say "I want to check it out", only to be ignored. And still later on, we learn that we both love to read - a lot. <br> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dRWpzGWdUkI/We5dMm9PuJI/AAAAAAAByKw/2ghHwKsauWUgadcgkGCN7LUs3bwfFXzbQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9325 %25281%2529.JPG">
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                    data-title="Hurricane Harvey - My Red Cross Deployment Diary"
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                </a> The morning drive from Houston to Jefferson County is uneventful. No floodwaters in sight, people are going about their business, but it's clear that pockets of businesses were affected by the hurricane because parking lots are empty. We see homes with lots of furniture, mattresses, drywall and other things piled up along the side of the road. <br> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9agx7yoKSk/WfIbQ217zAI/AAAAAAAByLs/iDvOLeT2nm4sGBEUCHcG7avBbr-ha4XJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9352.JPG">
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                </a> We report to the Red Cross headquarters in Beaumont to get our shelter assignment. Where's the huge flood we saw on TV the other day? And there's no helicopter. Bummer. We discuss how perhaps the media is misleading the people. Much of the floodwater is gone, but the damage, we will see later, is enormous. How will these people deal with life after the hurricane? I feel so sorry for them. Anyway, we are told to go to Port Arthur to assist in a huge shelter held in a large middle school. A Red Cross Mass Care team is already in place. The shelter community is spread throughout the campus, which is highly irregular. Normally, we keep clients together in one space like the gymnasium. It's easier to keep track of residents and their pets. It's a safety and liability thing. It's a hard community. Law enforcement is in place, as is the National Guard. What does that tell you? I overheard someone mention that illegal drugs were a problem there. After touring the facility, our team leader decided that we will not be a part of this shelter because he deemed it not safe. Besides, that shelter had all the support it needed. He asked for us to be assigned somewhere else. Meanwhile, we will hunker down for the night in Port Arthur, at a place called the The Shephard's Inn. Interesting place. The inn is a part of the Christian Life Crisis Intervention. Their website says the inn is "able to offer respite, relaxation and meals to families caught up in the criminal justice system, and to victims of personal and public disasters." We showed up and signed up for a room. The team was signing up for shared rooms. I asked for a single room, and got the last one of three. It was different, but I made myself at home pretty quick. Did I mention that there are no locks on the doors? And the showers are shared with others in your wing. Now those doors have locks! Another requirement is you must empty the trash can and clean the toilet and sink before you check out. The kitchen was loaded with bread, peanut butter and jam, Top Ramen noodles, cereal, milk and coffee. No charge. I slept so well. It was mostly Red Cross volunteers staying at the inn. <br> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1ZCMdGL7yU/WfIgojv_yLI/AAAAAAAByL8/D0swPWaQesgiIlfbAn6Ap8xOxPvMyCymwCLcBGAs/s1600/My room at the Shephard%2527s Inn%252C 2689 65th Street%252C Port Arthur%252C TX 77640.JPG">
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                    data-title="Hurricane Harvey - My Red Cross Deployment Diary"
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                </a> <br> <strong>Sunday</strong><br> <strong>9-3-17</strong><br> <br>Today is our laundry day. Kelly, Gladis and I need to find a laundromat, but Roger wants to be dropped off at headquarters first so he can check on when we are in getting into a shelter. We found a laundromat, and all machines were being used. It was a half hour before we would began our laundering. Roger calls me and says he's ready to be picked up, so Gladis and I leave while Kelly keeps an eye on our laundry. When we got to Roger, he says he's not ready to leave so Gladis and I go back to the laundromat, but it's not the right one. We're lost and we don't remember the name of our laundromat. While I check Google Maps, Gladis see a Mexican restaurant next door and they're open for business. Being hungry, we went to get a quick bite and sodas. Meanwhile, Kelly calls and says the laundry's done so I decided to save my leftover lunch for Kelly. She is grateful for the food. Gladis ate everything on her plate. Roger calls and says again to pick him up. Shoot, we have no food for him so we can't let him know we ate. That would be rude, but the car smells like tacos which we found hilarious for some reason. We began spraying the car with scented body spray, used hand sanitizer on our hands, and chewed gum. Then I pulled up to a residential garbage bin in a leafy neighborhood, and Kelly tossed her paper plate. Now we were ready to pick up Roger. Why didn't we just buy Kelly her own plate, and Roger, too? Because the owner of La Salsita was giving away free tacos. They had nothing else to serve because they had no water to cook. There was a severe shortage of good water. La Salsita had the leftover fixings for tacos and just wanted to give them away. They gave Gladis and I four tacos each. I didn't want to be greedy asking for more plates of food when there are people there who really have no food.<br> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKB4qRxTQW0/WfQZKtz7uRI/AAAAAAAByMU/b0I_93I2G5EllKp8FDRVnOuarl9aAh8qQCLcBGAs/s1600/Free 4 tacos and a bottle of water at La Salsitas Port in Beaumont.jpg">
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                </a> On the way to headquarters, we saw this happen. A Red Cross ERV (emergency response vehicle) team drove into a gas station, opened its doors, and stood around and waited. Slowly people appeared and quietly lined up to get their cases of water. Scenes like this were playing out all over Texas.<br> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCHbXhZ_D34/WfQZPbM9vXI/AAAAAAAByMc/0gV-CiQ2AVg5IlAfNGv_-776qy8x9T84wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9364.JPG">
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                    data-title="Hurricane Harvey - My Red Cross Deployment Diary"
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                </a> <br> <br>We get great news. We're to hurry up and pack our bags because we are being assigned to a shelter in Sour Lake. This is exciting! We wait for a van that will help transport the rest of us and our bags to this country community. We encounter many roadblocks due to flooded roads and highways but we figure it out.<br> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe8rS2dNDuQ/WfQZNYTl6OI/AAAAAAAByMg/GuD0kn3_szE7O4-hAOVzOck1D3day6rXACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4023%255B217%255D.PNG">
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                </a> <br> I totally missed this scene because I was squished in the back seat behind the driver, but those who saw it said they knew they were going to love being in Sour Lake when they saw two teen boys chasing after a little pooch running across the street. It was like s scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. It happens that the dog belonged to one of the clients in the shelter, which is in the community center pictured below. <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bgPR95GykuM/WfdlatW1cbI/AAAAAAAByTY/M8lY__pzImcHBpYS3P02bbKbwmi65JCWwCLcBGAs/s1600/Sour Lake Community Center.jpg">
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                </a> We park and enter the facility and meet the mayor, Bruce. He immediately lets us know that he runs the shelter, asks what took us so long to get there, and we are there to assist only, which is a common occurrence. Many local governments have their own emergency management and shelter operations teams. In some cases, they run into hardships and allow the Red Cross teams to take over. Everyone seems pretty nice but others in the team felt they weren't welcome. Anyway, I introduce myself to Sour Lake's elected mayor. He's been the mayor for years. He runs the shelter with the help of his wife, Renee, and his children and the shelter looks well-organized. He asks me what my nationality is and when I tell him I was born in the Philippines, he tells me he's half Filipino. Well, slap my head and call me silly, but that was so unexpected! How does a man born in Manila end up in a country town and has a southern accent? If I remember his story correctly, because I had to ask him a couple times to explain it to me, he was abducted by an angry family member and brought to the U.S. when he was a baby. He grew up in Beaumont, and that's where he met his lovely and vivacious wife. From that first conversation on, Bruce will refer to me as his Filipino buddy. <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bUZr6mRwWek/WfV1HXjIOjI/AAAAAAAByOo/kSqGzA2I6ZYwHIOsSIdEqgYB3GuOmf2RACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9467.JPG">
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                </a> He also has a commanding voice. When he calls your name, you almost want to salute him and follow orders! After we got settled in our staff shelter, which is the children's wing of the First Baptist Church, Roger tells us that tomorrow we're to ditch our red disaster vests. Don't wear the vests, but do wear the Red Cross photo ID lanyards. <br> <strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9-4-17</strong> I woke up early and walked .3 miles to the Sour Lake Community Center. That's a two minute walk. It's still dark out but I feel completely safe. I hear something snort and it's a white horse. It walked up to me at the fence and we practically stood nose-to-nose, then it put its check next to my check. So gentle. So magical! <br> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gk_4_Jwxt6g/WfVb8D5NwGI/AAAAAAAByNE/geA2hMI_zVEWLXxl-_ZuA-PQQIxYo99uwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9376.JPG">
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                </a> The kids at the shelter named it Rain. I don't know why, but every day I will visit Rain. One day, Rain breaks out of his small corral and the guys chase after him like they did the dog the day we arrived to Sour Lake. Next to the community center is the enormous garage-turned-animal shelter. I go there every morning to see how the animals are doing. Their owners live in the shelter, and volunteers help to care for the animals.<br> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWrV7LAobNM/WfVcLH62L6I/AAAAAAAByNI/0tAnBQ5xYA8E70wLkaREdDkZ4V0MPQQvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9367.JPG">
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                </a> Shelter resident Tina Coudraird volunteered to run the animal shelter.<br><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U74PksKtmbI/WfVclFBgCLI/AAAAAAAByNY/o976aj3UfE0VMKhRdkPZCubfh19u9D9VQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9369.JPG">
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                </a><br>This is Brittany with Midnight. Later in the week she turned Sweet 16 and we surprised her with a birthday party! Below, J.P. Harris and his dog Max.<br><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD1FwCl60Zk/WfVcnF12FRI/AAAAAAAByNc/r8lmEH0hzhE0I8VcI4_AHihCrkJU6B8DACLcBGAs/s1600/J.P. Farris %2526 his dog Max.JPG">
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                </a><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Roger tells me that today is my day off. If you're on duty for seven days, you get one day off. Cool! I ask if I can have the car for the day and he said I earned it. All right now! I discovered yesterday that I left my Croc sandals and shower slippers at the Shepherd Inn and I need to purchase replacements. The nearest town would be Beaumont, 30 minutes out of town. Bruce the mayor said to be careful because it's not a safe town. Really? Well, it didn't stop me and I used my GPS to find the highway. I pass homes that are being cleaned out and see some flooded areas. <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDA3_v6gtB4/WfVjuKoeRuI/AAAAAAAByNw/pet9t_eOtAk8sB_yx1v0MDinXgf_7U6CwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9394.JPG">
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                </a> I see the sign to the freeway and the police had barricaded the road. Sections of the 105 are flooded, they say. How do I get around the flooded areas, I asked, I need to get to Beaumont. They gave me directions but I was getting nowhere. I wasted two hours literally driving around in circles hitting a roadblock here and a roadblock there. I drove back into Sour Lake and hit up every little shop that was open to look for sandals. These shops were lucky if they had socks to sell. Then I saw a dollar store. If all I end up with are flipflops, so be it. I chose a red, white and blue pair to be patriotic. People helping people in America. <br> <strong>Tuesday</strong> <strong>9-5-17</strong> As usual, I leave the staff shelter at 6:30 am and head on over to the community center. Roger tells me that he's taking the car to Beaumont and will be at headquarters all day long to take care of business. He tells me I'm in charge now and gives me names and phone numbers I might need. Not a problem. He told me to make sure the team stays busy and mentioned particular tasks that need to be completed. I relay that message to three of the staff members I find sitting at a table, one of them on her cell phone. She loves taking selfies and thinks calling people an a**hole is cute. She's a good person, though, and the youngest one on the team. Two of the ladies looked awfully tired, and should be, because they had come out of the graveyard shift. Anyway, I relayed Roger's request, and told them to get some rest, and they became snippy. Later, I asked the young one if there was a problem that I should be aware of. Her response is she and the other two ladies felt I was being bossy. Really, ladies? I was only concerned for their well-being. I had no time for this crap and my responsibilities took precedence over silly behavior. I decide to chat with some of the clients. It's important to connect with them, show them we care. This is Alex, a very important client and disabled veteran. Bruce, the mayor, wants all shelter residents to help with chores in keeping the shelter clean and organized. Working registration is the best Alex can help with.<br><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WvS_pWy4OU/WfWKWVHS8dI/AAAAAAAByRY/LMgQU2amvCQI_bnV3PFNvoeiGNreQjRRwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9405.JPG">
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                </a> He likes to sit at the registration table. His job is to make sure everyone in the shelter signs in and signs out. Even Red Cross staffers. He loves working graveyard shifts. Alex had only minutes to evacuate his home. He thought he'd be safe in his home during the storm, but the sudden rush of floodwater alerted him that it was time to move. It took just minutes for the water to reach his elevated porch. He says he pretty much lost everything. <br> Later in the evening when Roger asked how everything went, I told him of the "minor situation" with a few of the ladies. "We need to get more guys on the team," says Roger. Kelly and I chuckle. Tonight is the night Janet and I will work graveyard. We sit at the registration table in the lobby. We straighten out the clothing distribution table, and she keeps handing me books that she thinks I'd love to read. Janet inspires me. She's 83 years old, and has the soul of a 25 year old. She's funny, a SoCal girl (lives in Riverside), and loves to flirt with men of all ages and they all love her because she's so darn cute and hilarious. She's also a hard worker and carries the true spirit of the American Red Cross, which is why I want to be like Janet when I grow up. <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uh5qYIoJwBk/WfV8hufJd6I/AAAAAAAByO4/4RD7oTIhvYwLL0zQzoOZNLxndEnQGNZOwCLcBGAs/s1600/22045658_1761789703831746_2768037536028960885_n.jpg">
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                </a> <br> <strong>Wednesday</strong> <strong>9-6-17</strong> Graveyard shift ended at 7am. I went back to the church to wash up and sleep. I think I slept till 3:30 pm or so. I decided to take photos of my surroundings on my walk back to the community center. But first, this is a picture of my sleeping quarters. Having a lit candle makes me feel at home. I always pack a candle and book in my suitcase. <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yrNdOofSOw/WfWB3IdgUVI/AAAAAAAByPQ/dSS6sn4iEs8QNXqc-ScTHTorPrU6kEldgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9409.JPG">
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                </a><br> Janet showed me a puppy that belongs to one of the shelter clients. I just had to have cuddle time with this furry baby. <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8lqwFFQ5ObA/WfWCvyMKFlI/AAAAAAAByQg/9BEG4nGnXYwiNHOss6eleYWMZ9B6t3b-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9431.JPG">
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                </a> <br> Remember the day Roger was gone the entire day, and Kelly the nurse was with him, too? They were at headquarters making phone calls, reaching out to community partners seeking donations of all kinds - personal care items, clothing, cots, blankets, pillows, MREs (meal, ready to eat), bleach, shovels, rakes, garbage bags, you name it. This supplemented what the Red Cross was able to provide the clients with donated funds. This was one of two trucks that came to deliver goods. Way to go, Roger and Kelly! <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfk4f0HHp-w/WfWKRgImcwI/AAAAAAAByRM/H8_0wsOJSxYeQX9a9wd_ZC8EAcaGO3LSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9397.JPG">
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                </a> Inside the community center, we watch CNN a lot on the television to see where Hurricane Irma is headed. Three of our team members are very concerned. Their homes are likely to be in its path. Two are from Wilmington, North Carolina and the other from Georgia. They decide they will process-out and go home. Roger tells me that when he leaves, I will be the shelter manager. He calls Staffing to send replacement shelter workers, and they should be men because of all the heavy items needing to be moved. I'm doing my share of lifting, but some of those boxes are almost as tall as I am. <br> <strong>Thursday</strong> <strong>9-7-17</strong> Roger, Joe and Jeannie are leaving today. It's sad to see them go, but they must get back to their families and possibly prepare for the worst of the hurricane weather. I check my e-mails and find an e-mail from Emily, Communications Director from the San Diego headquarters of the Red Cross. She wants to know if I can do a live interview from the shelter with San Diego Fox5 News. But that was for yesterday. I said if there was a chance to do a live interview in the future, I'd do it. Joe and I go over some paperwork and Kelly announces she's going to process-out. She wants to volunteer abroad on one of the islands hit by the hurricane. She has her passport and she's gone. The last I heard, she was still in Miami unable to get out due to Hurricane Irma. Joe is ready to leave. We take a photo and he tells me to stop by the fire station some time today for some great photo ops because the Mennonites are there serving breakfast. They came all the way from Tennessee, I soon found out. <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AIofAJj42Y/WfWR6P-eUGI/AAAAAAAByRk/qBHt381FAzMaY7WFf5A6QLNcGG0ueuC3QCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender %252812%2529.jpg">
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                </a> <br> Before I go back to the community center, I take a stroll through Sour Lake's historic center. It's the cutest four street corners I've ever seen. <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3_xlC-k7SkI/WfWWV-q_6tI/AAAAAAABySU/jUHhA1NAXwwRHPLRebQcz6UFT0iwqX27QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9451.JPG">
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                </a> <br> <br> Joe, Jeannie and Roger are ready to begin their journey home. We, Bruce and his family gather for one "family photo". I am fully in charge today and everyone comes together as a team. No complaints and everyone's using their muscles to move huge boxes of donated stuff from storage to the main floor of the community center for distribution. <br> <br><strong>Friday</strong><br> <strong>9-8-17</strong><br> I'm up before sunrise. Before I grab a cup of coffee, I stop by the animal shelter to count the numbers of dogs and cats. I also include Rain, the horse, in the count. Then I go to the registration table to check the report for the number of clients that slept in the shelter overnight. That gives me a clue as to the number of meals I will order today, and I jack up the number a little bit for additional people who might need food and water. The meals will arrive by ERV.<br> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdAhTsPFXfY/WfdtY5h2HGI/AAAAAAAByTo/v9s_WdMXHy0EcagnueVaI5wq3Si8NYP5QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9508.JPG">
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                </a> I take a break later on to check out the small public library, where the librarian was so nice to let me make photocopies of forms, for as long as I needed to. Next door to the library was the jail, from long ago days.<br> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpJttwOZNo4/WfdvXuyExRI/AAAAAAAByT4/ITf6lk6mWrkD5rHC5sz3fYmIgZFiMuj2wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9520.JPG">
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                </a> And next to the jail is a Texas Historical Commission marker commemorating the beginning of Sour Lake's oil industry. <br> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cj9IaQ128P8/WfdwmdXKLUI/AAAAAAAByUU/QCaPayhGsZYP6G_NxFS62Lv4m2EqI4HOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9518.JPG">
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                </a> Our animal shelter is in the the large building behind the oil rig. Later in the morning, I came to the realization that my two week deployment was up today. It was time for me to prepare to process-out. I informed Janet, the next person who would be in line to supervise. Then I got a call from the Red Cross in San Diego. Fox5 News wants to interview me this morning. Can I go live in an hour? I've never been interviewed by a news station, so I am understandably nervous. But I drop everything and prepare myself for the interview. Emily, the communications director for the San Diego Red Cross is there to guide me. I practice how I might answer some questions. But my heart is racing, and I tell myself to just be myself, breathe and whatever I say, to stay on point and be brief. Minutes before we go live on the news, I feel like I want to vomit, then decide I'm just thirsty and choose water over Coca Cola, of which I had both right in front of me. The phone call comes and Emily patches me on with Fox5, then someone from the news station tells me to stand by and how many seconds I and the news anchors will be live on TV. Nerve-wracking! The interview went well but I did get a little emotional in the end and couldn't complete my sentence. Embarassing. Emily, my family and friends were so impressed, though, and said I did a great job. Now I hand over my papers to Janice, head back to the church to pack my bags, then return to the community center to say goodbye. Everyone wants to take pictures. <br> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OpCIaadahjM/WfeNvDYVMpI/AAAAAAAByVw/bQhNlZ78O18QWAnpuwmbP_so-5-gryPbwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9645.JPG">
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                </a> Renee, the mayor's wife, has her sister drive me to Beaumont. There I will process-out and go home tomorrow morning. I cannot wait to see my family and to sleep in my own bed. When Gerry picks me up at the airport tomorrow, he will treat me to a Mexican dinner which is what I was craving, and my son, his girlfriend, and my daughter and her family will come over to welcome me home. I dozed off in my chair during the family get-together. I was so exhausted. <br> <br>Here are more photos that the Red Cross Team and I took:<br> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpA8wblGfik/Wfd7JYFt7dI/AAAAAAAByUs/9lyZmGmWPHA7fUxzsFod-p-YWps5NpRcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9524.JPG">
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                </a><br>Staff shelter at the Beaumont Civic Center<br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw-_HnaIUiA/Wfd9BhqRKlI/AAAAAAAByVA/vTuW9IN22cYZg-FaxibYi4d7ymPruSNAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9584.JPG">
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                </a><br>One of many critters destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.<br><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FGxXBU3z0A/Wfd9sxIZF2I/AAAAAAAByVI/EXptU_dlqWwngsbnPPyL3-VTwWXMabTdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9604.JPG">
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                </a> I hope you enjoyed reading about my two-week adventure as a Red Cross disaster responder. <br> <em>In what ways would you like to help your community?</em> <em><br></em> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cdDEZUZ0hw/WYSBF__1qRI/AAAAAAABxvA/Q4f-CfcaNigoXYUDBfpE4lNo_jiFtWW0wCLcBGAs/s1600/mariesig.png">
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  <script type="text/javascript">
    window.blclient = window.blclient || {};
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    window.blclient.data = {"blog_id":"12967359","postID":"5962871467","referrer_context":null,"largePostData":{"post_id":"5962871467","blog_id":"12967359","read":"unread","cache":true,"link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2017\/10\/hurricane-harvey-my-red-cross.html","content":"Photo Credit:\u00a0 Red Cross TeamI\u0027ve been home for two months now after volunteering in disaster relief from Hurricane Harvey. So many friends and family have asked about the things I saw there in Texas, what kind of work I did, was I in a lot of pain with rheumatoid arthritis, was I able to get a lot of rest, was I able to eat well, and the questions don\u0027t stop there.  The best way for me to answer these questions is to just share everything in the form of a diary. \u00a0Any photos I share here belong to me and my Red Cross team. \u00a0There was so much photo-sharing going on that I lost track of which photo belonged to whom, so I\u0027ll just give photo credit as \u0022Red Cross Team\u0022.  Friday August 25, 2017 I\u0027d been watching the news about Hurricane Harvey the last few days. \u00a0When it made landfall in south Texas, I thought will Cathy call me to deploy? \u00a0Well, she did call me in the late morning. \u00a0She said something along the lines that she felt bad she couldn\u0027t deploy me to Yosemite a few weeks earlier because the San Diego American Red Cross (SDARC) wanted to keep their new shelter supervisors in town in the event we had our own fires. \u00a0She asked if I could deploy to Houston this evening. \u00a0I admit that my heart skipped a few beats because deploying is a huge deal. \u00a0It means being away from my family, seeing disaster in the aftermath, the uncertainty of shelter conditions, where will I be sleeping, so much going through my head in milliseconds! \u00a0I told Cathy I\u0027d get back to her. \u00a0I wanted Gerry to know the deal before I gave her my answer. \u00a0While Gerry understands my need to do this type of volunteer work, he does worry a great deal about my safety. \u00a0I\u0027m so very thankful that he supports me 100%. \u00a0Of course, Gerry said okay. \u00a0I phoned Cathy back and said I needed 48 hours to take care of things at home, and to pack. \u00a0I needed to let my siblings know that I\u0027d be gone for two weeks, and that I wouldn\u0027t be able to do my share of tasks where my 89-year old mom\u0027s care is concerned. Packing my bags was easy.\u00a0  Saturday August 26, 2017 Gerry and I awoke early, and we went to CVS and the ATM. I purchased basic personal care items in travel sizes, and got pocket money for things that my Mission Card would not take care of. \u00a0A Mission Card is a debit card loaded with $450. This is donated money for my food, lodging, land transportation and for necessities like medication. \u00a0This had to last me two weeks. \u00a0When it came to packing, I used a medium-size suitcase.\u00a0 \u00a0For Hurricane Matthew last fall, I brought a large suitcase. Big mistake. This time, I brought one convertible pant and a boyfriend-cut pair of shorts, sandals, shower slippers, magazines and a book, glasses, personal care items, two pairs of undergarments, a pair of socks. \u00a0That\u0027s it. \u00a0Oh, and my executive notebook in case I ended up being a shelter supervisor. \u00a0I had a difficult time getting a good night\u0027s sleep.  Sunday August 27, 2017 I\u0027m at the airport early in the morning for a 10:43am departure on American but when I show up at the ticket counter, I\u0027m told that I had been re-ticketed to an earlier flight, which I already missed. That flight left at 6:30am. Apparently, the Red Cross travel agent was trying to get me into Houston as early as possible, so when a seat opened up on the 6:30am flight, she put me on that plane, except I did not get the message. \u00a0The travel agent now re-routes me to a Delta flight that has me going to SAN-LAX-MSP-IAH. \u00a0That\u0027s departing San Diego at 7:51pm, and arriving Houston Bush International at 10:18am tomorrow. \u00a0When I hand over my ticket to the gate agent for the flight to LAX, she tells me I\u0027ve been diverted to a later flight, and makes a comment that \u0022it looks like the Red Cross is trying to get you into Houston as early as possible\u0022. \u00a0So now I\u0027m on an evening flight to Atlanta that has me arriving at 5:39am the next day. \u00a0  Monday August 28, 2017 My flight arrives in Atlanta on time. \u00a0I immediately make my way to the hotel shuttle pick-up area. Gerry earlier made arrangements for my early check-in at the Fairfield Inn by the Airport so I wouldn\u0027t have to sit around at the airport for my regular check-in time at the hotel. \u00a0I\u0027m in my room by 6:30am. But before I do anything else, I head back to the lobby dining area and have the complimentary breakfast. \u00a0It\u0027s tastes all right, and I am grateful to have food because I know having a full tummy will help me to sleep better.\u00a0 After a real nice sleep, I debate what to do for dinner. There are no restaurants nearby. \u00a0I decide to take the shuttle back to the airport to pick up some good eats. \u00a0I spend the rest of the evening reading and watching CNN. \u00a0Rain is now pounding Houston. \u00a0It looks real bad.  Tuesday August 29, 2017 After breakfast, I\u0027m back in my room watching the news and gathering my stuff because I\u0027m flying out today.\u00a0 Then I\u0027m notified that my flight to Houston is cancelled. Both major airports are now closed due to flooding. \u00a0I call Red Cross Staffing and tell them I do not care to sit in my room another day. \u00a0I ask if I can just rent a car and drive into Texas as close as I can get to Houston. They said it\u0027s not safe to drive. \u00a0Staffing tells me to call the travel agent and they book me on a flight to Dallas. \u00a0I\u0027m to stay in Dallas until further notice. \u00a0My Dallas flight is full. \u00a0I notice a lot of people in uniform, maybe Army or National Guard.\u00a0Towards the end of the flight, the flight attendant gets on the PA and asks if there is a doctor on board, and suddenly hands are raised, and a couple of people rush to the forward cabin. \u00a0My seatmate was one of those who raised his hand. \u00a0I thought there\u0027s no way this kid\u0027s a doctor. \u00a0He looked so young. Turns out he\u0027s an EMT and is a member of a New Jersey group that volunteers their time to disaster relief. They were on the plane, too.\u00a0 Meet Pierre! This flight was full of disaster responders. \u00a0As we deplaned, nearly everyone wished each other to stay safe and well. \u00a0I\u0027m often asked how I know what to do when I deploy? \u00a0Well, we receive lots of training which happens over the course of many classes, workshops and hands-on exercises.\u00a0 It took me several months to complete the required courses.\u00a0 When we deploy, on a daily basis and a few times a day, a volunteer will receive e-mails and phone calls from an Emergency Mass Notification System on what we are to do, step by step. The phone calls always follows the e-mails.\u00a0 It\u0027s important that we respond accordingly, that we received the message.\u00a0 After I exited the airport terminal, my directions said to take a taxi to the Holiday Inn, just a little walk from the Dallas Red Cross headquarters. \u00a0I got in the cab at the front of the line of cabs waiting for customers. \u00a0This driver seemed nice and was talkative. \u00a0I had no idea that while he was talking, he was jacking up my cab fare. \u00a0What should\u0027ve been about a $40 fare, turned out to be exactly $93. \u00a0I should\u0027ve remembered what I said in a\u00a0blog post dated August 28, 2014. \u00a0I\u0027m not in the habit of taking taxis so I am not aware of what taxis would normally cost. \u00a0Do your research next time, I tell myself.\u00a0\u00a0I checked in to my room and met my roommate. Yes, we have to room with other volunteers.\u00a0 Men and women always room separately.\u00a0 No one gets their own room.\u00a0 Joni is not a responder like me. Her skill set lies in finance.\u00a0  Wednesday\u00a0 8-30-17 I report to Dallas headquarters to attend a mandatory Orientation class. \u00a0After orientation, we process-in and wait to be assigned to a shelter in Dallas. \u00a0I\u0027m bummed because I want to be in Houston, but there\u0027s no way in. \u00a0On CNN, I see people wading in waist-high water. \u00a0Their homes are ruined, and I want to be there to help. \u00a0As I stare at the Staffing board, I\u0027m totally dumbfounded. What the hell am I looking at? \u00a0One of the guys from the orientation made a comment about Post-It notes. \u00a0Yes, where are the Post-It notes? \u00a0When I worked Hurricane Matthew in the Carolinas, that\u0027s how it was done. \u00a0Each Post-It represented a shelter. \u00a0Written on it would be the staffing positions (shelter manager, shelter supervisor, shelter associate, and feeding) \u00a0Names and cell phone numbers of volunteers were then filled in.\u00a0 The Post-Its remain on the huge board, the teams write down the information on their little notebooks, and off we go to our shelters. When a shelter closes, the Post-It is taken off the board and tucked away. \u00a0A digital copy of the shelter teams are also kept for headquarters. \u00a0I decided I was not going to work in Dallas. \u00a0I was determined to get to Houston. The guy who stood with me at the board? \u00a0He decided to remain in Dallas to volunteer his IT talents to create and maintain Excel sign-up sheets for Staffing. By late morning, a lot more volunteers showed up. \u00a0There was a group from Mexico, the Cruz Roja Mexicana. They function 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. \u00a0Like the American and Canadian Red Cross, it assists at disasters, but additionally acts as an Emergency Medical Service. \u00a0By Mexican law, it is the only organization, outside of big cities, authorized to render first aid to anyone injured in an auto accident or in the commission of a crime. Members of this team came from Tijuana, Tampico and Chihuahua. \u00a0All of the volunteers waited hours for shelter assignments. \u00a0While I waited for mine, I was invited to join a group at their table.\u00a0 For the next couple of hours, we bonded and found a job to do, and that was to sort through bags and boxes of donated shoes and clothing for the Salvation Army.\u00a0\u00a0 It was during this time that we decided we would stay together as a group and be a team of eight.\u00a0 There was Ray, the Shelter Manager, then Roger who was Shelter Supervisor, and the rest of us as associates. It wasn\u0027t long before we heard an announcement to gather in the next room.\u00a0 We are told to pick a day - tomorrow or the following day - to take a bus into Houston.\u00a0 I told Roger to move in through the crowd to the table where the sign-up sheets were.\u00a0 He had no choice, we had to be first on the list.\u00a0 It\u0027s what I used to tell my kids when they were young.\u00a0 Be the first to answer a question.\u00a0 Act quickly.\u00a0 Just do it!\u00a0 I kept whispering we have to be first on the list, but shoot, someone was already signing up on tomorrow\u0027s list.\u00a0 I motioned for the others to get in close behind me. Take the pen, I told Roger, but he didn\u0027t move fast enough and before I knew it, I was writing my name down to be #2 on the list.\u00a0 Number 1 on the list turned out to be one of our team members.\u00a0 Good job, Randy!\u00a0 I didn\u0027t recognize him from where I stood because his baseball cap covered his face.\u00a0 Good for him!\u00a0 I handed the pen over to Roger, and the other team members signed up right behind him.\u00a0 I returned to the other room to continue sorting through clothes, smiling and feeling pleased with myself.\u00a0\u00a0  Thursday 8-31-17 I\u0027m so excited to be getting on a bus going to Houston.\u00a0 No more sitting around.\u00a0 I am finally going to a shelter! Our bus of Red Cross volunteers made a stop at Walmart in Ennis, 25 minutes south of Dallas and home of the \u0022Official Blue Bonnet Trail in Texas\u0022, so we could purchase for ourselves what we need in our shelter.\u00a0 An employee approached me and thanked me for my service, and gave me the biggest hug.\u00a0 She said I was \u0022so wonderful and God bless you.\u0022\u00a0 It\u0027s very heartwarming to hear those words.\u00a0 I bought a bag of throat lozenges because my throat was feeling kind of scratchy.\u00a0 Probably due to weather and stale air in hotel rooms.\u00a0 The temperature was 90 degrees. Afterwards, I and two others ran across the street to a Starbucks.\u00a0 We had 15 minutes to get back on the bus. I had a big goal to purchase a Texas mug.\u00a0 I collect those state mugs.\u00a0 Four down, 46 more to go!\u00a0 I should\u0027ve started this hobby as soon as the You Are Here Collection came out.\u00a0 Now I\u0027ll have to resort to Amazon to collect mugs to states I\u0027ve already visited. The cashier gave me her partner discount and thanked me for going to Houston to help out.\u00a0 Her discount saved me $3.29.\u00a0 What a nice lady.\u00a0 A truck hauling a boat pulled up next to our bus in the Walmart parking lot.\u00a0\u00a0 Definitely a volunteer water rescuer.\u00a0 All the way from . . .\u00a0  Photo Credit:\u00a0 Red Cross TeamLater on we will stop in Madisonville to have lunch at\u00a0 Buc-ee\u0027s, and to pick up last-minute items like pillows and mattress pads for the cots we sleep on.\u00a0 I already have an awesome flannel inflatable standard-size pillow, and decide that I\u0027m going to be a tough gal and don\u0027t need to have a cushy bed to sleep on.\u00a0 I\u0027d done tons of camping trips in my life and didn\u0027t always have a cot mattress.\u00a0 If you\u0027ve never been inside a Buc-ee\u0027s, it\u0027s like a 7-Eleven store on steroids.\u00a0 They sell awesome food to take out, artsy-craftsy items, very nice souvenirs, lots of snacks and candy, and drinks of all kinds.\u00a0\u00a0 With full bellies, we board the bus and we\u0027re off to Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush International Airport, where we will overnight, but once we get there, we learn there\u0027s no room for us.\u00a0 Who knows what happened.\u00a0 We are then sent to downtown Dallas to overnight at another Marriott. Lodging isn\u0027t always this nice, but this Marriott sure makes up for some of the places I\u0027ve had to sleep in!\u00a0 Here\u0027s a photo of downtown Dallas from the freeway.  Now click on the link to see what this freeway looked like two days earlier.\u00a0 Unbelievable!\u00a0 The downtown photo is below the map.\u00a0 The blue dots on the map are road closures in and around Houston. Where did the floodwaters go?\u00a0 It continues to flow, and as it moves on and slowly dries up, the shelter locations close or move, too.  Friday 9-1-17 Harvey pummeled southwest Texas with rain from August 26-30.\u00a0 It moved slowly resulting in catastrophic flooding.\u00a0Numerous flash flood emergencies were issued for the Houston and Beaumont, Texas, metropolitan areas.\u00a0 We\u0027re shocked at what we\u0027re seeing on CNN as we sit in the lounge area of our hotel.\u00a0 Beaumont is now completely under water, and the Texas National Guard is descending on the city to perform water rescue, but I also heard on the news that the National Guard was there to prevent looting.\u00a0 Ray, my team\u0027s supervisor, talks to someone at the Beaumont Red Cross headquarters.\u00a0 He tells them we want to go into Beaumont.\u00a0 Word is we\u0027re going in.\u00a0 The National Guard is going to airlift us into Beaumont!\u00a0 It\u0027s an extreme hardship situation, says headquarters.\u00a0 I am blown out of my mind.\u00a0 This is turning into an adventure, and I post about it on Facebook.\u00a0\u00a0 Photo Credit:\u00a0 Red Cross TeamEarlier in the day, Dallas headquarters asked that three members of our team go to Avis at the airport to each rent a car. Headquarters always needs a supply of cars for incoming volunteers.\u00a0 The cars are not donations from Avis.\u00a0 The Red Cross pays for them through charitable donations.\u00a0 There was a long line of people at Avis.\u00a0 A lady and her father are at the counter looking to rent a car.\u00a0 When they\u0027re told the price of the rental, the lady asks for a large discount because they had just lost their home, and everything in it.\u00a0 She also lost her car, and she needed a car to get to work.\u00a0 Avis couldn\u0027t help and the lady pleaded for some kindness and charity.\u00a0 She left in tears.\u00a0 I couldn\u0027t get her words out of my head, and my heart was hurting for her.\u00a0 I remember saying to Joe, my teammate, if I had a million dollars, I\u0027d buy her a car.\u00a0 Minutes later, Joe quietly said to me that he\u0027d watch my paperwork if I needed to step outside.\u00a0 I stepped outside, turned the corner of the building and cried a little bit.\u00a0 What felt like hours later, we each had a car and it\u0027s already nightfall.\u00a0 Damn, we\u0027re going to be driving in the dark, all the way back into Dallas.\u00a0 I lived in Dallas for two years, a very long time ago.\u00a0 I didn\u0027t like the way the freeway exits and entrances were set up back then, and I could see that nothing\u0027s changed.\u00a0 I walk to the back of the lot to collect my car rental.\u00a0 It has a push button ignition.\u00a0 I\u0027m not familiar with that kind of car.\u00a0 Starting it was no problem, but releasing the brakes was really giving me a sh***y time.\u00a0 I couldn\u0027t see anyone around who could help me, and all the while I\u0027m touching every contraption trying to figure out how to release the brakes.\u00a0 Finally, by accident, I did it!\u00a0 I drive to the front of the lot, and the guys ask what took me so long.\u00a0 If they only knew.\u00a0 And if that weren\u0027t enough, I lost them on the freeway, in the dark, and I pull off the freeway to get my bearings.\u00a0 Of course, I hit a divider because it\u0027s too low to be a divider, by California standards.\u00a0 When I finally get to the Marriott, there\u0027s a lot of activity and I see volunteers piling into vehicles.\u00a0 I park the car in what seems to be the last parking space, which is all the way towards the back of the hotel.\u00a0 I approach the others and I\u0027m being told we\u0027re leaving, to get in the car, but I want to know where my suitcase and bags are.\u00a0 Ray is very upset and wants to know where the car is.\u00a0 I had no idea we were going anywhere in the first place which is why I parked the car.\u00a0 I\u0027m very concerned about my belongings.\u00a0 Were they moved from one car to another?\u00a0 Are they all together.\u00a0 I\u0027ve been very careful with my laptop?\u00a0 Where is it?\u00a0\u00a0A woman, whom I never met, comes to me and asks what my bags look like, and she starts looking for them.\u00a0 Roger remembers what they look like so he tells me to get the car and he\u0027ll see which vehicle my bags ended up in.\u00a0 When I brought the car to the front of the hotel, I said it was imperative my bags be in the vehicle I end up in, because I know sometime in the near future, our vehicles and the people in them will separate and go in different directions.\u00a0 Before the caravan of van and cars drive off, Ray leans into the car I\u0027m sitting in and apologizes to me.\u00a0 He said he was out of line, and was reacting to something that had happened to him earlier in the evening.\u00a0 I accepted his apology, and later when the caravan stopped at a gas station, he offers to buy me a cup of coffee, which I accept.\u00a0 Four hours later, and it is already midnight, we arrive at a church in Lufkin where we will spend the night.\u00a0 It\u0027s been an awfully long day, and I barely sleep.\u00a0\u00a0 Saturday 9-2-17 Not able to sleep, I quietly grabbed my clothes and toothbrush and tiptoed to the restroom.\u00a0 When a shower is not available, baby or body wipes is the way to get as clean as you can.\u00a0 Deodorant is a must and talcum powder helps.\u00a0 I\u0027m dressed and having my cup of coffee at 4:30 am and on my laptop at 5 am.\u00a0 I have to reply to an e-mail from the Red Cross asking why I need more money deposited on my Mission card.\u00a0 It\u0027s because of my forced hotel stays in Atlanta due to flooding at the Houston airports, and airport food that I had to buy because I\u0027m stranded, and the fare that the rogue cabdriver charged me in Dallas.\u00a0 The lady on the other end of the phone pitied me and gave me money that I might need for the next week.\u00a0 In the end, I barely used the funds.\u00a0 What\u0027s left on the Mission card goes back to the Red Cross.\u00a0 My bags are packed and ready to go.\u00a0 \u00a0We are ready to head out but we\u0027re told to stand by for a nurse who will join us.\u00a0 What seems like hours, the nurse Kelly shows up but there\u0027s another nurse with her.\u00a0 We only have room for one more person in the car. This other nurse wants to go with us so badly.\u00a0 Like us, she thinks there\u0027s still horrific flooding in Beaumont, and we all still think we\u0027re going to be airlifted there.\u00a0 Sadly, the other nurse drives away.\u00a0 By this time into our Red Cross journey, Janet and I had already shared how much we love Starbuck\u0027s Flat White coffee.\u00a0 We tried to get one at the Starbucks close by the Dallas Marriott Hotel where we stayed, but the coffee shop was closed due to the flood.\u00a0 So many businesses were closed.\u00a0 We tell each other that the next Starbucks we see off the freeway, we\u0027re going to get a Flat White because we are craving it!\u00a0 And we see one on our way to breakfast at the Cracker Barrel, but we didn\u0027t stop.\u00a0 On the way out, says Roger, we\u0027ll stop at Starbucks.\u00a0 He\u0027s the driver this morning. While we\u0027re waiting for our breakfasts, a woman behind me thanked us for our service.\u00a0 She had to evacuate her home and was staying at a Marriott nearby.\u00a0 She said many residents were in hotels.\u00a0 On the road now, we saw a Starbucks, missed the exit, saw Starbucks again, and missed that, too.\u00a0 When we get to Beaumont, we\u0027ll surely get our Flat White coffee then.\u00a0 But the only Starbucks we saw was also flooded out.\u00a0 As we drive through Hardin and Jefferson Counties, our vehicles are pelted with millions of bugs.\u00a0 Is it the heat that draws these bugs out, or the huge areas of standing floodwater?\u00a0 The bugs dirtied our car with their blood and guts.\u00a0 Disgusting.\u00a0 Besides Flat White coffee, Janice and I have something else in common, we love history.\u00a0 Every time we saw a historical marker on the side of the freeway, we\u0027d point and say \u0022I want to check it out\u0022, only to be ignored.\u00a0 And still later on, we learn that we both love to read - a lot.\u00a0\u00a0    The morning drive from Houston to Jefferson County is uneventful.\u00a0 No floodwaters in sight, people are going about their business, but it\u0027s clear that pockets of businesses were affected by the hurricane because parking lots are empty.\u00a0 We see homes with lots of furniture, mattresses, drywall and other things piled up along the side of the road.\u00a0 We report to the Red Cross headquarters in Beaumont to get our shelter assignment.\u00a0 Where\u0027s the huge flood we saw on TV the other day?\u00a0 And there\u0027s no helicopter.\u00a0 Bummer.\u00a0 We discuss how perhaps the media is misleading the people.\u00a0 Much of the floodwater is gone, but the damage, we will see later, is enormous.\u00a0 How will these people deal with life after the hurricane?\u00a0 I feel so sorry for them.\u00a0 Anyway, we are told to go to Port Arthur to assist in a huge shelter held in a large middle school.\u00a0 A Red Cross Mass Care team is already in place.\u00a0 The shelter community is spread throughout the campus, which is highly irregular.\u00a0 Normally, we keep clients together in one space like the gymnasium.\u00a0 It\u0027s easier to keep track of residents and their pets.\u00a0 It\u0027s a safety and liability thing.\u00a0 It\u0027s a hard community.\u00a0 Law enforcement is in place, as is the National Guard.\u00a0 What does that tell you?\u00a0 I overheard someone mention that illegal drugs were a problem there.\u00a0 After touring the facility, our team leader decided that we will not be a part of this shelter because he deemed it not safe.\u00a0 Besides, that shelter had all the support it needed.\u00a0 He asked for us to be\u00a0 assigned somewhere else.\u00a0 Meanwhile, we will hunker down for the night in Port Arthur, at a place called the The Shephard\u0027s Inn.\u00a0 Interesting place.\u00a0 The inn is a part of the Christian Life Crisis Intervention.\u00a0 Their website says the inn is \u0022able to offer respite, relaxation and meals to families caught up in the criminal justice system, and to victims of personal and public disasters.\u0022\u00a0 We showed up and signed up for a room.\u00a0 The team was signing up for shared rooms.\u00a0 I asked for a single room, and got the last one of three.\u00a0 It was\u00a0different, but I made myself at home pretty quick.\u00a0 Did I mention that there are no locks on the doors?\u00a0 And the showers are shared with others in your wing.\u00a0 Now those doors have locks!\u00a0 Another requirement is you must empty the trash can and clean the toilet and sink before you check out.\u00a0 The kitchen was loaded with bread, peanut butter and jam, Top Ramen noodles, cereal, milk and coffee.\u00a0 No charge.\u00a0 I slept so well.\u00a0 It was mostly Red Cross volunteers staying at the inn.\u00a0\u00a0  Sunday 9-3-17  Today is our laundry day.\u00a0 Kelly, Gladis and I need to find a laundromat, but Roger wants to be dropped off at headquarters first so he can check on when we are in getting into a shelter.\u00a0 We found a laundromat, and all machines were being used.\u00a0 It was a half hour before we would began our laundering.\u00a0 Roger calls me and says he\u0027s ready to be picked up, so Gladis and I leave while Kelly\u00a0 keeps an eye on our laundry.\u00a0 When we got to Roger, he says he\u0027s not ready to leave so Gladis and I go back to the laundromat, but it\u0027s not the right one.\u00a0 We\u0027re lost and we don\u0027t remember the name of our laundromat.\u00a0 While I check Google Maps, Gladis see a Mexican restaurant next door and they\u0027re open for business.\u00a0 Being hungry, we went to get a quick bite and sodas.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Kelly calls and says the laundry\u0027s done so I decided to save my leftover lunch for Kelly.\u00a0 She is grateful for the food.\u00a0 Gladis ate everything on her plate.\u00a0 Roger calls and says again to pick him up.\u00a0 Shoot, we have no food for him so we can\u0027t let him know we ate.\u00a0 That would be rude, but the car smells like tacos which we found hilarious for some reason.\u00a0 We began spraying the car with scented body spray, used hand sanitizer on our hands, and chewed gum.\u00a0 Then I pulled up to a residential garbage bin in a leafy neighborhood, and Kelly tossed her paper plate.\u00a0 Now we were ready to pick up Roger.\u00a0 Why didn\u0027t we just buy Kelly her own plate, and Roger, too?\u00a0 Because the owner of La Salsita was giving away free tacos.\u00a0 They had nothing else to serve because they had no water to cook.\u00a0 There was a severe shortage of good water.\u00a0 La Salsita had the leftover fixings for tacos and just wanted to give them away.\u00a0 They gave Gladis and I four tacos each.\u00a0 I didn\u0027t want to be greedy asking for more plates of food when there are people there who really have no food. On the way to headquarters, we saw this happen.\u00a0 A Red Cross ERV (emergency response vehicle) team drove into a gas station, opened its doors, and stood around and waited.\u00a0 Slowly people appeared and quietly lined up to get their cases of water.\u00a0 Scenes like this were playing out all over Texas.                    We get great news.\u00a0 We\u0027re to hurry up and pack our bags because we are being assigned to a shelter in Sour Lake.\u00a0 This is exciting!\u00a0 \u00a0We wait for a van that will help transport the rest of us and our bags to this country community.\u00a0 We encounter many roadblocks due to flooded roads and highways but we figure it out.  I totally missed this scene because I was squished in the back seat behind the driver, but those who saw it said they knew they were going to love being in Sour Lake when they saw two teen boys chasing after a little pooch running across the street.\u00a0 It was like s scene from\u00a0a Norman Rockwell painting.\u00a0 It happens that the dog belonged to one of the clients in the shelter, which is in the community center pictured below. We park and enter the facility and meet the mayor, Bruce.\u00a0 He immediately lets us know that he runs the shelter, asks what took us so long to get there, and we are there to assist only, which is a common occurrence.\u00a0 Many local governments have their own emergency management and shelter operations teams.\u00a0 In some cases, they run into hardships and allow the Red Cross teams to take over.\u00a0 Everyone seems pretty nice but others in the team felt they weren\u0027t welcome.\u00a0 Anyway, I introduce myself to Sour Lake\u0027s elected mayor. He\u0027s been the mayor for years.\u00a0 He runs the shelter with the help of his wife, Renee, and his children and the shelter looks well-organized.\u00a0 He asks me what my nationality is and when I tell him I was born in the Philippines, he tells me he\u0027s half Filipino.\u00a0 Well, slap my head and call me silly, but that was so unexpected!\u00a0 How does a man born in Manila end up in a country town and has a southern accent?\u00a0 If I remember his story correctly, because I had to ask him a couple times to explain it to me, he was\u00a0abducted by an angry family member and brought to the\u00a0U.S. when he was a baby.\u00a0 He grew up in Beaumont, and that\u0027s where he met his lovely and vivacious wife.\u00a0 From that first conversation on, Bruce will refer to me as his Filipino buddy.\u00a0\u00a0He also has a commanding voice.\u00a0 When he calls your name, you almost want to salute him and follow orders!\u00a0 After we got settled in our staff shelter, which is the children\u0027s wing of the First Baptist Church, Roger tells us that tomorrow we\u0027re to ditch our red disaster vests. Don\u0027t wear the vests, but do wear the Red Cross photo ID lanyards.\u00a0\u00a0 Monday9-4-17I woke up early and walked .3 miles to the Sour Lake Community Center.\u00a0 That\u0027s a two minute walk.\u00a0 It\u0027s still dark out but I feel completely safe.\u00a0 I hear something snort and it\u0027s a white horse.\u00a0 It walked up to me at the fence and we practically stood nose-to-nose, then it put its check next to my check.\u00a0 So gentle.\u00a0 So magical!\u00a0\u00a0 The kids at the shelter named it Rain.\u00a0 I don\u0027t know why, but every day I will visit Rain.\u00a0 One day, Rain breaks out of his small corral and the guys chase after him like they did the dog the day we arrived to Sour Lake.\u00a0 Next to the community center is the enormous garage-turned-animal shelter.\u00a0 I go there every morning to see how the animals are doing.\u00a0 Their owners live in the shelter, and volunteers help to care for the animals.  Shelter resident Tina Coudraird volunteered to run the animal shelter.This is Brittany with Midnight.\u00a0 Later in the week she turned Sweet 16 and we surprised her with a birthday party!\u00a0 Below,\u00a0J.P. Harris and his dog Max.      Roger tells me that today is my day off.\u00a0 If you\u0027re on duty for seven days, you get one day off.\u00a0 Cool!\u00a0 I ask if I can have the car for the day and he said I earned it.\u00a0 All right now!\u00a0 I discovered yesterday that I left my Croc sandals and shower slippers at the Shepherd Inn and I need to purchase replacements.\u00a0 The nearest town would be Beaumont, 30 minutes out of town.\u00a0 Bruce the mayor said to be careful because it\u0027s not a safe town.\u00a0 Really?\u00a0 Well, it didn\u0027t stop me and I used my GPS to find the highway.\u00a0 I pass homes that are being cleaned out and see some flooded areas.    I see the sign to the freeway and the police had barricaded the road.\u00a0 Sections of the 105 are flooded, they say.\u00a0 How do I get around the flooded areas, I asked, I need to get to Beaumont.\u00a0 They gave me directions but I was getting nowhere.\u00a0 I wasted two hours literally driving around in circles hitting a roadblock here and a roadblock there.\u00a0 I drove back into Sour Lake and hit up every little shop that was open to look for sandals.\u00a0 These shops were lucky if they had socks to sell.\u00a0 Then I saw a dollar store.\u00a0 If all I end up with are flipflops, so be it.\u00a0 I chose a red, white and blue pair to be patriotic.\u00a0 People helping people in America. Tuesday9-5-17As usual, I leave the staff shelter at 6:30 am and head on over to the community center.\u00a0 Roger tells me that he\u0027s taking the car to Beaumont and will be at headquarters all day long to take care of business.\u00a0 He tells me I\u0027m in charge now and gives me names and phone numbers I might need.\u00a0 Not a problem.\u00a0 He told me to make sure the team stays busy and mentioned particular tasks that need to be completed.\u00a0 I relay that message to three of the staff members I find sitting at a table, one of them on her cell phone.\u00a0 She loves taking selfies and thinks calling people an a**hole is cute.\u00a0 She\u0027s a good person, though, and the youngest one on the team.\u00a0 Two of the ladies looked awfully tired, and should be, because they had come out of the graveyard shift.\u00a0 Anyway, I relayed\u00a0 Roger\u0027s request, and told them to get some rest, and they became snippy.\u00a0 Later, I asked the young one if there was a problem that I should be aware of.\u00a0 Her response is she and the other two ladies felt I was being bossy.\u00a0 Really, ladies?\u00a0 I was only concerned for their well-being.\u00a0 I had no time for this crap and my responsibilities took precedence over silly behavior.\u00a0 I decide to chat with some of the clients.\u00a0 It\u0027s important to connect with them, show them we care. This is Alex, a very important client and disabled veteran.\u00a0 Bruce, the mayor, wants all shelter residents to help with chores in keeping the shelter clean and organized.\u00a0 Working registration is the best Alex can help with.He likes to sit at the registration table.\u00a0 His job is to make sure everyone in the shelter signs in and signs out.\u00a0 Even Red Cross staffers.\u00a0 He loves working graveyard shifts.\u00a0 Alex had only minutes to evacuate his home.\u00a0 He thought he\u0027d be safe in his home during the storm, but the sudden rush of floodwater alerted him that it was time to move.\u00a0 It took just minutes for the water to reach his elevated porch.\u00a0 He says he pretty much lost everything. Later in the evening when Roger asked how everything went, I told him of the \u0022minor situation\u0022 with a few of the ladies.\u00a0 \u0022We need to get more guys on the team,\u0022 says Roger.\u00a0 Kelly and I chuckle. Tonight is the night Janet and I will work graveyard.\u00a0 We sit at the registration table in the lobby.\u00a0 We straighten out the clothing distribution table, and she keeps handing me books that she thinks I\u0027d love to read.\u00a0 Janet inspires me.\u00a0 She\u0027s 83 years old, and has the soul of a 25 year old.\u00a0 She\u0027s funny, a SoCal girl (lives in Riverside), and loves to flirt with men of all ages and they all love her because she\u0027s so darn cute and hilarious.\u00a0 She\u0027s also a hard worker and carries the true spirit of the American Red Cross, which is why I want to be like Janet when I grow up. Wednesday9-6-17Graveyard shift ended at 7am.\u00a0 I went back to the church to wash up and sleep.\u00a0 I think I slept till 3:30 pm or so.\u00a0 I decided to take photos of my surroundings on my walk back to the community center.\u00a0 But first, this is a picture of my sleeping quarters.\u00a0 Having a lit candle makes me feel at home.\u00a0 I always pack a candle and book in my suitcase.            Janet showed me a puppy that belongs to one of the shelter clients.\u00a0 I just had to have cuddle time with this furry baby.    Remember the day Roger was gone the entire day, and Kelly the nurse was with him, too?\u00a0 They were at headquarters making phone calls, reaching out to community partners seeking donations of all kinds - personal care items, clothing, cots, blankets, pillows, MREs (meal, ready to eat), bleach, shovels, rakes, garbage bags, you name it.\u00a0 This supplemented what the Red Cross was able to provide the clients with donated funds.\u00a0 This was one of two trucks that came to deliver goods.\u00a0 Way to go, Roger and Kelly! Inside the community center, we watch CNN a lot on the television to see where Hurricane Irma is headed.\u00a0 Three of our team members are very concerned.\u00a0 Their homes are likely to be in its path.\u00a0 Two are from Wilmington, North Carolina and the other from Georgia.\u00a0 They decide they will process-out and go home.\u00a0 Roger tells me that when he leaves, I will be the shelter manager.\u00a0 He calls Staffing to send replacement shelter workers, and they should be men because of all the heavy items needing to be moved.\u00a0 I\u0027m doing my share of lifting, but some of those boxes are almost as tall as I am. Thursday9-7-17Roger, Joe and Jeannie are leaving today.\u00a0 It\u0027s sad to see them go, but they must get back to their families and possibly prepare for the worst of the hurricane weather.\u00a0 I check my e-mails and find an e-mail from Emily, Communications Director from the San Diego headquarters of the Red Cross.\u00a0 She wants to know if I can do a live interview from the shelter with San Diego Fox5 News.\u00a0 But that was for yesterday.\u00a0 I said if there was a chance to do a live interview in the future, I\u0027d do it.\u00a0 Joe and I go over some paperwork and Kelly announces she\u0027s going to process-out.\u00a0 She wants to volunteer abroad on one of the islands hit by the hurricane.\u00a0 She has her passport and she\u0027s gone.\u00a0 The last I heard, she was still in Miami unable to get out due to Hurricane Irma.\u00a0 Joe is ready to leave.\u00a0 We take a photo and he tells me to stop by the fire station some time today for some great photo ops because the Mennonites are there serving breakfast.\u00a0 They came all the way from Tennessee, I soon found out.       Before I go back to the community center, I take a stroll through Sour Lake\u0027s historic center.\u00a0 It\u0027s the cutest four street corners I\u0027ve ever seen.\u00a0\u00a0    Joe, Jeannie and Roger are ready to begin their journey home. We, Bruce and his family gather for one \u0022family photo\u0022.\u00a0 I am fully in charge today and everyone comes together as a team.\u00a0 No complaints and everyone\u0027s using their muscles to move huge boxes of donated stuff from storage to the main floor of the community center for distribution.\u00a0\u00a0  Friday 9-8-17 I\u0027m up before sunrise.\u00a0 Before I grab a cup of coffee, I stop by the animal shelter to count the numbers of dogs and cats.\u00a0 I also include Rain, the horse, in the count.\u00a0 Then I go to the registration table to check the report for the number of clients that slept in the shelter overnight.\u00a0 That gives me a clue as to the number of meals I will order today, and I jack up the number a little bit for additional people who might need food and water.\u00a0 The meals will arrive by ERV.  I take a break later on to check out the small public library, where the librarian was so nice to let me make photocopies of forms, for as long as I needed to.\u00a0 Next door to the library was the jail, from long ago days. And next to the jail is a Texas Historical Commission marker commemorating the beginning of Sour Lake\u0027s oil industry.\u00a0\u00a0   Our animal shelter is in the the large building behind the oil rig.\u00a0 Later in the morning, I came to the realization that my two week deployment was up today.\u00a0 It was time for me to prepare to process-out.\u00a0 I informed Janet, the next person who would be in line to supervise.\u00a0 Then I got a call from the Red Cross in San Diego.\u00a0 Fox5 News wants to interview me this morning.\u00a0 Can I go live in an hour?\u00a0 I\u0027ve never been interviewed by a news station, so I am understandably nervous.\u00a0 But I drop everything and prepare myself for the interview.\u00a0 Emily, the communications director for the San Diego Red Cross is there to guide me.\u00a0 I practice how I might answer some questions.\u00a0 But my heart is racing, and I tell myself to just be myself, breathe and whatever I say, to stay on point and be brief.\u00a0 Minutes before we go live on the news, I feel like I want to vomit, then decide I\u0027m just thirsty and choose water over Coca Cola, of which I had both right in front of me.\u00a0 The phone call comes and Emily patches me on with Fox5, then someone from the news station tells me to stand by and how many seconds I and the news anchors will be live on TV.\u00a0 Nerve-wracking!\u00a0 The interview went well but I did get a little emotional in the end and couldn\u0027t complete my sentence.\u00a0 Embarassing.\u00a0 Emily, my family and friends were so impressed, though, and said I did a great job.\u00a0 Now I hand over my papers to Janice, head back to the church to pack my bags, then return to the community center to say goodbye.\u00a0 Everyone wants to take pictures.\u00a0  Renee, the mayor\u0027s wife, has her sister drive me to Beaumont.\u00a0 There I will process-out and go home tomorrow morning.\u00a0 I cannot wait to see my family and to sleep in my own bed.\u00a0 When Gerry picks me up at the airport tomorrow, he will treat me to a Mexican dinner which is what I was craving, and my son, his girlfriend, and my daughter and her family will come over to welcome me home.\u00a0 I dozed off in my chair during the family get-together.\u00a0 I was so exhausted.\u00a0\u00a0  Here are more photos that the Red Cross Team and I took:   Staff shelter at the Beaumont\u00a0 Civic CenterOne of many critters destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.    I hope you enjoyed reading about my two-week adventure as a Red Cross disaster responder. In what ways would you like to help your community?  ","content_split":[{"type":"text","value":"\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EAvnSwomy5k\/We02_UXbSnI\/AAAAAAAByH8\/q7ewkviq6_YV__SOjySpSBzcqw4GOrIpwCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/IMG_9782.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1FQXZuU3dvbXk1ayUyRldlMDJfVVhiU25JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5SDglMkZxN2V3a3ZpcTZfWVZfX1NPanlTcFNCemNxdzRHT3JJcHdDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTc4Mi5KUEc=?checksum=4480f7fb7bb17f837a16e65b1630847e4e0b6716\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EAvnSwomy5k\/We02_UXbSnI\/AAAAAAAByH8\/q7ewkviq6_YV__SOjySpSBzcqw4GOrIpwCEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9782.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPhoto Credit: Red Cross Team\u003Cbr\u003EI\u0027ve been home for two months now after volunteering in disaster relief from Hurricane Harvey. So many friends and family have asked about the things I saw there in Texas, what kind of work I did, was I in a lot of pain with rheumatoid arthritis, was I able to get a lot of rest, was I able to eat well, and the questions don\u0027t stop there.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003EThe best way for me to answer these questions is to just share everything in the form of a diary. Any photos I share here belong to me and my Red Cross team. There was so much photo-sharing going on that I lost track of which photo belonged to whom, so I\u0027ll just give photo credit as \u0022Red Cross Team\u0022.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFriday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EAugust 25, 2017\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E I\u0027d been watching the news about Hurricane Harvey the last few days. When it made landfall in south Texas, I thought will Cathy call me to deploy? Well, she did call me in the late morning. She said something along the lines that she felt bad she couldn\u0027t deploy me to Yosemite a few weeks earlier because the San Diego American Red Cross (SDARC) wanted to keep their new shelter supervisors in town in the event we had our own fires. She asked if I could deploy to Houston this evening. I admit that my heart skipped a few beats because deploying is a huge deal. It means being away from my family, seeing disaster in the aftermath, the uncertainty of shelter conditions, where will I be sleeping, so much going through my head in milliseconds! I told Cathy I\u0027d get back to her. I wanted Gerry to know the deal before I gave her my answer. While Gerry understands my need to do this type of volunteer work, he does worry a great deal about my safety. I\u0027m so very thankful that he supports me 100%. Of course, Gerry said okay. I phoned Cathy back and said I needed 48 hours to take care of things at home, and to pack. I needed to let my siblings know that I\u0027d be gone for two weeks, and that I wouldn\u0027t be able to do my share of tasks where my 89-year old mom\u0027s care is concerned. Packing my bags was easy. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESaturday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EAugust 26, 2017\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E Gerry and I awoke early, and we went to CVS and the ATM. I purchased basic personal care items in travel sizes, and got pocket money for things that my Mission Card would not take care of. A Mission Card is a debit card loaded with $450. This is donated money for my food, lodging, land transportation and for necessities like medication. This had to last me two weeks. When it came to packing, I used a medium-size suitcase. For Hurricane Matthew last fall, I brought a large suitcase. Big mistake. This time, I brought one convertible pant and a boyfriend-cut pair of shorts, sandals, shower slippers, magazines and a book, glasses, personal care items, two pairs of undergarments, a pair of socks. That\u0027s it. Oh, and my executive notebook in case I ended up being a shelter supervisor. I had a difficult time getting a good night\u0027s sleep.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESunday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EAugust 27, 2017\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E I\u0027m at the airport early in the morning for a 10:43am departure on American but when I show up at the ticket counter, I\u0027m told that I had been re-ticketed to an earlier flight, which I already missed. That flight left at 6:30am. Apparently, the Red Cross travel agent was trying to get me into Houston as early as possible, so when a seat opened up on the 6:30am flight, she put me on that plane, except I did not get the message. The travel agent now re-routes me to a Delta flight that has me going to SAN-LAX-MSP-IAH. That\u0027s departing San Diego at 7:51pm, and arriving Houston Bush International at 10:18am tomorrow. When I hand over my ticket to the gate agent for the flight to LAX, she tells me I\u0027ve been diverted to a later flight, and makes a comment that \u0022it looks like the Red Cross is trying to get you into Houston as early as possible\u0022. So now I\u0027m on an evening flight to Atlanta that has me arriving at 5:39am the next day. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMonday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EAugust 28, 2017\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E My flight arrives in Atlanta on time. I immediately make my way to the hotel shuttle pick-up area. Gerry earlier made arrangements for my early check-in at the Fairfield Inn by the Airport so I wouldn\u0027t have to sit around at the airport for my regular check-in time at the hotel. I\u0027m in my room by 6:30am. But before I do anything else, I head back to the lobby dining area and have the complimentary breakfast. It\u0027s tastes all right, and I am grateful to have food because I know having a full tummy will help me to sleep better. After a real nice sleep, I debate what to do for dinner. There are no restaurants nearby. I decide to take the shuttle back to the airport to pick up some good eats. I spend the rest of the evening reading and watching CNN. Rain is now pounding Houston. It looks real bad.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETuesday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EAugust 29, 2017\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E After breakfast, I\u0027m back in my room watching the news and gathering my stuff because I\u0027m flying out today. Then I\u0027m notified that my flight to Houston is cancelled. Both major airports are now closed due to flooding. I call Red Cross Staffing and tell them I do not care to sit in my room another day. I ask if I can just rent a car and drive into Texas as close as I can get to Houston. They said it\u0027s not safe to drive. Staffing tells me to call the travel agent and they book me on a flight to Dallas. I\u0027m to stay in Dallas until further notice. My Dallas flight is full. I notice a lot of people in uniform, maybe Army or National Guard. Towards the end of the flight, the flight attendant gets on the PA and asks if there is a doctor on board, and suddenly hands are raised, and a couple of people rush to the forward cabin. My seatmate was one of those who raised his hand. I thought there\u0027s no way this kid\u0027s a doctor. He looked so young. Turns out he\u0027s an EMT and is a member of a New Jersey group that volunteers their time to disaster relief. They were on the plane, too. Meet Pierre!\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vj_rebymSYs\/WcmcbS_e-NI\/AAAAAAABx98\/-5p_nWlbbME4IQKzmZt1Eg0lYbCxo9NswCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/IMG_9152.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1Wal9yZWJ5bVNZcyUyRldjbWNiU19lLU5JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ4OTglMkYtNXBfbldsYmJNRTRJUUt6bVp0MUVnMGxZYkN4bzlOc3dDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTE1Mi5KUEc=?checksum=8e5457392526c9b318dceddcd873f705dda8a491\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vj_rebymSYs\/WcmcbS_e-NI\/AAAAAAABx98\/-5p_nWlbbME4IQKzmZt1Eg0lYbCxo9NswCEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9152.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E This flight was full of disaster responders. As we deplaned, nearly everyone wished each other to stay safe and well. I\u0027m often asked how I know what to do when I deploy? Well, we receive lots of training which happens over the course of many classes, workshops and hands-on exercises. It took me several months to complete the required courses. When we deploy, on a daily basis and a few times a day, a volunteer will receive e-mails and phone calls from an Emergency Mass Notification System on what we are to do, step by step. The phone calls always follows the e-mails. It\u0027s important that we respond accordingly, that we received the message. After I exited the airport terminal, my directions said to take a taxi to the Holiday Inn, just a little walk from the Dallas Red Cross headquarters. I got in the cab at the front of the line of cabs waiting for customers. This driver seemed nice and was talkative. I had no idea that while he was talking, he was jacking up my cab fare. What should\u0027ve been about a $40 fare, turned out to be exactly $93. I should\u0027ve remembered what I said in a \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2014\/08\/did-my-cab-driver-just-rip-me-off.html\u0022\u003Eblog post dated August 28, 2014\u003C\/a\u003E. I\u0027m not in the habit of taking taxis so I am not aware of what taxis would normally cost. Do your research next time, I tell myself. I checked in to my room and met my roommate. Yes, we have to room with other volunteers. Men and women always room separately. No one gets their own room. Joni is not a responder like me. Her skill set lies in finance. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-grYuCeJCIo8\/Wcmju9u5FvI\/AAAAAAABx-Q\/wyKYr2lXcgMzBKqVZfAO-oPaCjX0lwLDQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9184 My roommate%252C Joni%252C at the Holiday Inn..JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1ncll1Q2VKQ0lvOCUyRldjbWp1OXU1RnZJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ4LVElMkZ3eUtZcjJsWGNnTXpCS3FWWmZBTy1vUGFDalgwbHdMRFFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MTg0JTJCTXklMkJyb29tbWF0ZSUyNTI1MkMlMkJKb25pJTI1MjUyQyUyQmF0JTJCdGhlJTJCSG9saWRheSUyQklubi4uSlBH?checksum=c5357264e25dddf9492bd90482ecb8ad838b0954\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-grYuCeJCIo8\/Wcmju9u5FvI\/AAAAAAABx-Q\/wyKYr2lXcgMzBKqVZfAO-oPaCjX0lwLDQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9184+My+roommate%252C+Joni%252C+at+the+Holiday+Inn..JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWednesday \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E8-30-17\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E I report to Dallas headquarters to attend a mandatory Orientation class. After orientation, we process-in and wait to be assigned to a shelter in Dallas. I\u0027m bummed because I want to be in Houston, but there\u0027s no way in. On CNN, I see people wading in waist-high water. Their homes are ruined, and I want to be there to help. As I stare at the Staffing board, I\u0027m totally dumbfounded. What the hell am I looking at? One of the guys from the orientation made a comment about Post-It notes. Yes, where are the Post-It notes? When I worked Hurricane Matthew in the Carolinas, that\u0027s how it was done. Each Post-It represented a shelter. Written on it would be the staffing positions (shelter manager, shelter supervisor, shelter associate, and feeding) Names and cell phone numbers of volunteers were then filled in. The Post-Its remain on the huge board, the teams write down the information on their little notebooks, and off we go to our shelters. When a shelter closes, the Post-It is taken off the board and tucked away. A digital copy of the shelter teams are also kept for headquarters. I decided I was not going to work in Dallas. I was determined to get to Houston. The guy who stood with me at the board? He decided to remain in Dallas to volunteer his IT talents to create and maintain Excel sign-up sheets for Staffing.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DR23YL2kPEM\/Wcmov7IawWI\/AAAAAAABx-o\/tAm8YIOTlLIdbL1qaO9bf06boESQKqNrQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/8-30-17e.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1EUjIzWUwya1BFTSUyRldjbW92N0lhd1dJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ4LW8lMkZ0QW04WUlPVGxMSWRiTDFxYU85YmYwNmJvRVNRS3FOclFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRjgtMzAtMTdlLkpQRw==?checksum=f7cb753fd6eec0412e05543dd1b6905ccb6203b7\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DR23YL2kPEM\/Wcmov7IawWI\/AAAAAAABx-o\/tAm8YIOTlLIdbL1qaO9bf06boESQKqNrQCLcBGAs\/s640\/8-30-17e.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E By late morning, a lot more volunteers showed up. There was a group from Mexico, the Cruz Roja Mexicana. They function 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Like the American and Canadian Red Cross, it assists at disasters, but additionally acts as an Emergency Medical Service. By Mexican law, it is the only organization, outside of big cities, authorized to render first aid to anyone injured in an auto accident or in the commission of a crime.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--h3KW03WipI\/Wcm1S2msG4I\/AAAAAAABx-4\/VBj6woh4NAgNpeAIwoOr6KoO1hyneSdLgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/8-30-17j Marie.jpg\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi0taDNLVzAzV2lwSSUyRldjbTFTMm1zRzRJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ4LTQlMkZWQmo2d29oNE5BZ05wZUFJd29PcjZLb08xaHluZVNkTGdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRjgtMzAtMTdqJTJCTWFyaWUuanBn?checksum=ad00ae59b3bab580617aa2a947804905b114f143\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--h3KW03WipI\/Wcm1S2msG4I\/AAAAAAABx-4\/VBj6woh4NAgNpeAIwoOr6KoO1hyneSdLgCLcBGAs\/s640\/8-30-17j+Marie.jpg"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E Members of this team came from Tijuana, Tampico and Chihuahua. All of the volunteers waited hours for shelter assignments. While I waited for mine, I was invited to join a group at their table. For the next couple of hours, we bonded and found a job to do, and that was to sort through bags and boxes of donated shoes and clothing for the Salvation Army. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-o667roIjuBo\/WdGHWT-8mYI\/AAAAAAAByAY\/g_fdyZ6g_R8Cl0LZqmMWl7mlF5q1mpJqQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9175.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1vNjY3cm9JanVCbyUyRldkR0hXVC04bVlJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5QVklMkZnX2ZkeVo2Z19SOENsMExacW1NV2w3bWxGNXExbXBKcVFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MTc1LkpQRw==?checksum=67ae23ded15db7d84fccb8d2670e945049e190de\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-o667roIjuBo\/WdGHWT-8mYI\/AAAAAAAByAY\/g_fdyZ6g_R8Cl0LZqmMWl7mlF5q1mpJqQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9175.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E It was during this time that we decided we would stay together as a group and be a team of eight. There was Ray, the Shelter Manager, then Roger who was Shelter Supervisor, and the rest of us as associates.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-paQwRtFKi7Y\/We04sUMt_TI\/AAAAAAAByIM\/0WjJJn7Tz3ESWyVXqNkFL8QaOJs7U_hVQCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/IMG_9192.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1wYVF3UnRGS2k3WSUyRldlMDRzVU10X1RJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5SU0lMkYwV2pKSm43VHozRVNXeVZYcU5rRkw4UWFPSnM3VV9oVlFDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTE5Mi5KUEc=?checksum=b1b3c945251bae02fecefa7904d2f6830b0a1f86\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-paQwRtFKi7Y\/We04sUMt_TI\/AAAAAAAByIM\/0WjJJn7Tz3ESWyVXqNkFL8QaOJs7U_hVQCEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9192.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E It wasn\u0027t long before we heard an announcement to gather\u003Cbr\u003E in the next room. We are told to pick a day - tomorrow or the following day - to take a bus into Houston. I told Roger to move in through the crowd to the table where the sign-up sheets were. He had no choice, we had to be first on the list. It\u0027s what I used to tell my kids when they were young. Be the first to answer a question. Act quickly. Just do it! I kept whispering we have to be first on the list, but shoot, someone was already signing up on tomorrow\u0027s list. I motioned for the others to get in close behind me. Take the pen, I told Roger, but he didn\u0027t move fast enough and before I knew it, I was writing my name down to be #2 on the list. Number 1 on the list turned out to be one of our team members. Good job, Randy! I didn\u0027t recognize him from where I stood because his baseball cap covered his face. Good for him! I handed the pen over to Roger, and the other team members signed up right behind him. I returned to the other room to continue sorting through clothes, smiling and feeling pleased with myself. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xpyAqun04Lo\/Wcm22vwvqAI\/AAAAAAABx_E\/XJVEdlUb8o8-gM1ekrp3FyhtknOpMotPwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9180.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi14cHlBcXVuMDRMbyUyRldjbTIydnd2cUFJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ4X0UlMkZYSlZFZGxVYjhvOC1nTTFla3JwM0Z5aHRrbk9wTW90UHdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MTgwLkpQRw==?checksum=a404d9f33ae31c7908409dc6f4ee8846eea51477\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xpyAqun04Lo\/Wcm22vwvqAI\/AAAAAAABx_E\/XJVEdlUb8o8-gM1ekrp3FyhtknOpMotPwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9180.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EThursday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E8-31-17\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E I\u0027m so excited to be getting on a bus going to Houston. No more sitting around. I am finally going to a shelter!\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0bfUy-1zqQk\/We0-2UXUfiI\/AAAAAAAByIY\/DGr07yrHjmkKAAyJ9TKt5czHm0amKqitACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9197.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi0wYmZVeS0xenFRayUyRldlMC0yVVhVZmlJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5SVklMkZER3IwN3lySGpta0tBQXlKOVRLdDVjekhtMGFtS3FpdEFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MTk3LkpQRw==?checksum=162e6c971230670401852282c7057667fcd132de\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-0bfUy-1zqQk\/We0-2UXUfiI\/AAAAAAAByIY\/DGr07yrHjmkKAAyJ9TKt5czHm0amKqitACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9197.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E Our bus of Red Cross volunteers made a stop at Walmart in Ennis, 25 minutes south of Dallas and home of the \u0022Official Blue Bonnet Trail in Texas\u0022, so we could purchase for ourselves what we need in our shelter. An employee approached me and thanked me for my service, and gave me the biggest hug. She said I was \u0022so wonderful and God bless you.\u0022 It\u0027s very heartwarming to hear those words. I bought a bag of throat lozenges because my throat was feeling kind of scratchy. Probably due to weather and stale air in hotel rooms. The temperature was 90 degrees.\u003Cbr\u003E Afterwards, I and two others ran across the street to a Starbucks. We had 15 minutes to get back on the bus. I had a big goal to purchase a Texas mug. I collect those state mugs. Four down, 46 more to go! I should\u0027ve started this hobby as soon as the You Are Here Collection came out. Now I\u0027ll have to resort to Amazon to collect mugs to states I\u0027ve already visited. The cashier gave me her partner discount and thanked me for going to Houston to help out. Her discount saved me $3.29. What a nice lady. A truck hauling a boat pulled up next to our bus in the Walmart parking lot. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-EUiuZgeNa-k\/WfGPoqw5eVI\/AAAAAAAByLI\/htaSry7PU5Y0MAGnpVmkRy3z25WKv2LcACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9205.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1FVWl1WmdlTmEtayUyRldmR1BvcXc1ZVZJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TEklMkZodGFTcnk3UFU1WTBNQUducFZta1J5M3oyNVdLdjJMY0FDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MjA1LkpQRw==?checksum=14cfb010e10ac4b9cd848455ec225f08ea8a958b\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-EUiuZgeNa-k\/WfGPoqw5eVI\/AAAAAAAByLI\/htaSry7PU5Y0MAGnpVmkRy3z25WKv2LcACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9205.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E Definitely a volunteer water rescuer. All the way from . . . \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-scfxaR6LTG8\/We1CDOBi9VI\/AAAAAAAByIk\/Vp9fhPSZw6UkNeFQHKeVor5Hva9PKcSFQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9206.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1zY2Z4YVI2TFRHOCUyRldlMUNET0JpOVZJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5SWslMkZWcDlmaFBTWnc2VWtOZUZRSEtlVm9yNUh2YTlQS2NTRlFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MjA2LkpQRw==?checksum=ce2092b4c774ec9255360644d88b39b47d9ce95f\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-scfxaR6LTG8\/We1CDOBi9VI\/AAAAAAAByIk\/Vp9fhPSZw6UkNeFQHKeVor5Hva9PKcSFQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9206.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7r8ZwV4TWeI\/WfVql0FnGXI\/AAAAAAAByOc\/bW-wwk2uez8JcgjGYJWvnd1lYrb3eMHEQCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/IMG_9781.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi03cjhad1Y0VFdlSSUyRldmVnFsMEZuR1hJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5T2MlMkZiVy13d2sydWV6OEpjZ2pHWUpXdm5kMWxZcmIzZU1IRVFDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTc4MS5KUEc=?checksum=4964ab69a4aa2d9868db693962869ebc5901de24\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7r8ZwV4TWeI\/WfVql0FnGXI\/AAAAAAAByOc\/bW-wwk2uez8JcgjGYJWvnd1lYrb3eMHEQCEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9781.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPhoto Credit: Red Cross Team\u003Cbr\u003ELater on we will stop in Madisonville to have lunch at Buc-ee\u0027s, and to pick up last-minute items like pillows and mattress pads for the cots we sleep on. I already have an awesome flannel inflatable standard-size pillow, and decide that I\u0027m going to be a tough gal and don\u0027t need to have a cushy bed to sleep on. I\u0027d done tons of camping trips in my life and didn\u0027t always have a cot mattress. If you\u0027ve never been inside a Buc-ee\u0027s, it\u0027s like a 7-Eleven store on steroids. They sell awesome food to take out, artsy-craftsy items, very nice souvenirs, lots of snacks and candy, and drinks of all kinds. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-NIRnb4Cw9Ps\/We17-N8bGLI\/AAAAAAAByJQ\/_s9LyXhT3n46ZbJfyN9G5bRL-5zHeOoYwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9207.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1OSVJuYjRDdzlQcyUyRldlMTctTjhiR0xJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5SlElMkZfczlMeVhoVDNuNDZaYkpmeU45RzViUkwtNXpIZU9vWXdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MjA3LkpQRw==?checksum=5cb5d94164f272dcfdfaebc002ebef6a0352c0ce\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-NIRnb4Cw9Ps\/We17-N8bGLI\/AAAAAAAByJQ\/_s9LyXhT3n46ZbJfyN9G5bRL-5zHeOoYwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9207.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E With full bellies, we board the bus and we\u0027re off to Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush International Airport, where we will overnight, but once we get there, we learn there\u0027s no room for us. Who knows what happened. We are then sent to downtown Dallas to overnight at another Marriott. Lodging isn\u0027t always this nice, but this Marriott sure makes up for some of the places I\u0027ve had to sleep in! Here\u0027s a photo of downtown Dallas from the freeway.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7x5YD_OLdw0\/WfISbhWmgII\/AAAAAAAByLY\/b9S6FoYn5hMWvs7HWn8VKuUNawfK3EMlACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9225.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi03eDVZRF9PTGR3MCUyRldmSVNiaFdtZ0lJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TFklMkZiOVM2Rm9ZbjVoTVd2czdIV244Vkt1VU5hd2ZLM0VNbEFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MjI1LkpQRw==?checksum=9fc7158a558dbc148ebc4476137d03fb71e79a9f\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-7x5YD_OLdw0\/WfISbhWmgII\/AAAAAAAByLY\/b9S6FoYn5hMWvs7HWn8VKuUNawfK3EMlACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9225.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E Now click on the link to see what this freeway looked like two days earlier. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/qz.com\/1066033\/hurricane-harvey-highways-closed-by-record-rainfall-are-trapping-texans-in-flooded-communities\/\u0022\u003EUnbelievable!\u003C\/a\u003E The downtown photo is below the map. The blue dots on the map are road closures in and around Houston. Where did the floodwaters go? It continues to flow, and as it moves on and slowly dries up, the shelter locations close or move, too.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFriday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E9-1-17\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E Harvey pummeled southwest Texas with rain from August 26-30. It moved slowly resulting in catastrophic flooding. Numerous flash flood emergencies were issued for the Houston and Beaumont, Texas, metropolitan areas. We\u0027re shocked at what we\u0027re seeing on CNN as we sit in the lounge area of our hotel. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-1zNsIhH_DlA\/We18mgxJOnI\/AAAAAAAByJY\/DCz4a8zz3e0Xf-x2kLUBK2RnTedOgaYCwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9232.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi0xek5zSWhIX0RsQSUyRldlMThtZ3hKT25JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5SlklMkZEQ3o0YTh6ejNlMFhmLXgya0xVQksyUm5UZWRPZ2FZQ3dDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MjMyLkpQRw==?checksum=2d3774a7d64a7425868130a4a5dd652be680ed7d\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-1zNsIhH_DlA\/We18mgxJOnI\/AAAAAAAByJY\/DCz4a8zz3e0Xf-x2kLUBK2RnTedOgaYCwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9232.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E Beaumont is now completely under water, and the Texas National Guard is descending on the city to perform water rescue, but I also heard on the news that the National Guard was there to prevent looting. Ray, my team\u0027s supervisor, talks to someone at the Beaumont Red Cross headquarters. He tells them we want to go into Beaumont. Word is we\u0027re going in. The National Guard is going to airlift us into Beaumont! It\u0027s an extreme hardship situation, says headquarters. I am blown out of my mind. This is turning into an adventure, and I post about it on Facebook. \u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DI92AkS5tAA\/WfVqZiD0cEI\/AAAAAAAByOc\/Bqh-3bRqtoMbnnzHb7MWQlVindDwZOH5ACEwYBhgL\/s1600\/IMG_9628.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1ESTkyQWtTNXRBQSUyRldmVnFaaUQwY0VJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5T2MlMkZCcWgtM2JScXRvTWJubnpIYjdNV1FsVmluZER3Wk9INUFDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTYyOC5KUEc=?checksum=5c5c18bd19400d40185434ce70a23fe99b318d21\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DI92AkS5tAA\/WfVqZiD0cEI\/AAAAAAAByOc\/Bqh-3bRqtoMbnnzHb7MWQlVindDwZOH5ACEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9628.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EPhoto Credit: Red Cross Team\u003Cbr\u003EEarlier in the day, Dallas headquarters asked that three members of our team go to Avis at the airport to each rent a car. Headquarters always needs a supply of cars for incoming volunteers. The cars are not donations from Avis. The Red Cross pays for them through charitable donations. There was a long line of people at Avis. A lady and her father are at the counter looking to rent a car. When they\u0027re told the price of the rental, the lady asks for a large discount because they had just lost their home, and everything in it. She also lost her car, and she needed a car to get to work. Avis couldn\u0027t help and the lady pleaded for some kindness and charity. She left in tears. I couldn\u0027t get her words out of my head, and my heart was hurting for her. I remember saying to Joe, my teammate, if I had a million dollars, I\u0027d buy her a car. Minutes later, Joe quietly said to me that he\u0027d watch my paperwork if I needed to step outside. I stepped outside, turned the corner of the building and cried a little bit. What felt like hours later, we each had a car and it\u0027s already nightfall. Damn, we\u0027re going to be driving in the dark, all the way back into Dallas. I lived in Dallas for two years, a very long time ago. I didn\u0027t like the way the freeway exits and entrances were set up back then, and I could see that nothing\u0027s changed. I walk to the back of the lot to collect my car rental. It has a push button ignition. I\u0027m not familiar with that kind of car. Starting it was no problem, but releasing the brakes was really giving me a sh***y time. I couldn\u0027t see anyone around who could help me, and all the while I\u0027m touching every contraption trying to figure out how to release the brakes. Finally, by accident, I did it! I drive to the front of the lot, and the guys ask what took me so long. If they only knew. And if that weren\u0027t enough, I lost them on the freeway, in the dark, and I pull off the freeway to get my bearings. Of course, I hit a divider because it\u0027s too low to be a divider, by California standards. When I finally get to the Marriott, there\u0027s a lot of activity and I see volunteers piling into vehicles. I park the car in what seems to be the last parking space, which is all the way towards the back of the hotel. I approach the others and I\u0027m being told we\u0027re leaving, to get in the car, but I want to know where my suitcase and bags are. Ray is very upset and wants to know where the car is. I had no idea we were going anywhere in the first place which is why I parked the car. I\u0027m very concerned about my belongings. Were they moved from one car to another? Are they all together. I\u0027ve been very careful with my laptop? Where is it? A woman, whom I never met, comes to me and asks what my bags look like, and she starts looking for them. Roger remembers what they look like so he tells me to get the car and he\u0027ll see which vehicle my bags ended up in. When I brought the car to the front of the hotel, I said it was imperative my bags be in the vehicle I end up in, because I know sometime in the near future, our vehicles and the people in them will separate and go in different directions. Before the caravan of van and cars drive off, Ray leans into the car I\u0027m sitting in and apologizes to me. He said he was out of line, and was reacting to something that had happened to him earlier in the evening. I accepted his apology, and later when the caravan stopped at a gas station, he offers to buy me a cup of coffee, which I accept. Four hours later, and it is already midnight, we arrive at a church in Lufkin where we will spend the night. It\u0027s been an awfully long day, and I barely sleep. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Kwr0T12ZIoc\/We5M-ekBHZI\/AAAAAAAByJ0\/ORKcvnK5ijI_b5ksq_fhVx4xrg__QLxRQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9245.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1Ld3IwVDEyWklvYyUyRldlNU0tZWtCSFpJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5SjAlMkZPUktjdm5LNWlqSV9iNWtzcV9maFZ4NHhyZ19fUUx4UlFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MjQ1LkpQRw==?checksum=02bc92d71495ab06f1a91a8a9acfd8241eb4f465\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Kwr0T12ZIoc\/We5M-ekBHZI\/AAAAAAAByJ0\/ORKcvnK5ijI_b5ksq_fhVx4xrg__QLxRQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9245.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003ESaturday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E9-2-17\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E Not able to sleep, I quietly grabbed my clothes and toothbrush and tiptoed to the restroom. When a shower is not available, baby or body wipes is the way to get as clean as you can. Deodorant is a must and talcum powder helps. I\u0027m dressed and having my cup of coffee at 4:30 am and on my laptop at 5 am. I have to reply to an e-mail from the Red Cross asking why I need more money deposited on my Mission card. It\u0027s because of my forced hotel stays in Atlanta due to flooding at the Houston airports, and airport food that I had to buy because I\u0027m stranded, and the fare that the rogue cabdriver charged me in Dallas. The lady on the other end of the phone pitied me and gave me money that I might need for the next week. In the end, I barely used the funds. What\u0027s left on the Mission card goes back to the Red Cross. My bags are packed and ready to go. We are ready to head out but we\u0027re told to stand by for a nurse who will join us. What seems like hours, the nurse Kelly shows up but there\u0027s another nurse with her. We only have room for one more person in the car. This other nurse wants to go with us so badly. Like us, she thinks there\u0027s still horrific flooding in Beaumont, and we all still think we\u0027re going to be airlifted there. Sadly, the other nurse drives away. By this time into our Red Cross journey, Janet and I had already shared how much we love Starbuck\u0027s Flat White coffee. We tried to get one at the Starbucks close by the Dallas Marriott Hotel where we stayed, but the coffee shop was closed due to the flood. So many businesses were closed. We tell each other that the next Starbucks we see off the freeway, we\u0027re going to get a Flat White because we are craving it! And we see one on our way to breakfast at the Cracker Barrel, but we didn\u0027t stop. On the way out, says Roger, we\u0027ll stop at Starbucks. He\u0027s the driver this morning.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ffeKq1BQAow\/We5SeWosueI\/AAAAAAAByKE\/Ap7AQw_hckYhnNRcgnEvsitdMtaBmwDnACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9258.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1mZmVLcTFCUUFvdyUyRldlNVNlV29zdWVJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5S0UlMkZBcDdBUXdfaGNrWWhuTlJjZ25FdnNpdGRNdGFCbXdEbkFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MjU4LkpQRw==?checksum=b573f24bc27b540bbb42b950315091141ee18b0f\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ffeKq1BQAow\/We5SeWosueI\/AAAAAAAByKE\/Ap7AQw_hckYhnNRcgnEvsitdMtaBmwDnACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9258.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E While we\u0027re waiting for our breakfasts, a woman behind me thanked us for our service. She had to evacuate her home and was staying at a Marriott nearby. She said many residents were in hotels. On the road now, we saw a Starbucks, missed the exit, saw Starbucks again, and missed that, too. When we get to Beaumont, we\u0027ll surely get our Flat White coffee then. But the only Starbucks we saw was also flooded out. As we drive through Hardin and Jefferson Counties, our vehicles are pelted with millions of bugs. Is it the heat that draws these bugs out, or the huge areas of standing floodwater? The bugs dirtied our car with their blood and guts. Disgusting. Besides Flat White coffee, Janice and I have something else in common, we love history. Every time we saw a historical marker on the side of the freeway, we\u0027d point and say \u0022I want to check it out\u0022, only to be ignored. And still later on, we learn that we both love to read - a lot. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-dRWpzGWdUkI\/We5dMm9PuJI\/AAAAAAAByKw\/2ghHwKsauWUgadcgkGCN7LUs3bwfFXzbQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9325 %25281%2529.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1kUldwekdXZFVrSSUyRldlNWRNbTlQdUpJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5S3clMkYyZ2hId0tzYXVXVWdhZGNna0dDTjdMVXMzYndmRlh6YlFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MzI1JTJCJTI1MjUyODElMjUyNTI5LkpQRw==?checksum=e5bd7056ae0aff3830bf0bf51dded6f09850f7a9\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-dRWpzGWdUkI\/We5dMm9PuJI\/AAAAAAAByKw\/2ghHwKsauWUgadcgkGCN7LUs3bwfFXzbQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9325+%25281%2529.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-d9oBfxaiqis\/We5aZ84YaCI\/AAAAAAAByKU\/L3lf_z02HKIxWldXxjd1MPM2NkvjX0ExACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9272.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1kOW9CZnhhaXFpcyUyRldlNWFaODRZYUNJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5S1UlMkZMM2xmX3owMkhLSXhXbGRYeGpkMU1QTTJOa3ZqWDBFeEFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MjcyLkpQRw==?checksum=fcdadcdd5632edeff3d3602a992417a5c15ed84d\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-d9oBfxaiqis\/We5aZ84YaCI\/AAAAAAAByKU\/L3lf_z02HKIxWldXxjd1MPM2NkvjX0ExACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9272.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Do4Qlil3E28\/We5aybESa_I\/AAAAAAAByKY\/Y3O_b0171rgquuGQTDTLPXGkzh7d9d3vwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9303.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1EbzRRbGlsM0UyOCUyRldlNWF5YkVTYV9JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5S1klMkZZM09fYjAxNzFyZ3F1dUdRVERUTFBYR2t6aDdkOWQzdndDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MzAzLkpQRw==?checksum=8320b948954796979e7ee06aabfa2bee07bf3d32\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Do4Qlil3E28\/We5aybESa_I\/AAAAAAAByKY\/Y3O_b0171rgquuGQTDTLPXGkzh7d9d3vwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9303.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E The morning drive from Houston to Jefferson County is uneventful. No floodwaters in sight, people are going about their business, but it\u0027s clear that pockets of businesses were affected by the hurricane because parking lots are empty. We see homes with lots of furniture, mattresses, drywall and other things piled up along the side of the road. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-U9agx7yoKSk\/WfIbQ217zAI\/AAAAAAAByLs\/iDvOLeT2nm4sGBEUCHcG7avBbr-ha4XJwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9352.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1VOWFneDd5b0tTayUyRldmSWJRMjE3ekFJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5THMlMkZpRHZPTGVUMm5tNHNHQkVVQ0hjRzdhdkJici1oYTRYSndDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MzUyLkpQRw==?checksum=5e73f1ab21f35b1877000ab6c0c149aa9d354af6\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-U9agx7yoKSk\/WfIbQ217zAI\/AAAAAAAByLs\/iDvOLeT2nm4sGBEUCHcG7avBbr-ha4XJwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9352.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E We report to the Red Cross headquarters in Beaumont to get our shelter assignment. Where\u0027s the huge flood we saw on TV the other day? And there\u0027s no helicopter. Bummer. We discuss how perhaps the media is misleading the people. Much of the floodwater is gone, but the damage, we will see later, is enormous. How will these people deal with life after the hurricane? I feel so sorry for them. Anyway, we are told to go to Port Arthur to assist in a huge shelter held in a large middle school. A Red Cross Mass Care team is already in place. The shelter community is spread throughout the campus, which is highly irregular. Normally, we keep clients together in one space like the gymnasium. It\u0027s easier to keep track of residents and their pets. It\u0027s a safety and liability thing. It\u0027s a hard community. Law enforcement is in place, as is the National Guard. What does that tell you? I overheard someone mention that illegal drugs were a problem there. After touring the facility, our team leader decided that we will not be a part of this shelter because he deemed it not safe. Besides, that shelter had all the support it needed. He asked for us to be assigned somewhere else. Meanwhile, we will hunker down for the night in Port Arthur, at a place called the The Shephard\u0027s Inn. Interesting place. The inn is a part of the Christian Life Crisis Intervention. Their website says the inn is \u0022able to offer respite, relaxation and meals to families caught up in the criminal justice system, and to victims of personal and public disasters.\u0022 We showed up and signed up for a room. The team was signing up for shared rooms. I asked for a single room, and got the last one of three. It was different, but I made myself at home pretty quick. Did I mention that there are no locks on the doors? And the showers are shared with others in your wing. Now those doors have locks! Another requirement is you must empty the trash can and clean the toilet and sink before you check out. The kitchen was loaded with bread, peanut butter and jam, Top Ramen noodles, cereal, milk and coffee. No charge. I slept so well. It was mostly Red Cross volunteers staying at the inn. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-d1ZCMdGL7yU\/WfIgojv_yLI\/AAAAAAAByL8\/D0swPWaQesgiIlfbAn6Ap8xOxPvMyCymwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/My room at the Shephard%2527s Inn%252C 2689 65th Street%252C Port Arthur%252C TX 77640.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1kMVpDTWRHTDd5VSUyRldmSWdvanZfeUxJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TDglMkZEMHN3UFdhUWVzZ2lJbGZiQW42QXA4eE94UHZNeUN5bXdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRk15JTJCcm9vbSUyQmF0JTJCdGhlJTJCU2hlcGhhcmQlMjUyNTI3cyUyQklubiUyNTI1MkMlMkIyNjg5JTJCNjV0aCUyQlN0cmVldCUyNTI1MkMlMkJQb3J0JTJCQXJ0aHVyJTI1MjUyQyUyQlRYJTJCNzc2NDAuSlBH?checksum=8a81499ff638d01c97c3f646ee87a41ba3f87447\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-d1ZCMdGL7yU\/WfIgojv_yLI\/AAAAAAAByL8\/D0swPWaQesgiIlfbAn6Ap8xOxPvMyCymwCLcBGAs\/s640\/My+room+at+the+Shephard%2527s+Inn%252C+2689+65th+Street%252C+Port+Arthur%252C+TX+77640.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003ESunday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E9-3-17\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003EToday is our laundry day. Kelly, Gladis and I need to find a laundromat, but Roger wants to be dropped off at headquarters first so he can check on when we are in getting into a shelter. We found a laundromat, and all machines were being used. It was a half hour before we would began our laundering. Roger calls me and says he\u0027s ready to be picked up, so Gladis and I leave while Kelly keeps an eye on our laundry. When we got to Roger, he says he\u0027s not ready to leave so Gladis and I go back to the laundromat, but it\u0027s not the right one. We\u0027re lost and we don\u0027t remember the name of our laundromat. While I check Google Maps, Gladis see a Mexican restaurant next door and they\u0027re open for business. Being hungry, we went to get a quick bite and sodas. Meanwhile, Kelly calls and says the laundry\u0027s done so I decided to save my leftover lunch for Kelly. She is grateful for the food. Gladis ate everything on her plate. Roger calls and says again to pick him up. Shoot, we have no food for him so we can\u0027t let him know we ate. That would be rude, but the car smells like tacos which we found hilarious for some reason. We began spraying the car with scented body spray, used hand sanitizer on our hands, and chewed gum. Then I pulled up to a residential garbage bin in a leafy neighborhood, and Kelly tossed her paper plate. Now we were ready to pick up Roger. Why didn\u0027t we just buy Kelly her own plate, and Roger, too? Because the owner of La Salsita was giving away free tacos. They had nothing else to serve because they had no water to cook. There was a severe shortage of good water. La Salsita had the leftover fixings for tacos and just wanted to give them away. They gave Gladis and I four tacos each. I didn\u0027t want to be greedy asking for more plates of food when there are people there who really have no food.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-DKB4qRxTQW0\/WfQZKtz7uRI\/AAAAAAAByMU\/b0I_93I2G5EllKp8FDRVnOuarl9aAh8qQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Free 4 tacos and a bottle of water at La Salsitas Port in Beaumont.jpg\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1ES0I0cVJ4VFFXMCUyRldmUVpLdHo3dVJJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TVUlMkZiMElfOTNJMkc1RWxsS3A4RkRSVm5PdWFybDlhQWg4cVFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRkZyZWUlMkI0JTJCdGFjb3MlMkJhbmQlMkJhJTJCYm90dGxlJTJCb2YlMkJ3YXRlciUyQmF0JTJCTGElMkJTYWxzaXRhcyUyQlBvcnQlMkJpbiUyQkJlYXVtb250LmpwZw==?checksum=91cc61fbb84dc49e48aecc8f7a92048e198991b7\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-DKB4qRxTQW0\/WfQZKtz7uRI\/AAAAAAAByMU\/b0I_93I2G5EllKp8FDRVnOuarl9aAh8qQCLcBGAs\/s640\/Free+4+tacos+and+a+bottle+of+water+at+La+Salsitas+Port+in+Beaumont.jpg"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E On the way to headquarters, we saw this happen. A Red Cross ERV (emergency response vehicle) team drove into a gas station, opened its doors, and stood around and waited. Slowly people appeared and quietly lined up to get their cases of water. Scenes like this were playing out all over Texas.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MCHbXhZ_D34\/WfQZPbM9vXI\/AAAAAAAByMc\/0gV-CiQ2AVg5IlAfNGv_-776qy8x9T84wCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9364.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1NQ0hiWGhaX0QzNCUyRldmUVpQYk05dlhJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TWMlMkYwZ1YtQ2lRMkFWZzVJbEFmTkd2Xy03NzZxeTh4OVQ4NHdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MzY0LkpQRw==?checksum=445b8110aea8beee2e52222f4003c3f169e268b6\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MCHbXhZ_D34\/WfQZPbM9vXI\/AAAAAAAByMc\/0gV-CiQ2AVg5IlAfNGv_-776qy8x9T84wCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9364.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003EWe get great news. We\u0027re to hurry up and pack our bags because we are being assigned to a shelter in Sour Lake. This is exciting! We wait for a van that will help transport the rest of us and our bags to this country community. We encounter many roadblocks due to flooded roads and highways but we figure it out.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Pe8rS2dNDuQ\/WfQZNYTl6OI\/AAAAAAAByMg\/GuD0kn3_szE7O4-hAOVzOck1D3day6rXACEwYBhgL\/s1600\/IMG_4023%255B217%255D.PNG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1QZThyUzJkTkR1USUyRldmUVpOWVRsNk9JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TWclMkZHdUQwa24zX3N6RTdPNC1oQU9Wek9jazFEM2RheTZyWEFDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfNDAyMyUyNTI1NUIyMTclMjUyNTVELlBORw==?checksum=1b2d09a319dd92c0076d092f466739c8ba0e7756\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Pe8rS2dNDuQ\/WfQZNYTl6OI\/AAAAAAAByMg\/GuD0kn3_szE7O4-hAOVzOck1D3day6rXACEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_4023%255B217%255D.PNG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5VTBu7jobCI\/WfVqRAeinHI\/AAAAAAAByOQ\/y1w_kDUOf5ABubnmuc32av-GhqpLYpQlwCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/IMG_9595.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi01VlRCdTdqb2JDSSUyRldmVnFSQWVpbkhJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5T1ElMkZ5MXdfa0RVT2Y1QUJ1Ym5tdWMzMmF2LUdocXBMWXBRbHdDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTU5NS5KUEc=?checksum=d3f08f719657a376b46d14101d480751135adeba\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5VTBu7jobCI\/WfVqRAeinHI\/AAAAAAAByOQ\/y1w_kDUOf5ABubnmuc32av-GhqpLYpQlwCEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9595.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E I totally missed this scene because I was squished in the back seat behind the driver, but those who saw it said they knew they were going to love being in Sour Lake when they saw two teen boys chasing after a little pooch running across the street. It was like s scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. It happens that the dog belonged to one of the clients in the shelter, which is in the community center pictured below. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bgPR95GykuM\/WfdlatW1cbI\/AAAAAAAByTY\/M8lY__pzImcHBpYS3P02bbKbwmi65JCWwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Sour Lake Community Center.jpg\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1iZ1BSOTVHeWt1TSUyRldmZGxhdFcxY2JJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VFklMkZNOGxZX19wekltY0hCcFlTM1AwMmJiS2J3bWk2NUpDV3dDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRlNvdXIlMkJMYWtlJTJCQ29tbXVuaXR5JTJCQ2VudGVyLmpwZw==?checksum=05861d88832a8357998455296d48460625b06f51\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-bgPR95GykuM\/WfdlatW1cbI\/AAAAAAAByTY\/M8lY__pzImcHBpYS3P02bbKbwmi65JCWwCLcBGAs\/s640\/Sour+Lake+Community+Center.jpg"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IlnFaxDYz1Y\/WfTEZQGAmSI\/AAAAAAAByMs\/8-NrSsKO9WkKVUcbsRhM8GG1qI5cwAk3ACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9366.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1JbG5GYXhEWXoxWSUyRldmVEVaUUdBbVNJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TXMlMkY4LU5yU3NLTzlXa0tWVWNic1JoTThHRzFxSTVjd0FrM0FDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MzY2LkpQRw==?checksum=08ba0bdc264cb28c20a5a06755467e1f3bf722a0\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IlnFaxDYz1Y\/WfTEZQGAmSI\/AAAAAAAByMs\/8-NrSsKO9WkKVUcbsRhM8GG1qI5cwAk3ACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9366.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E We park and enter the facility and meet the mayor, Bruce. He immediately lets us know that he runs the shelter, asks what took us so long to get there, and we are there to assist only, which is a common occurrence. Many local governments have their own emergency management and shelter operations teams. In some cases, they run into hardships and allow the Red Cross teams to take over. Everyone seems pretty nice but others in the team felt they weren\u0027t welcome. Anyway, I introduce myself to Sour Lake\u0027s elected mayor. He\u0027s been the mayor for years. He runs the shelter with the help of his wife, Renee, and his children and the shelter looks well-organized. He asks me what my nationality is and when I tell him I was born in the Philippines, he tells me he\u0027s half Filipino. Well, slap my head and call me silly, but that was so unexpected! How does a man born in Manila end up in a country town and has a southern accent? If I remember his story correctly, because I had to ask him a couple times to explain it to me, he was abducted by an angry family member and brought to the U.S. when he was a baby. He grew up in Beaumont, and that\u0027s where he met his lovely and vivacious wife. From that first conversation on, Bruce will refer to me as his Filipino buddy. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-bUZr6mRwWek\/WfV1HXjIOjI\/AAAAAAAByOo\/kSqGzA2I6ZYwHIOsSIdEqgYB3GuOmf2RACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9467.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1iVVpyNm1Sd1dlayUyRldmVjFIWGpJT2pJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5T28lMkZrU3FHekEySTZaWXdISU9zU0lkRXFnWUIzR3VPbWYyUkFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDY3LkpQRw==?checksum=d09824d110aa244f27c5b1d5c701cea547d2ca63\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-bUZr6mRwWek\/WfV1HXjIOjI\/AAAAAAAByOo\/kSqGzA2I6ZYwHIOsSIdEqgYB3GuOmf2RACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9467.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E He also has a commanding voice. When he calls your name, you almost want to salute him and follow orders! After we got settled in our staff shelter, which is the children\u0027s wing of the First Baptist Church, Roger tells us that tomorrow we\u0027re to ditch our red disaster vests. Don\u0027t wear the vests, but do wear the Red Cross photo ID lanyards. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EMonday\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E9-4-17\u003C\/strong\u003E I woke up early and walked .3 miles to the Sour Lake Community Center. That\u0027s a two minute walk. It\u0027s still dark out but I feel completely safe. I hear something snort and it\u0027s a white horse. It walked up to me at the fence and we practically stood nose-to-nose, then it put its check next to my check. So gentle. So magical! \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gk_4_Jwxt6g\/WfVb8D5NwGI\/AAAAAAAByNE\/geA2hMI_zVEWLXxl-_ZuA-PQQIxYo99uwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9376.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1na180X0p3eHQ2ZyUyRldmVmI4RDVOd0dJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TkUlMkZnZUEyaE1JX3pWRVdMWHhsLV9adUEtUFFRSXhZbzk5dXdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185Mzc2LkpQRw==?checksum=4b0bfb9cdbcd91c08d90509b84c706d71f79f1af\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-gk_4_Jwxt6g\/WfVb8D5NwGI\/AAAAAAAByNE\/geA2hMI_zVEWLXxl-_ZuA-PQQIxYo99uwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9376.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E The kids at the shelter named it Rain. I don\u0027t know why, but every day I will visit Rain. One day, Rain breaks out of his small corral and the guys chase after him like they did the dog the day we arrived to Sour Lake. Next to the community center is the enormous garage-turned-animal shelter. I go there every morning to see how the animals are doing. Their owners live in the shelter, and volunteers help to care for the animals.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-FWrV7LAobNM\/WfVcLH62L6I\/AAAAAAAByNI\/0tAnBQ5xYA8E70wLkaREdDkZ4V0MPQQvwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9367.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1GV3JWN0xBb2JOTSUyRldmVmNMSDYyTDZJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TkklMkYwdEFuQlE1eFlBOEU3MHdMa2FSRWREa1o0VjBNUFFRdndDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MzY3LkpQRw==?checksum=385da45df2f81645e1861a39cbf2ad04db046cb5\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-FWrV7LAobNM\/WfVcLH62L6I\/AAAAAAAByNI\/0tAnBQ5xYA8E70wLkaREdDkZ4V0MPQQvwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9367.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NVfqwkFGCt4\/WfVccSEhPSI\/AAAAAAAByNM\/l-p5SV2zRXY1onxigRlz3udqq5gkbhl8wCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9370.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1OVmZxd2tGR0N0NCUyRldmVmNjU0VoUFNJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5Tk0lMkZsLXA1U1YyelJYWTFvbnhpZ1JsejN1ZHFxNWdrYmhsOHdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MzcwLkpQRw==?checksum=fb2e7731f38ad39f430cfa10acaa9a96632fe06b\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-NVfqwkFGCt4\/WfVccSEhPSI\/AAAAAAAByNM\/l-p5SV2zRXY1onxigRlz3udqq5gkbhl8wCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9370.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ACbqLKFpCBk\/WfVck_ReFGI\/AAAAAAAByNU\/J-rQZGFR0ZYoi0kSMV2CxZght8R7hboZwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9368.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1BQ2JxTEtGcENCayUyRldmVmNrX1JlRkdJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TlUlMkZKLXJRWkdGUjBaWW9pMGtTTVYyQ3haZ2h0OFI3aGJvWndDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MzY4LkpQRw==?checksum=781c7586de806ecbef6fe062f5804b31e7e61976\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ACbqLKFpCBk\/WfVck_ReFGI\/AAAAAAAByNU\/J-rQZGFR0ZYoi0kSMV2CxZght8R7hboZwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9368.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E Shelter resident Tina Coudraird volunteered to run the animal shelter.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-U74PksKtmbI\/WfVclFBgCLI\/AAAAAAAByNY\/o976aj3UfE0VMKhRdkPZCubfh19u9D9VQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9369.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1VNzRQa3NLdG1iSSUyRldmVmNsRkJnQ0xJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TlklMkZvOTc2YWozVWZFMFZNS2hSZGtQWkN1YmZoMTl1OUQ5VlFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185MzY5LkpQRw==?checksum=1b3307c8771ae08624b9ac6a214e9775e8dce764\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-U74PksKtmbI\/WfVclFBgCLI\/AAAAAAAByNY\/o976aj3UfE0VMKhRdkPZCubfh19u9D9VQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9369.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThis is Brittany with Midnight. Later in the week she turned Sweet 16 and we surprised her with a birthday party! Below, J.P. Harris and his dog Max.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-bD1FwCl60Zk\/WfVcnF12FRI\/AAAAAAAByNc\/r8lmEH0hzhE0I8VcI4_AHihCrkJU6B8DACLcBGAs\/s1600\/J.P. Farris %2526 his dog Max.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1iRDFGd0NsNjBaayUyRldmVmNuRjEyRlJJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TmMlMkZyOGxtRUgwaHpoRTBJOFZjSTRfQUhpaENya0pVNkI4REFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRkouUC4lMkJGYXJyaXMlMkIlMjUyNTI2JTJCaGlzJTJCZG9nJTJCTWF4LkpQRw==?checksum=65b817077be8c34abd583498015f04673c9a3484\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-bD1FwCl60Zk\/WfVcnF12FRI\/AAAAAAAByNc\/r8lmEH0hzhE0I8VcI4_AHihCrkJU6B8DACLcBGAs\/s640\/J.P.+Farris+%2526+his+dog+Max.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E Roger tells me that today is my day off. If you\u0027re on duty for seven days, you get one day off. Cool! I ask if I can have the car for the day and he said I earned it. All right now! I discovered yesterday that I left my Croc sandals and shower slippers at the Shepherd Inn and I need to purchase replacements. The nearest town would be Beaumont, 30 minutes out of town. Bruce the mayor said to be careful because it\u0027s not a safe town. Really? Well, it didn\u0027t stop me and I used my GPS to find the highway. I pass homes that are being cleaned out and see some flooded areas. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wDA3_v6gtB4\/WfVjuKoeRuI\/AAAAAAAByNw\/pet9t_eOtAk8sB_yx1v0MDinXgf_7U6CwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9394.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi13REEzX3Y2Z3RCNCUyRldmVmp1S29lUnVJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TnclMkZwZXQ5dF9lT3RBazhzQl95eDF2ME1EaW5YZ2ZfN1U2Q3dDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185Mzk0LkpQRw==?checksum=533fe4121fab5d44de41a674cbc90a8b80e280b4\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wDA3_v6gtB4\/WfVjuKoeRuI\/AAAAAAAByNw\/pet9t_eOtAk8sB_yx1v0MDinXgf_7U6CwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9394.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XyshCwY4uW4\/WfVjsC_XmlI\/AAAAAAAByNs\/7ezG8m1SfXsXiur188jC0zekaBAp3sVBgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/21270894_10213700642894976_7260121477816114951_n%255B1%255D.jpg\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1YeXNoQ3dZNHVXNCUyRldmVmpzQ19YbWxJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TnMlMkY3ZXpHOG0xU2ZYc1hpdXIxODhqQzB6ZWthQkFwM3NWQmdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRjIxMjcwODk0XzEwMjEzNzAwNjQyODk0OTc2XzcyNjAxMjE0Nzc4MTYxMTQ5NTFfbiUyNTI1NUIxJTI1MjU1RC5qcGc=?checksum=b9436400ea50ceabf5d0db0813868e2f3b5c5eff\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-XyshCwY4uW4\/WfVjsC_XmlI\/AAAAAAAByNs\/7ezG8m1SfXsXiur188jC0zekaBAp3sVBgCLcBGAs\/s640\/21270894_10213700642894976_7260121477816114951_n%255B1%255D.jpg"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vvNlJuU4Gp4\/WfVmPIaZ0iI\/AAAAAAAByOA\/fUk7m8OZlSwkkFPFoqy8v5rJLVnjRXX1wCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9594.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi12dk5sSnVVNEdwNCUyRldmVm1QSWFaMGlJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5T0ElMkZmVWs3bThPWmxTd2trRlBGb3F5OHY1ckpMVm5qUlhYMXdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTk0LkpQRw==?checksum=e4584843847da127137efc8d9f4b0c8616cc8475\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vvNlJuU4Gp4\/WfVmPIaZ0iI\/AAAAAAAByOA\/fUk7m8OZlSwkkFPFoqy8v5rJLVnjRXX1wCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9594.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-LvoWNph1zog\/WfVjulmHKsI\/AAAAAAAByN0\/pvqHbpHrg0goFqpRkzwYgNbRDxk9V4E5gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/21371050_10213700642574968_847349998640921363_n%255B1%255D.jpg\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1Mdm9XTnBoMXpvZyUyRldmVmp1bG1IS3NJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TjAlMkZwdnFIYnBIcmcwZ29GcXBSa3p3WWdOYlJEeGs5VjRFNWdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRjIxMzcxMDUwXzEwMjEzNzAwNjQyNTc0OTY4Xzg0NzM0OTk5ODY0MDkyMTM2M19uJTI1MjU1QjElMjUyNTVELmpwZw==?checksum=f87f6b4486528014512fc5fde1bbf442aa01f94a\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-LvoWNph1zog\/WfVjulmHKsI\/AAAAAAAByN0\/pvqHbpHrg0goFqpRkzwYgNbRDxk9V4E5gCLcBGAs\/s640\/21371050_10213700642574968_847349998640921363_n%255B1%255D.jpg"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-oqF7zXqL7wc\/WfVmrqsF_2I\/AAAAAAAByOE\/xQOKVdZ_rWsJcnbKrCApxF7qIt38Xm5tACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9384.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1vcUY3elhxTDd3YyUyRldmVm1ycXNGXzJJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5T0UlMkZ4UU9LVmRaX3JXc0pjbmJLckNBcHhGN3FJdDM4WG01dEFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185Mzg0LkpQRw==?checksum=cf1e8c654c32f08269c50b80cfd6cb83a21bac5b\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-oqF7zXqL7wc\/WfVmrqsF_2I\/AAAAAAAByOE\/xQOKVdZ_rWsJcnbKrCApxF7qIt38Xm5tACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9384.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E I see the sign to the freeway and the police had barricaded the road. Sections of the 105 are flooded, they say. How do I get around the flooded areas, I asked, I need to get to Beaumont. They gave me directions but I was getting nowhere. I wasted two hours literally driving around in circles hitting a roadblock here and a roadblock there. I drove back into Sour Lake and hit up every little shop that was open to look for sandals. These shops were lucky if they had socks to sell. Then I saw a dollar store. If all I end up with are flipflops, so be it. I chose a red, white and blue pair to be patriotic. People helping people in America. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003ETuesday\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E9-5-17\u003C\/strong\u003E As usual, I leave the staff shelter at 6:30 am and head on over to the community center. Roger tells me that he\u0027s taking the car to Beaumont and will be at headquarters all day long to take care of business. He tells me I\u0027m in charge now and gives me names and phone numbers I might need. Not a problem. He told me to make sure the team stays busy and mentioned particular tasks that need to be completed. I relay that message to three of the staff members I find sitting at a table, one of them on her cell phone. She loves taking selfies and thinks calling people an a**hole is cute. She\u0027s a good person, though, and the youngest one on the team. Two of the ladies looked awfully tired, and should be, because they had come out of the graveyard shift. Anyway, I relayed Roger\u0027s request, and told them to get some rest, and they became snippy. Later, I asked the young one if there was a problem that I should be aware of. Her response is she and the other two ladies felt I was being bossy. Really, ladies? I was only concerned for their well-being. I had no time for this crap and my responsibilities took precedence over silly behavior. I decide to chat with some of the clients. It\u0027s important to connect with them, show them we care. This is Alex, a very important client and disabled veteran. Bruce, the mayor, wants all shelter residents to help with chores in keeping the shelter clean and organized. Working registration is the best Alex can help with.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9WvS_pWy4OU\/WfWKWVHS8dI\/AAAAAAAByRY\/LMgQU2amvCQI_bnV3PFNvoeiGNreQjRRwCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/IMG_9405.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi05V3ZTX3BXeTRPVSUyRldmV0tXVkhTOGRJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UlklMkZMTWdRVTJhbXZDUUlfYm5WM1BGTnZvZWlHTnJlUWpSUndDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTQwNS5KUEc=?checksum=9e1cd632e4553c1043939ddfec95f6c3c0b33218\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-9WvS_pWy4OU\/WfWKWVHS8dI\/AAAAAAAByRY\/LMgQU2amvCQI_bnV3PFNvoeiGNreQjRRwCEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9405.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E He likes to sit at the registration table. His job is to make sure everyone in the shelter signs in and signs out. Even Red Cross staffers. He loves working graveyard shifts. Alex had only minutes to evacuate his home. He thought he\u0027d be safe in his home during the storm, but the sudden rush of floodwater alerted him that it was time to move. It took just minutes for the water to reach his elevated porch. He says he pretty much lost everything. \u003Cbr\u003E Later in the evening when Roger asked how everything went, I told him of the \u0022minor situation\u0022 with a few of the ladies. \u0022We need to get more guys on the team,\u0022 says Roger. Kelly and I chuckle. Tonight is the night Janet and I will work graveyard. We sit at the registration table in the lobby. We straighten out the clothing distribution table, and she keeps handing me books that she thinks I\u0027d love to read. Janet inspires me. She\u0027s 83 years old, and has the soul of a 25 year old. She\u0027s funny, a SoCal girl (lives in Riverside), and loves to flirt with men of all ages and they all love her because she\u0027s so darn cute and hilarious. She\u0027s also a hard worker and carries the true spirit of the American Red Cross, which is why I want to be like Janet when I grow up. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uh5qYIoJwBk\/WfV8hufJd6I\/AAAAAAAByO4\/4RD7oTIhvYwLL0zQzoOZNLxndEnQGNZOwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/22045658_1761789703831746_2768037536028960885_n.jpg\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi11aDVxWUlvSndCayUyRldmVjhodWZKZDZJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5TzQlMkY0UkQ3b1RJaHZZd0xMMHpRem9PWk5MeG5kRW5RR05aT3dDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRjIyMDQ1NjU4XzE3NjE3ODk3MDM4MzE3NDZfMjc2ODAzNzUzNjAyODk2MDg4NV9uLmpwZw==?checksum=31e29374f755ce94bf4fd5f0b4ddca4116285ef6\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-uh5qYIoJwBk\/WfV8hufJd6I\/AAAAAAAByO4\/4RD7oTIhvYwLL0zQzoOZNLxndEnQGNZOwCLcBGAs\/s640\/22045658_1761789703831746_2768037536028960885_n.jpg"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EWednesday\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E9-6-17\u003C\/strong\u003E Graveyard shift ended at 7am. I went back to the church to wash up and sleep. I think I slept till 3:30 pm or so. I decided to take photos of my surroundings on my walk back to the community center. But first, this is a picture of my sleeping quarters. Having a lit candle makes me feel at home. I always pack a candle and book in my suitcase. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7yrNdOofSOw\/WfWB3IdgUVI\/AAAAAAAByPQ\/dSS6sn4iEs8QNXqc-ScTHTorPrU6kEldgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9409.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi03eXJOZE9vZlNPdyUyRldmV0IzSWRnVVZJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UFElMkZkU1M2c240aUVzOFFOWHFjLVNjVEhUb3JQclU2a0VsZGdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDA5LkpQRw==?checksum=8912d55307b0374269cab5de9ee3d72ca7deb60b\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-7yrNdOofSOw\/WfWB3IdgUVI\/AAAAAAAByPQ\/dSS6sn4iEs8QNXqc-ScTHTorPrU6kEldgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9409.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca 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href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uWp2zoXLA9o\/WfWCRudBvvI\/AAAAAAAByP8\/vRKaN7RSp_s4xDq9CB8pR81aiX4jbmd7QCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9420.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi11V3Ayem9YTEE5byUyRldmV0NSdWRCdnZJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UDglMkZ2UkthTjdSU3BfczR4RHE5Q0I4cFI4MWFpWDRqYm1kN1FDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDIwLkpQRw==?checksum=9ed088747202b9bf9c1e4227a9c44fa3794acb40\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uWp2zoXLA9o\/WfWCRudBvvI\/AAAAAAAByP8\/vRKaN7RSp_s4xDq9CB8pR81aiX4jbmd7QCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9420.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-qG4fVd8SFW8\/WfWCxG4qVoI\/AAAAAAAByQo\/Xt_Hq_mbajMyWvPWzlDPc1eqX-BicBEKgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9428.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1xRzRmVmQ4U0ZXOCUyRldmV0N4RzRxVm9JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UW8lMkZYdF9IcV9tYmFqTXlXdlBXemxEUGMxZXFYLUJpY0JFS2dDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDI4LkpQRw==?checksum=1143ce973989fc8fbad1ac3fb1298f04aace1475\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-qG4fVd8SFW8\/WfWCxG4qVoI\/AAAAAAAByQo\/Xt_Hq_mbajMyWvPWzlDPc1eqX-BicBEKgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9428.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-g2QiceypI9I\/WfWTy6T0hEI\/AAAAAAABySI\/QKC-tuoJRP8Ywk6LazbfJvtGLEJZFkn-QCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9459.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1nMlFpY2V5cEk5SSUyRldmV1R5NlQwaEVJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5U0klMkZRS0MtdHVvSlJQOFl3azZMYXpiZkp2dEdMRUpaRmtuLVFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDU5LkpQRw==?checksum=cdcbe0816a81e1f3fdbb0c274a8292b309c56a59\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-g2QiceypI9I\/WfWTy6T0hEI\/AAAAAAABySI\/QKC-tuoJRP8Ywk6LazbfJvtGLEJZFkn-QCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9459.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IpBzWrf3LAc\/WfWB25aomkI\/AAAAAAAByPI\/IfmnWWa5RGck1Q2pAlVmetkVUJT6Uj3HwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/FullSizeRender %25289%2529.jpg\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1JcEJ6V3JmM0xBYyUyRldmV0IyNWFvbWtJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UEklMkZJZm1uV1dhNVJHY2sxUTJwQWxWbWV0a1ZVSlQ2VWozSHdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRkZ1bGxTaXplUmVuZGVyJTJCJTI1MjUyODklMjUyNTI5LmpwZw==?checksum=db3a36fa446bb6ac2781d74b9e6bf8c5930f01b5\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IpBzWrf3LAc\/WfWB25aomkI\/AAAAAAAByPI\/IfmnWWa5RGck1Q2pAlVmetkVUJT6Uj3HwCLcBGAs\/s640\/FullSizeRender+%25289%2529.jpg"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-jhczXntg1eE\/WfWCKGKtd9I\/AAAAAAAByPo\/1YO3-o08VaQ0VXbLIsVLxqxxLogBEnMyQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9415.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1qaGN6WG50ZzFlRSUyRldmV0NLR0t0ZDlJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UG8lMkYxWU8zLW8wOFZhUTBWWGJMSXNWTHhxeHhMb2dCRW5NeVFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDE1LkpQRw==?checksum=4d99819839727370774764326878a4921ea38c6e\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-jhczXntg1eE\/WfWCKGKtd9I\/AAAAAAAByPo\/1YO3-o08VaQ0VXbLIsVLxqxxLogBEnMyQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9415.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E Janet showed me a puppy that belongs to one of the shelter clients. I just had to have cuddle time with this furry baby. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-8lqwFFQ5ObA\/WfWCvyMKFlI\/AAAAAAAByQg\/9BEG4nGnXYwiNHOss6eleYWMZ9B6t3b-gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9431.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi04bHF3RkZRNU9iQSUyRldmV0N2eU1LRmxJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UWclMkY5QkVHNG5HblhZd2lOSE9zczZlbGVZV01aOUI2dDNiLWdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDMxLkpQRw==?checksum=011e3e1fa453e2e4a2569852f8b6d233b8233b17\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-8lqwFFQ5ObA\/WfWCvyMKFlI\/AAAAAAAByQg\/9BEG4nGnXYwiNHOss6eleYWMZ9B6t3b-gCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9431.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-l6ZArXjguRk\/WfWC82bKm1I\/AAAAAAAByQ8\/Y8lsgowQ4ZwA3tv3B6RdK9JrM6zMix2lQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9436.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1sNlpBclhqZ3VSayUyRldmV0M4MmJLbTFJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UTglMkZZOGxzZ293UTRad0EzdHYzQjZSZEs5SnJNNnpNaXgybFFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDM2LkpQRw==?checksum=e9c44627638754ab1c06cfaede37b3644c6c4795\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-l6ZArXjguRk\/WfWC82bKm1I\/AAAAAAAByQ8\/Y8lsgowQ4ZwA3tv3B6RdK9JrM6zMix2lQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9436.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-U29f9sGHvUw\/WfWC7dfOAmI\/AAAAAAAByQ4\/z63Zi-gO6EkI06oDqRh9g1Ibl5OY4BG1ACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9434.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1VMjlmOXNHSHZVdyUyRldmV0M3ZGZPQW1JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UTQlMkZ6NjNaaS1nTzZFa0kwNm9EcVJoOWcxSWJsNU9ZNEJHMUFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDM0LkpQRw==?checksum=352b73ede221c33429b3beb43d9f551728dd6a30\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-U29f9sGHvUw\/WfWC7dfOAmI\/AAAAAAAByQ4\/z63Zi-gO6EkI06oDqRh9g1Ibl5OY4BG1ACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9434.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E Remember the day Roger was gone the entire day, and Kelly the nurse was with him, too? They were at headquarters making phone calls, reaching out to community partners seeking donations of all kinds - personal care items, clothing, cots, blankets, pillows, MREs (meal, ready to eat), bleach, shovels, rakes, garbage bags, you name it. This supplemented what the Red Cross was able to provide the clients with donated funds. This was one of two trucks that came to deliver goods. Way to go, Roger and Kelly! \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-tfk4f0HHp-w\/WfWKRgImcwI\/AAAAAAAByRM\/H8_0wsOJSxYeQX9a9wd_ZC8EAcaGO3LSQCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/IMG_9397.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi10Zms0ZjBISHAtdyUyRldmV0tSZ0ltY3dJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5Uk0lMkZIOF8wd3NPSlN4WWVRWDlhOXdkX1pDOEVBY2FHTzNMU1FDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTM5Ny5KUEc=?checksum=45a2dcaac3837f0d9c00eecd923b099329d692e6\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-tfk4f0HHp-w\/WfWKRgImcwI\/AAAAAAAByRM\/H8_0wsOJSxYeQX9a9wd_ZC8EAcaGO3LSQCEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9397.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3wG6aPXj6Ts\/WfWKlfe5SZI\/AAAAAAAByRU\/7rt7aI52kF8Peo7AdTDCoaSwKp38o8m6wCEwYBhgL\/s1600\/IMG_9404.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi0zd0c2YVBYajZUcyUyRldmV0tsZmU1U1pJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UlUlMkY3cnQ3YUk1MmtGOFBlbzdBZFREQ29hU3dLcDM4bzhtNndDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTQwNC5KUEc=?checksum=29ade13ee9a33cdc58377affa14156361404d3b7\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-3wG6aPXj6Ts\/WfWKlfe5SZI\/AAAAAAAByRU\/7rt7aI52kF8Peo7AdTDCoaSwKp38o8m6wCEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9404.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E Inside the community center, we watch CNN a lot on the television to see where Hurricane Irma is headed. Three of our team members are very concerned. Their homes are likely to be in its path. Two are from Wilmington, North Carolina and the other from Georgia. They decide they will process-out and go home. Roger tells me that when he leaves, I will be the shelter manager. He calls Staffing to send replacement shelter workers, and they should be men because of all the heavy items needing to be moved. I\u0027m doing my share of lifting, but some of those boxes are almost as tall as I am. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003EThursday\u003C\/strong\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E9-7-17\u003C\/strong\u003E Roger, Joe and Jeannie are leaving today. It\u0027s sad to see them go, but they must get back to their families and possibly prepare for the worst of the hurricane weather. I check my e-mails and find an e-mail from Emily, Communications Director from the San Diego headquarters of the Red Cross. She wants to know if I can do a live interview from the shelter with San Diego Fox5 News. But that was for yesterday. I said if there was a chance to do a live interview in the future, I\u0027d do it. Joe and I go over some paperwork and Kelly announces she\u0027s going to process-out. She wants to volunteer abroad on one of the islands hit by the hurricane. She has her passport and she\u0027s gone. The last I heard, she was still in Miami unable to get out due to Hurricane Irma. Joe is ready to leave. We take a photo and he tells me to stop by the fire station some time today for some great photo ops because the Mennonites are there serving breakfast. They came all the way from Tennessee, I soon found out. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-_AIofAJj42Y\/WfWR6P-eUGI\/AAAAAAAByRk\/qBHt381FAzMaY7WFf5A6QLNcGG0ueuC3QCLcBGAs\/s1600\/FullSizeRender %252812%2529.jpg\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1fQUlvZkFKajQyWSUyRldmV1I2UC1lVUdJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UmslMkZxQkh0MzgxRkF6TWFZN1dGZjVBNlFMTmNHRzB1ZXVDM1FDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRkZ1bGxTaXplUmVuZGVyJTJCJTI1MjUyODEyJTI1MjUyOS5qcGc=?checksum=0f4b97a2158f3f4a6ea66b73a9ca020df8651511\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-_AIofAJj42Y\/WfWR6P-eUGI\/AAAAAAAByRk\/qBHt381FAzMaY7WFf5A6QLNcGG0ueuC3QCLcBGAs\/s640\/FullSizeRender+%252812%2529.jpg"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca 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href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OHtnRE-Bu6Y\/WfWSJFVBT1I\/AAAAAAAByR0\/qkdGai-WX84bgK3n1llE6R7cOftZoKEFQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9447.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1PSHRuUkUtQnU2WSUyRldmV1NKRlZCVDFJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UjAlMkZxa2RHYWktV1g4NGJnSzNuMWxsRTZSN2NPZnRab0tFRlFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDQ3LkpQRw==?checksum=3a412c9850e3c92817d68f8294058c35e83806a0\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-OHtnRE-Bu6Y\/WfWSJFVBT1I\/AAAAAAAByR0\/qkdGai-WX84bgK3n1llE6R7cOftZoKEFQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9447.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-kJhsZhLGpJ8\/WfWSPvcBJFI\/AAAAAAAByR4\/7u_uC-h1ZSUdCFPYdxlhH77QAePKRug3gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9449.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1rSmhzWmhMR3BKOCUyRldmV1NQdmNCSkZJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UjQlMkY3dV91Qy1oMVpTVWRDRlBZZHhsaEg3N1FBZVBLUnVnM2dDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDQ5LkpQRw==?checksum=1c7676c4d4d99f4dc7feeb5737840bdef7ef2852\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-kJhsZhLGpJ8\/WfWSPvcBJFI\/AAAAAAAByR4\/7u_uC-h1ZSUdCFPYdxlhH77QAePKRug3gCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9449.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rgajrklOJUA\/WfWSPlNTaeI\/AAAAAAAByR8\/SKpz5klw-XsuaHQOePTLCkHz92E8g09nACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9450.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1yZ2FqcmtsT0pVQSUyRldmV1NQbE5UYWVJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5UjglMkZTS3B6NWtsdy1Yc3VhSFFPZVBUTENrSHo5MkU4ZzA5bkFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDUwLkpQRw==?checksum=cdcae76593f4cdfc005947910987dd904b8ef65b\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rgajrklOJUA\/WfWSPlNTaeI\/AAAAAAAByR8\/SKpz5klw-XsuaHQOePTLCkHz92E8g09nACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9450.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Qe9R4z8XY-c\/WfdiJMtoi9I\/AAAAAAAByTM\/yEtQJZOgmbEbsusE3sG_-nV12vRjaowvgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/TN_Mennonites_in_Sour_Lake_BD.jpg\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1RZTlSNHo4WFktYyUyRldmZGlKTXRvaTlJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VE0lMkZ5RXRRSlpPZ21iRWJzdXNFM3NHXy1uVjEydlJqYW93dmdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRlROX01lbm5vbml0ZXNfaW5fU291cl9MYWtlX0JELmpwZw==?checksum=f428d4ccfea18e98e0054e99a0a45274dea981bc\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Qe9R4z8XY-c\/WfdiJMtoi9I\/AAAAAAAByTM\/yEtQJZOgmbEbsusE3sG_-nV12vRjaowvgCLcBGAs\/s640\/TN_Mennonites_in_Sour_Lake_BD.jpg"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E Before I go back to the community center, I take a stroll through Sour Lake\u0027s historic center. It\u0027s the cutest four street corners I\u0027ve ever seen. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-3_xlC-k7SkI\/WfWWV-q_6tI\/AAAAAAABySU\/jUHhA1NAXwwRHPLRebQcz6UFT0iwqX27QCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9451.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi0zX3hsQy1rN1NrSSUyRldmV1dWLXFfNnRJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5U1UlMkZqVUhoQTFOQVh3d1JIUExSZWJRY3o2VUZUMGl3cVgyN1FDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDUxLkpQRw==?checksum=ab4d55038bee47db998f422e8742debfed076402\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-3_xlC-k7SkI\/WfWWV-q_6tI\/AAAAAAABySU\/jUHhA1NAXwwRHPLRebQcz6UFT0iwqX27QCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9451.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-epp7zhS5SVw\/WfWWY7afV9I\/AAAAAAABySY\/qX55vqsTZd0ewBM-ZaiUchWvS8uN2gSRACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9452.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1lcHA3emhTNVNWdyUyRldmV1dZN2FmVjlJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5U1klMkZxWDU1dnFzVFpkMGV3Qk0tWmFpVWNoV3ZTOHVOMmdTUkFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDUyLkpQRw==?checksum=c37d3d53c2551641926e1ea80b8136d961eb7656\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-epp7zhS5SVw\/WfWWY7afV9I\/AAAAAAABySY\/qX55vqsTZd0ewBM-ZaiUchWvS8uN2gSRACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9452.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-J5kQeiKwjzA\/WfWWc-gPqwI\/AAAAAAABySc\/YUIjBr0iOv8JJVHRxUw3oTMq2PCGHhWCwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9453.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1KNWtRZWlLd2p6QSUyRldmV1djLWdQcXdJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5U2MlMkZZVUlqQnIwaU92OEpKVkhSeFV3M29UTXEyUENHSGhXQ3dDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDUzLkpQRw==?checksum=ea309de90c10a2487910c39c3193b2ac05a9f074\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-J5kQeiKwjzA\/WfWWc-gPqwI\/AAAAAAABySc\/YUIjBr0iOv8JJVHRxUw3oTMq2PCGHhWCwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9453.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JjeCKFm9psk\/WfWWgaa9EpI\/AAAAAAABySg\/KuxbOIXlNAYrp3tbTnM52_zKJ_cNjmWxwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9454.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1KamVDS0ZtOXBzayUyRldmV1dnYWE5RXBJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5U2clMkZLdXhiT0lYbE5BWXJwM3RiVG5NNTJfektKX2NOam1XeHdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NDU0LkpQRw==?checksum=c05cda32dbea8e48ca12b0e34bc981f8c1f8af71\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JjeCKFm9psk\/WfWWgaa9EpI\/AAAAAAABySg\/KuxbOIXlNAYrp3tbTnM52_zKJ_cNjmWxwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9454.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E Joe, Jeannie and Roger are ready to begin their journey home. We, Bruce and his family gather for one \u0022family photo\u0022. I am fully in charge today and everyone comes together as a team. No complaints and everyone\u0027s using their muscles to move huge boxes of donated stuff from storage to the main floor of the community center for distribution. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFriday\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cstrong\u003E9-8-17\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E I\u0027m up before sunrise. Before I grab a cup of coffee, I stop by the animal shelter to count the numbers of dogs and cats. I also include Rain, the horse, in the count. Then I go to the registration table to check the report for the number of clients that slept in the shelter overnight. That gives me a clue as to the number of meals I will order today, and I jack up the number a little bit for additional people who might need food and water. The meals will arrive by ERV.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZdAhTsPFXfY\/WfdtY5h2HGI\/AAAAAAAByTo\/v9s_WdMXHy0EcagnueVaI5wq3Si8NYP5QCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9508.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1aZEFoVHNQRlhmWSUyRldmZHRZNWgySEdJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VG8lMkZ2OXNfV2RNWEh5MEVjYWdudWVWYUk1d3EzU2k4TllQNVFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTA4LkpQRw==?checksum=4b94f1ec67d69e4581c900d163d119834a9dc012\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZdAhTsPFXfY\/WfdtY5h2HGI\/AAAAAAAByTo\/v9s_WdMXHy0EcagnueVaI5wq3Si8NYP5QCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9508.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UrIaQwXGtrs\/WfdtdLLf5QI\/AAAAAAAByTs\/vH-xEMZoHVgZns0zkfQu7bI60hZBwcIPgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9516.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1VcklhUXdYR3RycyUyRldmZHRkTExmNVFJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VHMlMkZ2SC14RU1ab0hWZ1puczB6a2ZRdTdiSTYwaFpCd2NJUGdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTE2LkpQRw==?checksum=d8134bd43942cee9ce1275f7992c506584e13c5b\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-UrIaQwXGtrs\/WfdtdLLf5QI\/AAAAAAAByTs\/vH-xEMZoHVgZns0zkfQu7bI60hZBwcIPgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9516.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E I take a break later on to check out the small public library, where the librarian was so nice to let me make photocopies of forms, for as long as I needed to. Next door to the library was the jail, from long ago days.\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CpJttwOZNo4\/WfdvXuyExRI\/AAAAAAAByT4\/ITf6lk6mWrkD5rHC5sz3fYmIgZFiMuj2wCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9520.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1DcEp0dHdPWk5vNCUyRldmZHZYdXlFeFJJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VDQlMkZJVGY2bGs2bVdya0Q1ckhDNXN6M2ZZbUlnWkZpTXVqMndDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTIwLkpQRw==?checksum=63c4677cbb3797fbd8eca36e36a701d11a31e466\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-CpJttwOZNo4\/WfdvXuyExRI\/AAAAAAAByT4\/ITf6lk6mWrkD5rHC5sz3fYmIgZFiMuj2wCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9520.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E And next to the jail is a Texas Historical Commission marker commemorating the beginning of Sour Lake\u0027s oil industry. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-cj9IaQ128P8\/WfdwmdXKLUI\/AAAAAAAByUU\/QCaPayhGsZYP6G_NxFS62Lv4m2EqI4HOgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9518.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1jajlJYVExMjhQOCUyRldmZHdtZFhLTFVJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VVUlMkZRQ2FQYXloR3NaWVA2R19OeEZTNjJMdjRtMkVxSTRIT2dDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTE4LkpQRw==?checksum=b9cfc44741e9ed301d02044f44c7ba3b2eb7bfc8\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-cj9IaQ128P8\/WfdwmdXKLUI\/AAAAAAAByUU\/QCaPayhGsZYP6G_NxFS62Lv4m2EqI4HOgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9518.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fgEb8jyUEn0\/WfdwsOu82fI\/AAAAAAAByUY\/xJQyoR-oWfoVYMs-MMrMb5pJHs9-2w0bwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9519.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1mZ0ViOGp5VUVuMCUyRldmZHdzT3U4MmZJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VVklMkZ4SlF5b1Itb1dmb1ZZTXMtTU1yTWI1cEpIczktMncwYndDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTE5LkpQRw==?checksum=cae8509ababcfeaee5202bea3754932657e9a58c\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fgEb8jyUEn0\/WfdwsOu82fI\/AAAAAAAByUY\/xJQyoR-oWfoVYMs-MMrMb5pJHs9-2w0bwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9519.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xHR6lp87EaE\/Wfdwz895uPI\/AAAAAAAByUc\/e2H5Gnho2CABzq1edgZ3LhCYq64DJEEuwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9521.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi14SFI2bHA4N0VhRSUyRldmZHd6ODk1dVBJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VWMlMkZlMkg1R25obzJDQUJ6cTFlZGdaM0xoQ1lxNjRESkVFdXdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTIxLkpQRw==?checksum=55d6ca472afc87eb1492dbc31a85c09d80cc58e4\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-xHR6lp87EaE\/Wfdwz895uPI\/AAAAAAAByUc\/e2H5Gnho2CABzq1edgZ3LhCYq64DJEEuwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9521.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E Our animal shelter is in the the large building behind the oil rig. Later in the morning, I came to the realization that my two week deployment was up today. It was time for me to prepare to process-out. I informed Janet, the next person who would be in line to supervise. Then I got a call from the Red Cross in San Diego. Fox5 News wants to interview me this morning. Can I go live in an hour? I\u0027ve never been interviewed by a news station, so I am understandably nervous. But I drop everything and prepare myself for the interview. Emily, the communications director for the San Diego Red Cross is there to guide me. I practice how I might answer some questions. But my heart is racing, and I tell myself to just be myself, breathe and whatever I say, to stay on point and be brief. Minutes before we go live on the news, I feel like I want to vomit, then decide I\u0027m just thirsty and choose water over Coca Cola, of which I had both right in front of me. The phone call comes and Emily patches me on with Fox5, then someone from the news station tells me to stand by and how many seconds I and the news anchors will be live on TV. Nerve-wracking! The interview went well but I did get a little emotional in the end and couldn\u0027t complete my sentence. Embarassing. Emily, my family and friends were so impressed, though, and said I did a great job. Now I hand over my papers to Janice, head back to the church to pack my bags, then return to the community center to say goodbye. Everyone wants to take pictures. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OpCIaadahjM\/WfeNvDYVMpI\/AAAAAAAByVw\/bQhNlZ78O18QWAnpuwmbP_so-5-gryPbwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9645.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1PcENJYWFkYWhqTSUyRldmZU52RFlWTXBJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VnclMkZiUWhObFo3OE8xOFFXQW5wdXdtYlBfc28tNS1ncnlQYndDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NjQ1LkpQRw==?checksum=b5054b0931cfa7418ba761b3fd85867d446d8a70\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-OpCIaadahjM\/WfeNvDYVMpI\/AAAAAAAByVw\/bQhNlZ78O18QWAnpuwmbP_so-5-gryPbwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9645.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E Renee, the mayor\u0027s wife, has her sister drive me to Beaumont. There I will process-out and go home tomorrow morning. I cannot wait to see my family and to sleep in my own bed. When Gerry picks me up at the airport tomorrow, he will treat me to a Mexican dinner which is what I was craving, and my son, his girlfriend, and my daughter and her family will come over to welcome me home. I dozed off in my chair during the family get-together. I was so exhausted. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003EHere are more photos that the Red Cross Team and I took:\u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WpA8wblGfik\/Wfd7JYFt7dI\/AAAAAAAByUs\/9lyZmGmWPHA7fUxzsFod-p-YWps5NpRcACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9524.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1XcEE4d2JsR2ZpayUyRldmZDdKWUZ0N2RJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VXMlMkY5bHlabUdtV1BIQTdmVXh6c0ZvZC1wLVlXcHM1TnBSY0FDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTI0LkpQRw==?checksum=02868033397062ddac4ff38fd791a526667c01f7\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-WpA8wblGfik\/Wfd7JYFt7dI\/AAAAAAAByUs\/9lyZmGmWPHA7fUxzsFod-p-YWps5NpRcACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9524.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2CsxK0nNRwM\/Wfd7O1dnR_I\/AAAAAAAByUw\/NsaVmO8sdewWgQOQ5y6i-Ukc6BvV_ZsYgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9526.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi0yQ3N4SzBuTlJ3TSUyRldmZDdPMWRuUl9JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VXclMkZOc2FWbU84c2Rld1dnUU9RNXk2aS1Va2M2QnZWX1pzWWdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTI2LkpQRw==?checksum=8603f7463a6ea652bcd3ff0e9de501a360cb58c8\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2CsxK0nNRwM\/Wfd7O1dnR_I\/AAAAAAAByUw\/NsaVmO8sdewWgQOQ5y6i-Ukc6BvV_ZsYgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9526.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JFsZjnQNbW4\/Wfd8-8d_3cI\/AAAAAAAByU8\/r95frWUBhRIi9ukAcd2A045K_eXCQKyZACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9575.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1KRnNaam5RTmJXNCUyRldmZDgtOGRfM2NJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VTglMkZyOTVmcldVQmhSSWk5dWtBY2QyQTA0NUtfZVhDUUt5WkFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTc1LkpQRw==?checksum=b452ff8a22f69bfcee9b74ae24ece5a687946cb4\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JFsZjnQNbW4\/Wfd8-8d_3cI\/AAAAAAAByU8\/r95frWUBhRIi9ukAcd2A045K_eXCQKyZACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9575.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EStaff shelter at the Beaumont Civic Center\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Bw-_HnaIUiA\/Wfd9BhqRKlI\/AAAAAAAByVA\/vTuW9IN22cYZg-FaxibYi4d7ymPruSNAACLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9584.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1Cdy1fSG5hSVVpQSUyRldmZDlCaHFSS2xJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VkElMkZ2VHVXOUlOMjJjWVpnLUZheGliWWk0ZDd5bVBydVNOQUFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185NTg0LkpQRw==?checksum=6c114d9d6709893adc922cb63f75596ab8336057\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Bw-_HnaIUiA\/Wfd9BhqRKlI\/AAAAAAAByVA\/vTuW9IN22cYZg-FaxibYi4d7ymPruSNAACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9584.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EOne of many critters destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca 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href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-cXkMjYi59s4\/Wfd-oCvSy4I\/AAAAAAAByVc\/g1vtZrY_-qke87Yw1puxj78af9q3u-PNQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9784.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1jWGtNallpNTlzNCUyRldmZC1vQ3ZTeTRJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VmMlMkZnMXZ0WnJZXy1xa2U4N1l3MXB1eGo3OGFmOXEzdS1QTlFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185Nzg0LkpQRw==?checksum=0eee7f245778cc2a9c0a742408731d2be9a26b74\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-cXkMjYi59s4\/Wfd-oCvSy4I\/AAAAAAAByVc\/g1vtZrY_-qke87Yw1puxj78af9q3u-PNQCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9784.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-l2CmlWCA8ec\/Wfd-s2y2JdI\/AAAAAAAByVg\/9vib2571r_kJnTZnhZj7ifccJNWrAE9OgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/IMG_9785.JPG\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1sMkNtbFdDQThlYyUyRldmZC1zMnkySmRJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5VmclMkY5dmliMjU3MXJfa0puVFpuaFpqN2lmY2NKTldyQUU5T2dDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR185Nzg1LkpQRw==?checksum=3de7eebe656fdc3154c87ed1a899af7809816a56\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-l2CmlWCA8ec\/Wfd-s2y2JdI\/AAAAAAAByVg\/9vib2571r_kJnTZnhZj7ifccJNWrAE9OgCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_9785.JPG"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E I hope you enjoyed reading about my two-week adventure as a Red Cross disaster responder. \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cem\u003EIn what ways would you like to help your community?\u003C\/em\u003E \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_cdDEZUZ0hw\/WYSBF__1qRI\/AAAAAAABxvA\/Q4f-CfcaNigoXYUDBfpE4lNo_jiFtWW0wCLcBGAs\/s1600\/mariesig.png\u0022\u003E"},{"type":"image","value":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1fY2RERVpVWjBodyUyRldZU0JGX18xcVJJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ4dkElMkZRNGYtQ2ZjYU5pZ29YWVVEQmZwRTRsTm9famlGdFdXMHdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczE2MDAlMkZtYXJpZXNpZy5wbmc=?checksum=6ca57cd702bb4e632a2a6c53371c0beec9509c91\u0026format=s","original_url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-_cdDEZUZ0hw\/WYSBF__1qRI\/AAAAAAABxvA\/Q4f-CfcaNigoXYUDBfpE4lNo_jiFtWW0wCLcBGAs\/s1600\/mariesig.png"},{"type":"text","value":"\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E \u003Cbr\u003E"}],"date":"1509396720","title":"Hurricane Harvey - My Red Cross Deployment Diary","media":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EAvnSwomy5k\/We02_UXbSnI\/AAAAAAAByH8\/q7ewkviq6_YV__SOjySpSBzcqw4GOrIpwCEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9782.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"discussion_id":null,"post_tags":[],"media_source":0,"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x480","checked_og":0,"version":2,"native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"all_save_counts":{"12967359":{"num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0}},"media_type":"image","CDN_thumb":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1FQXZuU3dvbXk1ayUyRldlMDJfVVhiU25JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5SDglMkZxN2V3a3ZpcTZfWVZfX1NPanlTcFNCemNxdzRHT3JJcHdDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTc4Mi5KUEc=?checksum=4480f7fb7bb17f837a16e65b1630847e4e0b6716\u0026format=h","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EAvnSwomy5k\/We02_UXbSnI\/AAAAAAAByH8\/q7ewkviq6_YV__SOjySpSBzcqw4GOrIpwCEwYBhgL\/s640\/IMG_9782.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1FQXZuU3dvbXk1ayUyRldlMDJfVVhiU25JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5SDglMkZxN2V3a3ZpcTZfWVZfX1NPanlTcFNCemNxdzRHT3JJcHdDRXdZQmhnTCUyRnM2NDAlMkZJTUdfOTc4Mi5KUEc=?checksum=4480f7fb7bb17f837a16e65b1630847e4e0b6716\u0026format=h"}},"blog_exists":true,"name":"Life is a Highway","url":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/","rss":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/feeds\/posts\/default?alt=rss","desc":"A personal blog where I may share with you the joys of travel and all things cool and beautiful.","removed":"0","frame":"1","moderation_status":"2","public":"1","category":"21","moved":"0","language":"en","media_setting":"0","followers":"54","snap":"https:\/\/blovcdn.com\/snaps\/12967359.jpg?ver=1518782286","profile_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359","blog_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359","undecoded_name":"Life is a Highway","type":"blog","tags":[],"blog_out_link":"\/link\/blog?blog=12967359\u0026frame_type=b","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5962871467\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5962871467","blog":{"blog_id":"12967359","name":"Life is a Highway"},"post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/hurricane-harvey-my-red-cross-deployment-5962871467","deeplink_path":"blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/hurricane-harvey-my-red-cross-deployment-5962871467","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/hurricane-harvey-my-red-cross-deployment-5962871467"},"postGridData":{"meta":{"nextUrl":"\/v2\/posts?blog=12967359\u0026page=2","resolved":{"blog":{"12967359":{"blog_id":"12967359","blog_exists":true,"cache":true,"name":"Life is a Highway","url":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/","rss":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/feeds\/posts\/default?alt=rss","desc":"A personal blog where I may share with you the joys of travel and all things cool and beautiful.","removed":"0","frame":"1","moderation_status":"2","public":"1","category":"21","moved":"0","language":"en","media_setting":"0","followers":"54","snap":"https:\/\/blovcdn.com\/snaps\/12967359.jpg?ver=1518782286","profile_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359","blog_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359","undecoded_name":"Life is a Highway","type":"blog","tags":[],"blog_out_link":"\/link\/blog?blog=12967359\u0026frame_type=b","pretty_url":"lifeisahighwaytheblog.com"}},"smallpost":{"6080274675:12967359":{"post_id":"6080274675","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2018\/01\/my-12-most-memorable-moments-in-2017.html","content":"Happy New Year to my family and friends near and far.\u00a0 What a year 2017 has been.\u00a0 Gerry and I found new places to explore here in San Diego, lost friends and family members, but celebrated the births of new ones, most especially our granddaughter.\u00a0 When I bump into someone, I\u0027m always asked where we traveled to in 2017, or where we\u0027re going to in 2018.\u00a0 With Gerry accepting a contract position with AT\u0026T, we didn\u0027t go anywhere internationally, but we\u0027re definitely bound for France and, hopefully, Uganda this year.  Time spent with loved ones is always significant, but my selection for most memorable moments are chosen for its wow factor and what moved me to become a better person. Here are my 12 most memorable moments for 2017.  #1\u00a0\u00a0  A mini-twister tore through my town in January and took down the beautiful California pepper tree that I loved so much.\u00a0 The giant tree on the backyard slope splintered under the forceful winds and caused it to crash to the ground.\u00a0 The tree destroyed patio furniture and a hot tub.\u00a0 Miraculously, it missed the house.\u00a0  #2\u00a0  I\u0027ve lived in San Diego, off and on, since 1964.\u00a0 I\u0027ve also, over the years, visited a few Spanish missions throughout California except for this one, just 19 minutes from my home.\u00a0 In February, Gerry and I finally toured San Diego de Alcala, the \u0022Mother of the Missions\u0022, a National Historic Landmark.\u00a0 The first of 21 Spanish missions established, in part, by Father Junipero Serra, it was founded in 1769.\u00a0 It is a very beautiful and serene place to visit. #3 Here\u0027s another place we finally visited after all these years of reading about the gorgeous spring wildflowers in the Anza Borrego Desert.\u00a0 What took us so long to see this beauty in our own backyard?\u00a0 I wrote about it back in\u00a0 March.\u00a0 You can find that article here.\u00a0 It was such a delight to see so much nature. #4 Another San Diego historic place I kept seeing mentioned in newspapers and magazines over the years, the Santa Margarita Ranch at Camp Pendleton.\u00a0 It has a very long, colorful and vibrant history, and has seen many U.S. presidents and dignitaries come through its many rooms.\u00a0 Tours of the Santa Margarita complex (Ranch House, Chapel and Bunkhouse Museum) are conducted on the first Tuesday, second Wednesday and third Thursday of the month, from October through May.\u00a0 These tours are available by appointment only.\u00a0 You\u0027re confirmed for the tour when you receive a letter from the United States Marine Corps at\u00a0 Camp Pendleton.\u00a0 It\u0027s worth the time and effort to get on the property.\u00a0 For more information, click\u00a0here. #5The day I earned my disaster responder vest.\u00a0 This photo was taken at Cinco de Mayo in Old Town, but I actually received my vest two months earlier after months of classroom and online training.\u00a0 I am so proud of myself! #6\u00a0 We traveled to Nashville to do more sightseeing in the city, but especially to visit our little princess-adventuress, Presley.\u00a0 We hadn\u0027t seen her since her last December, so we were so excited to see her.\u00a0 Isn\u0027t she a beauty?\u00a0 It was great to see her mommy and daddy, too!\u00a0 #7\u00a0 The Great American Eclipse on August 21st!\u00a0 I spent my\u00a0 morning at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park to witness the total solar eclipse.\u00a0 It was an awesome experience to be with families sharing their solar glasses with strangers who didn\u0027t own one.\u00a0 I shared mine with an older French woman who hadn\u0027t seen an eclipse in years, and with a little girl who was seeing her very first eclipse.\u00a0 Afterward, I purchased postal stamps that showed a dark planet, but when exposed to the sun, reveals the earth.\u00a0 Very cool! #8\u00a0 Kaylee Marie McMillen was born on August 6. She is our third grandchild, and second granddaughter.\u00a0 What a blessing.\u00a0 I was fortunate to be present at her birth.\u00a0 I was working a Red Cross shelter in El Centro when Summer texted Gerry and I that she just lost her mucous plug.\u00a0 It was a race against time as Summer had a fast delivery when Kyle was born.\u00a0 We didn\u0027t want to miss Kaylee\u0027s birth!\u00a0 She arrivedpast 12:30 midnight, 7lbs. 8oz., 19.5\u0022 long, and a dimple in her right cheek.\u00a0 She\u0027s a real beauty! #9\u00a0 We went to Catalina Island for the first time ever in June with my sister, Cindy and her husband, Arnold.\u00a0 Their first time, too.\u00a0 The island has a very relaxed vibe, so relaxed that our lunch lasted over two and a half hours.\u00a0 I didn\u0027t care much for the long ferry ride going to and from the island, though.\u00a0 We\u0027ll need to take a speed boat next time. #10\u00a0 Any time Kyle spends the weekend with us is a highlight.\u00a0 He\u0027s pure joy because his face lights up when he discovers something new in the house or garage, he laughs easily, and he\u0027s as witty as his Grandpa G.\u00a0 One of his favorite things is \u0022his bathtub\u0022.\u00a0 Kyle also likes to call this tub his boat! #11\u00a0 On August 27, I deployed to Texas to assist in disaster relief in Hurricane Harvey.\u00a0 I ended up in the country town of Sour Lake with this great group of Red Cross volunteers.\u00a0 We offered our support and resources to Bruce, the town\u0027s mayor, and his family who ran the shelter.\u00a0 I served as shelter supervisor, then manager when our manager had to depart, then public information officer.\u00a0 It\u0027s very satisfying to do provide support and comfort to those in need following a disaster. You become family with those you serve with in times of need.\u00a0 I hope to return to Sour Lake in the future and see how everyone\u0027s doing. #12\u00a0No longer pass holders, we\u0027ll go to Disneyland every few years and make a mini-vacation of it during the holidays.\u00a0 We enjoyed the park before schools went on winter break.\u00a0 It felt more relaxed, meaning it wasn\u0027t extremely crowded.\u00a0 We booked a king suite on the Concierge Level to check out the newly renovated Lounge which is stocked with savory and sweet treats, including fruits and vegetables, wine, beer, champagne, milk, coffee, soda and juices all day long.\u00a0 It was worth it to pay the extra money.\u00a0 We also celebrated Kat\u0027s birthday, my son Gary\u0027s girlfriend, at the elegant Cathay Circle Restaurant in California Adventures.\u00a0 The place is very elegant and the food a foodie\u0027s delight.\u00a0 This was a great holiday getaway! With the start of the new year, I wish everyone good health and happiness, I wish to see more sunsets, read more books, stay consistent with my blog, and connect with more people on my travels.\u00a0 Memories can be fleeting, so try to stay in the moment as much as you can.\u00a0 This is something I need to practice.\u00a0 How about you?  ","date":"1514829447","title":"My 12 Most Memorable Moments in 2017","media":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-l6UKVkV34Fg\/WknKsoq9PTI\/AAAAAAAByeU\/F0XoPmekdhcOuJoQS5_4zbYfkiANWpxQACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_6409.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x480","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-l6UKVkV34Fg\/WknKsoq9PTI\/AAAAAAAByeU\/F0XoPmekdhcOuJoQS5_4zbYfkiANWpxQACLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_6409.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1sNlVLVmtWMzRGZyUyRldrbktzb3E5UFRJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ5ZVUlMkZGMFhvUG1la2RoY091Sm9RUzVfNHpiWWZraUFOV3B4UUFDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR182NDA5LkpQRw==?checksum=ee5271fcff3c99ee036a8d2ab681b4e4b3a01474\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=6080274675\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/6080274675","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/my-12-most-memorable-moments-in-2017-6080274675","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/my-12-most-memorable-moments-in-2017-6080274675","likes":0},"5835071637:12967359":{"post_id":"5835071637","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2017\/08\/i-think-im-junkie-of-eclipses.html","content":"For months Americans prepared for and awaited one of our country\u0027s most wondrous spectacles in years, the Great American Eclipse. \u00a0I, on the other hand, caught the eclipse fever in the nick of time, or so I thought. \u00a0I ordered through amazon.com\/smile a set of solar glasses for me and my family. \u00a0I noticed that larger batches of glasses were already sold out, and I ended up with glasses in neon colors costing a little more than $50. \u00a0Amazon said my order would arrive a few days before the solar eclipse. \u00a0Days later, I received an e-mail notifying me that the glasses may not get to me on time. Of course, I panicked and went back online to order another set of glasses and by this time, I\u0027m seeing the words Sold Out printed across the pages. \u00a0I finally found another set of 10 glasses and paid $160.00 for it. \u00a0Talk about price gouging! \u00a0As luck would have it, my original order did come in on time, and Amazon refunded me my $160.00. \u00a0I love Amazon! When the package arrived at my door, I tried out the CE-certified glasses with the proper ISO number, and wow, the sun was a full glorious orange ball. \u00a0I couldn\u0027t wait to deliver the rest of the glasses to my family and friends. I decided to spend eclipse day at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. \u00a0With the festivities scheduled to begin at 9am, I thought it best to get there by 7:30am. \u00a0The parking lots were wide open, and the local news crews were already camped out at the center. \u00a0There was lots of cloud cover, but that sun was working hard to make an appearance. \u00a0By 8 am, the sun appeared and the air warmed up quite a bit. \u00a0 To get a ticket into the Dome Theater, I had to get in line for the Admissions Desk which snaked down the side of the building and spilled into the parking lot in the back. \u00a0With ticket in hand, I got in line to enter the Dome Theater but it was already filled to capacity by the time I got in that line. People were allowed to go in and out of the dome. \u00a0As one person leaves, another gets to enter. \u00a0 I went back outside, and the plaza around the fountain was filled with people, news media, Fleet Center employees and astronomy club members. \u00a0Families with kids, students of all ages, people of all ages, colors, and cultures were together in this giant circular space learning different ways to experience the eclipse without using the solar glasses. \u00a0It was so cool to see people talking to each other, helping each other, laughing, sharing a table in the outdoor cafe. \u00a0I sat with an elderly couple, each of us enjoying coffee and a pastry. \u00a0I shared my glasses with them, and when their young granddaughter returned to the table, I let her enjoy the glasses. \u00a0I asked her to see if she could take a photo of the eclipse through the glasses. \u00a0This is what she took. \u00a0Not bad!  I remained outside for a while. \u00a0When my tablemates left, a french woman sat down and asked if she could borrow my glasses. \u00a0She said she was so excited to be there to experience her second solar eclipse. \u00a0Her last one was nine years ago. \u00a0When the sun became too much for me, I made my way to the Dome Theater and waited for my turn to enter. Many people watched live coverage of the solar eclipse on their cell phones. \u00a0This woman invited me to watch with her. \u00a0Amazing stuff! \u00a0Here are my fuzzy photos taken of the live broadcast inside the dome.   Wow, wow, wow! \u00a0All of this scientific stuff is so interesting. \u00a0It was interesting to hear the astronomers outside at the plaza explaining this spectacular phenomenon to new eclipse junkies, which I know I am becoming one, too. \u00a0I\u0027m already thinking of 2019, and where do I want to see the next solar eclipse. Now is the time to book your solar eclipse tour for 2019. \u00a0The event will occur on July 2. \u00a0If you need help with planning, I and Discovery Tours would love to hook you up with a great itinerary, or create a custom tour for you. \u00a0Just my little sales pitch (smile). \u00a0   My daughter and her family live in Pegram, Tennessee, and they went under almost total darkness for a few minutes. I\u0027m so happy for them, because I wish we had that experience here in San Diego. The United States Postal Service issued the Total Eclipse of the Sun Forever stamp on June 20, 2017. \u00a0The stamp shows a total solar eclipse.\u00a0\u00a0It\u0027s to commemorate our August 21, 2017 solar eclipse which was visible all across the continental United States from coast to coast. It\u0027s the first time the postal service used thermochromic ink in their stamps. \u00a0The Total Eclipse of the Sun Forever stamps reveal a second image. \u00a0By rubbing the eclipse image, the heat from your finger will cause an underlying image of the full moon to be revealed. \u00a0Afterward, the image reverts back to the eclipse as it cools. \u00a0I hope you had a wonderful Great American Eclipse Day, too! ","date":"1503890375","title":"I Think I\u0027m a Junkie - of Eclipses","media":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7ccACXXeufc\/WaNLJyQTRKI\/AAAAAAABx0U\/yadhdD5DpTknpjPYhzDekWJ5shO4x3bZgCLcBGAs\/s640\/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":["eclipse","fleet space center","my town"],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"464x640","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7ccACXXeufc\/WaNLJyQTRKI\/AAAAAAABx0U\/yadhdD5DpTknpjPYhzDekWJ5shO4x3bZgCLcBGAs\/s640\/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg","url":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi03Y2NBQ1hYZXVmYyUyRldhTkxKeVFUUktJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ4MFUlMkZ5YWRoZEQ1RHBUa25walBZaHpEZWtXSjVzaE80eDNiWmdDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRkZ1bGxTaXplUmVuZGVyJTJCJTI1MjUyODIlMjUyNTI5LmpwZw==?checksum=1a1985c5d76d238e085a1ffad5a863702d4e7a71\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5835071637\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5835071637","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/i-think-im-a-junkie-eclipses-5835071637","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/i-think-im-a-junkie-eclipses-5835071637","likes":0},"5805114895:12967359":{"post_id":"5805114895","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2017\/08\/peaceful-eramo-le-celle.html","content":"I had read about this heavenly place in Tripadvisor, and knew I had to see it one day. \u00a0On our trip to Italy last fall, we left Cortona after having a wonderful lunch, and decided to look for the famed and hard-to-find Bramasole, home of Frances Mayes, author of the international bestselling book, \u0022Under the Tuscan Sun\u0022. \u00a0If you missed that story, you can read about it here. The wooden sign translates to \u0022Ancient road to the shrine. Grand Duke Bridge (1782)\u0022. \u00a0Driving on a narrow, two-lane road, we had already taken a wrong turn, like many tourists before us. \u00a0After the first wrong turn, we barely missed the entrance to Le Celle. \u00a0I cannot even begin to express how excited I felt. \u00a0I read so much about and Google-Imaged photos of this place before leaving San Diego. How I forgot to add this site to our travel itinerary astounds me to no end. Thank God for wooden signs along the road! The road to the parking lot was short, and at the end of the lot was a shrine devoted to the Virgin Mary. \u00a0It began to rain lightly, but that was fine with me. \u00a0It felt refreshing, and so perfect for this place, as if the rain was rinsing away my sins and renewing my soul. \u00a0This ground is truly sacred and a must-see place for fans of St. Francis and for others on a holy pilgrimage. \u00a0Gerry and I were on this trip with high school friends, married couple Ed and Daisy. \u00a0As I developed our itinerary weeks before our planned departure from San Diego, they were happy to see whatever I wanted to see in Italy. \u00a0They just wanted to follow along, and were confident I would give them an adventure to remember. \u00a0I think I did that, except for the fact that I awoke seriously ill with the stomach flu on Day 4 of the trip. \u00a0For three days, I slept, puked or was in the bathroom. \u00a0The photo above was taken on our 8th day in Italy. \u00a0We will have just one more full day in Tuscany, then it\u0027s back on the plane to San Diego. \u00a0While I lay sick in bed all day long into the evening, Gerry, Ed and Daisy toured Florence and Assisi. \u00a0I\u0027d toured these cities on a previous trip, so I didn\u0027t feel bad about staying in the hotel room. \u00a0I was too ill to care.Anyway, back to the Hermitage, or Eremo de Celle. \u00a0A very prominent sign reminded us, in Italian, that this is\u00a0a sacred place\u00a0founded by Francis of Assisi and a few of his followers. It is a place for solitude, contemplation and communion with His heavenly father. \u00a0The sign continues to say \u0022open up your soul, to see and feel as St. Francis did,\u0022 or something like that.This Franciscan hermitage is hidden in dense woodland almost 2 miles north of Cortona. Its buildings sit next to a picturesque stream with an 18th-century stone bridge, and the only sounds to disturb the tranquil atmosphere are the bells that call the resident friars to vespers and mass in the cave-like\u00a0Chiesa Cella di San Francesco, or Church of San Francis.The terrace garden was absolutely beautiful, and the woodland birdsong was definitely music to my ears. I\u0027m going to let you in on a little secret. \u00a0This morning I found an 11-hour recording of tranquil birdsong on YouTube. \u00a0It is playing as I type. \u00a0The sounds keep me calm and so focused! \u00a0A little aromatherapy helps, too. \u00a0I\u0027m using Nature\u0027s Truth called - are you ready? - Focus. \u00a0Whatever it takes!The rustic stone buildings nestle in terraces on a mountain-side with a\u00a0Holly Oak\u00a0and cypress grove. The main convent is accessed through a stone pedestrian bridge spanning a small spring stream.\u00a0This chapel replaced an ancient one built in 1634 by the Capuchins. \u00a0It reflects the simple, unpretentious architectural and decorative style of the Capuchins. \u00a0Unadorned by works of art, the chapel still has wooden altars. \u00a0The Capuchins are an order of friars within the Catholic Church, an offshoot of the Franciscans. \u00a0You can\u0027t miss a Capuchin. \u00a0They wear the long brown robes tied with rope around their waist. \u00a0Some sport the round bald spots on the top of their heads. \u00a0Most wear sandals. \u00a0I found interesting information on the Capuchins. \u00a0You can find it here.Photo Credit: \u00a0Judy from Blogging in Italy When Francis of Assissi arrived at Le Celle with his followers, he occupied the cell behind the altar of the chapel. \u00a0This is where he lived. A statue of St. Francis in the chapel of the Franciscan convent Le Celle.The stoned switchbacks take you from the bridge at the top to the lower gardens where you can access another bridge to go into the woods, or to enter other ancient buildings. From the stone bridge, you can see the creek and outlying buildings of Le Celle. \u00a0We heard beautiful voices singing from the woods above Le Celle. \u00a0The singing continued during our visit. Was there another convent up there? \u00a0Or was it a day\u0027s retreat for reflection and singing hymns? This place reminded me of Rivendell, where the gorgeous Silvan Elves lived in the film \u0022Fellowship of the Ring\u0022. \u00a0Does anyone see what I mean? \u00a0I think if the water were flowing over those rocks, you\u0027d get it. \u00a0Oh, and don\u0027t forget the chirping birds!We didn\u0027t stay very long here. \u00a0We still had to find Bramasole, then drive to Castiglione Fiorentino where we would spend a couple of days at a villa. \u00a0As we walked back to our car, I looked back and decided that I will come back for another visit. \u00a0I want to walk further into the woods, walk further up into the hills and explore Le Celle and everything it has to offer. ","date":"1502483188","title":"Peaceful Eramo le Celle","media":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7b6SsLeMfrA\/WXp9jlcUucI\/AAAAAAABxsY\/4EmVLU10nvwGqmcgC0y2crUzomlykkWCwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_4767.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":["arezzo","cortona","eremo le celle","italy","st. francis of assissi","wanderlust"],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x480","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7b6SsLeMfrA\/WXp9jlcUucI\/AAAAAAABxsY\/4EmVLU10nvwGqmcgC0y2crUzomlykkWCwCLcBGAs\/s640\/IMG_4767.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYyLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi03YjZTc0xlTWZyQSUyRldYcDlqbGNVdWNJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ4c1klMkY0RW1WTFUxMG52d0dxbWNnQzB5MmNyVXpvbWx5a2tXQ3dDTGNCR0FzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR180NzY3LkpQRw==?checksum=230606bbb5e67e91eb8f7b849f27728b9cee2e7e\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5805114895\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5805114895","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/peaceful-eramo-le-celle-5805114895","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/peaceful-eramo-le-celle-5805114895","likes":0},"5504789697:12967359":{"post_id":"5504789697","blog_id":"12967359","media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-M5vhCqYXxyo\/WMTiG_PCdDI\/AAAAAAABw_A\/D0qzr0hCmPoeRoZhCLfegF94NWA113B-QCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6955.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1NNXZoQ3FZWHh5byUyRldNVGlHX1BDZERJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ3X0ElMkZEMHF6cjBoQ21Qb2VSb1poQ0xmZWdGOTROV0ExMTNCLVFDTGNCJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR182OTU1LkpQRw==?checksum=720dcd75a5dcdbfa4608be7bccbc23ca1da1f206\u0026format=h"}},"num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2017\/03\/amazing-wildflowers-in-anza-borrego.html","content":"When you mix a good amount of rain with lots of sunshine and the right level of humidity, you end up with blankets of colorful wildflowers spread across the Anza Borrego Desert, which sits northeast of the California Historical landmark and mountain town of Julian. \u00a0 For years I have wanted to see these spring wildflowers but could never interest anyone to see them with me. \u00a0Until two days ago. \u00a0I nonchalantly mentioned to Gerry that \u0022the desert flowers are peaking and now is the time to see them.\u0022 \u00a0Someone had posted on social media a couple of photos of the wildflowers and I thought, \u0022wow, I have to see them now.\u0022 \u00a0I was surprised Gerry was agreeable! \u00a0He thought maybe we should pack for an overnight stay since we didn\u0027t know how long we\u0027d be out in the desert. \u00a0And he thought maybe we could spend some time in Julian, too. \u00a0Should we stay the night in Borrego Springs, or perhaps Julian? \u00a0We really didn\u0027t have a plan other than to see the wildflowers. \u00a0We would just see how the day played out, then decide what to do. Photo credit: \u00a0Don BartlettiAnyway, we had a late start yesterday morning and decided to take the picturesque drive through the Cuyamaca mountains, bypass Julian and go around the other side of the mountain straight into Borrego Springs, a quaint village with a population of approximately 3,500. The drive for us was a little over two hours due to a section of the mountain road being blocked by fallen rocks and branches that were being cleared. \u00a0Other than a little bit of a delay, the drive was as scenic as the weather was gorgeous. \u00a0Such a perfect way to start the day. \u00a0Once we reached the desert, the temperature was in the high 80\u0027s at around 1pm. \u00a0The Anza-Borrego Visitor Center parking lot was full, but visitors were leaving as quickly as they arrived. \u00a0Once they secured their map and other information, they took off for their favorite hiking trail or desert spot.    There were so many options for hiking and flower-gazing. \u00a0We chose to skip the hikes this time around and opted to explore the wildflowers along Henderson Canyon Road, which is a very long road. \u00a0My goal was to find the glorious lupines but they were not to be found. \u00a0It turns out we didn\u0027t\u00a0 drive to the far, far end of the road. \u00a0Next time I\u0027ll find the lupines. \u00a0They\u0027re one of my favorite flowers, as are the sunflowers.      We did find beautiful specimens like the desert lilies the dune sunflowers, and many others including a variety of succulents and cacti.    When we had our fill of fragrant wildflowers, we headed back out to the main road that takes you back to Borrego Springs. \u00a0Before turning onto Borrego Springs Road, we saw a giant metal turtle. Then we saw other turtles, and as we drove around, there were other creatures and things to be found! \u00a0These are the works of artist Ricardo Breceda. \u00a0There are over one hundred life-size metal sculptures of animals that roamed this desert over a million years ago. \u00a0Historical figures and humorous and fanciful pieces are also featured. \u00a0People from all over the world come to the desert to see these sculptures. \u00a0If you\u0027d like to learn more about Ricardo Breceda, click here.       You will not find all of the structures in one area. \u00a0These photos are just a few spread along Borrego Springs Road. \u00a0The remaining structures are spread throughout this desert area. \u00a0If you plan to visit as many of these structures as you can, after viewing the wildflowers, be prepared with sunscreen, head protection, your most comfortable shoes and lots of water. Wearing layered clothing is best as the temperatures are extreme. \u00a0Very hot during the day and very cool in the morning and going into the evening. The wildflowers are plentiful right now, and so perky and bright. \u00a0But with so many people descending upon the desert, the smallest flowers are being stepped on unintentionally. Here are some tips to consider before making your trip to the Anza-Borrego State Park: * \u00a0Desert annuals show best in mid-March.  * Plan your visit for a weekday morning as parking areas on the \u00a0 weekends are full by mid-morning.  * \u00a0There are lots of restaurants and affordable lodging nearby.  * \u00a0Bring binoculars for spotting wildlife.  * \u00a0Call the State Park Wildflower Hotline to get updates on the wildflowers at (760) 767-4684.  * \u00a0For more information about the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, click here.   \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0","date":"1489309367","title":"Amazing Wildflowers in Anza Borrego State Park","media":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-M5vhCqYXxyo\/WMTiG_PCdDI\/AAAAAAABw_A\/D0qzr0hCmPoeRoZhCLfegF94NWA113B-QCLcB\/s640\/IMG_6955.JPG","post_tags":["desert","my town","wildflowers"],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x480","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5504789697\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5504789697","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/amazing-wildflowers-in-anza-borrego-state-5504789697","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/amazing-wildflowers-in-anza-borrego-state-5504789697","likes":0},"5449386561:12967359":{"post_id":"5449386561","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2017\/02\/the-girlfriend-getaway.html","content":"Yesterday was an awesome day with great friends. We did the Girlfriend Getaway with Day Tripper Tours in San Diego, and it was fantastic. It was a day full of chatter and laughter, afternoon tea in Long Beach and a few hours at the Vintage Fashion Expo in Los Angeles. This expo is a huge event that takes place fives times yearly in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you\u0027ve never done a Day Trippers Tour, it\u0027s a great way to get out of town for the day to explore museums, tourist attractions and special events throughout southern California. The cost of the day trip might seem high to you, but it includes your round-trip transportation from a pick-up point in San Diego, admission fee, meals depending on the tour, snacks and a very entertaining tour guide. What I love about these day trips is you don\u0027t have to drive. Just show up at your pick-up point and let the bus driver take you there.   We had a very comfortable bus ride in the rain. \u00a0It was a perfect day to anticipate our visit to have delicious hot tea in an elegant Victorian setting. \u00a0It brought back memories of Gerry and I walking through the heavy rain at Edinburgh Castle to have tea in The Queen Anne Tea Room. It was one of the highlights of our perfect day in Edinburgh. Upon arriving to the tea room, I was delighted to see how pretty the tea room looked from the street, so English-ly quaint! \u00a0I was more impressed with the wait staff who welcomed us as we made our way to the Grand Tea Room. I felt like I was back on a cruise ship. Elise, owner of Elise\u0027s Team Room, has a business that has been thriving since 1996. Whatever she did, she did it right as tea rooms don\u0027t generally do well as a private business.  Contrary to what you see in the food photos, I left feeling absolutely stuffed. I forced myself to eat everything, and that\u0027s something I never, ever do, but I couldn\u0027t help myself. The lemon scone was one of the best scones I\u0027ve ever tasted, and that\u0027s coming from my own experience enjoying scones in tea rooms throughout England and Scotland. First came the lemon scones with clotted cream, lemon custard and blackberry jam. Next came the tea sandwiches (cucumber and cream cheese, butter and raspberry jam, chicken salad and egg salad), then finally the piece de resistance. . . the chocolate biscuit cake that takes two days to make! This was Princess Diana\u0027s favorite chocolate dessert (she was a chocoholic), and hence the name of our event at the tea house was called the Princess Diana Tea. The teas were great, too.   On to Los Angeles, the Vintage Fashion Expo was very interesting. I\u0027ve always admired retro fashions, and have even worn pieces that resemble styles from the 1950s and 1960s. This expo at The Reef, a creative urban habitat in South Los Angeles, was eye-candy for me. There were so many cool people walking around wearing retro styles, even children were participating!  Walking through the booths brought back lots of memories - clothes I wore as a child, as a teenager and especially, the lovely clothes my mom wore as a typical housewife caring for her children. I always admired my mom\u0027s clothes, shoes and her jewelry from the 1950s and 1960s. As a teenager, I used to sneak a peak in my mom\u0027s closet to look at her evening dresses and shoes and hope that she\u0027d one day give them to me \u0022when I was all grown up\u0022. Alas, I grew to have a completely different body type from my mom, body measurements and all. The good news is that my mom did give one of her cocktail dresses to my daughter, Lindsay, and it\u0027s a stunner. It\u0027s an espresso-colored, body-hugging number with spaghetti straps. The fabric shimmers in the light and you can\u0027t take your eyes off of it. I just texted her to tell her not to give that dress away as dresses of that type were selling at the expo for $450 on up. I didn\u0027t bring a lot of money with me to the expo because I thought I\u0027d be bargain hunting. Well to shop vintage means you better come with lots of bucks, and maybe bring your credit card, too. I came upon a non-designer alligator (gasp) handbag that I loved and it was priced at $450. Ugh. First of all, I know what you\u0027re thinking. A poor alligator was killed for its skin but that was decades ago and way before PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) was founded in 1980. However, it is legal to have alligator skin in the state of California. Secondly, I would never, ever buy animal skin or fur these days. Times are different. We\u0027re now very concerned with protecting our wildlife from becoming extinct. I dismissed purchasing this bag because of its price, but found a similar 1940\u0027s handbag for $60, and it\u0027s in good condition. I was able to haggle the price down to $50. Going through the vendor areas, I found three dresses that I adored. I couldn\u0027t stop looking at them, and I knew that I\u0027d look great in them. In fact,Trini told me that this one particular shoulder-baring trapeze dress was totally me. It was my style but at $650? I couldn\u0027t do it. I can start saving for it, though, and maybe at next year\u0027s expo, that dress will still be there to become mine. ","date":"1486956774","title":"The Girlfriend Getaway","media":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-r0WaDIIQhBA\/WKDgSkTR5SI\/AAAAAAABwxs\/SxeNmzlOBoMabFgblI94UFkNDqy1SN5PACLcB\/s640\/IMG_6720.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":["day tripper","fashion","my town","tea"],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x480","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-r0WaDIIQhBA\/WKDgSkTR5SI\/AAAAAAABwxs\/SxeNmzlOBoMabFgblI94UFkNDqy1SN5PACLcB\/s640\/IMG_6720.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1yMFdhRElJUWhCQSUyRldLRGdTa1RSNVNJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ3eHMlMkZTeGVObXpsT0JvTWFiRmdibEk5NFVGa05EcXkxU041UEFDTGNCJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR182NzIwLkpQRw==?checksum=d286dcd209658b8d0ec9a39315a6fc301e84f583\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5449386561\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5449386561","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/girlfriend-getaway-5449386561","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/girlfriend-getaway-5449386561","likes":0},"5362679563:12967359":{"post_id":"5362679563","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2016\/12\/fantastic-fact-about-confetti-over.html","content":"It\u0027s a half hour to midnight before this day turns into New Year\u0027s Eve, and it\u0027s raining. \u00a0That\u0027s awesome because rain is as close to saying that it\u0027s winter here in San Diego. \u00a0It\u0027s doesn\u0027t rain much here, and when it does, most of us celebrate it!  So to type this post as quickly as possible, I read a short and interesting article the other day about the secret of the confetti that\u0027s showered on the millions of revelers in Time Square on New Year\u0027s Eve at the strike of midnight. \u00a0Have you ever thought about those gazillions of confetti?\u00a0Photo credit: \u00a0www.china.org Well, the Times Square Visitor Center sponsors a Wishing Wall, where people will write their heartfelt wishes or whatever they wish to express on small sticky notes, then they place them on the wall. \u00a0As the wall fills up throughout the year, the notes are taken down by Visitor Center staff, placed in containers and tucked away to make room for more dreams and wishes on the wall. \u00a0This continues to New Year\u0027s Eve. \u00a0The colorful wishes are then peppered with plain white squares of paper. \u00a0If you haven\u0027t guessed it yet, all of these dreams and wishes make up the beautiful confetti that is showered upon the kissers and huggers who are freezing under the fireworks that are coloring the sky above them. \u00a0What a lovely, lovely thing to see! Photo credit: \u00a0NYCIt\u0027s three minutes past midnight. \u00a0Have a wonderful celebration tonight and party safely! Photo credit: \u00a0Kohei Kanno Happy New Year 2017! ","date":"1483171800","title":"Fantastic Fact About the Confetti Over Times Square on New Year\u0027s Eve","media":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4b_-TZz42rc\/WGdlaom2jYI\/AAAAAAABwqA\/en_645uU7_AwmJLN08atS_q6LTIhofKGACLcB\/s640\/%2540www.china.org.jpg","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":["confetti","happy new year","times square","wanderlust"],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"412x287","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4b_-TZz42rc\/WGdlaom2jYI\/AAAAAAABwqA\/en_645uU7_AwmJLN08atS_q6LTIhofKGACLcB\/s640\/%2540www.china.org.jpg","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi00Yl8tVFp6NDJyYyUyRldHZGxhb20yallJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ3cUElMkZlbl82NDV1VTdfQXdtSkxOMDhhdFNfcTZMVElob2ZLR0FDTGNCJTJGczY0MCUyRiUyNTI1NDB3d3cuY2hpbmEub3JnLmpwZw==?checksum=75ce47d1a33b42a54bfa2963e4248b1570024f29\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5362679563\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5362679563","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/fantastic-fact-about-confetti-over-times-5362679563","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/fantastic-fact-about-confetti-over-times-5362679563","likes":0},"5241566011:12967359":{"post_id":"5241566011","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2016\/11\/the-faces-of-italy-collection-of-photos.html","content":"I took these photos during my trip to Italy last month. \u00a0They are of people I saw during my walks around Rome, and of old and new friends in Castiglion Fiorentino in Arezzo, Italy. Most of them were not aware I was taking their picture. \u00a0Some of them are expats, others are immigrants, but most are native Italians just going about their daily business. \u00a0A few of the photos are out of focus because I snapped as I walked, a very bad habit of mine. \u00a0Ask anyone who knows me well - I love to walk and have no time to stop. The photo of the model, though, she was twirling around her gold lame gown while I was walking, and so that is totally out of focus, but it was too cool not to share. Also, the photos were taken with my iPhone 6, and I zoomed in some of the time. \u00a0Having arthritis makes it difficult to carry an SLR camera (I have two) for days while on vacation so I leave it at home. The common statement in each photo is that each person has a purpose in life, that they hope to find success and happiness in life and work, and no matter where they come from, they want only to live freely and peacefully . \u00a0Well, except for the gypsy woman begging for money. \u00a0I watched her. \u00a0She was wearing very expensive shoes.                     Thanks for taking a look!  ","date":"1478005200","title":"The Faces of Italy - a Collection of Photos","media":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Aq6QCDS70w4\/WBU1qo5DP2I\/AAAAAAABwZg\/HbEzvxPy1EQbefjF4TvJW9U25PTeWx9rwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_4248.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":["arthritis","italy","photos","wanderlust"],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"480x640","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Aq6QCDS70w4\/WBU1qo5DP2I\/AAAAAAABwZg\/HbEzvxPy1EQbefjF4TvJW9U25PTeWx9rwCLcB\/s640\/IMG_4248.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1BcTZRQ0RTNzB3NCUyRldCVTFxbzVEUDJJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ3WmclMkZIYkV6dnhQeTFFUWJlZmpGNFR2Slc5VTI1UFRlV3g5cndDTGNCJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR180MjQ4LkpQRw==?checksum=3445cd13700e37d2b789cac67729e9808c5a45dc\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5241566011\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5241566011","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/faces-italy-a-collection-photos-5241566011","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/faces-italy-a-collection-photos-5241566011","likes":0},"5232826215:12967359":{"post_id":"5232826215","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2016\/10\/why-i-love-national-cat-day.html","content":"It\u0027s National Cat Day on October 29! \u00a0I\u0027ve never paid attention to this cat holiday in the past, but after seeing my friends post photos of their pets all over social media every single day, why not share the cuteness of my adorable furry babies, all of whom have since passed over the Rainbow Bridge, except for Nala. \u00a0Most importantly, though, I want to celebrate their lives and to encourage pet adoption. \u00a0It\u0027s not just the right thing to do; adoption is a reward. BIG PAW - Leader of the PackBig Paw was not the cutest cat on display at the San Diego Humane Society, but he was definitely the most unique. \u00a0He was a polydactyl, meaning he was born with extra digits on all four paws, although not all polydactyls are affected the same way. \u00a0Some polydactyls will have extra toes on one paw or two, but Big Paw had all four paws with extra toes. \u00a0He was the first cat to enter our home of two adults and three kids, and what a joy he was to us all! Besides being crazy playful, he loved to scare the crap out of us by walking the upstairs balcony rail. \u00a0Staring up at him with bated breath, Big Paw would stare back at us and walk the rail with ease. \u00a0Such a daredevil. \u00a0He\u00a0was a smart cat, too. He knew how to open doors. Sometimes we\u0027d resort to locking the doors if we didn\u0027t want him to gain entrance. \u00a0You were lucky if he let you hold him. \u00a0Big Paw decided when he was ready to be held, and when we did, he showed the love by purring so loudly. \u00a0We had him for 15 wonderful years. I was with him when he breathed his last breath, and it tore my heart apart. \u00a0I cried for days. We all did. Knowing the joy he brought us, he would not be our last cat. \u00a0Big Paw lived his life for us, and he left this world knowing he did his job. \u00a0Such a beautiful gift. Born: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0August 1991Adopted: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0January 1992Rainbow Bridge: \u00a0 March 2007 \u00a0 \u00a0 HERO - the Great CommunicatorHero was the second cat to enter our home. \u00a0He was one of maybe three or four cats at the Humane Society the night the kids and I decided it was time to adopt another cat. \u00a0We felt Big Paw needed a playmate. \u00a0The adoption would be quick, I thought. \u00a0Select the cat, pay the fee and get home before Gerry did. \u00a0I had no idea that all family members had to be present to adopt a cat. \u00a0Shockeroo! \u00a0I knew Gerry would be resistant to wanting another cat, but maybe he\u0027d change his mind when he saw how cute the new cat was. The trainer would not let us have Hero unless Gerry agreed to the adoption. \u00a0He wanted to phone Gerry at work. \u00a0You\u0027re kidding me. Of course, Gerry was shocked to get such a call, and yes, he wanted to speak to me on the phone. \u00a0Yikes. \u00a0After exchanging a few pleasant words, Gerry said okay, we could adopt Hero. \u00a0The kids were ecstatic! \u00a0When we got home, Hero went into hiding for three days. \u00a0Poor kitty. \u00a0Entering a new home with Big Paw in it was a bit much, I guess. Hero lived up to his name, and he came to us at the right time. \u00a0We were grieving the death of someone very close to our daughter, Lindsay. \u00a0Matt was a joy to have around. \u00a0Sensing that Lindsay was the most grief-stricken, Hero stuck close to her for a long, long time. \u00a0He became Lindsay\u0027s buddy. \u00a0He also began to sit a certain way that was kind of freaky. \u00a0Hero would prop himself up against a wall as if he were human, sitting upright on his rear-end! \u00a0That\u0027s how Matt would sit on Lindsay\u0027s futon. \u00a0Hero was channeling Matt!! \u00a0Scary at first, but we came to love seeing Matt\u0027s spirit come through. \u00a0Hero was wise, smart and loved to have long conversations with us. \u00a0He also thought he was a dog. Too funny. \u00a0Almost daily, he would try to force his way outdoors to get a taste of the green grass. \u00a0Yes, Hero was special. \u00a0He passed not too long ago, and of all the cats I cried for, I couldn\u0027t cry for him. \u00a0I don\u0027t understand it yet. \u00a0But it doesn\u0027t mean I didn\u0027t love him. \u00a0I probably loved him the most. Somewhere in my future, I know I will cry for him. \u00a0Hero lived to be 19 years old.\u00a0I miss your love bites, Pretty Boy. Born: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 January 1997Adopted: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 December 2000Rainbow Bridge: \u00a0 \u00a0May 2016 \u00a0 YANKEE - the Snuggle BugMy son, Gary, first spotted Yankee down the street. \u00a0The cat was distressed, meowing so loudly. \u00a0He ran home to tell me all about this cat, but I couldn\u0027t be bothered. \u00a0I was bolted in my chair in front of the TV watching the tragic chaos taking place in New York City. The twin towers at the World Trade Center had fallen that morning. \u00a0I told Gary to just leave the cat alone. \u00a0Did I really say that, because normally I\u0027m quick to rescue a cat. \u00a0Gary continued to keep an eye on that cat for the next couple of days, and of course, it would follow him home. \u00a0Lindsay built a cardboard house for it, decorated with pink crepe streamers because - tada - we thought it was a she! \u00a0This cat had badly sagging skin, as if she might have delivered a litter. \u00a0Then one day, we heard our cats loudly meowing at the livingroom window. \u00a0I looked out and there was the cat. \u00a0I\u0027d not seen the cat until then. \u00a0Gary described her to me, but I wasn\u0027t prepared for what I saw. \u00a0She looked odd, skinny, dirty and had big ears. \u00a0But I got excited because I\u0027d seen that kind of cat before in a picture. \u00a0I ran to the computer and did some research, then became so excited because sitting outside our window was a\u00a0Cornish Rex, or a mix of one, not the kind of cat you see every day. \u00a0Even our vet had not seen one in person. \u00a0It\u0027s an expensive breed, costing about $800. It turns out the she was a he. This cat had been very unheathily overfed, had became lost or abandoned, starved, and thus resulting in the sagging belly. \u00a0Poor thing. \u00a0No one seemed to be searching for this special cat, so we decided to care for him. \u00a0The name America, when we thought it was a girl, would now become Yankee. \u00a0And no, I didn\u0027t want to check the sex of the cat because it was so grossly dirty and stinky. \u00a0The less I touched it until a visit to the vet, the better. \u00a0Yankee was special because he behaved like a toddler. \u00a0He loved to stand and reach up to be picked up and be held like a baby. \u00a0He loved to rest his head on our shoulders, and be coddled inside a baby blanket. \u00a0The vet couldn\u0027t estimate Yankee\u0027s age because his teeth and gums were in bad shape. \u00a0We gave Yankee extra care because we knew his life was hard up to the day he decided to adopt us as his new family. \u00a0When he became sick, the veterinary bills became so high that we could no longer take care of him. \u00a0I called our vet to see if they knew of a non-profit no-kill cat sanctuary that would be willing to care for a cornish rex. \u00a0They didn\u0027t, and apologized. \u00a0A few days later, the vet called me and said they would be willing to care for him, but we had to relinquish all rights to Yankee. \u00a0Also, my family and I could visit him whenever we wanted, no need to make an appointment. \u00a0I was elated, to say the least. \u00a0I began to sleep better. Yankee would eventually become the mascot of the Rolling Hills Pet Hospital. \u00a0He had free reign of the clinic, and could roam wherever he wished. \u00a0On the weekends, Dr. Keith would take him home to his place in Coronado. \u00a0Lucky cat! \u00a0 We didn\u0027t have Yankee as long as our other cats, but he would always be our Little Snuggle Bug. Born: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0UnknownAdopted Us: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 September 2001Rainbow Bridge: \u00a0January 2006\u00a0 QUINCY -\u00a0the Bashful OneJust when we thought we had enough cats in the house already, Lindsay calls me up one day and says that I need to go to PetSmart right away. \u00a0What for, I ask. \u00a0\u0022There\u0027s a real cute cat that needs to be adopted, and he keeps meowing. \u00a0He wants a home\u0022, was her reply.\u00a0Oh, geez. \u00a0But that\u0027s what Gerry and I did. \u00a0We went to PetSmart to check out this cat and adopted him. \u00a0His name was Quincy, and he was cute as a button. \u00a0He was pretty shy, too. He had this raspy meow sound, and didn\u0027t want to be held or petted unless he came to you for attention. But if he came to you, he\u0027d plop part of his body on you and stay there for as long as he could. He liked to be left alone a lot of the time. \u00a0Quincy had this weird habit of taking food out of his bowl, dropping it on the floor and eating it. \u00a0He was a very messy eater. \u00a0Gary Mike thinks he was earlier raised with other cats and was used to eating his food off the floor. \u00a0His favorite toy was feathers hanging on a string. \u00a0He\u0027d get wild about them for a little while, then get over it fast. \u00a0He didn\u0027t remain playful for very long. \u00a0Not much else was known of his past, but we made sure he had a good life in our home. \u00a0Quincy was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. \u00a0It was so hard to decide that it was time to let him go. \u00a0With Lindsay in Nashville, and Summer at her job in Del Mar, via FaceTime they joined me, Gerry, Gary Mike and Kat at the clinic where we held Quincy for the last time. \u00a0It was a very difficult good-bye. \u00a0Our hearts hurt for the longest time. Born: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 January 2007Adopted: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0January 2009Rainbow Bridge: \u00a0 September 2014 NALA - the PrincessNala is pretty, and she knows it. \u00a0I refer to her as the princess because she\u0027s so girly. \u00a0She\u0027s a big tease, too. \u00a0She came to be a part of our family when I took her in from the cold. \u00a0She was a member of a growing feral colony, just a baby, really. \u00a0She was with her daddy cat when I first spotted her on a very cold morning. \u00a0Every day she\u0027d come around with a member of her feline family or all of them. \u00a0There was the daddy, mama, Reeses (we named it because she reminded us of the candy) and Nala. \u00a0So one early morning, I decided to snatch her up and bring her in out of the cold, to her daddy\u0027s dismay. \u00a0I would cuddle her under my warm blanket, and stare at her beautiful face until I heard Gerry waking up, then I\u0027d put her back outside. \u00a0Not very nice, I know, but Gerry would not be keen on yet having another cat in the house. \u00a0Soon Nala would come around on her own and insist we take her in. So persistent, this cat. \u00a0Nala is as feminine as a girl can be, is a picky eater, is very playful and a such a big tease. \u00a0She loves people but loves Gary Mike the most. She loves to be petted, and has this crazy thing about licking lotion off my hands, arm and feet. \u00a0Gross! So annoying when she does that. \u00a0Also annoying is when we get up in the morning to find she\u0027s been stuck in the office closet all night long. \u00a0Why she continues to run into a closet surprises me. \u00a0Nala loves to sneak upstairs when Gerry\u0027s not around, but when she hears his voice, she quickly dashes down the stairs. \u00a0Too funny to witness! \u00a0To this day, Nala shows affection for the remaining members of her once feral colony that grew to number 23 total. \u00a0There are two strays remaining who make our backyard their home. \u00a0It amazes me that three generations later, the strays recognize Nala as one of their own. Born: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Fall 2009Adopted: \u00a0 \u00a0December 2009 ","date":"1477763778","title":"Why I Love National Cat Day","media":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KR6dac7qbHU\/WBQEQiJJGoI\/AAAAAAABwW0\/C6RvlMXEKm4t1kXjHW62cMwtskQqkNGIACLcB\/s640\/IMG_5661+%25281%2529.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":["cats","pet adoption"],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"502x640","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-KR6dac7qbHU\/WBQEQiJJGoI\/AAAAAAABwW0\/C6RvlMXEKm4t1kXjHW62cMwtskQqkNGIACLcB\/s640\/IMG_5661+%25281%2529.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkY0LmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1LUjZkYWM3cWJIVSUyRldCUUVRaUpKR29JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ3VzAlMkZDNlJ2bE1YRUttNHQxa1hqSFc2MmNNd3Rza1Fxa05HSUFDTGNCJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR181NjYxJTJCJTI1MjUyODElMjUyNTI5LkpQRw==?checksum=2ce3c798bd876dfd8b9b7e5db13cf26b5323f9a0\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5232826215\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5232826215","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/why-i-love-national-cat-day-5232826215","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/why-i-love-national-cat-day-5232826215","likes":0},"5219663829:12967359":{"post_id":"5219663829","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2016\/10\/hurricane-matthew-my-red-cross-response.html","content":"It wasn\u0027t too long ago when I received an e-mail from the San Diego chapter of the American Red Cross. \u00a0The e-mail was sent en masse to every Red Cross volunteer in our region. \u00a0It was all over the news that Hurricane Matthew was brewing, and it didn\u0027t register in my head that I could be called to action. \u00a0Gerry and I had just returned from Italy where we vacationed with friends, and my suitcase wasn\u0027t fully unpacked. I quickly packed my suitcase with the appropriate clothes and shoes, went to headquarters to pick up my Mission card and disaster folder, and before I knew it, I was on a Delta flight to Columbia, South Carolina. \u00a0It happened so fast. When I arrived at the airport, there was an AVIS rental car waiting for me, and a motel room to hunker down in for the night since it was nearly midnight when I arrived.I had waited six years for the opportunity to help in a major national disaster, but the time wasn\u0027t right due to my job and\/or familial responsibilities. \u00a0All of the courses I\u0027d taken and workshops I attended over the years qualified me to be deployed to the Carolina states to assist in this flood disaster. \u00a0I was in South and North Carolina for a total of ten days, but I had earlier committed to a minimum of 2 weeks of service. \u00a0Before I explain my early return home, I must tell you that I met and worked with a group of wonderful and giving individuals that formed our strong team of six, which later became seven. \u00a0We each had our own strengths in character, and where one of us lacked in physical strength, the others picked up and carried the rest of us forward. \u00a0Our team was a well-oiled machine, and we vowed that no matter where Staffing sent us, we would stay together. \u00a0 My awesone team, fom left to right: \u00a0Bobby, Margot, Linda C., Glendeleen, Julie, Linda H. (our supervisor) and me. After closing the Calvin Heights Elementary School shelter in Wilmington, North Carolina, we learned, to our dismay, that we would be separated. \u00a0We knew, really, from the beginning that it would be hard to keep us all together to the end of the disaster recovery, but it was worth wishing for. \u00a0Three would go on to work the ERV (emergency response vehicle which is used to transport food to various shelters), two others went to support a shelter on a college campus, and our fearless leader is in her new assignment as a shelter manager.\u00a0 Photo Credit: \u00a0Linda HayesWhile everyone on the team was compassionate, Bobby and Linda C., to me, showed the most compassion. \u00a0Bobby loved talking to the clients (shelter residents) and getting to know them, and Linda C. was really taken with the children. \u00a0One very young child endeared herself to Linda and looked to her for hugs. \u00a0I thought of Julie as the mama bear. \u00a0She constantly checked on things, greeted arriving guests, helped to keep the distribution area tidy, and reminded our supervisor to eat her meals. \u00a0The muscles of the team were Bobby and Margot. They could put together and tear down those cots so fast, it made me exhausted to watch them. \u00a0I could not help with those cots because of arthritis. \u00a0I also could not help with lifting heavy items, and there was a lot of that going on in the kitchen and cafeteria. \u00a0Bobby and Margot also kept the restrooms clean and trash bins empty. Glendeleen, Glen for short, was assigned to our team two days before we were separated. She immediately made herself at home, picked up our vibe and joined right in as if she was with us from the very beginning. \u00a0Our supervisor, Linda H. was loaded with information, constantly had her finger on the pulse of the operation, and worked diligently with headquarters. In the evening, when all of the clients were tucked in their cots for the evening, because there is a curfew in the shelters, Linda H. would reward us with a small plastic glass of wine, if we wanted it, to thank us for our hard work and to simply relax and talk about the day\u0027s events. \u00a0It was a great bonding time, in that dim hallway of the 4th grade wing of the school. Working the shelter is constant and tiring work. \u00a0It\u0027s physical, mental and emotional. \u00a0I found myself holding back tears on one occasion, and I felt like I was starving on another occasion. \u00a0I kept saying to myself that I would find time to take a little nap when the time was right, and I never did. \u00a0I was always the last to go to the bed, and the first to rise. \u00a0I would make myself available to work in the cafeteria, as not everyone was awake in the gymnasium yet, and that\u0027s how I got to know the Salvation Army crew and the school cafeteria manager. \u00a0The Salvation Army truck was my go-to place for my morning coffee. \u00a0It was my secret for a short while.\u00a0 This is Shirlene, the school\u0027s cafeteria manager. \u00a0This amazing woman volunteered her vacation time to assist us in the shelter. \u00a0She also set up a cot in the kitchen where she would sleep because she worked long hours. \u00a0Until one day, sleeping on a cot became unbearable, so she then went home to sleep in her own oomfy bed. \u00a0She is the first person I would see in the morning. \u00a0She is also a wonderful singer.After days and days of caring for the clients and tending to their needs, I one day found myself feeling so worn down, and my eyes were stinging from sun sensitivity. \u00a0I couldn\u0027t find my sunglasses the day before, and the sun shining in my eyes was becoming unbearable that I knew it would be unsafe to drive a vehicle, which I was doing a lot of the time. \u00a0The day we learned we would be going our separate ways, my body was telling me that this would be the perfect time to stop and go home to rest. \u00a0Being in constant physical motion for hours and days got the best of me. \u00a0 To not listen to my body would surely mean a lupus flare-up, and I didn\u0027t want to risk that. \u00a0I hadn\u0027t been so sick in a long time, and I don\u0027t want to go there again. \u00a0I have the autoimmune disease called lupus. \u00a0Thinking back, I remember someone asking me on Facebook if I was handling my pain well. \u00a0I appreciated that question, and I think I might have forgotten to reply to her. \u00a0Well, I have been home for four days now. \u00a0I am in constant touch with my team, and they are out there continuing to serve those affected by the floor. They are heroes forever, in my eyes. The day after I returned home, I received a call from Cathy, Workforce Engagement Manager, with the Red Cross. \u00a0She said that I would be a perfect candidate for the Shelter Supervisors Workshop. \u00a0Linda H., throughout my deployment, frequently told me that, too. The San Diego chapter is gearing up for fire season, and there\u0027s that big earthquake that the world is talking about.\u00a0I\u0027ve always liked being in charge, and I feel this will be a perfect fit for me. \u00a0I just have to look like a disaster action team member. \u00a0I didn\u0027t have the proper T-shirts, polo shirts or vest to wear. \u00a0There wasn\u0027t enough time for me to acquire them. \u00a0Ugh, I looked very much like a newbie, I will be ready for the next call to action. ","date":"1477241872","title":"Hurricane Matthew - My Red Cross Response Experience","media":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nqB8N2Tb6Yw\/WAvwM-dCPLI\/AAAAAAABwQg\/MNFTKHxH0IEJhfA2ZD4WeU5CNH9OpYomQCEw\/s640\/IMG_5224.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":["2016","flood","hurricane","red cross"],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x480","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nqB8N2Tb6Yw\/WAvwM-dCPLI\/AAAAAAABwQg\/MNFTKHxH0IEJhfA2ZD4WeU5CNH9OpYomQCEw\/s640\/IMG_5224.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYxLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1ucUI4TjJUYjZZdyUyRldBdndNLWRDUExJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ3UWclMkZNTkZUS0h4SDBJRUpoZkEyWkQ0V2VVNUNOSDlPcFlvbVFDRXclMkZzNjQwJTJGSU1HXzUyMjQuSlBH?checksum=f4323b870c1c181cdd3b2c0850d6112855bad0b9\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5219663829\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5219663829","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/hurricane-matthew-my-red-cross-response-experience-5219663829","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/hurricane-matthew-my-red-cross-response-experience-5219663829","likes":0},"5179636531:12967359":{"post_id":"5179636531","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2016\/10\/under-tuscan-sun-looking-for-bramasole.html","content":"Like it or not, I am a total book and motion picture nerd. \u00a0Mix that with travel, and I become obsessed with having to see where that film was made, or to find out what was that one thing that drove someone to write a novel that would become a classic or a cult favorite. Before we left for Italy, I shared on Facebook that I couldn\u0027t wait to see the villa that inspired author Frances Mayes to write the book \u0022Under the Tuscan Sun\u0022. \u00a0I had not yet read the book but I saw the movie numerous times. \u00a0Now that I\u0027m home, I am reading the book now. \u00a0It is simply delicious! \u00a0I just couldn\u0027t get enough of all that was Italian in the film. \u00a0And Diane Lane, . . . who wouldn\u0027t wish they could be her for a day? \u00a0I\u0027d already been to a few major cities in Italy and made jaunts into country towns, but I hadn\u0027t yet made it to the idyllic hill town of Cortona, which was tops on my list of places to visit for our end-of-summer holiday. \u00a0I had to get to Cortona this year because the book \u0022Under the Tuscan Sun\u0022 was celebrating 20 years since its publication in September 1996. The time was right to go back to Italy!  I was just getting over a three-day stomach flu when we left Assisi by car. \u00a0With my husband Gerry at the wheel, and friend Ed at his side as navigator, we made our way to Cortona. Daisie and I sat in the back seat enjoying the views along the way. \u00a0Total eye-candy, those views! Cortona sits on top of a hill about 1,968 feet above sea level. \u00a0It is the highest town we visited on this trip. This dominant position over the valley offers a spectacular view from all over the town of the surrounding valley and even Lake Trasimeno.\u00a0 \u00a0Before beginning our search of Bramasole, we decided to take a look around the town for a place to have a very nice lunch. \u00a0We settled on the Ristorante al Cacciatore where I had a lovely pasta e fagioli soup, perfect for my settling tummy. \u00a0With full stomachs, we did our last-minute souvenir shopping, then we were off to find Bramasole. \u00a0On the way back to the car, I passed an art gallery which featured a movie poster of the film on its glass door. Cortona is known for many things ancient, Etruscan and modern, but its citizens love the attention the book and film has brought to their town, and they\u0027re basking in all its glory. \u00a0 Before leaving town, we went to the tourist information office off the Piazza della Republikka. \u00a0I asked the concierge if given a choice, would she look for the house that was used in the \u0022Under the Tuscan Sun\u0022 film, or look for the house that inspired the book. She said to skip the house used in the film. \u00a0It\u0027s ugly and there\u0027s nothing to see there. \u00a0Go to the real villa, she says. \u00a0Before leaving San Diego, I searched the internet. \u00a0Many \u0022Under the Tuscan Sun\u0022 geeks said forget the real villa, go to the house from the movie. Others said otherwise. Well, just tell me how to get to both, and I\u0027ll decide when I\u0027m in Cortona. \u00a0I choose to listen to the concierge, and she gives us a map of the town, and driving directions to the Bramasole. \u00a0She also said it\u0027s within walking distance but a portion of the trek is uphill. \u00a0I think, \u0022no, thank you\u0022. \u00a0I just got my energy back from being sick. \u00a0I want my search to be easy. Driving there sounds better, and the map makes it seem easy. \u00a0But it really wasn\u0027t. \u00a0 Looking at the map, we follow the concierge\u0027s blue ink line from the parking lot, exiting the walled town, driving the road that hugs the ancient walls, and take that road all the way around and further up into the mountain. \u00a0At one point, Ed says to Gerry that he\u0027s driving into a one-way street so Gerry maneuvers a Y turn and gets back on the right road. \u00a0The concierge said if you pass the Eremo Le Celle, a sanctuary, you\u0027re going the right way. Follow the road up the hill and follow the signs to Hotel Cory\u0027s. \u00a0Pass it and stay left of the fork. \u00a0There is a small bar (cafe) at the apex of this fork. The road will take you downhill. Bramasole should be on our right. \u00a0You can\u0027t miss it, said the concierge. \u00a0It\u0027s a big pink house. Seekers say it\u0027s peachy pink. \u00a0I\u0027ll decide the color when I get there.  We end up at the stop sign and no where to go but right. \u00a0Ahead of us is the most gorgeous landscape you ever saw. \u00a0Vineyards, rolling hills, orchards, farmhouses, cypresses, villas. \u00a0It was so dreamy. \u00a0Okay, snap out of it. \u00a0We turned right and pulled into a parking lot in Torreone. \u00a0I approached an old man and asked, \u0022Dove il Bramasole?\u0022. \u00a0He shrugs and raises both hands that say \u0022What are you saying?\u0022. \u00a0So I repeat it in English. \u00a0Gerry approaches and does his best to communicate with hand gestures. \u00a0Daisie and I see a jogger approaching our direction and I wonder if it would be cool to stop him and ask for directions. \u00a0We decide it would not be okay to interrupt his rhythm because he was so focused on his running. \u00a0Then we see a couple walking the wide promenade. \u00a0It is lined with trees on both sides, and their walk is very leisurely. \u00a0As they get closer, we approach them. \u00a0I say to the woman, \u0022Scusi, do you speak English?\u0022. \u00a0Please say yes. \u00a0Please say yes. \u00a0And the woman says, \u0022Well, yes, I do.\u0022 \u0022Yes! \u00a0Thank you!\u0022, I say. \u00a0She laughed at us and said, \u0022I know how you feel. \u00a0I\u0027ve been there!\u0022. \u00a0  Meet\u00a0Al and Kathy. \u00a0They\u0027re from Tampa, Florida and spend a few months in Cortona each year. \u00a0They had just flown in earlier that day and were out for an afternoon walk. \u00a0They own an apartment in the city center of Cortona which they rent out to tourists when they\u0027re not using it. \u00a0They set us straight on how to find the Bramasole, and that it\u0027s not far from where we\u0027re standing. \u00a0In fact, we can walk there from the parking lot. \u00a0Al says we would be interested to know that he shot the cover for Mayes\u0027 third book of the Tuscany series, \u0022Every Day in Tuscany\u0022. \u00a0Get outta here! \u00a0I can\u0027t believe what I\u0027m hearing! \u00a0He says he was taking digital photographs in the piazza years ago. \u00a0A stranger approached him and asked to see his photos. \u00a0Apparently, this stranger had ties to Mayes and the publishing world. \u00a0Before long, Al got a call from Mayes asking if he\u0027d photograph the cover to her third book. \u00a0Wow, what are the chances of me meeting someone connected to one of my favorite authors?! This is wildly crazy, I\u0027m thinking, and I am one starstruck, besotted woman.In our conversation, Al continues with a story where Mayes had purchased a second home higher up in the mountains outside of Cortona in Monte Sant\u0027Egidio. \u00a0Known as\u00a0Fonte delle Foglie,\u00a0the Font of Leaves, the secluded stone pile was first built in the 13th century by \u0022hermits who followed Saint Francis of Assisi.\u0022 Mayes added a second structure to the 3.7-acre compound, which now has four bedrooms, a writing room, and ample entertaining space. \u00a0This home was the subject of the book mentioned above, \u0022Every Day in Tuscany\u0022. \u00a0Mayes no longer owns the home due to the fact that thieves had ramsackled the home while she was away from the country. \u00a0She was heartbroken, and had felt watching over two homes was too much work. \u00a0I found a photo of the stone villa on Pinterest. \u00a0What a beauty!Do you want o know what Al says next? \u00a0He says that he and Kathy are frequent visitors to Villa Bramasole when Frances (uh-oh, we\u0027re on first-name basis now) is in town. \u00a0Unfortuntely, Frances won\u0027t be in Cortona for another couple of weeks. \u00a0Darn! \u00a0Our conversation lasted perhaps 20 minutes, but it\u0027s time I won\u0027t soon forget. \u00a0Before going our separate ways, Al said to look for the terraces. \u00a0He was around when laborers and artisans were cleaning up the terraces of the Bramasole. \u00a0Kathy said you can\u0027t miss it because of its pink color. \u00a0So off we went in our car, backtracked and as we turned the corner, there it was to our left - the most magnificent rustic house and terraced garden I have ever seen. It\u0027s easy to see how we missed the house at first. It\u0027s partly hidden by stone walls and trees, and I wasn\u0027t expecting the house to be so high up on the hill.We exited the car and began taking photos like crazy. \u00a0I took note of all the little details of Frances\u0027 property that eventually made its mark in the film, like the shrine in the stone wall and the shuttered windows. \u00a0The color of the house was not pink or peach, or peachy-pink. The color seemed to change depending on the direction from which I was looking. \u00a0It was like the stucco had a faux finish. \u00a0It went from pink to peach to gold to orange. \u00a0Seeing the large amount of olive and fruit trees, and other plantings, I felt this villa was more of a farmhouse. \u00a0The Bramasole\u0027s olive oil has won awards, after all. It was surreal being at the Bramasole. \u00a0I thank God I got well enough in time to have this experience. \u00a0Being there was most definitely the high point of my vacation. \u00a0      The celestial stars were aligned that day, and the gods that be said this was meant to happen. \u00a0Thank you, Frances, for taking me on this journey. \u00a0  ","date":"1475602508","title":"Under the Tuscan Sun: Looking for Bramasole","media":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Z_s9MMfxjLE\/V_GhSAnBZmI\/AAAAAAABwJY\/ZZlYzEnZdus4l0Vg1LQymC0w_ScvLG5iACLcB\/s640\/Picmonkey.jpg","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":["2016","bramasole","cortona"],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x484","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Z_s9MMfxjLE\/V_GhSAnBZmI\/AAAAAAABwJY\/ZZlYzEnZdus4l0Vg1LQymC0w_ScvLG5iACLcB\/s640\/Picmonkey.jpg","url":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1aX3M5TU1meGpMRSUyRlZfR2hTQW5CWm1JJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ3SlklMkZaWmxZekVuWmR1czRsMFZnMUxReW1DMHdfU2N2TEc1aUFDTGNCJTJGczY0MCUyRlBpY21vbmtleS5qcGc=?checksum=4b11f60e171aab5c2a3e55b0ea59fa75d099f321\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5179636531\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5179636531","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/under-tuscan-sun-looking-for-bramasole-5179636531","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/under-tuscan-sun-looking-for-bramasole-5179636531","likes":0},"5175031013:12967359":{"post_id":"5175031013","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2016\/10\/terra-cotta-warriors-tang-dynasty-show.html","content":"Another destination checked off my wanderlust list! \u00a0Thanks to local farmers digging a well, millions of people are able to view these wonderful full-size figures of clay warriors. \u00a0As always, I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to see our world\u0027s treasures. \u00a0  Think you know everything there is to know about this UNESCO World Heritage Site?  Here are 5 amazing facts about the Terra Cotta Army and its auxiliaries that I didn\u0027t know at the time of my visit last fall: 1. \u00a0China\u0027s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, spent most of his life searching for immortality and built himself a burial complex. \u00a0The complex was the biggest in the world - and it was probably never completed. 2. \u00a0The clay soldiers remained untouched for more than 2000 years until 1974 when they were unearthed by Chinese farmers digging a well. \u00a0It is now believed that some 700,000 workers worked for nearly three decades on the mausoleum. So far, archaeologists have uncovered a 20-square compound, including 8,000 terra cotta soldiers, along with numerous horses and chariots, a pyramid mound marking the emperor\u0027s tomb, remains of a palace, offices, store houses and stables. \u00a0This is all located in Pit #1. \u00a0Yes, there are more pits.3. \u00a0Qin was known for his brutishness: He ordered the killings of scholars whose ideas he opposed, and showed little regard for the life of the conscripts who built public works projects, including his burial complex. Numerous laborers and artisans lost their lives during its construction, while others were reportedly killed in order to preserve the secrecy of the tomb\u2019s location and the treasures buried within. 4. \u00a0The emperor\u0027s tomb itself still hasn\u0027t been excavated. According to first century accounts, mercury streams were inlaid in the floor of Qin\u0027s burial chamber to simulate local rivers running through his tomb. \u00a0In 2005, hundreds of samples from the earthen burial chamber mound were tested and came back highly positive. \u00a0Debate continues over whether to evacuate the tomb at all and what methods should be used to protect the contents as well as the people working at the site.5. \u00a0Construction of the tomb began when the Future Emperor of China took power at the age of 13.  The following photos are from Pit #1 where many workers guarded the area and excavated and tagged the statues.   Pit #2 is located 22 yards to the northeast of Terra Cotta Pit #1. \u00a0It is the most spectacular of the three pits. \u00a0Compared to Pit #1, the combat formations are more complex and the units of armed forces more complete.      Pit #3 lies 25 yards to the north of Pit #2. \u00a0This forms the headquarters of the garrison, exercising military control over men contained in the other two pits. \u00a0           After spending a few hours viewing the Terra Cotta Army, we drove through the city of Xian to see some more impressive statues.In the evening, Gerry and I enjoyed a Tang Dynasty cultural performance with dinner. \u00a0Obviously, it was all so wonderful. \u00a0Such a great way to end a long day.        Um, no, we are not actually in the pit with these terra cotta marvels. We couldn\u0027t resist paying for one of those faux photos, but it does look awesome, doesn\u0027t it?   Safe travels, ","date":"1475380287","title":"Terra Cotta Warriors \u0026 Tang Dynasty Show in Xian","media":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-iR5XX95o2lU\/VywCjimVebI\/AAAAAAABvI4\/k_-76eAMw0YVSDa6J-RzqOcyqU8L1f1YQCLcB\/s640\/Blog+cover+photo.jpg","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":["2015","china","statues","tang dynasty","terra cotta warriors \u0026 army"],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x493","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-iR5XX95o2lU\/VywCjimVebI\/AAAAAAABvI4\/k_-76eAMw0YVSDa6J-RzqOcyqU8L1f1YQCLcB\/s640\/Blog+cover+photo.jpg","url":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkYzLmJwLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbSUyRi1pUjVYWDk1bzJsVSUyRlZ5d0NqaW1WZWJJJTJGQUFBQUFBQUJ2STQlMkZrXy03NmVBTXcwWVZTRGE2Si1SenFPY3lxVThMMWYxWVFDTGNCJTJGczY0MCUyRkJsb2clMkJjb3ZlciUyQnBob3RvLmpwZw==?checksum=2351344adc14a1dec532a97dd57e2ecfeed23c09\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=5175031013\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/5175031013","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/terra-cotta-warriors-tang-dynasty-show-in-5175031013","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/terra-cotta-warriors-tang-dynasty-show-in-5175031013","likes":0},"4714845760:12967359":{"post_id":"4714845760","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2016\/01\/hutong-hangout-in-beijing.html","content":"It\u0027s Day 5 on this wonderful tour of Beijing, and after breakfast, I remember telling my new friend, Mary, how I wasn\u0027t feeling too good about all of the delicious food I\u0027d been eating lately.\u00a0 She felt the same way.\u00a0 It\u0027s hard to control myself when all of this wonderful Chinese food (and there\u00a0was American\u00a0fare, as well), colorful fruits and vegetables, and delectable desserts are staring right at me.\u00a0 I don\u0027t stuff myself with food.\u00a0 Normally I\u0027m mindful to chew my food, eat slowly, and stop when I begin to feel full.\u00a0 Also, my\u00a0meals normally\u00a0fit in a bowl, and not piled up high on a plate.\u00a0 Ugh, I felt this trip was not going to end well for me.\u00a0 I was going to go home\u00a0looking like a blimp!\u00a0 Oh well, Mary and I figured that once we got on the Viking ship, we\u0027d do a lot of daily walking around the perimeter of the top deck, only to find out later there would be no track on the upper deck!\u00a0 In fact, the ship was designed in a way that you couldn\u0027t walk the perimeter no matter what level you were on. \u00a0If I was going to be a happy lady on this vacation, I needed to control my food intake. Seriously.\u00a0 This day was another check off of my bucket list because we\u00a0would be visiting a hutong, which is a centuries-old, tree-lined alleyway that is the true heartbeat of Beijing. \u00a0There are several remaining hutongs left in Beijing, following the rapid growth spurt of\u00a0roadways and buildings beginning in 1949, and more so after the announcement that Beijing was going to be the site of the 2008 Olympic Games.\u00a0 However, many of Beijing\u0027s ancient hutongs still stand, and a number of them have been designated protected areas.\u00a0 The older neighborhoods survive today, offering a glimpse of life in the capital city as it has been for generations.  Hutongs are the winding narrow streets that traverse the traditional neighborhoods of Beijing.\u00a0\u00a0 These alleys surround traditional courtyard residences, and the term hutong has come to refer to a neighborhood.\u00a0 In the past, and to a certain degree still true today, the closer you lived to the Forbidden City, the higher your status was.\u00a0 The elite lived to the east and west of the imperial palace in high-end hutongs with gardens and ornamental houses.\u00a0Today many famous\u00a0people live in these hutongs.\u00a0In other areas, however, the hutongs\u00a0are smaller, less decorative, and poorer.\u00a0 Hutong is a Mongolian word meaning \u0022water well\u0022.\u00a0 In the Yuan Dynasty, Mongolians attached great importance to water, so almost every community in the city was designed around a well, which provided the daily water for the locals.\u00a0 To this day, no one will find a dry well in some of the old alleys. It was a smooth\u00a0ride in our rickety rickshaw.\u00a0 We passed residents coming out of their courtyards and I\u0027d take quick photos as we passed their open doors.\u00a0 Mainly there wasn\u0027t much to see.\u00a0 But I wondered what the courtyards would look like if I were standing in it.\u00a0 Would it be pretty?\u00a0 Would it be nice?\u00a0 There were times when cars approached from the opposite direction and it was a traffic jam in the hutong.\u00a0 It would take a few minutes for all vehicles to be free and clear.There came a point where we exited\u00a0our rickshaws to walk to a\u00a0residence belonging to a gentleman named Mr. Wang and his extended family.\u00a0 We passed people going about their usual business of daily living.\u00a0 We even got a close-up view of people\u0027s living areas.\u00a0I thanked God for the life that I have.\u00a0 I also was conscious of the fact that these people might be grateful for what they have, so I didn\u0027t want to show that I felt sorry for them in any way.\u00a0 I noticed how our group would greet them with a cheery \u0022ni hao!\u0022.\u00a0 Hello! We\u00a0walked through a\u00a0narrow alley, turn left and entered a door into a place that was colorful and inviting. Birds were chirping, and lots of plants and flowers were on display.\u00a0 Red lanterns and other ornamental pieces dotted the courtyard, and it exuded a welcoming of peace, good luck and wealth to all who entered this place.  Mr. Wang welcomed us with tea and told us about his life in the hutong.\u00a0 Before the 2008 Summer Olympics, his family was given permission\u00a0by the government to host tourists and dignitaries.\u00a0 Having a relative who served the last emperor proved beneficial.\u00a0 To earn money, Mr. Wang\u0027s family also serve sit-down meals to visiting groups and\u00a0sell folk art created by his daughter.\u00a0\u00a0I loved being\u00a0there, in that small, sweet-smelling place.\u00a0 I\u00a0highly recommend a visit to a hutong to\u00a0better understand the old Chinese culture.\u00a0 If you can visit both high-end and lower class hutongs, you\u0027ll better appreciate the disparity in the social and economic status of these hard-working people.  Before our afternoon flight to Xi\u0027an, Angie introduced us to a Jianzi\u00a0champion currently listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for keeping the jianzi in the air the longest.\u00a0 A traditional and very popular national sport in China, the goal is to keep the heavily weighted shuttlecock in the air by using any part of the body, apart from the hands.\u00a0 Jianzi is better known as hacky sack in the United States.Then we went to a tea house to learn about the different kinds of tea and the meaning behind drinking tea.\u00a0 China is a country with many nationalities, and each nationality enjoys their tea differently.\u00a0 The history, culture and geographical environment of all nationalities vary and their customs of drinking tea are also very colorful and have their own strong points.\u00a0 What is common amongst the nationalities is when guests show up at their door, they are always entertained with tea.\u00a0 The Chinese people love to drink tea all day long. We arrived in Xi-an in the late afternoon and, as always, it was a pleasure to view the heavily wooded areas\u00a0surrounding the city, and to be thoroughly entertained by the chaos of the evening commuter traffic!I hope you\u0027re enjoying my diary of my days in China!\u00a0 This trip is becoming so unforgettable! \u00a0","date":"1453178340","title":"Hutong Hangout in Beijing","media":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-BNzx1Ezf9Pg\/Vo1YOo3TVoI\/AAAAAAABtuo\/8YqcUlNjDz8\/s640\/IMG_8770+-+Copy.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"480x640","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-BNzx1Ezf9Pg\/Vo1YOo3TVoI\/AAAAAAABtuo\/8YqcUlNjDz8\/s640\/IMG_8770+-+Copy.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjQuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLUJOengxRXpmOVBnJTJGVm8xWU9vM1RWb0klMkZBQUFBQUFBQnR1byUyRjhZcWNVbE5qRHo4JTJGczY0MCUyRklNR184NzcwJTJCLSUyQkNvcHkuSlBH?checksum=d8e5557ee7543a69e9d4d7f183d4d78992cb0457\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4714845760\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4714845760","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/hutong-hangout-in-beijing-4714845760","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/hutong-hangout-in-beijing-4714845760","likes":0},"4678900994:12967359":{"post_id":"4678900994","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/12\/my-days-in-beijing-day-four.html","content":"I had dreamed about this day forever.\u00a0 A visit to China hit my Wanderlust list in the early 1990s when the Chinese government announced it was going to build the Three Gorges Dam.\u00a0 That meant villages would disappear or be relocated, and ancient sites drowned in the famed Yangtze River.\u00a0 I had to go to\u00a0there to see as much of the old China (before the dam project) and other amazing sites like the Great Wall.\u00a0 I\u0027ve wondered what it would be like to walk and stand on that wondrous wall.  \u0022Bu dao Changcheng fei haohan.\u0022   An original line from a Mao Zedong poem, it is often translated as \u0022He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man\u0022, or \u0022He who doesn\u0027t reach the Great Wall is no hero.\u0022  Well, let me just say, first of all, that I didn\u0027t really get to walk the wall, in normal fashion.\u00a0 I tried, but I was pushed now and then because it was so crowded, but I, too,\u00a0pushed\u00a0 forward so I could make my way to the highest point of the wall.\u00a0 If I didn\u0027t do that, I most certainly would\u0027ve fallen backward and knocked everyone behind me down like a stack of dominoes!\u00a0 When I reached the highest point of the Badaling wall, I did feel like a hero\u00a0 - a very hot and exhausted hero.\u00a0 It was a very difficult trek, and I\u0027m in good physical shape!\u00a0 This marvel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which once stretched for more than 6,200 miles and symbolized the country\u0027s isolation from the rest of the world.But wait, let me back-track and show you how we got here.\u00a0 Our tour group had an early start.\u00a0 By now, we all know the daily routine.\u00a0 Early breakfast, on the bus by 8am-ish, but that\u0027s a good thing.\u00a0 We knew we\u0027d be in the middle of the early commuter traffic but our bus had to be one of the first to reach the cable car parking lot.\u00a0 We traveled 60 miles out of Beijing.\u00a0 In an hour, we arrived. Many buses were there already, but more buses would come, so we were thankful to be there early.\u00a0 Tourists can hike up to the Great Wall, but we took the cable cars as our time was limited with other activities planned for the day.\u00a0 Angie, our tour director, led us inside the cable car building where we passed everyone standing in line.\u00a0 We had a fast pass!\u00a0 I think being a part of a Viking group was the key to being in the express lane.\u00a0 That, or Angie was the cutest little thing, no one could say no to her. It took a few minutes to reach the Great Wall.\u00a0 Once we got off the cable car, we could choose to walk north or south.\u00a0 Going\u00a0north would take you down the mountain to the towers, but we chose to go south, which would take us to the highest point of the Badaling wall.\u00a0 The views were outstanding, and exceeded all of my expectations of what the Great Wall would be.I could not leave Padre, the Globetrotting Gnome behind at the hotel today.\u00a0 He had to be here.There are many sections of the Great Wall around Beijing city, but the wall in Badaling is the most visited since its restoration in 1957.\u00a0 It is a well-developed area with a bear zoo, slow roller coaster that takes tourists up and down certain sections of the mountain to the valley floor, and the Great Wall Museum in the vicinity.\u00a0 Hotels and the Safari World are nearby.My navigating the steps of the wall, for the most part, was precarious.\u00a0 Besides the thick crowds of people, the most difficult part of walking the wall were the stairs.\u00a0\u00a0The steps were of different depths, so if you weren\u0027t watchful, you\u0027d stumble.\u00a0 Also, the\u00a0climb up was\u00a0very steep so all of this combined, I was out of breath a lot.\u00a0 When I had to stop, I needed to hold on to a piece of the wall so I wouldn\u0027t fall back.\u00a0 Sometimes, when I had to stop, there would be no wall for support as families would be sitting there to rest.\u00a0 That\u0027s when I\u0027d have to slightly hold on to someone else for support, and I could feel people doing the same\u00a0with me.  If I ever have the opportunity to come back, I\u0027d definitely want to visit the museum and this time head south on the wall to go through the towers and make a day of it.\u00a0 Any season is a great time to visit the Great Wall.\u00a0 In the spring, the landscape is so green.\u00a0 In the summer, the rains come late in the day which leaves the air cool and fresh.\u00a0 We were there in the autumn and the leaves were on the verge of changing colors, and the sky was blue with a bit of haze.\u00a0 Or was that smog?\u00a0 We were always questioning that!\u00a0 I hear winter on the Great Walls is enchanting with the snow on the ground, and no visitors.\u00a0 Oh, I think I can brave that cold temperature.Next stop was the Ming Tombs (or the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty), located 30 miles outside of Beijing. \u00a0The Ming Tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors. In a carefully selected site, according to Chinese feng-shui traditions, the tombs are surrounded by mountains on three sides and a river flows near them. \u00a0The tomb area is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. \u00a0It offers insight into imperial Ming Dynasty life, including stone thrones, huge human and animal sculptures, and other evidence of Chinese culture and traditions.We entered the Thirteen Tombs through a stone arched gateway, and onto this avenue called The Sacred Way, which means \u0022a walk to heaven\u0022. According to Chinese history, an emperor descends from heaven upon death and returns through the walkway. \u00a0The emperor was referred to as a Son of the Heaven. \u00a0The Sacred Way ends at the Dragon-Headed Turtle Tablet Pavilion.If it wasn\u0027t for the beauty of the emperor and animal statues, I would\u0027ve laid my hot, tired body under a shade tree and taken a nap. \u00a0Hiking the Great Wall was a challenge already, and now I have to look down this long, long avenue. \u00a0And it wasn\u0027t just that, but this place was so ethereally quiet and serene, and so green. \u00a0And birds were chirping! \u00a0See what I mean? \u00a0(yawn) The details of each imposing human and animal statue differed. \u00a0No two were alike. \u00a0Also, the sculptures were transported purely by human labor. \u00a0Water was first poured on the road during the winter causing it to become icy. \u00a0They were then hauled forward by sliding on the slippery ice. Wells were dug every 500 yards or so in order to get water for this purpose. \u00a0Only two tombs of the thirteen are open to the public. \u00a0The others are in ruins or entombed in one of the three forested mountain ranges.  We exited the area through the Dragon-Headed Turtle Tablet Pavilion. \u00a0Inside was a large stone carving of a turtle with a dragon head and a Chinese tablet containing more than 1,000 Chinese characters.We saw and learned plenty on this day. \u00a0In addition to the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs, we made a stop at a big place that sold jade - lots and lots of it. \u00a0Different sizes and different colors. \u00a0Jewelry, statues, wall art, souvenir type of items -- all made with real and varients of jade. \u00a0Gerry and I came away with some nice jewelry and souvenirs. \u00a0We had a fabulous Peking duck dinner at Hua\u0027s Fine Dining Restaurant at Wangfujing. \u00a0It\u0027s a famous duck dish from Beijing that has been prepared since the imperial era.\u00a0Upon entering the restaurant, we saw ducks being roasted in a hung, or open oven. \u00a0The ducks were carved in front of us at our tables. \u00a0With other delicious dishes, the Peking duck was served on a Lazy Susan table with all the sides: scallion, cucumber, sweet bean sauce and other tasty items. Pancakes (spring roll wraps really) held it all together. \u00a0Oh my goodness, I couldn\u0027t eat enough of the Peking duck. Gosh, I want some right now. \u00a0I wonder where they serve it up good in San Diego? In 2011, The Huffington Post ranked Peking duck first in a list of \u002210 Foods Around the World To Try Before You Die\u0022. \u00a0 What are you waiting for?   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Same routine. \u00a0Gerry and I enjoyed an\u00a0early morning breakfast at the Seasonal Tastes\u00a0restaurant. I\u0027m really missing the tuna sushi that I\u00a0enjoyed two days ago. \u00a0The restaurant didn\u0027t put out the same dishes as the day before in some of the food stations. \u00a0That tuna sushi was the yummiest. \u00a0I\u0027m sure there\u0027s a proper name for that sushi. \u00a0I don\u0027t know it, I just eat it. We finally met the rest of our tour director\u0027s group. \u00a0I was sure they\u0027d like Angie as much as I did. Our group filled a bus. \u00a0There are other Viking groups that filled buses, and I\u0027m thinking, \u0022Wow, Viking truly has a hold in the tourism market in China.\u0022 \u00a0 We drove around Beijing the previous evening for some night views of the sites. \u00a0Seeing Tiananmen Square in the daylight was very impressive, more so than at night. \u00a0Angie said we had to be at the square early in the morning to avoid the crowds, but crowds were already there. \u00a0The square looked very\u00a0festive with giant floral and plant arrangements everywhere. \u00a0The square was the center of a huge celebration in the city just days before, on September 3rd. \u00a0To reduce air pollution, the government ordered factories and many businesses to close beginning in August. \u00a0The Chinese Victory Day Parade was held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Victory of Japan Day stemming from World War II. \u00a0The commemoration was the first high-profile military parade held to celebrate an occasion other than the National Day of the People\u0027s Republic of China. \u00a0Over 12,000 troops of the People\u0027s Liberation Army participated in the parade, in addition to over 1,000 troops from 17 different countries.\u00a0 The Padre at the \u00a0Tiananmen Tower, Gate of Heavenly Peace.The square was swarming with tourists and photographers hoping to\u00a0make money taking group shots. \u00a0Angie gathered us together, our picture was taken, then we received our photo packaged in a very nice book later that evening. \u00a0That\u0027s when we paid for the photo. I brought my little travel buddy with me on this trip. \u00a0He\u0027s Padre, the Globetrotting Gnome. Sometimes, he comes with us on our travels, other times, it\u0027s so hectic at home that I forget to pack him. \u00a0OR when I do bring him on a trip, he sometimes has to stay at the hotel or the bus because, honestly, it\u0027s a lot of work to bring him to every single tourist site. \u00a0When he comes out to sightsee, I\u00a0have to be careful how I pack him in my day bag. \u00a0He\u0027s broken his arm numerous times and it takes a while to glue his arm back on. It\u0027s also difficult to hold him straight up while I attempt a one-handed camera shot of him and his awesome background. \u00a0I was approached three times that morning about Padre. \u00a0One lady asked if I was in the Amazing Race, one of my favorite reality TV shows. The other two wanted to know the story about the Padre. \u00a0They all thought it was a cute idea and that I should send the photos to the San Diego Padres. \u00a0I have plans to do that once I watermark all of the photos. \u00a0I\u0027ve also thought about setting up an Instagram account for him. \u00a0In due time. Before I\u00a0share photos of other important buildings and structures in Tiananmen Square, \u00a0 We all know that it\u0027s rare for a large population of the Chinese people, more specifically those who come from the countryside and are touring the big cities, to see someone quite different from them in appearance. \u00a0They\u00a0become excited to see a tall, white person, and if they have blonde hair and are very pretty, as Angie said, the Chinese are all over that western person taking photos, or sidling up to the westerner and posing for photos,\u00a0whether the westerner knows it or not. \u00a0The country folk will take quick\u00a0photo shots, or politely ask to have a photo taken. \u00a0It was fascinating to watch the interactions. \u00a0Two worlds coming together. \u00a0Beautiful, if you ask me!Quianmen Gate, once an entrance into the ancient Forbidden City, is now a museum. \u00a0Climb to the top and get a fantastic view over the archery tower and Tiananmen Square. \u00a0Walk through the tunnel and enter the pedestrian area where there are a plethora of souvenir shops and restaurants. \u00a0We weren\u0027t sure if the building was shrouded in morning haze or smog. \u00a0My asthma wasn\u0027t acting up so I assumed haze.The Monument to People\u0027s Heroes commemorates the people\u0027s heroes in modern Chinese history. \u00a0 In the background is the National Museum of China. \u00a0It was built on the basis of the former Museum of Chinese History and the former Museum of Chinese Revolution, being the most inclusive museum of time-honored Chinese culture and history in the country. The Great Hall of the People is where the National People\u0027s Congress is held and also where state leaders hold diplomatic meetings and the masses stage political activities. Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen Tower). \u00a0Above the archway hangs a large portrait of Maozedong. \u00a0On the east and west sides of the portrait are giant placards. \u00a0The left one reads \u0022Long Live the People\u0027s Republic of China\u0022 while the right one reads \u0022Long Live the Great Unity of the World\u0027s Peoples.\u0022\u00a0 Before arriving in China, I had no idea Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City were physically connected. \u00a0Also, all I knew about Tiananmen Square before my visit was the tragic events that unfolded in 1989. \u00a0The \u0022June Fourth Incident\u0022, as the Chinese government called it, was truly a culmination of other protests against the government that had been building and spreading across the country. \u00a0On June 3 - 4, the heavily armed troops marched towards Tiananmen Square opening fire and crushing all who tried to block their tanks and troops. It is estimated that some 7,000 were wounded and 241 killed (including soldiers). \u00a0Since the incident, the government has attempted to suppress references to it. \u00a0   DID YOU KNOW:  The architect of the Forbidden City, was a Vietnamese architect named Nguyen An, or Juan An, in Chinese? \u00a0He was a professional architect in Vietnam when the Ming Dynasty invaded Vietnam in 1407. \u00a0Juan An was brought back to China and made a eunuch, which is a man who has been castrated then employed to guard the women\u0027s living areas in the imperial palace.Next stop was the Forbidden City, a palace so grand and so perfect in every sense of the word. Massive red doors with gilded door nails (9 rows across, 9 rows down because 9 is a lucky number for the Chinese) open up to the Imperial palace complex. \u00a0In the heart of Beijing, the palace adheres rigidly to the traditional Chinese geomantic practice of feng shui. \u00a0If walls could talk, I\u0027d hear tales of opulence\u00a0beyond my wildest dream, one hundred course meals, and a harem of 9,000 concubines. As I looked through the Gate of Supreme Harmony (just beyond the red doors), I imagined the lives of those\u00a0emperors and their royal families who ruled from their thrones, soldiers and warriors who stood steadfast at their posts ready for battle, civil servants rushing from building to building to get\u00a0their chores done, the robes of\u00a0eunuchs gently moved by the breezes, and the concubines who dressed to perfection on a daily basis, hoping to catch the emperor\u0027s wandering eye. \u00a0Most concubines, you know, never got to fulfill the duties they were recruited for, and they grew old never having spent time with the emperor or seeing life outside the palace walls. \u00a0If their ruler died, they were then buried alive with him! \u00a0Hence, the name Forbidden Palace, where ordinary citizens weren\u0027t allowed to approach the complex during the 500 years of its use, and most palace residents were forbidden to leave. \u00a0Each hall housed ancient art and antiquities. \u00a0To see them was a bit of a challenge. \u00a0You had to be mindful of all the stairs that took you from here to there. \u00a0The crowds were so think you had to literally push your way to the building, then to the windows to peer in. \u00a0I don\u0027t say this lightly. \u00a0For every five steps I took forward, I was pushed back three steps. \u00a0Sick and tired of being shoved around, I decided to push\u00a0back and hard. \u00a0But not to hurt anyone and not to take personally. \u00a0In a crowded China, that\u0027s just what you do. \u00a0You push. \u00a0There are no bad\u00a0intentions.The Hall of the Center Harmony is behind me. \u00a0This is where the emperors came to rest between ceremonies held at the Hall of Supreme Harmony. \u00a0There are a multitude of stairs through the complex. \u00a0My stumbling journey began here in the Forbidden \u00a0City. \u00a0I will continue to trip and stumble for the remainder of the trip.\u00a0  I was fascinated with these massive cauldrons. \u00a0There are 308 total, small and large, on the imperial grounds. \u00a0Spread throughout the complex, the cauldrons were used to hold water in the event of fires, and some of the gilded handles were used to hold\u00a0burning\u00a0incense. \u00a0The Forbidden City is so amazingly beautiful. \u00a0So much to see, but you\u0027ll just need to go to my Facebook Albums to see the rest of the photos at: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/msablan\/photos_albums.  The Imperial Gardens was the last major area to visit, and it was so lovely, I wished it were my own. \u00a0Even with the crowds, the gardens\u00a0maintained its sense of serenity throughout. The Peking Opera at the Lijuan Theater was a perfect way to end the day. \u00a0It is a form of traditional Chinese theater which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. \u00a0Known for its complex storytelling, it is regarded as one of China\u0027s cultural treasures. \u00a0I\u0027ve never seen theater like this. \u00a0The performances were spectacular, the characters in their beautiful costumes were mesmerizing, and the sets were\u00a0brilliantly gorgeous. \u00a0Breathtaking! \u00a0We enjoyed a delicious dinner before and during the show.The bus ride back to the hotel was ridiculous. \u00a0Traffic congestion was terrible! \u00a0It felt like it took us an hour to get back to the hotel, which really was suppose to be\u00a0about a 20 minute ride. \u00a0As we sat idle, I\u0027d look out the bus window at all the cyclists and pedestrians navigating the road. \u00a0It was a show in itself. \u00a0How they manage to cross the big and busy intersections astounds me. Well, tomorrow is a very big day. \u00a0A day I\u0027ve waited years for. ","date":"1448345040","title":"My Days in Beijing - Day Three","media":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-i5vl146Qit8\/VkOpMz-BH_I\/AAAAAAABsRo\/JUL4gNR9bW4\/s640\/U542P886T1D178678F12DT20150826091656+copy.jpg","post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x426","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4634788480\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4634788480","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/my-days-in-beijing-day-three-4634788480","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/my-days-in-beijing-day-three-4634788480","likes":0},"4607654002:12967359":{"post_id":"4607654002","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/11\/my-days-in-beijing-day-two.html","content":"Gerry and I came a day earlier than most of the people in our group. \u00a0For booking our air directly with Viking River Cruises, they gave us a complimentary one-night stay at the Westin \u00a0Beijing Chaoyang Hotel.  After a fabulous complimentary buffet breakfast at the Seasonal Tastes Restaurant, we headed down to the lobby to meet some members of our group for the very first time. At Day 2, I\u0027m still feeling dizzy walking through the hotel. \u00a0See what I mean about everything being reflected off those dark floors? \u00a0I feel like I\u0027m sinking or something. \u00a0We will meet the rest of the travelers the following day. \u00a0The entire group, we find out later, will come from Canada, England and \u00a0across the United States. \u00a0No one knew anybody. \u00a0We boarded our comfy tour bus and greeted everyone as we headed to our seats. \u00a0It\u0027s open-seating. This day was basically a free day to do whatever we wanted, but the cruise company gave us options to see a couple of places, complimentary, if we wanted. \u00a0We didn\u0027t fly thousands of miles to be holed up in a building. \u00a0If the tour bus wanted to take us somewhere, we were happy to go. Our first stop this morning was the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Beijing in the Chongwen District. \u00a0UNESCO is the acronym for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, in case you didn\u0027t know. \u00a0This was the place where emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) held the Heaven Worship Ceremony, but first . . . . \u00a0\u00a0 Upon entering this beautiful complex that sits on 660 acres, we heard music and laughter, and found women performing folk dances with complete abandon. \u00a0They were totally rocking\u0027 it! \u00a0I took photos and these were the best ones. \u00a0I was snapping as I was hurrying to catch up with my group, hence the blurred photos. \u00a0I\u0027m always lagging behind. \u00a0I get so distracted with everything going on around me. \u00a0When the tour director says it\u0027s time to move forward, I don\u0027t always hear that, and then I\u0027m searching for familiar faces or that red Viking sign with the #9 on the back of it. \u00a0Thank goodness I\u0027m a fast walker. The Temple of Heaven complex is larger than the Forbidden City, but smaller than the Summer Palace. \u00a0However, the difference is the temple\u0027s grounds are surrounded by trees that have existed for centuries. \u00a0Interesting fact: \u00a0In Beijing, you will see trees with red and green tags. \u00a0Those trees with the red tags are aged 300 and above, while those with green tags are aged 100 but below 300 years. \u00a0Our tour director pointed out a group of trees opposite the dancers. \u00a0Here\u0027s a photo of one of those ancient trees. Seriously, this place is huge - bigger than the Forbidden Palace, remember? \u00a0What\u0027s so cool about the Temple of Heaven complex is that, in all of its solemnity (except for those dancing women near the entrance where I think is the only acceptable place to celebrate life that way), the local people gather to visit, gossip, play mahjong, and other social activities that make them happy. \u00a0They gather in this place as soon as it opens in the morning. \u00a0This is their hangout where they chill.It was a lovely walk, weaving in and out of the beautiful porticos. \u00a0The painted designs overhead were bright and exotic. \u00a0Within these porticos sat families eating breakfast, children quietly playing, and friends sharing and storytelling.We came upon a short tunnel and within view was the ancient Temple of Heaven, the most exotic thing I\u0027ve ever seen, and a sign of wondrous things to see later on.The temple\u00a0complex was constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongie Emperor, who was also responsible for the construction of the Forbidden Palace. \u00a0 \u00a0In the 16th century, the temple was extended and renamed the Temple of Heaven.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Animal sacrifices and prayers were offered at the Temple of Heaven, literally the Altar of Heaven, for good harvest. \u00a0Gerry in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest It bugs me that I can\u0027t remember the name of this temple, and can\u0027t find the answer online. \u00a0If you know the name of this temple, please share!  Awesome recycling vessels!  The Temple of Heaven is a very popular place for engaged couples to have their photos taken. \u00a0The couples were everywhere, the ladies wearing various bright colors, but mostly red (means good luck) and white (to be western-like). Some brides will wear both white and red on their wedding day. It was a beautiful day for engagement photos!     After a relaxing morning at the temples, we were taken to Kunming Lake, just minutes outside Beijing, where the Summer Palace has been since 1750, throw in a fire and reconstruction since then. \u00a0The lake is the central lake on the grounds of the Summer Palace. \u00a0Together with Longevity Hill, the lake forms the key landscape features of the Summer Palace Gardens. \u00a0Kunming Lake covers approximately three quarters of the Summer Palace grounds. \u00a0It is quite shallow, with an average depth of only 5 feet.  Nanhu Island When visiting ancient and historical places, you\u0027ll most likely enter through an arch or portal. \u00a0They were always a part of Chinese architecture, and there was a place for everything. \u00a0This is the art of feng shui, or qi, the practice of harmonizing \u00a0using the \u0022invisible forces\u0022 that bind the universe, earth, and humanity together. \u00a0There are many astounding features to this masterpiece Chinese landscape\u00a0design including the bridges, temples, pavilions, palaces and halls.As we entered through the portal, the lake came into view with boats of different sizes and styles. The dragon boat was my favorite, and it took us to the Summer Palace where we were awed by the beauty of it all. Longevity Hill, where the Summer Palace stands.Baoyun PavilionThe Marble Boat is made of wood, to look like marble. \u00a0It is not navigable, and is used as a decoration to add to the classic style of the old Chinese gardens.Seventeen-Arch Bridge in the distance, the largest of thirty bridges in the Summer Palace, of which the lake is part of. Pedestrians on the Seventeen-Arch BridgeThe dragon signifies power, strength and good luck in Chinese culture.   Long Gallery is the longest corridor in classic Chinese gardens. \u00a0It links the attractions along Longevity Hill, and is used as a platform to view the lake and hills.The Pavilion of Expanse is the largest octagonal pavilion in China. \u00a0 It sits at the \u00a0east side of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge.Dragons adorn every rooftop.    Yunhui Yuyu ArchwayOur tour guide, Angie, with that familiar Viking sign.It would take an entire day to see everything at the Summer Palace - the temples, gardens, antiques and artifacts, ancient art, furniture and so much more! \u00a0But alas, our tour guide has other plans for us. \u00a0We head back to the hotel for an early buffet dinner and some downtime. \u00a0Have I mentioned the terrible Beijing\u00a0traffic? \u00a0It doesn\u0027t matter what time of the day, it is congested all the time. \u00a0Cars, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles,\u00a0anything on wheels and pedestrians - all converging at each intersection at the\u00a0green light. \u00a0What should easily be a 15-minute ride can turn into one hour!  It was a great day, and now it\u0027s time to download my photos and then curse that I can\u0027t access gmail, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. \u00a0I couldn\u0027t even open up my blog webpage to write (type). There are sixteen more days to go without gmail or social media. \u00a0It kind of\u00a0stresses me out. ","date":"1446790920","title":"My Days in Beijing - Day Two","media":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nDmeD43P0Gg\/VjBALsl8pRI\/AAAAAAABr80\/_-048YMj4uE\/s640\/BeijingSummerPalaceChina2-1.jpg","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x390","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nDmeD43P0Gg\/VjBALsl8pRI\/AAAAAAABr80\/_-048YMj4uE\/s640\/BeijingSummerPalaceChina2-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjQuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLW5EbWVENDNQMEdnJTJGVmpCQUxzbDhwUkklMkZBQUFBQUFBQnI4MCUyRl8tMDQ4WU1qNHVFJTJGczY0MCUyRkJlaWppbmdTdW1tZXJQYWxhY2VDaGluYTItMS5qcGc=?checksum=e1365ab3b91c6c45c4ec0916e9daefbbc5d41c12\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4607654002\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4607654002","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/my-days-in-beijing-day-two-4607654002","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/my-days-in-beijing-day-two-4607654002","likes":0},"4592759776:12967359":{"post_id":"4592759776","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/10\/my-days-in-beijing-day-1.html","content":"Over a decade ago,\u00a0I thought of taking a trip to China when I read about the big dam project that was taking place in the Three Gorges in Hubei and\u00a0Chongqing. \u00a0It really troubled me that thousands of villagers would be displaced, and all of the travel guides were advising people to see China before it changed.\u00a0 Not one person I knew was interested in visiting China, and I wasn\u0027t interested in visiting this country by myself.  After years of vocally wishing that I could go to China, Gerry and I booked two tickets on the \u0022Imperial Jewels of China\u0022 Viking River Cruise.\u00a0 Being on this trip of a lifetime (I seem to say this a lot on all the trips I go on, I know) really opened up my eyes to many things.\u00a0 I\u0027ll cover this trip over several blog posts. \u00a0 It was such a relief to be off the plane and on a bus to our hotel.It was a difficult flight for me going from Los Angeles to Vancouver to Beijing. \u00a0I don\u0027t remember being so uncomfortable and in pain on a flight in the past. \u00a0The rheumatoid arthritis wanted to get the best of me. \u00a0Instead of getting some necessary sleep time, I was constantly trying to find a comfortable position where my joints didn\u0027t hurt so much. \u00a0Prior to the trip, my rheumatologist asked if taking\u00a0plaquenil and ibuprofen would be enough for me. \u00a0I was confident I would be okay on this 11.5 hour flight. \u00a0I just didn\u0027t want to go back on prednisone or the chemo drug methotrexate. \u00a0I also brought two boxes of those pain-relieving patches to help get me through the flights. \u00a0Getting up to stretch and to walk\u00a0up and down the aisle helped a bunch, too.  On approach to Hong Kong International Airport, I saw many, many tall buildings sitting on large empty land. \u00a0No cars, no people, no activity. \u00a0I heard about these vacant condos on televised news. They\u0027re referred to as ghost cities. \u00a0Read more about it here.  Approaching the airport was a bit\u00a0exhilarating for me. \u00a0I had a window seat, and I noticed that we were flying very low over the water, and I\u0027m thinking if the plane doesn\u0027t hit concrete soon, we are going to be ditching in the bay! \u00a0I\u0027m waiting and I\u0027m waiting to hear the plane thump on the runway. Eventually, I feel the plane tap the runway, easy-peasy. \u00a0My concern was that the runway begins close to the water\u0027s edge - no kidding. \u00a0I don\u0027t know what\u0027s scarier, approaching Hong Kong International, or standing on the top level of the Laurel Airport Parking building as planes approach San Diego International Airport. \u00a0These are the kinds of scares that make you want to scream.  It always take a long while for everyone to deplane. \u00a0Fortunately for us, we are near the front of the plane so we didn\u0027t have to wait long to deplane. \u00a0I always hit the Ladies Room before we head for baggage claim. \u00a0So this is what I see when I open the door to my stall. It\u0027s a\u00a0squat toilet. \u00a0I was warned about these\u00a0toilets and was not looking forward to using it, but I had no choice. \u00a0Happily, I had no trouble fumbling with clothing or squatting. \u00a0There was nothing to it. \u00a0As a frequent traveler, I know to always carry seat covers, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer in my bag. Some public restrooms are not equipped with these hygienic items. \u00a0Always have them readily in your bag, and it\u0027s a good idea to share with your fellow travelers who fall short. \u00a0They\u0027ll remember you for the rest of the tour. After\u00a0retrieving our\u00a0bags from baggage claim, our Viking River Cruise agent greeted us in the terminal and drove us to our hotel. \u00a0On the way, I couldn\u0027t help but admire the beauty of the city. There were trees everywhere, and gigantic floral displays roadside. \u00a0The avenues were shaded and there were so many green spaces where the people could relax or farm. \u00a0It was just amazing! You\u0027ve heard all that talk about the heavy\u00a0smog in the large cities, especially Beijing. \u00a0Well not this day! Apparently, there was a very important parade in the city a day or two before our arrival there. Before such occasions, the government will order all factories to shut down for a few days to help clear the air. \u00a0The sky was so blue, and I could see the Beijing landscape for miles from our hotel suite!  We arrived at the Westin Beijing Chaoyang. \u00a0The hotel is beautiful, to say the least, but the decor had me feeling a little dizzy with all that glitz, gleaming glass, weirdly placed mirrors and shining dark floors.\u00a0 \u00a0I even felt nauseous at times. \u00a0At night all those lights would reflect off the black marble floors and I\u00a0felt like I would fall through the floor onto the lobby below. \u00a0 Not to take away from this glitzy hotel, I will say that the hotel\u0027s restaurant Seasonal Tastes is a super-star in my book. \u00a0The restaurant\u0027s SuperFoodsRx menu includes nourishing, wellness-enhancing foods - rich in nutrients and\u00a0antioxidants, and low in calories. \u00a0 As I look back on the foods I ate on this trip, I think all of it was so healthy because I came home minus seven pounds. \u00a0All the walking and hiking we did on the trip helped with the weight loss, too. \u00a0And no, I was not trying to lose weight, but I like that my clothes fit me better.  It was an exhausting day, and I was beyond excited to begin touring the city in the morning. \u00a0\u00a0   Huge room, awesome bathroom!  I can\u0027t wait to see what tomorrow brings!  ","date":"1445925300","title":"My Days in Beijing - Day 1","media":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZFMXngSMAzY\/Vi7ybja0ZKI\/AAAAAAABrqo\/_WbWMUs7NTQ\/s640\/Beijing.jpg","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x360","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZFMXngSMAzY\/Vi7ybja0ZKI\/AAAAAAABrqo\/_WbWMUs7NTQ\/s640\/Beijing.jpg","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjIuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLVpGTVhuZ1NNQXpZJTJGVmk3eWJqYTBaS0klMkZBQUFBQUFBQnJxbyUyRl9XYldNVXM3TlRRJTJGczY0MCUyRkJlaWppbmcuanBn?checksum=21e2f1438506ceb36178fdba635a04723eeaa783\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4592759776\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4592759776","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/my-days-in-beijing-day-1-4592759776","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/my-days-in-beijing-day-1-4592759776","likes":0},"4523358100:12967359":{"post_id":"4523358100","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/09\/checking-in-marriott-london-county-hall.html","content":"A few months back, Gerry and I had the opportunity to spend a few days in London after two weeks of vacationing in the British Isles. Our days traversing the bustling city was eventful and non-stop. Finding a decent London hotel to stay in took a long three days prior to departing for Cork, Ireland. \u00a0We didn\u0027t want to spend a ton of money on lodging, Gerry wasn\u0027t keen on trying AirBNB, and we had to be in central London just steps away from underground stations. \u00a0We were looking for quality and didn\u0027t want to spend a ton for it. \u00a0Yes, we can be cheap sometimes. Oh, my word! \u00a0By the end of the third day of searching the internet and reading Yelp and Tripadvisor reviews, we settled on the one hotel we should\u0027ve known, from the very beginning, would be the perfect choice for us - the Marriott Hotel County Hall in central London. \u00a0Situated on the\u00a0South Bank of the river Thames, the hotel sits across the Westminster Bridge from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. It\u0027s a teeny bit of a walk from the street to the hotel entrance, where there\u0027s a roundabout that goes around a little hill with turf-covered steps. \u00a0It\u0027s an odd thing, but a huge conversation piece, I suppose.We requested a King suite with a view of the river. \u00a0A view of the London Eye costs less than a view of Big Ben . \u00a0We chose the view of the Ferris wheel and Jubilee Garden. \u00a0The noise level was pleasant and the view just splendid!   One thing to know about choosing your room: \u00a0If you want a Big Ben view, your walk from hotel lobby to room will be short. \u00a0If you book a London Eye room, you will walk a distance. Walking the corridor reminded me of walking those long hotel corridors in Las Vegas after gambling the night away. \u00a0The room always seemed so far away! \u00a0 I loved our suite. \u00a0It was so spacious and accommodating. \u00a0I swear you could fit three king-size beds in there. \u00a0What I love most about the Marriott properties is its luxury bedding from the pillows and sheets all the way down to the mattress. \u00a0I sleep so well at night! Free WiFi, too, for its loyalty members. \u00a0The hotel staff was very friendly, and the doorman and the guys behind the Concierge desk were very dapper, chatty, and extremely helpful!  Here\u0027s the whole view of the Marriott London County Hall from the Westminster Bridge. \u00a0We had the end room in front of the London Eye. \u00a0You can see how far we had to walk from the lobby to our suite. \u00a0What a view, though, right? \u00a0It\u0027s such a lovely property.The Marriott London County Hall is close to many historical landmarks, shopping and great places to dine, and is worth your consideration when you plan to visit this vibrant city. \u00a0   I only share with my readers places I love to stay when traveling. The Marriott didn\u0027t ask me to write this review. \u00a0It was simply my pleasure to do so.   Happy Travels, ","date":"1441929565","title":"Checking In: Marriott London County Hall","media":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IbDJ6c9nh1o\/VeFTE7iGLpI\/AAAAAAABrXk\/u94FNSYOGeo\/s640\/P4080196.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"480x640","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-IbDJ6c9nh1o\/VeFTE7iGLpI\/AAAAAAABrXk\/u94FNSYOGeo\/s640\/P4080196.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjQuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLUliREo2YzluaDFvJTJGVmVGVEU3aUdMcEklMkZBQUFBQUFBQnJYayUyRnU5NEZOU1lPR2VvJTJGczY0MCUyRlA0MDgwMTk2LkpQRw==?checksum=6c9a8ea7a501d6a87513006d30b18e10263da685\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4523358100\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4523358100","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/checking-in-marriott-london-county-hall-4523358100","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/checking-in-marriott-london-county-hall-4523358100","likes":0},"4504142337:12967359":{"post_id":"4504142337","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/08\/modernizing-master-bath-part-2.html","content":"The saga continues with the remake of our master bathroom. \u00a0I left you at the end of week 5 of this project. \u00a0If you didn\u0027t have a chance to read my last post, check it out\u00a0here.\u00a0\u00a0The contractor said he\u0027d call us on Monday to set a time to come in that day. \u00a0He never called, nor did he call Tuesday and Wednesday. \u00a0My arthritis is flaring up just thinking about how inconvenient and frustrating this has been for me. \u00a0This remodel is definitely not a 4-week job, like he said it would be. \u00a0So here\u0027s where we stand, so far:  Week 6: \u00a0It\u0027s Friday, and finally the contractor shows up. \u00a0He probably wouldn\u0027t have shown up if Gerry didn\u0027t call him on Thursday to see what was up. \u00a0While we wait for the extra-large custom mirror and window coverings, which will take at least two more weeks, all we wanted was for the toilet to be installed so the master bath would be fully functional. \u00a0So on this day, the baseboards and toilet are installed. \u00a0  Week 7: \u00a0Nothing. Nada. Niente. \u00a0Wala!  Week 8: \u00a0Okay, we are getting somewhere here. \u00a0The super large custom mirror was installed, and the glass company took the old mirror and installed it in the garage, in front of the treadmill. \u00a0It looks great and makes the garage look larger. \u00a0Also, the special-order blue glass knobs and the extra 90-degree chrome handles arrived, and Gerry already installed them on the drawers and cabinets. \u00a0Now we\u0027re waiting for the bathroom contractor to make the time to come back to finish the paint touch-ups and to install the rest of the hardware. \u00a0The blinds and shutters should arrive in another two weeks. \u00a0Meanwhile, sheets and bath towels cover the windows. \u00a0We\u0027ve peeled off some of the pink plastic wrap off the vanity drawers and cabinets. \u00a0  The contractor finally came to \u00a0install the saber lights into the mirror cut-outs and in doing so, cracked the mirror on the left side. He immediately contacted the glass company to order another custom mirror at his expense. \u00a0We learn that this mirror will arrive in early October!! \u00a0Keep in mind, work began on this bathroom on June 29. \u00a0  Week 9: \u00a0The faux wood blinds were installed yesterday. \u00a0Shutters for the arch window will be ready in early October. \u00a0My physical pain has subsided a little, and I\u0027m able to deal with life a little better. In time, my master bath will look like the model bathroom. \u00a0I\u0027m being patient. I can\u0027t wait for everyone to see the finished remodel! \u00a0Hurry up, October!  ","date":"1440826080","title":"Modernizing the Master Bath, Part 2","media":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-U2dBceuiT2A\/VdP9hsyMZOI\/AAAAAAABrTM\/Nv4PGABkTFs\/s640\/IMG_7921.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"480x640","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-U2dBceuiT2A\/VdP9hsyMZOI\/AAAAAAABrTM\/Nv4PGABkTFs\/s640\/IMG_7921.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjQuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLVUyZEJjZXVpVDJBJTJGVmRQOWhzeU1aT0klMkZBQUFBQUFBQnJUTSUyRk52NFBHQUJrVEZzJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR183OTIxLkpQRw==?checksum=f09a0805e0b90721f93f51d850da057cddadbac0\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4504142337\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4504142337","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/modernizing-master-bath-part-2-4504142337","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/modernizing-master-bath-part-2-4504142337","likes":0},"4488727945:12967359":{"post_id":"4488727945","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/08\/dealing-with-arthritis.html","content":"If you\u0027ve been reading my blog posts lately, you\u0027re aware that I\u0027ve been going through some tough days dealing with arthritis, which is a painful stiffness and inflammation of the joints. \u00a0In all of the excitement of preparing for a quick trip to Maui for a wedding, I didn\u0027t realize just how painful my joints were until I went to the nail salon for a manicure early this morning. Photo Credit: \u00a0Salon Manon As the technician massaged my arms and hands, and with each stretch of the my fingers, my head exploded with silent screams of pain. \u00a0I know it took only minutes for the massage, but it felt like hours. \u00a0I kept my eyes and mind focused on what I was reading. \u00a0I didn\u0027t want to be obvious to anyone in the salon that I was hurting.  As a young child in the 1960s, I loved looking through my parents\u0027 medical encyclopedia set. \u00a0The set contained volumes of books that explored medical conditions from A to Z. \u00a0I always lingered in Volume A. \u00a0It contained photos of people who suffered from various forms of arthritis. \u00a0The book included photos of hands that were gnarled from the disease. Looking at the photos, I hoped I would never have arthritis, ever. \u00a0But here I am, and my hands and feet show the trauma of the disease.  It got me at age 38, and my life changed forever. \u00a0I was diagnosed with lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis was a manifestation of the autoimmune disease. \u00a0Arthritis has robbed me of the ability to live my life comfortably on a daily basis. \u00a0I live with some level of pain daily, and should I have a lupus flare-up, going through a normal routine at home or at work is almost impossible. \u00a0  Gerry asked me if I was going to be okay getting on the airplane and carrying a heavy tote bag and small suitcase. \u00a0I replied that I\u0027d just have to ask a \u00a0passenger to help store my suitcase in the overhead bin. \u00a0Usually Gerry does that for me, but I\u0027m traveling solo this time. \u00a0It\u0027s a strange feeling to know he won\u0027t be with me to do the little things I can\u0027t.  Anyway, I have my medications, chemical and organic, and some over-the-counter pain aids to get me through the day. \u00a0I don\u0027t use all of them in one day. The prescribed meds are taken daily, but everything else is a day-by-day evaluation of what will help push me over the edge to feeling better. Having a positive outlook on life, and the support of a loving family helps, too. ","date":"1439965140","title":"Dealing with Arthritis","media":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fTePtor3yX8\/VdQeiWZ0BvI\/AAAAAAABrT0\/UOLdTuGZ5nA\/s400\/Manicure.jpg","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"400x224","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-fTePtor3yX8\/VdQeiWZ0BvI\/AAAAAAABrT0\/UOLdTuGZ5nA\/s400\/Manicure.jpg","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjEuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLWZUZVB0b3IzeVg4JTJGVmRRZWlXWjBCdkklMkZBQUFBQUFBQnJUMCUyRlVPTGRUdUdaNW5BJTJGczQwMCUyRk1hbmljdXJlLmpwZw==?checksum=2ef56a9ab35ac605eb5fb473fe999288f3aea9e0\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4488727945\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4488727945","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/dealing-with-arthritis-4488727945","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/dealing-with-arthritis-4488727945","likes":0},"4461147434:12967359":{"post_id":"4461147434","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/07\/modernizing-master-bath.html","content":"It was suppose to be a tiny bath fix-it. \u00a0Change out the 1980\u0027s tiled shower stall and replace one of the sinks in the large master bathroom. \u00a0Nothing big. \u00a0It would\u0027ve taken less than a week.  However, when our contractor started asking us questions, like \u0022are you planning to change out the linoleum in the toilet area\u0022, which was next to the shower stall, he then said that if we are going to use tile, we might as well carry it into the large bathroom area. \u00a0Hmm, well, that made sense. \u00a0What about your tub, he asked. \u00a0\u0022Do you plan to keep it?\u0022. \u00a0Well, no, we don\u0027t plan to keep it because it\u0027s U-G-L-Y, and we\u0027re just going take care of that sometime in the near future. \u00a0Faster than you can flush a toilet, we agreed with him that tearing out the old bathroom and installing new everything was going to be more cost-effective in the long-run. \u00a0The contractor gave us a list of things to do, and off we went to El Cajon Plumbing and Heating Supply.One of the first things we saw in the showroom was this beauty of a freestanding, or standalone, tub. \u00a0We knew we were going to purchase one, but not this one. \u00a0It was obviously very expensive. \u00a0It took us days to select the tub, but in the end, it was that tub because \u0022if you\u0027re going to spend your money for this, you might as well spend a couple hundred more to get that\u0022, says the sales associate. \u00a0Of course, why not, the show room tub was gorgeous, after all. \u00a0We placed the order. \u00a0We were told it would take about a month for the tub to arrive. \u00a0A month? \u00a0Where is it coming from? The Netherlands. \u00a0Of course, it is.  Week 1: \u00a0Shower tall and floor-to-ceiling cabinets are removed, and plumbing parts replaced, then reconfigured for new modern bath fixtures.\u00a0Week 2: \u00a0Drywall goes up and Swanstone bath kit going up in the shower stall. \u00a0Tools and materials everywhere in the bath, bedroom and upstairs hallway.  Plastic sheeting, blowing in the breeze, separates the master bath from the bedroom. \u00a0After waiting for weeks for the Queen of Bathtubs to arrive, it\u0027s delivered to our home. \u00a0It currently sits in the master bedroom. Interesting story about our tub. \u00a0As I said earlier, this particular tub is manufactured in the Netherlands. \u00a0When we placed the other, there were only three of this model. \u00a0El Cajon Plumbing ordered ours, and bought the other two. \u00a0It was shipped to the states and delivered to a Customs and Border Patrol bonded warehouse somewhere, not too far from a port, for clearance. \u00a0Then the tub was taken to a warehouse in Georgia where it sat some more until a carrier could deliver it to San Diego. When it arrives to the house, the tub is brought to the bedroom where it sits for days.Week 3: \u00a0The tub base and shell still sits in the bedroom. \u00a0After the walls are painted, the tub base is brought into the bathroom to mark for placement on the floor, then brought back to the bedroom. \u00a0I can\u0027t tell you the number of times I\u0027ve stubbed my toe on boxes of fixtures that were eventually placed next to the tub on the right, as I made my way to the hallway bathroom in the middle of the night. Not fun at all. \u00a0My stress level goes up a notch every time that happens. The contractor begins wiring the bathroom for lighting. \u00a0Our bathroom was always dark and awful with fluorescent lighting. \u00a0 I always complained to Gerry how I couldn\u0027t see what I was doing when applying makeup in the morning. \u00a0Later in the week, the lighting is installed - a small and simple chandelier and three saber wall sconces. \u00a0The mess throughout the upstairs of the house is getting messier. \u00a0More boxes of stuff arrives, and it takes its place on the bedroom and hallway floors. \u00a0More work on the plumbing continues. \u00a0I\u0027m starting to feel so stressed looking at everything on the floors. \u00a0All the hammering, drilling and guys going in and out of the house is getting to me, too. \u00a0What I don\u0027t like the most is always having to be dressed by 8am. \u00a0I\u0027ve been retired for a year and a half, and I\u0027ve enjoyed lingering in my pjs on most days into the late morning. \u00a0Don\u0027t get me wrong. \u00a0I do love the change that\u0027s happening in my bathroom. Week 4: \u00a0The tub is brought back into the bathroom so we can see what it looks like under the chandelier, in the day time and the evening. \u00a0It is absolutely stunning. \u00a0This was not the chandelier of my dreams for this bathroom, but one day I will get my bubble chandelier. I\u0027m just going to have to save for it. I love how the chandelier casts shadows on the walls in the night time. \u00a0My cat, Hero, is eyeing moving shadows on the floor. \u00a0It\u0027s so mesmerizing.The shower stall is completed, fixtures are up, and the shower door is ordered. \u00a0We now shop around for floor tiles and light dimmers.  The master bath is simple in its design, bathed in the color white, polished chrome fixtures throughout and absolutely no tiles anywhere except for the floor. \u00a0The cabinets arrive and are installed, and holes drilled for the hardware. \u00a0We will be using knobs and handles. \u00a0It\u0027s decided that the pink plastic will remain on the cabinets until the job is completed to keep it safe from knicks and scratches.  Week #5: \u00a0The beautiful blue pearl granite slab arrives. \u00a0It\u0027s going to be measured for sink placements. \u00a0Unfortunately, the granite guy made a mistake and has to pay, out of his pocket, for another great big granite slab of blue pearl. \u00a0The tile is now being installed and it\u0027s looking great. \u00a0The tub comes back in so we can see what it\u0027s going to look like, and to measure distances around the freestanding tub. There is ample space. \u00a0The tub will be placed at an angle versus running perpendicular to the show window, for more interest. The window guy arrived early in the week to measure the windows, five total, for faux wood blinds and faux wood shutters (they are more durable than wood). \u00a0The glass guys arrived this morning to measure the wall space for a super-large mirror to be placed above the sink area.  The bath contractor says his job will be finished tomorrow. \u00a0We\u0027ll see. \u00a0He said it was going to take 4 weeks for him to complete the job. \u00a0It took five weeks plus one day, maybe. \u00a0There\u0027s still more work to be done. \u00a0I can\u0027t wait to show you the finished product. \u00a0  Meanwhile, I will take care of myself. \u00a0The stress has brought on what I thought was my lupus flaring up with rheumatoid arthritis. \u00a0It turns out I have osteoarthritis in my shoulders now, and bone pain from possibly a medication I\u0027ve been taking for years. \u00a0I was sent to the lab for blood tests and xrays. \u00a0I\u0027m waiting for the results. \u00a0For now, I\u0027m not sleeping well because of the pain, and yes, I\u0027m still bumping into things in the middle of the night. \u00a0I keep telling myself that this bath remodel is almost over.  Stay well and get happy,  ","date":"1438377900","title":"Modernizing the Master Bath","media":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7UW-8GDTxSs\/VbqMXw7c7rI\/AAAAAAABrLQ\/CGsK_h3zJ9E\/s640\/IMG_7655.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x480","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-7UW-8GDTxSs\/VbqMXw7c7rI\/AAAAAAABrLQ\/CGsK_h3zJ9E\/s640\/IMG_7655.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjIuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLTdVVy04R0RUeFNzJTJGVmJxTVh3N2M3ckklMkZBQUFBQUFBQnJMUSUyRkNHc0tfaDN6SjlFJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR183NjU1LkpQRw==?checksum=d7c17fdc8855f02f421ea122ea43fefbcd644e42\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4461147434\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4461147434","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/modernizing-master-bath-4461147434","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/modernizing-master-bath-4461147434","likes":0},"4447432517:12967359":{"post_id":"4447432517","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/07\/collections-from-my-travels.html","content":"It all began with this .................    My first travel souvenir. \u00a0I traveled to Manila, Philippines when I was 17 years old. \u00a0I found a book store that sold old and unusual books and found this old copy, which was\u00a0translated to English and\u00a0published in Manila in 1957. \u00a0The very first copy of this title was published in Ghent, Belgium in 1891, entirely written in Spanish. \u00a0I heard about this book from my mom, who liked telling me all about the Philippines\u0027 national hero, Jose Rizal. \u00a0I had to have this book. Many years later, I still haven\u0027t read it, but at least I have it!  Here are a few items I\u0027ve collected over the years:  This is an art fabric panel that I purchased in Greece and had custom-framed. \u00a0It\u0027s of Orpheus playing the lyre to charm every living creature and to help keep peace wherever he goes. \u00a0The goddess is Athena who reminds people that wit, intellect and creativity can be used to solve problems and achieve any goal. \u00a0This piece hangs in my living room as a reminder to all who enter to simply chill and enjoy yourself.\u00a0 On my dining room wall hangs a handmade Greek icon in the old traditional manner of Byzantine art. \u00a0It\u0027s of Jesus and his disciples. It has been painted with egg, tempura and gold on canvas and old wood. \u00a0The sword comes from Toledo, Spain. \u00a0It cost a pretty penny, and I walked away with buyer\u0027s remorse, but now I\u0027m so happy I bought it. \u00a0You should see the larger swords at the shop . . . . . so exquisite. Strange story about this small rug from Istanbul, Turkey. \u00a0However, that\u0027s a whole other blogpost. \u00a0It\u0027s that bizarre! Shown above are elegant Venetian wine glasses (the red and blue), lavender sugar from the Cotswolds, chocolate wine sauce from Taos, New Mexico and sassafras concentrate from Kentucky.  I love picking up \u0022global treasures\u0022 on my travels. \u00a0I used to buy T-shirts with that city or country\u0027s name on it, but now I\u0027ll buy a clothing piece that is particular to the country and widely worn by the local women. \u00a0Other treasures include jewelry, textiles, wine and fine liquor, shoes, bags, and other unique and beautiful goodies. \u00a0Some of my treasures didn\u0027t cost much, and others far more than I wanted to spend, but I had to have it because it would look awesome in my home or on me!  These treasures are special to me because they remind me of the places I had always dreamed of exploring, and how I managed to make it happen for me and my family. Looking at my treasures, and touching them brings back those special moments. \u00a0 This chocolate bar is one of the things I brought back from my last trip abroad. \u00a0Beer in chocolate? \u00a0I purchased this at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. \u00a0Excuse me while I enjoy this candy bar while I type. (smile)  I always make sure to bring back a little something for my kids, grandchildren, mom, siblings and friends. \u00a0Sometimes I also like to play a game called, \u0022Where in the world is Marie?\u0022 when we\u0027re not in full throttle touring mode. \u00a0Through Facebook, I\u0027ll throw out clues that don\u0027t reveal too much information all at once about my whereabouts. \u00a0The answers I get are hilarious and plenty, and my friends will keep on guessing and guessing. \u00a0The winner gets a prize, a little souvenir from that place. \u00a0It\u0027s so much fun!  What do you collect on your travels?   ","date":"1437621960","title":"Collections from My Travels","media":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-wQM1fDrxV9w\/VayNoY-658I\/AAAAAAABq20\/WSGMVxiG6hU\/s640\/IMG_7797.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"480x640","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-wQM1fDrxV9w\/VayNoY-658I\/AAAAAAABq20\/WSGMVxiG6hU\/s640\/IMG_7797.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjEuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLXdRTTFmRHJ4Vjl3JTJGVmF5Tm9ZLTY1OEklMkZBQUFBQUFBQnEyMCUyRldTR01WeGlHNmhVJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR183Nzk3LkpQRw==?checksum=ed1d9b530f126b95aef094a9aa6430e49626b3b9\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4447432517\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4447432517","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/collections-from-my-travels-4447432517","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/collections-from-my-travels-4447432517","likes":0},"4411826053:12967359":{"post_id":"4411826053","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/06\/a-short-story-about-elephant.html","content":"Gerry and I have annual passes to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. \u00a0Some mornings we love to go to the zoo and begin our day with a coffee and danish. \u00a0Then we\u0027ll begin to walk and let our feet take us where they want. \u00a0One morning, we took a path we hadn\u0027t explored yet, and before we knew it, we were about to enter the newly-expanded Elephant Odyssey exhibit. We saw a bull elephant walking over the pedestrian tunnel. \u00a0He was a big one - so majestic and powerful. We watched him walk around the play yard a little bit, and swat a few toys with his massive trunk. \u00a0A leader of the elephant herd, we soon learned that this beautiful creature had experienced something awful that changed his demeanor, and to this day has zookeepers scratching their heads. \u00a0This is Ranchipur, a 50-year old bull elephant. \u00a0He is the male of the group, weighing in at around 12,000 pounds. \u00a0You can\u0027t miss him because he is the largest in the group and has beautiful large tusks. \u00a0Often rambunctious, Ranchipur loves playing with his enrichment toys and dipping his hay in water before eating it. \u00a0He also loves to go to the Elephant Care Center where he receives daily care until one day .................... No one is certain what happened, but one day Ranchipur refused to go through the Elephant Care Center. \u00a0What the zookeepers remember as odd behavior for Ranchipur was the day he approached two female elephants who stood on the other side of the fence at the edge of the play yard (steel barriers, actually), and something caused Ranchipur to suddenly turn around and bolt. \u00a0 Well, Ranchi (that\u0027s what the zookeepers call him) wouldn\u0027t go into the Care Center after that runaway incident in the play yard. \u00a0For months now, to coax Ranchi into the Care Center, the zookeepers have to sweet-talk him to take a few steps at a time to reach for a treat from their hand. \u00a0The goal is to get him from play yard to the end of the Care Center. The crowd of five people at the beginning of Ranchi\u0027s journey turned into a crowd of maybe 30 people. \u00a0Needless to say, we were enthralled by this reluctant dance of Ranchi\u0027s. We felt for him, poor guy! \u00a0I just wanted to hug him and whisper in his ear, \u0022It\u0027s okay, sweet baby. You can do this.\u0022     From play yard to the main gate, from main gate to the entrance of the Care Center, then through a few holding cells which held buckets of his favorite snacks, all the way to the end of the fortified structure, it took approximately 45 minutes for Ranchi to make that journey. \u00a0  The elephants go to the Elephant Care Center daily for food, wellness checks and beauty treatments. \u00a0Well, not really, but they get nice rubdowns and get their soles and nails cut back. \u00a0With a grooved knife, files and rasps the nails and the soles of the feet are brought to a healthy and natural form.   The zookeepers were hoping on this day that Ranchi would want to come out of the structure for a well-deserved spa day, but he wouldn\u0027t have it. \u00a0 The zookeepers say they will not force Ranchi to exit the holding cell. \u00a0They want him to come out when he\u0027s ready - no pressure. When Ranchi had had enough of this routine, he simply turned around in the holding cell, and the dance was repeated, in reverse. Ranchi leaving the Care Center didn\u0027t take as long as when he went in. \u00a0He appeared to be happy to leave! The zookeepers say it could be months before Ranchipur is totally comfortable around the other elephants again, and when he\u0027s able to enter the Care Center on his own free will. \u00a0Hopefully, they\u0027ll solve the mystery of Ranchipur\u0027s strange behavior, too. \u00a0 There are so many things happening at the zoo this summer. \u00a0I hope you\u0027ll take the time to visit for a few hours. \u00a0I think it\u0027s the best zoo in the world!   Thanks for reading! ","date":"1435640040","title":"A Short Story About an Elephant","media":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-st-B3DzF-zM\/VY34tWTgExI\/AAAAAAABpvY\/__QWl80fBfU\/s640\/IMG_2223.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"480x640","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-st-B3DzF-zM\/VY34tWTgExI\/AAAAAAABpvY\/__QWl80fBfU\/s640\/IMG_2223.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjQuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLXN0LUIzRHpGLXpNJTJGVlkzNHRXVGdFeEklMkZBQUFBQUFBQnB2WSUyRl9fUVdsODBmQmZVJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR18yMjIzLkpQRw==?checksum=349abc67fe3f161ce984657b8cff3faa871da483\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4411826053\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4411826053","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/a-short-story-about-an-elephant-4411826053","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/a-short-story-about-an-elephant-4411826053","likes":0},"4401694813:12967359":{"post_id":"4401694813","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/06\/my-personal-guide-to-historic-julian.html","content":"I recently shared my experience of an overnight stay at the Julian Gold Rush Hotel, Bed \u0026 Breakfast. \u00a0It ... was ... lovely! \u00a0If you hadn\u0027t had the chance to read the article, you can find it here. \u00a0 Leaving the suburbs for the hills. \u00a0We\u0027re driving through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. \u00a0The drive was 1:17 hours from my home.Any previous visits to Julian were of the drive-by kind. \u00a0You know, \u0022since we\u0027re in the area, we might as well . . .\u0022, with visits lasting two to three hours. \u00a0So having booked one night at the hotel pretty much meant spending two days in Julian. \u00a0With a town this small, and it is small with a population of 1,502, I wasn\u0027t sure how Gerry and I would be able to fill our time. What is there to do in this historic gold mining town for two days? \u00a0Well, despite the fact that a few businesses were closed being that it\u0027s a Tuesday, we discovered quite a few treasures to bide our time. \u00a0Also, may I share with you that the town is slow Monday through Wednesday, and that is why some shops, businesses and museums are closed. \u00a0The owners take those days to rest and gear up for the busy weekend ahead, which is Thursday through Sunday.  Before I share my favorite things to do, I\u0027m just going to throw it out there, that there is no longer a financial institution in town. \u00a0No bank, no ATM, no moola for you. \u00a0You need to arrive with cash in your pocket, or use your debit\/credit card to make purchases. \u00a0So why is there no bank in town, you ask. \u00a0As told to me by a store clerk, \u0022the bank was sold to someone who didn\u0027t understand the ways of the country life.\u0022 \u00a0Not many people cared to do business with this person, I guess. \u00a0But not only did the bank leave town, so did the coffee shop, the hardware store and the feed store. \u00a0Some say the 2003 Cedar fire is to blame. \u00a0It wiped out 30% of the homes in the area. \u00a0Some of those affected by the fire chose not to rebuild and left town. \u00a0The early birds now go to the famous Julian Pie Company on the edge of town for their cup of coffee.  If you visit during the slow times of the week, may I suggest these places for your browsing, drinking and dining pleasure: \u00a0  JULIAN BOOK HOUSE  The Book House is a small place but the collection is large, and several genres are represented. \u00a0The shop accepts donations of books and vinyl records, so when you come to Julian, bring a box of your discards. \u00a0It will be so appreciated.  ROMANO\u0027S RESTAURANT  This restaurant exudes rustic and casual ambiance. \u00a0The tables are covered with red and white checkered tablecloths and the food is delicious! \u00a0Great service, friendly staff and delicious food. \u00a0Oh, I said that already. \u00a0I had the spaghetti with meat sauce, and it is so authentic-ly italian (so good) and the bread rolls are so soft and smell so good, they melt in your mouth! \u00a0This restaurant was came highly recommended by the locals. THE BIRDWATCHER   Everything you need for your garden is in this large space. \u00a0Seeds, bird feeders, garden flags, insect catchers and so much more. \u00a0You can\u0027t come in here and not buy a thing or two. \u00a0A great place to spend an hour perusing the shelves, stands and walls for that special thing.  JULIAN CIDER MILL    \u00a0The Julian Cider Mill is a gourmet lover\u0027s delight. \u00a0The shop offers a huge selection of candy, especially the hard-to-find assortment of classic candies, honey, snacks and their specialty, homemade raw cider. \u00a0I left the shop with jars of apple butter and lime marmalade, and - wait for it - gummy bears! ORFILA WINE TASTING ROOM   After tea and scones at our hotel, we strolled to find three wineries in close proximity to each other. \u00a0We chose the Orfila Wine Tasting Room. \u00a0I was glad when Gerry chose the Orfila because it looked lonely from the outside, and I thought it\u0027d be nice to give the Orfila some business. \u00a0It was obvious the other two tasting rooms had customers. \u00a0Wrong, the tables were occupied at the Orfila, so we took our place at the bar. \u00a0The sommelier was awesome! The white wine tasting list was so impressive. \u00a0Since we have mostly reds at home, we brought home a couple of bottles of the whites. \u00a0We also joined the Orfila Wine Lovers Club! \u00a0We enjoy drinking wine, so why not?  E. BARRETT GENERAL STOREPhoto credit: \u00a0wheresweaver.blogspot.com This general store was a delight. \u00a0You\u0027re transported to another time and place when you enter the store. \u00a0It smells divine from the buckets of potpourri placed throughout the store. Shelves and shelves of perfumed and organic soaps and lotions, antique dishes, toys and housewares, and so much more! \u00a0The antique Frigidaires were not for sale, though! \u00a0This place was a feast for the eyes, and I took lots of photos with my iPhone - until I saw the sign. \u00a0Please, no photography in this store! \u00a0The sign was next to the cash register. \u00a0If I wasn\u0027t such a chicken, I would\u0027ve taken a photo of that sign, too! I hope you\u0027ll consider spending a good amount of time on your next visit to Julian. \u00a0While going there Thursday through Sunday means every store and museum will be open, it will also be very, very crowded. \u00a0Something to consider. Happy travels, ","date":"1435075562","title":"My Personal Guide to Historic Julian","media":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ilJqiHAcUqc\/VXuIYKokKyI\/AAAAAAABogc\/hulUbbTvZeE\/s640\/IMG_6843.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x480","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ilJqiHAcUqc\/VXuIYKokKyI\/AAAAAAABogc\/hulUbbTvZeE\/s640\/IMG_6843.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn2.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjEuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLWlsSnFpSEFjVXFjJTJGVlh1SVlLb2tLeUklMkZBQUFBQUFBQm9nYyUyRmh1bFViYlR2WmVFJTJGczY0MCUyRklNR182ODQzLkpQRw==?checksum=e5e29d4e57d92c2efb22f4a726a04c903be9fdd4\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4401694813\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4401694813","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/my-personal-guide-to-historic-julian-4401694813","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/my-personal-guide-to-historic-julian-4401694813","likes":0},"4381540496:12967359":{"post_id":"4381540496","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/06\/six-essentials-in-my-personal-carry-on.html","content":"I remember my first international flight, way back when I was 17 years old. \u00a0It was a huge deal for me to board an airplane and fly to another continent. \u00a0I loved this new experience right away, but after a few hours into the flight, I was ready to jump out of that gigantic piece of metal in the sky. \u00a0The endless hours of sitting made me want to scream because, frankly, I\u0027m not one to sit still very long, and I didn\u0027t know how to entertain myself when a movie wasn\u0027t playing. Many years later, I now consider myself to be professional flyer. \u00a0Nice sound to that title, right? \u00a0Seriously, I used to fly for a living as a flight attendant during the golden age of air transport. \u00a0It was around that time when the word \u0022stewardess\u0022 became \u0022flight attendant\u0022. Long retired from flying the friendly skies, I continue to travel for work and pleasure, and I have mastered the art of air travel with no desire to pull my hair out from sheer boredom. \u00a0I can\u0027t afford to fly business class or first class, so I relegate myself to the economy section. But hey, don\u0027t knock it. \u00a0We learned a few years ago that even millionaires will fly economy -- that\u0027s how some people maintain their millionaire status, as our seatmate told us en route to Rome, Italy! \u00a0That millionaire was Scott Jacob, world-acclaimed artist for Harley-Davidson, the American motorcycle manufacturer. \u00a0He was there with his wife and two grown daughters, all in their economy seats across from us. \u00a0Just thought I\u0027d throw in that little tidbit. (smile)  If available, Gerry and I will always book those Economy Plus seats, or the equivalent, for the extra legroom, usually four inches, wider seats and seating toward the front of the economy section for easier exit. It\u0027s so worth the extra bucks. \u00a0Extra perks can include free alcoholic beverages, earbuds\/headphones, seat back video screens, and free Wifi with in-seat power outlets, depending on which airline you\u0027re flying. \u00a0 Gerry and Scott JacobsTo make my air travel the very best experience, I claim these to be my top 6 travel essentials:   I bought my BOSE headphones many years ago and I love it. \u00a0They still operate like new! The soft, cushioned ear pads fit great around my ears. Noise reduction is superb, and my music and movies come through powerfully. \u00a0It\u0027s almost like being at the cinema with surround sound. \u00a0If the cabin noise is particularly loud, the headphones cut out the noise, and I\u0027m able to sleep well. It\u0027s no secret that I love to read, and that I would prefer an actual book or magazine over an e-Book, but I\u0027ll read those, too. \u00a0I\u0027ll have mags in my personal carry-on, in my computer bag, and in my checked baggage - enough reading for round-trip travel. \u00a0Being a travel advisor, I get tons of material to read and I can\u0027t keep up with it at home. Riding in an airplane allows me so much time for reading. \u00a0It keeps me inspired, entertained and it calms me, especially with a nice glass of wine. \u00a0\u00a0 I love my Beats. \u00a0It\u0027s compact, and gives me big sound for such a small package. \u00a0I use this for listening to my music on Spotify and iTunes, and watching documentaries on iTunesUniversity. \u00a0If you\u0027re not familiar with iTunesUniversity, you need to check it out. \u00a0Stitcher is another great app for the latest in news, entertainment andpop culture. In addition to my lip color, blush and powder compact, these are the only other beauty essentials that I\u0027ll pack in my personal carry-on bag, all in travel sizes. They are Origins hand and body lotion, lip balm (with a hint of color), Rohto Hydra soothing eye drops (stings a little at first, but ends with a signature cooling \u0022kick\u0022 for that nice refreshed feeling for my eyes), Clarins Instant Smooth to smooth out the fine, dry lines around my eyes and lips due to the dry air in the cabin, and hand sanitizer. \u00a0My most favorite thing, though, is the Evian Mineral Water Spray. \u00a0Throughout the flight, I will mist my face to cool and rehydrate my skin, and to revive my makeup. \u00a0\u00a0It really is the greatest beauty find ever! \u00a0It never fails. \u00a0As soon as my head hits the headrest, my hair begins to fly from static electricity, and then my sweater begins to shock me. \u00a0I hate that! \u00a0Well, you can buy a small bottle of static eraser, or use a sheet of fabric softener. \u00a0I now prefer to pack a few sheets of fabric softener stored in a sandwich bag because it takes less room in my bag, and I don\u0027t need to worry about possible leakage if I brought the other. \u00a0Before settling down in your airplane seat, take a sheet and gently rub the fabric on your headrest and seat. \u00a0I also always pack a sweater to use as a blanket later. \u00a0Before you pack it, lay a sheet of fabric softener between the folds. \u00a0Voila! \u00a0No more static electricity. Many years ago, when I first began taking elementary school students across the country to visit historic cities over spring break, I learned a very important lesson. Our flight was detained at the gate, and it was bordering lunchtime. We\u0027d been sitting in the airplane for maybe an hour already. \u00a0My students were hungry and they began eating their junk food. I began having visions of my kids with bad tummy aches and cries for mommy upon landing at our destination. Heaven help me! Since that unfortunate experience, I always pack nutritious food to be consumed in the early part of the trip in the event the plane gets stuck at the gate or runway for some odd reason. \u00a0It\u0027s something I\u0027d told my students to do since that incident. \u00a0I\u0027ll usually bring a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or protein bar, and two pieces of fruit. \u00a0It\u0027s always two pieces of fruit. \u00a0I buy the water or any other beverage before boarding, past the security check, of course. \u00a0It\u0027s very uncomfortable and unsettling to be confined for a long period of time with no food or water. \u00a0As a long-time volunteer of the American Red Cross, it is our mission to provide support and relief to citizens affected by natural disasters and traumatic events with food and shelter. \u00a0I didn\u0027t know it then, but I do now. \u00a0Food calms people. \u00a0I didn\u0027t like seeing my students having to wait forever to receive airplane meals to settle them. The lesson I learned: \u00a0It\u0027s a good idea to pack basic, nutritious food that won\u0027t spoil, water and of course, those yummy goodies that will keep them happy during \u0022quiet time\u0022. For me, that would be Twizzlers and Gummy Bears - gummy-anything for that matter! \u00a0They\u0027re my favorite things to nibble on while reading or watching a movie. What are your most important travel essentials? Happy Travels, ","date":"1433976120","title":"Six Essentials in My Personal Carry-On Bag","media":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WI7Yv0gQuXg\/VWZwPAHBuOI\/AAAAAAABmkY\/nwVIPu6zJCs\/s640\/P3280002.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x480","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WI7Yv0gQuXg\/VWZwPAHBuOI\/AAAAAAABmkY\/nwVIPu6zJCs\/s640\/P3280002.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjEuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLVdJN1l2MGdRdVhnJTJGVldad1BBSEJ1T0klMkZBQUFBQUFBQm1rWSUyRm53VklQdTZ6SkNzJTJGczY0MCUyRlAzMjgwMDAyLkpQRw==?checksum=0d8673f781d8fd9435c7738cd9a2f8321b557806\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4381540496\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4381540496","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/six-essentials-in-my-personal-carry-on-bag-4381540496","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/six-essentials-in-my-personal-carry-on-bag-4381540496","likes":0},"4354600300:12967359":{"post_id":"4354600300","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/05\/checking-in-julian-gold-rush-hotel-bed.html","content":"I\u0027m often asked what I like most about living in San Diego. \u00a0That isn\u0027t a difficult question to answer. \u00a0I love that I live just minutes from the beaches and bays to the west and north, and the mountains just 1.5 hours to the east. \u00a0Since early childhood, I\u0027d always been fascinated with the sight of mountains. \u00a0Living in Virginia did that to me. \u00a0Now I have fond memories of those long-ago camping trips with my extended family to the Laguna and Cuyamaca mountains when my kids were just kids. \u00a0Being in the mountains brings back those carefree days.     Over the past couple of years, I\u0027ve had that yearning to be back in the mountains. \u00a0One day, I noticed a Groupon deal for a one night\u0027s stay at a historic hotel in Julian, a premier getaway in the beautiful Cuyamaca Mountains. \u00a0The deal went for $89 for a one-night\u0027s stay, an afternoon tea service, a full complimentary breakfast and a gift card to the Julian Pie Company (a $14.95 value for a pie or anything else up to that amount). \u00a0Seriously, what a deal! \u00a0I hemmed and hawed at the thought of purchasing the deal because I didn\u0027t think Gerry would be too keen on doing this sort of thing. \u00a0By the time I approached Gerry with the idea, the deal had dropped down to $80. He was game, to my surprise, and I clicked the button \u0022Book\u0022. Here is a pictorial of our wonderful stay at the Julian Gold Rush Hotel and Bed \u0026 Breakfast. The hotel is an 1890\u0027s nationally historical national landmark. Hotel lobbyPart of the library   The best part of the library was this little notebook. \u00a0PCT stands for the Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance hiking and equestrian trail that runs from Mexico to the U.S. Canada border. The trail aligns with the highest portion of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. \u00a0If you watched Reese Witherspoon\u0027s film \u0022Wild\u0022, you\u0027d know what I\u0027m talking about.I took a peek in this box, and it included clothing left behind by other hikers. \u00a0The clothes are laundered by the hotel staff to pass on to hikers staying for a recovery period, and in need of new clothing.This is what you see at the top of the stairs on the second floor. \u00a0There are two rooms with private baths at this end of the hall with a public toilet off the hallway.who\u00a0Upon arrival, we were given a choice of three available suites to choose from. \u00a0After investigating, we chose room #8, which was at the end of the other hallway. \u00a0The room had its own little hallway, which made the room quite private.   Our room was quite small, but this is a very old, historic building, and that\u0027s just how it is. \u00a0Small room means small bed. \u00a0We have a king-size bed at home, but you don\u0027t notice how small a double is after you\u0027ve been out all day long into the evening, and are tired to the bone. \u00a0You\u0027re just happy to lie down no matter how small the bed!Our room came with complimentary wireless internet access and individual heat and air conditioning. \u00a0It is furnished in the Victorian tradition with the American antiques and vintage decor. The courtyard in the back of the property is large and tranquil.The breakfast and tea room.The Tea Room included a boutique in which you could select jewelry, accessories and trinkets to purchase. \u00a0Items are made by local artisans.  I found this awesome replica of a Sears Roebuck catalog in the Tea Room. \u00a0So cool!Complimentary breakfast included Eggs Florentine, fresh fruit and yogurt, a thick slice of raisin bread, orange juice, and coffee and tea. \u00a0It was delicious!      Our stay at the Julian Gold Rush Hotel, Bed \u0026 Breakfast was just what we needed for some rest and relaxation after two weeks in Europe. \u00a0You know, needing a vacation after the vacation! \u00a0 Avoid booking a room here or any other hotel in Julian on Mondays through Wednesdays. \u00a0We found several businesses to be closed, as were the museums. \u00a0It\u0027s a few days off \u00a0to rest for these folks after a busy weekend entertaining out-of-towners. \u00a0There is no bank in Julian so come prepared with your credit\/debit card and cash. \u00a0You will not find an ATM anwhere! \u00a0To fully enjoy the country town without a mass of people, I suggest arriving on Thursdays and Fridays. \u00a0Saturdays and Sundays are popular days for tourists, and that\u0027s when the town comes alive. \u00a0It\u0027s always a happy day when you come to Julian any day of the week! Julian Gold Rush Hotel, Bed \u0026 Breakfast2032 Main StreetJulian, CA \u00a092036(760) 765-0201 Disclaimer: \u00a0The Julian Gold Rush Hotel did not solicit my review of their property. \u00a0I will always share with my readers any hotel that I find worth writing about simply because I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. \u00a0 Happy Travels!   ","date":"1432536960","title":"Checking In: Julian Gold Rush Hotel, Bed \u0026 Breakfast","media":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qel3wsTZXtc\/VVq8C7WFVFI\/AAAAAAABkd0\/ndt4to88Q28\/s640\/IMG_7027.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x152","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-qel3wsTZXtc\/VVq8C7WFVFI\/AAAAAAABkd0\/ndt4to88Q28\/s640\/IMG_7027.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjQuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLXFlbDN3c1RaWHRjJTJGVlZxOEM3V0ZWRkklMkZBQUFBQUFBQmtkMCUyRm5kdDR0bzg4UTI4JTJGczY0MCUyRklNR183MDI3LkpQRw==?checksum=cfa94483aa30923ad4eb3fc77393b52e5a253053\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4354600300\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4354600300","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/checking-in-julian-gold-rush-hotel-bed-breakfast-4354600300","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/checking-in-julian-gold-rush-hotel-bed-breakfast-4354600300","likes":0},"4333192710:12967359":{"post_id":"4333192710","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/05\/travel-barometer-for-2015.html","content":"Whenever a new season approaches, I\u0027m often asked, \u0022Where\u0027s your next adventure taking you?\u0022. \u00a0I just returned from the British Isles, and that was such a fantastic whirlwind of a trip that I\u0027m just going to settle down for a few months. \u00a0Until late summer, that is! Then I\u0027m off to Memphis again for some bonding time with my baby granddaughter, Presley.  Enough about my travels, though! \u00a0I want everyone who suffers from wanderlust to just declare they\u0027re going to find every way possible to go somewhere. \u00a0According to ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) here are the top picks from a survey of 400 travel agencies. \u00a0  Big Ben \u0026 Parliament at night. Afternoon in Rome, Italy London and Rome tied for the top spot. \u00a0Here are this summer\u0027s most popular vacation spots and the percentage of travel agents who selected each as the top destination.  The Loggia della Signoria, Florence, Italy.Top 10 International Destinations\u00a0 1. \u00a0 \u00a0London (7%) 2. \u00a0 \u00a0Rome (7%) 3. \u00a0 \u00a0Paris (6%) 4. \u00a0 \u00a0Cancun (4%) 5. \u00a0 \u00a0Punta Cana (3%) 6. \u00a0 \u00a0Barcelona (1%) 7. \u00a0 \u00a0Florence (1%) 8. \u00a0 \u00a0Venice (1%) 9. \u00a0 \u00a0Dublin (1%) 10. \u00a0Riviera Maya (1%)  Standing on the Red Stairs in Times Square, NYC.Top 10 Domestic \u00a0 \u00a0 Destinations  1. \u00a0 \u00a0Orlando (17%) 2. \u00a0 \u00a0Las Vegas (13%) 3. \u00a0 \u00a0San Francisco (4%) 4. \u00a0 \u00a0New York City (3%) 5. \u00a0 \u00a0Miami (3%) 6. \u00a0 \u00a0Los Angeles (2%) 7. \u00a0 \u00a0Anaheim (2%) 8. \u00a0 \u00a0San Diego (2%) 9. \u00a0 \u00a0New Orleans (2%) 10. \u00a0Washington, D.C. (2%)  Happy Travels! ","date":"1431411005","title":"Travel Barometer for 2015","media":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-F5ZaJF_0_8k\/VVGO-pbOlqI\/AAAAAAABi5k\/DxrAPJN6h6E\/s640\/P4070056.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"640x480","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-F5ZaJF_0_8k\/VVGO-pbOlqI\/AAAAAAABi5k\/DxrAPJN6h6E\/s640\/P4070056.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn1.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjQuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLUY1WmFKRl8wXzhrJTJGVlZHTy1wYk9scUklMkZBQUFBQUFBQmk1ayUyRkR4ckFQSk42aDZFJTJGczY0MCUyRlA0MDcwMDU2LkpQRw==?checksum=3218ed428c897e2c74db4d4c206d311f213d91a5\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4333192710\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4333192710","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/travel-barometer-for-2015-4333192710","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/travel-barometer-for-2015-4333192710","likes":0},"4313656081:12967359":{"post_id":"4313656081","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/04\/oak-alley-plantation.html","content":"The morning was seasonably warm, and the drive from the Garden District in New Orleans was unhurried. \u00a0We drove to Vacherie (pronounced va-sheu-ree), about an hour\u0027s drive from our bed \u0026 breakfast, the Parisian Courtyard Inn, to tour the sweetly charming Oak Alley Plantation.  Widely known in the south as the Grand Dame of the Great River Road, Oak Alley Plantation is named after its distinguishing feature, an allied or canopied path created by a double row of Virginia live oak trees, planted in the early 18th century, long before the present house was built. \u00a0A set of oak trees take you from the exhibits to the house entrance, where you are greeted by an Historical Interpreter in period dress. There are many things to see before making the lingering walk to the house. \u00a0There\u0027s the Blacksmith shop, the Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit, graveyard, the Confederate Commanding Officer\u0027s tent, and the gardens. \u00a0Once you reach the house, you have the opportunity to purchase a very tasty and refreshing Mint Julep. \u00a0So, so delicious on a hot, hot day. \u00a0Yes, you can enjoy your alcoholic beverage while you tour the house! \u00a0The Mint Juleps are available as a non-alcoholic beverage, too.All of the rooms are sumptuously decorated down to the last detail.Many furnishings and accessories are original to the house.                               It was quite the experience to step back in antebellum elegance, and to learn about the creation of this national historic landmark and the people who graced this majestic home. The grounds include a formal garden that separate the mansion from the garage, where antique cars on on display. \u00a0Gorgeous magnolia trees, pecan trees and crepe myrtles surround the home and dot the landscape. \u00a0The views transported me to a time when it was proper to be genteel, and time moved slowly.   Another section of oak alley begins from the rear of the house and leads a quarter mile to the Mississippi River. \u00a0It is forever known as one of the most beautiful trees in America, a symbol of elegance of the old south. \u00a0The trees are admired for its thick, strong trunks and long branches that reach out elegantly like ballerina limbs.      During the time Oak Alley was built, the River Region sugar industry was booming, and a chain of stately plantations and their homes began to line the banks of the Mississippi.\u00a0\u00a0Over time, many of the plantation homes were devoured by the passage of time, exposure to the elements and hardships of mankind\u0027s struggle to forge on. \u00a0The Grand Dame of the Great River Road, which spans 25 acres, remains as a testimonial to the old south\u0027s Golden Age.\u00a0 After a long morning of wandering through this enchanted plantation, we lunched at the Oak Alley Restaurant. \u00a0I lunched on fried alligator and sipped on another Mint Julep. \u00a0It was perfect!  Be sure to stop by the incredible gift shop. \u00a0It offers a vast selection of gifts pertaining to Louisiana and Oak Alley. \u00a0What I loved most were the cookbooks and books on the history and culture of the River Region. \u00a0I also brought home replicas of period items like the candlestick holders, holiday ornaments, and food items as gifts for my family. \u00a0    If you plan to visit New Orleans, or any of the cities and towns of Louisiana, stop by the Oak Alley Plantation. \u00a0If not to stroll around the great southern home, then at least to sit and dream of golden bygone days.  If you\u0027re not able to make it down south, here is a list of productions filmed in part or entirely on location at Oak Alley Plantation:  Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte Nightrider Dixie: \u00a0Changing Habits The Long Hot Summer Days of Our Lives Interview with the Vampire Primary Colors Beyonce\u0027s \u0022Deja Vu\u0022 music video \u0026 \u0022B\u0027Day\u0022 CD insert photos Ghost Hunters Midnight Bayou Young and Restless  Happy travels,  ","date":"1430694780","title":"Oak Alley Plantation","media":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-37meVsocRTk\/VUaq3ctlXUI\/AAAAAAABid0\/y8-FzngdKDQ\/s1600\/DSC01689.JPG","num_loves":0,"num_saves":0,"num_comments":0,"post_tags":[],"failed_media":[],"thumb_size":"1200x1600","native_blog_id":null,"native_post_id":null,"native_post_author_user_id":null,"native_post_url_slug":null,"native_blog_type":null,"media_type":"image","images":{"thumbnail":{"key":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-37meVsocRTk\/VUaq3ctlXUI\/AAAAAAABid0\/y8-FzngdKDQ\/s1600\/DSC01689.JPG","url":"https:\/\/cdn3.blovcdn.com\/bloglovin\/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRjEuYnAuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tJTJGLTM3bWVWc29jUlRrJTJGVlVhcTNjdGxYVUklMkZBQUFBQUFBQmlkMCUyRnk4LUZ6bmdkS0RRJTJGczE2MDAlMkZEU0MwMTY4OS5KUEc=?checksum=b3e014c31e03b38a73d149c102809ae2bbf47077\u0026format=h"}},"name":"Life is a Highway","out_link":"\/link\/post?post=4313656081\u0026blog=12967359\u0026group=0\u0026frame=1\u0026frame_type=none","post_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blog\/post\/12967359\/4313656081","post_page_link":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/oak-alley-plantation-4313656081","post_public_url":"https:\/\/www.bloglovin.com\/blogs\/life-is-a-highway-12967359\/oak-alley-plantation-4313656081","likes":0},"4282664833:12967359":{"post_id":"4282664833","blog_id":"12967359","link":"http:\/\/www.lifeisahighwaytheblog.com\/2015\/04\/checking-in-hand-hotel-in-llangollen.html","content":"I\u0027m sitting in an old, wonderful hotel in this picturesque market town in Llangollen, Wales. While I love the more modern hotels with all the amenities, I love more these old places that speak to me with creaky and uneven wooden floors, have old wallpaper with bubbles forming beneath it, and have labyrinths instead of hallways to navigate. This place is 400-plus years old, and it\u0027s so cool. \u00a0  Welcome to The Hand Hotel, where a burning fireplace awaits you in the tiny lobby on a cold, rainy day. \u00a0The staff is so friendly, the food pretty good, and the interior just received a new coat of paint. The two best things about this hotel is that it sits on the rippling River Dee, and it\u0027s supposedly haunted! \u00a0For those of us who love ghost stories, this gets a big round of applause!\u00a0 The River DeeMy suite facing the River Dee.Furniture is kind of dated, but what do you expect from something charmingly aged?The suite was small and cozy.Everything about the room was pretty simple and basic, and that\u0027s enough if you\u0027re going to be out and about town all day.Small bathroom but we managed nicely.Wing of the hotel that faces the River Dee.View into the hotel pub. Upon arrival to this crickety hotel, we heard that someone who was staying in Room 28 the night before, wanted to be moved to another room. \u00a0She ended up being moved two more times because of \u0022sounds\u0022 coming from within the rooms. \u00a0It\u0027s most likely from the loose floor boards and walls, but that\u0027ll be up to you, the reader, on what you want to believe. \u00a0There are stories you can find on the web about the ghosts of The Hand Hotel, and videos on YouTube! \u00a0This video had me chuckling, but it was creepy, too. \u00a0By the way, we stayed in Room #18, next to #19 where a murder occurred years ago.  To make this even more eerie, there\u0027s a very old cemetery behind the hotel. Ooohhhh...........     Again, I just loved this hotel with floors and stairs that creaked, and with staircases that went this way and that way. \u00a0They gave the hotel more character, like it really needed much more.The hotel at dusk. I highly recommend this hotel to the adventurous traveler. \u00a0It doesn\u0027t disappoint! \u00a0 Here\u0027s more information on\u00a0The Hand Hotel.     Disclaimer: \u00a0It\u0027s my pleasure to share the places I\u0027ve enjoyed staying in. \u00a0The Hand Hotel did not ask me to write this review. \u00a0I am solely responsible for my own opinion. 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