I Thought Things Were Bad . . . Until They Got Worse!

This will be quick. I am still trying to get photos edited so I can begin posting some of my favorites from the last few weeks. Is that wrong to have favorite pictures of damage done by an incredibly devastating hurricane? I suppose what I mean is that there are some photos that for me embody the aftermath of Ike, which is to say that they elicit an emotional response from me so I would like to share them with you. However, that is not what this post is about.

I thought the worst of my troubles were over when I moved back into my house 3 days ago. The repair work hasn't begun. The adjuster has lost my phone number, but I was at home. Home sweet home. I got to sleep in my own bed, get my TV fix and take a warm bath (not necessarily in that order). However, to my surprise each day has held a new adventure.

We arrived home Saturday evening and began putting things to rights in our home - laundry, vacuuming, etc. My family and I went to sleep tucked in all comfy, cozy in our own beds. We all awoke Sunday morning somewhat refreshed and ready to attend services with our local congregation. Unfortunately, after we had packed all my equipment (guitar, music, cords, etc.), my daughter's necessities, and ourselves into the car, we found that the battery was dead. We called in reinforcements (my dad, as usual). He came and jumped the car, and the rest of the day went off without too much drama.

Finally, the worst was over. This morning we prepared for our first bike ride since Ike. We were anxious to "hit the road." We had our bike trailers packed and off we went. We had a nice visit with my in-laws. It was a glorious day with cooler temperatures. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful morning. When we arrived home ready to grab a bite to eat and rest our tired legs, we found a surprise waiting for us.

My daughter walked in, stood in the hallway and asked repeatedly, "Mama, what's this?" Now, she likes to ask that question even when she knows good and well the answer before she poses the query. I kind of ignored her while I was lugging all of our stuff back in the house. Since she refused to let it go, I looked where she was pointing and saw that our dog had been sick on the carpet. Upon further investigation we discovered that our sweet, little Beagle, Sarah, had helped herself to half a bag of peanut butter M&Ms while we were gone.

Dan rushed Sarah down to the vet (where I'm sure they were laughing their heads off, especially when Dan walked in carrying a vomiting Beagle and half a bag of M&Ms.). And $78 later they said she would be fine.

As I sit typing this, Avari is playing sentry to Sarah repeating instructions that since she is sick, she should rest. All the while, Sarah is worrying that Avari will pounce on her at any moment.

I suppose the moral of the story is this: Don't ask what else could possibly go wrong because it's likely you'll find out sooner than you wanted.

Now, it's back to editing photos. I wish you fully charged car batteries and pets that don't puke on your carpet!!