The "Disappearing Pier"!

   For about the last 16 hours, the weather has decided to pummel the Bayou with some messy stuff.  So far, our neighbors to the west have caught the brunt of it but as I write this, we are starting to receive their leftovers.  The good folks of Louisiana and Texas just cannot seem to catch a break.  Hopefully, the system will weaken before wreaking much more havoc.  

  I was on the pier early this afternoon during a break in the weather, then again, just before dark.  Our pier is the only one within view that is still "within view".  The others are all underwater.  The tide (pushed by the strong winds since early this morning) is well up in the yards of anyone living on the waterfront.  It always strikes me as a bit disconcerting to see the piers underwater.  The posts lead to nowhere.   Just before nightfall, Son and I had to go salvage our small skiff.  He had gone down earlier to secure it better but the winds and waves proved that the storm was stronger than rope.  The front tie-rope had broken leaving the skiff askew.  It was being battered by the winds and was wedged under the pier.  While he shimmied the boat from under the pier, I was in the front trying to shove it out of the marsh.  I am getting far too old for this!  Once we freed the skiff from its precarious situation, we pulled it far up in the cut to calmer waters.  There it should be able to ride out this squally junk.

  Folks, if you are inclined, the folks in the path of this system could use all the prayers you can muster.  There are going to be some pretty ugly damages come morning light.  Tornadoes are ripping whole towns.  People are going to be hurting and will need our support.  Stay safe.  Be kind.  Lend a helping hand.