We be OK

I'm at the Best Friend's house using her 'net connection to make this post. I am still staying with my parents since the homestead still doesn't have any electricity. The Prodigal Son and the cats weathered the storm really well. So did the ol' homestead, as a matter of fact. The only damage the Prodigal reported was several branches falling on the roof and part of our fence laying in the neighbor's yard.

I don't know when I'll return home. I've lived without electricity in the past so I know I don't want to go through that again. I've already shot off an email to the Boss to let him know I haven't returned to the area and I won't be in to work in the morning - assuming the office will even be open.

I also don't know when I'll be able to post again, but I did want everyone to know we are all alright.

Ike

That bad boy is heading straight for me - as of the last update anyway. I want to leave but the Prodigal Son wants to stay because we can't pack up all the cats and take them with us. At this point, I don't know if I'm going somewhere else or not. If I decide to leave, which will likely be this afternoon, I won't have computer access since I will go to my parents who still haven't embraced the 'net. If I stay, we will likely lose power if Ike really does make a beeline for us. That could happen Saturday or Sunday and last who knows how long. I will try to post later to let folks know what I've decided.

Regardless, hold good thoughts for the Gulf Coast area. We're going to need them.

(The last hurricane that bothered this area was in 1983 - Alicia. The Prodigal Son was about 7 months old at the time. We stayed here during that one.)

And a little closer to home

The Spy Who Billed Me | Blackwater Gearing Up for Hurricane Gustav

Blackwater Worldwide is currently seeking qualified law enforcement officers and security personnel to potentially deploy to provide security in the possible aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. This is the first time Blackwater has mobilized under its controversial Homeland Security contracts. Blackwater did deploy security personnel to assist New Orleans in wake of Hurricane Katrina and this resulted in great controversy since it was the first time a private military corporation had deployed on US soil.