It was time to "hunker down"

   While humans can make the necessary preparations to weather a hurricane, have you ever thought of what critters do?  It has to be incredibly hard for most animals to ride out such harsh weather.  I am sure that many such as deer, coyotes, fox and coons seek out the protection of the deep woods and perhaps things that burrow settle in for the long haul in their underground dens but other critters pretty much have to do the best they can.  My pondering led to the pelicans.  Those poor birds really take a beating during these storms.  After Hurricane Katrina, I found several storm-worn pelicans near the Little Bayou House.  They were exhausted, rain-soaked and quite battered but none were seriously injured.  We did find many that did not survive but these were ok.  The birds were too tired to even care that we were checking them for injuries.  They merely stood still. 

  As soon as the sun rose after Hurricane Ida, Son and I meandered the hillside and water's edge.  Luckily, this storm did minimal damage to the pier so we were able to venture down to the water.  There, dozens of Brown Pelicans sat hunkered down on the pier posts and rails.  Since Hurricane Ida did not give us a direct hit, the pelicans most likely hunkered down right there for the duration of the storm.  The winds were a bit tough for about five hours but nothing that they could not handle.  In fact, the birds did not appear to be any worse for wear after their ordeal.  I am glad they made it through safely.

"It's Ok."

   You know, folks, you never stop learning.  I do not mean school learning from books and teachers but "real" learning where you figure out life.  Not that I have anything against teachers.  In my eyes, they are lay the groundwork for future generations. But, learning to live a decent life and to be able to accept what is thrown at you without becoming a whiner, is priceless.

  A few days ago, Hurricane Ida skirted just to our west.  The poor folks of Louisiana got slammed.  We were fortunate enough to have very little damage.  The one thing that could be considered a major hit was Son's car.  A huge oak limb smacked the rear windshield and literally sent it into glass confetti.  Well, that happened early in the storm.  We all heard it but had no idea what had happened.  Hurricanes are full of explained noises.  The one thing we did get from the hurricane is rain.  In fact, we got over 14 inches of rain overnight.  You can imagine what Son's car looked like by morning.  When we discovered the broken glass, I told him how sorry I was that it happened.  He looked at me, put his arm around my shoulders and said "It's ok.  We are safe."  That was it.  That was the entire reaction to his car being broken and filled with water.

  When I spoke of learning, I am not too proud to say that I have learned much from my kids.  This experience with the damage and Son's reaction, taught me so many things that it is hard to choose which is the most important.  If asked, I would have to say it was a lesson in knowing just what matters.  Son did not fret over the car but was appreciative of the fact that we were all safe.  He knows material things can be replaced and should not be of our highest concern. It was a good reminder of what we all say but find hard to commit to when faced with calamity.  I am learning...I am learning.

Once Again...Be The Helping Hand

   So Hurricane Ida decided to slide on into Louisiana to unleash her wrath.  The good people there are suffering.  If you have never had to deal with a powerful hurricane, watch a few of the videos that are abundant on the Internet...then imagine that being spread for hundreds and hundreds of miles.  The force of the wind and water is beyond comprehension. The devastation is mindboggling.  These storms are definitely something to contend with and are not something to ever take lightly.  Here on the Bayou, we prepared just in case Ida took a swing our way.  We are so very thankful that it did not.  We got the outskirts of the storm which did give us a bit of wind and copious rainfall.  In fact, there was enough rainfall in Mississippi to cause major flooding.  Roads are collapsing and houses are submerged.  A lot of folks were just not ready.  The Little Bayou House did not see damage and there is very little in the way of cleanup.  

  It was during that cleanup today that I came across one of the other type victims of storms and floods.  While picking up debris, a slight movement caught my eye.  It is important to notice ALL movement after hurricanes since moccasins can easily be balled up in the debris.  This, however, was no moccasin.  A cicada nymph had come from underground on its way to becoming an adult.  The poor thing had to dig through soggy ground only to emerge right in the midst of fire ants that had been dislocated due to the storm surge.  Fire ants are friends to no one and would have made short work of the cicada as it had no way to escape.  Cicadas at this stage are slow moving and almost clumsy.  I just could not stand by and let the poor thing die such a painful death.

  Knowing cicadas usually try to climb oak trees at this stage, I gently lifted the creature and let it rest in the palm of my hand.  The nearest oak tree was also covered in ants so that would have been a poor choice of morphing spot.  The cicada nymph stayed on my hand until I found a tree free of ants. There, I released the insect.  The critter slowly left my hand for the bark of the tree. It seemed happy.  I watched for a while as it made its way up the oak tree.  

  It made me feel good that I had helped the cicada.  I am sure the critter was appreciative.  Folks, if you can spare anything, there are numerous foundations that are collecting items to help the good folks that have been so hurt by Hurricane Ida.  Please pray, donate, lend a helping hand or just send encouraging words their way.  Trust me.  You will be appreciated. A little help goes a long way.  Be kind, folks.

Stay safe, my friend, stay safe.

   With Hurricane Ida threatening the Coast, we have been busy preparing.  Now, we find that she is making a slight turn to the east and is intensifying rapidly.  This is not good for us.  We will be in that upper right quadrant that is considered to be the "bad side".  We may be facing the brunt of the storm.  This is not said to belittle what the fine folks over in Louisiana are going to be dealt but to point out that you just never know what a storm is going to do.  I have been saying from the start that Ida is not going to play nicely and she sure looks like she intends on being quite the brat.

  As Son and I were out boarding the windows, I noticed that one of my critter friends was crouching down trying to avoid being seen.  Even though we were in full swing of a heavy chore, my heart started aching for all of my critter friends who were going to ride out this storm by their own wits.  Many will perish.  Hopefully, Gilbert, the frog, will take refuge between the window and plywood.  There, it will be somewhat protected.  Usually, we find that birds, frogs, insects and even snakes crawl into the small space and ride out the storm.  I have no problem with that.  They are welcome to seek refuge where they can.  

  Folks, once Hurricane Ida hits, I may not be able to post anything for a while.  We are likely to be without power and without Internet.  Stay safe.  Be kind.  Be generous.  

Bad Girl Ida

   It was a busy day here on the Bayou.  Hurricane preparations are in full swing and it could not be done sooner.  Ida is projected to become at least a Category 4 storm before making landfall so everyone in the general area of Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast should be doing the same.  This storm, wherever it decides to hit, is not going to play nicely.  For all of you that are not in the path of this monster, please take a moment to pray for those who are.  

  This morning, I did manage to sneak to the pier for a bit.  Most likely, I will have one more chance to visit before the pier is wiped out by the hurricane.  My happy place will have to be rebuilt or repaired along with a lot of other things.  It was a sort of dreary morn with lots of heavy clouds that soon gave way to thunderstorms.  Still, the morning sky brought an inner peace.  I will always cherish my times spent gazing at the horizon awaiting the sun to rise.  There is tranquility to be found then.  Folks, stay safe.  Find your inner peace.  Be happy.