Better back down, you’re in my domain
Got the whole crowd screaming out our name
It’s a blowout, it’s a hurricane
It’s over before you know it
Why you shaking, we’re a dynasty
In the making, we’re the royalty
Now we’re breaking down the enemy
Move over for the soldiers

Take a swing, I can take a hit
If we die, it’s fine, we live for this
It’s all for this…

We’re gonna stand on top with our hands in the sky
Gonna raise our cup to the stadium lights
For the glory
For the glory
We celebrate with the city tonight
Hear the hometown cheer, it’s the ultimate high
For the glory
We do it for the glory

~All Good Things featuring Hollywood Undead

Hollywood Undead is one of my favorite bands. Especially when I’m needing to really crank up the music and jam out to a song that helps me to express my frustrations. I’m very frustrated, right now. My brother got a phone call days ago. He’s being sent on his eighth deployment. Well, he’s on it now. He left yesterday morning. He wasn’t supposed to deploy again. He’s done so much, seen too much. He’s 38 years old. He’s just a year from being able to retire from his Navy career! But…our country has decided to call on people just like him, once again. I mentioned this, in my last post, but I’m struggling a lot with all of this now that he’s gone. I’m pissed off!

It’s the most bewildering thing, to me, how my brother can be such contrasting and different people, depending on who it is he’s addressing. I can make him cry. I’ve seen him weak. Yet, he is an incredible badass, too. I’m not sure how much I’m truly “supposed” to say, but he’s a Navy freaking SEAL. He’s been deployed as one of the “Frogmen”. He’s been through training I can’t imagine, let alone the places he’s had to actually use that training in real life situations. He’s a human “lie detector”, which terrifies our sister, because she’s afraid he’ll be able to tell she’s full of it when she insists she’s never smoked pot 😆 I am beyond proud of him. I can’t find the words to even express the admiration and appreciation I have for what he’s been through, sacrificed, done, and seen. The thing is, I’ve also seen what that’s done to him. I’ve witnessed the changes in him. He comes home desperately attempting to convince us that he’s fine. Meanwhile, it’s plainly obvious that he’s not. He won’t talk about most of it. I’ve gotten bits and pieces of stories. They’re enough for me to understand it’s more than I can imagine. When he’s deployed, he exists inside a world that looks nothing like the beautiful happy bubble I live inside. Knowing he’s on his way to this foreign destination, one full of danger and death and destruction, it’s a difficult emotion to describe in words. The best I can say is, I’m frustrated and afraid. My brother is an amazing man, but he’s got scars, both visible and invisible, caused because of the things he’s been asked to do for our country. He barely resembles the boy I grew up with. I only get glimpses of that boy, occasionally. Most of the time, he’s hard, guarded, quiet, and cautious as hell. I see the way he seems to always be watching for something bad to happen. He never truly relaxes. I so want him to be back home again. At the same time, he always says to me that he does this because someone has to. He allows himself to be used like a pawn on a chess board, because he knows someone needs to stand in that place.

I’m so glad he got to be here and spend time with us at Christmas time! I miss him. My heart aches knowing there are new scars about to be made on and inside him. I pray for his safe return, knowing full well what that still means. We’re all thrilled to have him back home, but it’s never quite him. He’s always replaced with a version of the man who left us. He resembles my brother, but isn’t quite the same. How many pieces can be torn from who he is, before we no longer recognize him?

I took up my vocation,
I was called by my nation.
Without hesitation,
My answer I gave.
Now I am not wondering,
The things that I might have been.
No consolation,
To the forgotten brave.

~The Trews Featuring Kid Rock

Jackie’s surgery went very well. She’s been resting, at home. She’s sore, and medicated, but doing pretty good.

Our friend, Biscuit, had a stroke. He’s in the hospital. I’m going to bring the littles, and go visit him, tomorrow. He’s been working so hard to change his life around. He’s staying away from the people and places that tempt him to get back into trouble. He was baptized, just a couple weeks ago. I’m sad for him, this had to happen now. He’s real down about it. I want to go and cheer him up a little bit. Remind him we’re here for him, and he’s not alone.

Our contractors will be here, next Friday, to begin repair work on our house! I’m anxious to get all that done. I’ve been doing a lot of crafting projects, this weekend. I’m working on some Minnie Mouse/Disney themed decorations, for Pj’s bedroom. Pj loves Minnie, so I wanted to make something she would be excited about.

I took down the last of my winter and Christmas themed decor, around the house. I don’t have much for Valentine’s Day, or Saint Patrick’s Day, but I have a lot of Spring and Easter stuff. It’s cool, today, but had been pretty nice out. We’ve slept with our windows open, the last several nights. I’m definitely getting some serious “Spring fever”! We didn’t do much, this weekend. Once Jackie is back to feeling good, we’re looking for fun things to go do. There’s a concert coming up, in April, we’re trying to talk the boys into taking us to. We haven’t gotten out much, lately. I’m getting stir crazy.

I’m sitting downstairs, watching TV, now.

I went to the store, earlier. It felt good to get out, crank up my car stereo, and drive around. There’s still so much tornado damage, around us. So many homes sit empty. Piles of rubble line the ends of people’s driveways.

We also got some more crappy news, this weekend. My brother is being deployed again. He wasn’t supposed to be deployed another time. He’s done 7 deployments, already. They only got the news, Friday. He leaves in one week. I’m not sure whether he truly doesn’t know where he’s going to, or won’t say. All I know, is somewhere in the Middle East. With so much happening around the world, it’s scary. I’m angry and sad, that he has to go. We ask an incredible amount of our service men and women. They, and their families, make tremendous sacrifices. When he’s deployed, anytime my doorbell rings unexpectedly, my heart sinks. My mind races, and I wonder if this is it. Is this the day I open my door to find people standing there, waiting to tell me he won’t be coming home this time. My brother assures me, he’s okay. He insists everything is fine… I know better, though. I play along with him, as if I believe everything he’s telling me, because I know he needs us to.

~Demun Jones

Im sitting at our dining room table, watching the littles nap. The baby sleeps in her crib, in my room, but the other 2 are sleeping in the family room. I usually put the 3 year old upstairs, but Mikayla is home sick today. So, she’s staying upstairs, and we’re attempting to avoid spreading sick germs now.

I went to my doctor, yesterday. I had to load up all three of the littles into car seats, and drive into Nashville. I got an inhaler, steroids, and a cough medicine. I won’t take the cough medicine, because it makes my brain fuzzy, and I don’t like it. The inhaler and steroids are helping, though! I hadn’t had bronchitis for years, but this stupid cold or flu we had really kicked my butt.

We bought Mikayla a new car, a few weeks ago. I think I forgot to mention that. It’s just a 2014 Ford Focus, so nothing “new”. It’s a cute little car, though. Now that she’s got her own wheels again, I get to have my car back. She was pretty excited, when we brought it home for her. We did end up paying for a new car, but she has to get the plates, pay for half of her car insurance, and keep up with maintenance on it. That seems fair enough, I think?

The other night, while Adam and I were in the shower, I rolled my eyes at him. I hadn’t done it in a very long time! He was being so goofy, and I told him it’s like tickling me and insisting I don’t laugh! He smacked my butt a few times, but it didn’t really hurt. We talked about how, things said and done become serious depending on circumstances. If Adam was having a real conversation with me, and I rolled my eyes to him, that would be much worse than doing it while I’m laughing at something silly he’s said. I know we both understand these kind of things. No, I shouldn’t roll my eyes to him at all, but it wasn’t meant in a disrespectful way, and he knew that. While him being consistent matters a lot to me, I’m perfectly capable of understanding when, where, and how I’m being truly disrespectful to my husband.

Jackie is having her surgery, tomorrow! She’s super nervous, which I totally understand. Between 20 and 30 years old, I had 6 surgeries, was also put to sleep to have my wisdom teeth removed, and had 2 endoscopies and a colonoscopy done. If I never have to have another surgery, I’d be more than good with it. Surgery is scary, and it’s no fun knowing you’re going to leave the hospital hurting and feeling crappy for awhile. Jackie and Justin are coming over, this evening. We’re all just going to hang out and help her pass the time between now and tomorrow morning. We all decided, once Jackie is feeling better, we’re making plans to go out and do something. We talked about going to a local place that has ax throwing, cornhole, pool tables, and dart boards. We’re also going to plan a guitar night. It’s been awhile, since we did one of them. Now that the holidays are over, we’re all feeling anxious to get out and do some fun things again. There’s a comedian who I adore, Leeann Morgan. She’s going to be doing a show not far from us, in April. I would love to go watch! Also, once the weather gets nicer, I’m wanting to go see a Monster Jam show. I absolutely love watching those great big trucks drive around the track. I’ve never cared much for tractor pulls, but I’ve always enjoyed demolition derbies and the monster trucks.

I suppose I should go get something done, while the littles are napping. I think I’ve pretty well caught up on all the excitement happening here.

It’s been a long time living this way
Worrying what people say
Feeling like I won’t fit in
But I won’t give up, no I won’t give in
We’re looking for something more
What you’re really looking for
It’s been with you since you were born
Since you were born

You only live once
I’m good with myself
I’m there for my friends
‘Til the very end

I’m good, I’m good, I’m good, I’m good
Living life just like I should
Wouldn’t change it if I could
I’m good, I’m good, I’m good

~The Mowgli’s

What a week it’s been here in Tennessee! The kids were out of school the entire week, due to inclement weather. Adam also stayed home, all week, for the same reason. I had the littles, though. Adam got a touch of this crud I’ve been sick with, but he only felt crappy for a few days. He’s all better now. I am still coughing like crazy. My chest hurts from coughing so hard, for this long. Years ago, I actually cracked one of my ribs from having a nasty cough for several days in a row. I’m paranoid about doing that again. So far, no broken ribs though. Thank gosh. Besides the annoyance of this coughing, I don’t feel too bad.

Last night, Adam and I sat in the basement together. We binge watched a bunch of old episodes of “Roseanne”. Jackie is planning to come over, in a little bit. We’re going to craft for awhile, and just hang out. I haven’t seen her since last Friday! Between this snow and ice, and the sickness going around, we haven’t gotten to spend time together. The roads finally cleared, yesterday afternoon. There’s still some snow, in our yards, and it’s cold as hell, but at least the roads aren’t a concern.

I’m really anxious to get everybody back into our routine again. Monday, I’ve got a doctor’s appointment in Nashville. I’m probably going to wind up having to bring all three of the littles along, too. If Jackie is able to work from home, she said she’d watch the 5 and 3 year olds for me, but that’s IF she’s able to work from home. I have to bring the baby with me always, because of her trachea care needs. I recently bought the littles some fun new things. I got them a play grocery cart, along with more play food and dishes. I got them a little wagon, so I can pull them around the neighborhood…if the weather finally decides to warm up again. I also just ordered a new robotic vacuum/mop, for our main floor. I had one, until a couple years ago. It quit working, and I hadn’t replaced it. I decided it would be a worthwhile investment, considering the time and energy I could save myself from having to sweep and mop daily here. It can take care of the day to day messes, leaving me with just a good deep cleaning to do once a week. Wyatt got his hair cut, this morning. I think he looks fresh and handsome, with his new hairdo. Mikayla is hanging out with her friends. It’s her day off from work, so she’s busy spending time with her friends. Adam and I talked about going to eat at the food truck she works at, tomorrow, when she’s working. It’s called Music City Gyros, and they make some darned good food! If y’all are ever in the Nashville area, it’s a great choice for eating out. You get a whole lot of food for your money, too.

I haven’t seriously been in trouble, in months. Last night, Adam was teasing me, and I slightly lifted my middle finger. I tapped it on my leg, as I playfully glared up at him. He noticed. He sat down beside me, pulled me across his lap, and gave me a few swats. Little things like that, are the closest I’ve been to getting a spanking, for a long while. The weather’s been crappy. I’m sick of being sick. All these kids are requiring a whole lot of my energy. Things are good, anyhow. I truly have no complaints. I feel so fortunate. I’m happy inside this place of contentment. I often find myself struggling with, what I call the “winter blues”, this time of year. I’m not, though. I have no need to sit and write out my troubling thoughts. I’m not plagued by emotions related to painful memories that randomly cross into my thoughts. My sister shares her location with me (as I do with her), and I’ve noticed she’s been spending the last few days with our mother. Even so, I can’t say I’m particularly bothered by it. I trust her to keep my privacy guarded from her. I don’t seem to mind the fact that she has a mom, and I don’t. I’m not sure whether that’s a good or a bad thing? I just know, it’s how I feel. I’m more than happy with the family I’m surrounded by. I have all the love and support that I need. I don’t require that love come from a person who simply cannot give it to me. There are plenty of people right here, who I never have to ask to be here. They choose to be in my life. For that, I am grateful. I know I’m valuable, to the ones who share themselves with me. I matter to the people around me, and I’m satisfied in that.

Oliver (our dog) just decided it was as good a time as any to vomit on the carpeting. So, I suppose I’m done writing, for now.

~George Strait

I woke up, Saturday morning, sick as hell. I’ve had a horrible headache, body aches, sore throat, with a nasty cough. I’ve also been taking Tylenol every 6 hours, to keep the high fever down. Today, the congestion seems to have settled down into my chest. My fever has finally broken, though. Even with Tylenol, I was running temps over 102 degrees. That was absolutely miserable. I haven’t really gotten to enjoy these snow days, at home.

We did wind up with a lot of snow! Nashville actually broke records. Our average yearly snowfall totals are just over 4 inches. This storm dumped up to 9 inches in some areas! Our kids are still out of school, tomorrow, and Adam isn’t going into work. But, I will have the littles. The roads have cleared enough for us to get them here, and I’m feeling well enough. Today’s the first day I haven’t slept most of the day away, since Friday. Adam took such good care of me, though. He braved the terrible weather, to go out and get some Gatorlyte drinks for me. He and the kids cooked, and cleaned up the kitchen. I laid with my head in his lap, while he put his hand over my forehead, for hours. My head ached something fierce, and having his hand putting some pressure across my forehead helped ease that pain. I almost never wear sweatpants. I own maybe 5-6 pairs of sweatpants, most of which I’ve had for years, but that’s been my attire for several days. Right now, I’m sitting down in our basement, cozy under a blanket, watching an old movie called “Pure Country”. Mj helped me make some scrambled eggs and toast, for supper. Adam warmed up leftover chili, and Wyatt ate some leftover brats. Mikayla is over at Justin and Jackie’s place. We know they let her boyfriend sleep over there, which has been the reason she’s chosen to spend nights there, when there’s no school. I’ve been aware of this, for some time, but Adam just realized it, this weekend. He was not impressed, to say the least. He’s even a little angry at Justin, for allowing her boyfriend to sleep there. It’s tough, because Mikayla is 18 years old, now. She’s always been an incredibly responsible, hard working, driven kid. I suppose I’ve afforded her more freedom, because of that. I think it’s hard for a dad to realize he’s no longer the “man in his little girl’s life”. Adam had set up uno and monopoly games, to play with the kids, before Mikayla told us she was staying over at Justin and Jackie’s. Adam’s feelings were just hurt, since he was looking forward to spending some quality time with the kiddos on these snow days. Teenagers are very selfish creatures. They truly don’t intend to, or realize, the impact their words and actions have on their parents. I know this, because I remember being one myself, what doesn’t seem like all that long ago. As I got older, and became a parent myself, I’ve understood how much of the things I did and said, at that age, could’ve hurt my own family. I am certain that Mikayla will soon enough grow up, and see the same realizations.

I have every intention to get naked with my husband, tonight. It’s been way too long! I sure hope he doesn’t come down with whatever crud I’ve had, now. He’s been so good to me, and he’s such an amazing daddy to all of our babies. I want to love him, that way, tonight. I was recently discussing, with a friend, about the two sexiest things my husband does. One, is when I see him get angry on my behalf. When he stands up for me, even if it means a physical altercation is a possibility. The second, is when he holds a baby. Seeing the way his hands can be so intimidating, hard, and powerful, but also showing me just how gentle, kind, and loving they can be. Jordan Peterson says men should be dangerous, and learn to control it. Joe Rogan mentions about how it’s better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war. I can understand the sense in those statements. As a woman, knowing my husband is capable of being dangerous, while also being certain that will never be directed toward myself, or our children, is immeasurably attractive!

I think I’ll go make myself some of the vanilla cappuccino Adam restocked my cabinets with, for me, and finish this movie I started.

Everybody knows everybody
Everybody calls you friend
You don’t need an invitation
Oh, kick off your shoes, come on in
Yeah, we know how to work and we know how to play
We’re from the country and we like it that way

~Tracy Byrd

It seems like I say this every time I post, but it’s been another super busy couple of weeks here! We made a trip to Kansas, last week. We spent some time with Adam’s family. It was a lot of fun!

We all hung out at the shop, and played pool with some friends. Adam’s brother grilled steaks for everyone. It was so cold there, though!! It snowed, while we were there. Thankfully, it waited to seriously accumulate, until after we’d come back home.

Right after we got home, the littles (small children I look after) got here. We had them all week. By the time I got them to bed, it was time for Adam and I to shower and get ourselves to bed. I actually cried to Adam, the other night, because I felt I was neglecting our babies. I love these little people! It’s just hard to be “spread so thin”. I truly haven’t had even a moment of free time, all week long. They’re with their mama for the weekend. As soon as they left, I vacuumed, swept, mopped, cleaned all the bathrooms, and put away several loads of folded laundry I hadn’t gotten to yet. I put on some music, and it’s so nice to have a few moments to myself. Mj has a friend over. They’re down in the basement. Wyatt is upstairs, in his room. Mikayla is at work. Adam isn’t home from work, yet, either.

We got another crazy storm, a couple days ago. We had high winds, and it blew the roof up from our backyard shed. It also blew off even more shingles, from our roof. Thankfully, contractors will be here in the next two weeks to put on our new roof, siding, and gutters. They’re calling for possible snow on Sunday night, into Monday. It’s fixing to turn real cold here, too. To be honest, I wouldn’t be opposed to a snow day, Monday. I need to run to the store and make sure we’re stocked up on all our essentials, before the snow blows in. Once we’ve got everything we need, I say bring it on!

Yeah, it’s a Friday night, we circled up
It’s going down ’round these pick up trucks
Yeah, it’s cold cans and Dixie cups
Just out here doin’ what we’ve always done

~Florida Georgia Line

My sister, her husband, and my baby niece (Pj) were all here for the week of Christmas. It was sooo much fun! Adam and I babysat for Pj last Saturday night, while everyone else went out for awhile. We had a blast spending time with our cute little niece. The day before my sister and them arrived, my brother surprised me. I heard a knock on my front door, answered it, and it was my brother standing on the porch! That was such a great surprise!! He spent a few days with us, before he returned to his California home.

Our good friend, Biscuit, was released from jail. He got out just before Christmas. He’s up here visiting us for New Years weekend. He passed out, last night, and Jackie and I decided to have a little bit of fun with him…

I painted his fingernails. We put my bikini on, and took pictures and videos. We used paint to fill in some of his tattoos.

When he woke up, this morning, I heard him ask “What theeee?!” 😂 He thought it was hilarious, though. He even sent a bunch of his buddies the pictures we’d taken.

I know I haven’t written enough, recently. It’s been a time with my family and good friends. I’ve been incredibly busy, but in the best ways! I truly hope everyone reading this has also had as wonderful a Christmas holiday as I did, and wish everyone a very happy new year as well! I still can’t believe it’s going to be 2024?!

~David Lee Murphy

Last night, Jackie and I got one of our Christmas presents. We both loved the same purse, so we now have matching purses. I love it, though! That was a very fun surprise.

Justin, Jackie, Adam, and I went out to eat. I was really surprised how empty the restaurant was. I expected it to be packed full, on a Saturday night, this close to Christmas. There was hardly anyone else in there, though. The waitress told us she thinks a lot of people are displaced by the tornado, and not spending their money going out to eat.

After we finished eating, we drove around awhile. We looked at Christmas lights around the city. We sang along to a bunch of old 90’s country songs.

When we got back home, we all played some games. Justin and Jackie didn’t end their night on a very good note, which made me sad. I won’t get into it, because it’s not really my place to discuss their business. We love them both, and I genuinely just want them to be happy. I’m hoping the light of a new day will help them to solve the issues they’re having. It’s the season of giving. It’s a time for joy, and making memories with your loved ones. I’m determined to make sure that everyone around me has an amazing Christmas. We’ve all had a lot of strain put on us, recently. It can be hard to overlook the stress and anxiety, but there is so much good all around us, if we can only slow down a little bit to take it in.

I’m working on some craft projects I’m making for everyone. I’ve got something for Justin, my brother, and my sister’s husband. They’re similar, but uniquely inspired. All three of those guys were/are military men. So, I’m making something they can hang on their wall to display their coins and ribbons and medals. I sure hope they like them. I’ve also got a wooden height chart, for Pj. We’ve measured her height on the same doorway we’ve kept track of our kids heights. I’m taking those measurements, from Pj, and putting them onto the height chart I’m making, to get it started. I’ve got several little things, like picture frames and personalized decorations, that I’ve made for people. I’m just about finished with everything. Then, it’s time to wrap all these gifts. We “adopted” a handful of children and teens to give Christmas gifts to, also. Mikayla’s friend will be with her family, for Christmas, but since she’s staying with us for a good while, we included her in that handful of kids to find gifts for. I love to give in secret. I prefer not to announce my involvement, when we do things like this. It’s more “magical”, for the receiver, I think. When you suddenly get an unexpected surprise, with no idea who it came from, I believe it helps to teach others to look for beauty and kindness in everyone around them. You never know then, which of the people around you had been your very own “secret Santa”. It could be your neighbor, your teacher, even the grumpy old man at the post office. So, you’re more likely to take a moment to smile, and to spread love. And, that’s a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Saturday, after we emerged from our basement, I heard what I thought was several car alarms blaring. It turns out, it was the smoke alarms, from a complex just down the road from our culdesac. It was eerie, when I saw this video, because I recognized the sounds exactly as I’d heard them, just a few days earlier.

The next video shows arial footage our neighborhood, and the extent of the damage around us.

We had our home inspected for damages, yesterday. Our roof is in very bad shape. The tornado winds and hail ripped more than just shingles off. There are spots where even the wood underneath was torn from our roof, and is merely covered by a few flapping shingles left behind. Our shed, behind our house, lost a chunk of one side. Our gutters and downspouts are dinged up. Our trampoline enclosure was damaged. There’s a spot on the side of our house where some siding was ripped off. A few of our window screens were torn and pulled apart. Our insurance adjuster will be coming out to assess the damages in the next few days. Then, we’ll begin the process of replacing and repairing our home. While I’m not thrilled about any of this stuff, I’m truly unbothered by it. What haunts me, is just how close we were to losing absolutely everything, or worse, losing someone. It makes me sad every time I leave our house, and have to drive past all of the empty pieces of what was people’s homes just days ago. I’m trying to go on about our “normal” lives, but the reminders of devastation loom heavy, and all around me.

We put together a big box of things to donate. We’re also working on putting together some Christmas presents to give to children who need them. Our community is incredible. People line up to volunteer. Restaurants are serving free meals to anyone in need. Businesses are donating clothes, groceries, toiletries, and money. People are helping one another to gather the leftover belongings, and to clear debris. There is so much hope and love being poured out. I hate that this happened, but also have no doubt that everyone will be taken care of. It’s beautiful, seeing the good that can be found in tragedy. Everywhere I go, people have been more courteous, more kind, than even before. And, this is a pretty friendly place to live already!

I’m making us some chicken for supper, tonight. I’ve been happily cooking and baking, since we were able to “move” back home. The kids decorated sugar cookies, yesterday. I’m going to make some homemade candies, this weekend.

It’s been a heck of a long while now, since I’ve found myself in any kind of trouble with Adam. I’m not going to go looking for that, but I am sure missing the playful banter that we typically share. Hopefully very soon, that too will resume. I haven’t been my silly self, either. I almost feel like I’m missing myself, too.

~Ashley McBryde

Yesterday, I got the sweetest birthday card from my daughter, Mikayla.

She also got me a new angel tree topper. The old one we’d had for years, fell apart a couple years ago. I’d just been using a star, instead. She knows I love the angel tree toppers, though, so she got me a new one. That was so incredibly thoughtful! She included a great big pack of my favorite candy, Reeces peanut butter cups, as well.

Mikayla’s boyfriend gave me this beautiful poinsettia plant, too!

I also received a late birthday present, at 9:03 this morning. Our power cut back on! I stood in my kitchen, with tears in my eyes, celebrating the relief that this is finally over…for us. For many families, getting back to normal will take months, or more. For some, their lives will never look the same. I know how blessed I am. I’m very grateful for everything I have. Something as simple as electricity means more than we consider, until it’s gone. Mikayla’s good friend, and her parents, lost their home to the tornado. They lived only a few blocks away from us. They were staying in a hotel, but their reservations have expired, and there are absolutely no available rooms around here, right now. We invited them to stay with us, until they can get into a temporary rental place. Their insurance has already compensated them for the costs of renting another home, and moving whats left of their possessions. However, finding a rental home takes some time. I truly want to do as much as I can, for all of our neighbors who weren’t as fortunate as we were. I’ve seen lots of people volunteering their time, talents, and offering anything they can to help. We’re often bombarded with news reports of people looting, stealing, and scamming. What we’re not often told about, is the thousands of people out here spreading kindness and compassion. The people giving with joyful hearts. These people don’t expect to be noticed. That’s not why they do it. I see them, though. The good deeds outweigh any evil among us, beyond measure. This community has a beautiful spirit, and I’m proud to be a part of it.