Hurricane-ish

Recently a Hurricane ripped through the East Coast, as you may have heard, and its impending threat was so great that even State College felt its effects.

Wind, we were told, would be very high.  Power, we were told, could be down for days.  Prepare, we were told; don't take this threat lightly.

Even Penn State was listening, because as of 1:00 on Monday--when businesses were closing and meetings were cancelling--we all got the word: Go Home.

It meant a miracle for our little household, because Ginger picked Sara and I up at the parking garage that offered to protect our cars for free, and we headed on home for some rare togetherness.

First though, we had to heed those preparation guidelines.  

Thanks to our Florida native,

I spent the duration of the Hurricane in the most preparation I've ever known.  We borrowed bungee cords to tie our grill to our deck.  We moved the furniture inside.  

We collected water in various containers,
and got out alternative light sources.

Then, Sara made us comfort food,

and I:

got comfortable.

The remainder of the evening was spent in cozy togetherness,

as friends came to be with us, 

as wind whipped the windows and rain poured down,

as we poured the wine to warm our bellies, and dwelt in the warmth that comes from being home, safely protected, and together.

Even though it didn't amount to much, we were well aware of our blessing, and of those whose story ended differently.  Our Hurricane was Hurricane-ish; our hearts are with those who are still in the midst of the storm.