Sunday, 23 August. 4:24PM
“Katrina” is coming and, man, is she ever pissed!
I will be posting here as often as possible until the power fails. The only thing I have left to do outside is get the generator started to warm up, so to speak, and then move it in to the sun room, (not running! You think I’m that stupid? Er, don’t answer that…) After that, it’s a nice shower and then just sorting.
The storm is not expected to hit until tomorrow but we are already getting really good gust. Here in Mobile, AL we expect gust to 140 mile per hour. Damage will be intense unless the Gods above are watching closely and feel merciful. It is unknown when we can expect electricity to be restored. Our neighborhood is historically one of the last to reconnect. If you find it difficult to get in tough you will know why. Look for updates on my friend Grau’s blog, “Frizzen Sparks“.
I don’t know where to begin, really… I’ve come to love the Gulf Coast. Seriously, I didn’t think that was possible. I thought I was a true Mountain boy. Perhaps I’m not afterall. The coast is beautiful, rich in culture, history, and wildlife This storm stands to change much of what the coast is today. Beaches, and even entire islands may simply disappear before our eyes tomorrow.
Then there is the “Big Easy“, New Orleans. I finally got to that city earlier this month for the first time. I immediately felt at home. Somehow New Orleans felt familiar. Comfortable despite the heat. Tomorrow much of that ancient city may lay in ruins. The the city and surounding lands crushed by wind and water. Centuries of accumilated culture – and many, many, lives lost. The media has already mentioned a possible shortage of body bags. Oh, the sorrow!
With all of this bearing down I ask each and every person that comes across this blog post – regardless of your faith – to pray for the Gulf Coast and its people. Pray especially for New Orleans and Gulfport, Mississippi. Those cities stand to take the worst that this storm will produce. Pray for us in Mobile as well. Then, when “Katrina” is a memory, please, find a way to help those in need. There will be thousands.
I’m so tired. Can’t stop yet, though.
Omar, out.
