We didn't like Ike

After "Ike" blew through, Mel & I went for a drive to see the damage. Two of several downed trees were totally blocking Cotton Rock Road (our only way in/out). There were 3 cars stopped at the first blockage, and 4 big guys with one nearly useless (dull chain) chain saw. Mel got out to offer assistance, but rather than going back home to get his newly sharpened saw, elected to wrestle the tree with the other guys. The results were mixed—the tree lost, but the men all got dumped into the ditch in the effort of breaking it. Mel came back to where I was waiting in the car (they had been out of my view—fortunately, it turned out), with his glasses in his hand, and his shirt-front muddied. 

I got out the glasses cleaner and towel we keep in the glove box, to clean his glasses. As he got close, I saw that his shirt was bloodied, too! Closer examination revealed that two spots on his scalp were bleeding, but not too serious injuries. One could probably have used a stitch or two, but would heal okay without—and the scar will never be seen unless he goes totally bald. The other would be okay with a cleaning and disinfectant.  The other guys returned to the second blockage after I assured them Mel would be alright. Mel said he'd go back home, clean up, and bring his "good" chain saw. Mel drove back home, applying pressure to the worse bleeder with the towel. I was plotting how to clean, disinfect and bandage without running water, (we're on a well—no power) and how to bandage a scalp wound.

Necessity being the mother of invention, I came up with a brilliant (if I do say so myself) plan. The spa hadn't heated since midnight, but the water was still pleasantly warm. I grabbed a pitcher full, and poured it slowly over Mel's head, (we were outside). Then we went in and I sprayed the wounds with hydrogen peroxide, covered each wound with a gauze pad, and was able to secure both pads with an elastic headband. 

Mel then got his saw, and we headed back down the road. The others were gone, and the road was cleared, by the time we got back, but we weren't disappointed at that!

On his bus route this morning he was amazed at the number of downed trees that had been cleared off the route. Ike, we won't forget you, or miss you! Who'd have thought Kansas, Missouri and Ohio would be so ravaged by a hurricane? We as a nation have much more empathy for those living in coastal hurricane prone areas.

I'll just add to this post that we are well prepared for a lengthy power/water outage. We have, on hand, 10 gallons of water for drinking, and cooking. We have the spa for toilet flushing and more water if essential. We have propane stove and heaters and an igniter for lighting things with electric ignition. We have battery powered lanterns. We have two refrigerators with ice bins, and coolers to keep food if needed. We have a percolator for Mel's essential coffee—but we'd suffer TV, computer, and spaaaah withdrawal!!  

Huge hugs!