(This is what thunderstorms look like in Nebraska)Last night we had more severe thunderstorms in our area - plus lots of tornado warnings. So we spent most of the evening in the basement. I shut my computer off because I didn't want it to get fried with all the lightning, and we had the radio on since our satellite t.v. wasn't working because of the storm.
My poor daughter was in tears when she heard about all the funnel clouds around us, but I assured her that we were in a safe place - the basement. Poor thing is really having a rough summer weather-wise.
But the weather is playing havoc with my writing plans. Who can concentrate on writing when a tornado might be headed your direction? I went to bed before 10 p.m., exhausted by the night's activities. The tornado warning would expire, then they'd issue another one. Rain flooded our back yard and the animals were all in the basement with us, my dog Charlie running back and forth whenever a particular loud thunder clap sounded.
This morning, I woke to water in my basement - and of course, it was in my office. A good inch or more spread a nice little pool on the floor - thankfully, it is a concrete floor, so no ruined carpet. BUT...I had a box of paperback books sitting under my desk - my favorite, most-treasured paperback books. And yep, you guessed it - the bottom stack of them got water-logged. Some of these books I have had since high school.
Yet I tried to keep everything in perspective. After all, books can be replaced. People cannot. And this storm system created tragedies for many people last night. We were very fortunate and blessed that the only problem we had was some water in the basement.
Hopefully, this evening will be a bit more quiet storm-wise and the writing will commence.
My poor daughter was in tears when she heard about all the funnel clouds around us, but I assured her that we were in a safe place - the basement. Poor thing is really having a rough summer weather-wise.
But the weather is playing havoc with my writing plans. Who can concentrate on writing when a tornado might be headed your direction? I went to bed before 10 p.m., exhausted by the night's activities. The tornado warning would expire, then they'd issue another one. Rain flooded our back yard and the animals were all in the basement with us, my dog Charlie running back and forth whenever a particular loud thunder clap sounded.
This morning, I woke to water in my basement - and of course, it was in my office. A good inch or more spread a nice little pool on the floor - thankfully, it is a concrete floor, so no ruined carpet. BUT...I had a box of paperback books sitting under my desk - my favorite, most-treasured paperback books. And yep, you guessed it - the bottom stack of them got water-logged. Some of these books I have had since high school.
Yet I tried to keep everything in perspective. After all, books can be replaced. People cannot. And this storm system created tragedies for many people last night. We were very fortunate and blessed that the only problem we had was some water in the basement.
Hopefully, this evening will be a bit more quiet storm-wise and the writing will commence.
EDIT: Damage Assessment
It is a truth universally acknowledged that your absolutely favorite books, the ones that you have had since you first started buying books, the ones you remember all the stories to, the ones you lovingly put on your first bookshelf, will be the ones to get the most damage. It is also a truth universally acknowledged that the books that you picked up at a library book sale, have yet to read, maybe will never read, but looked good at the time, will be virtually untouched.
I am in mourning for my water-soaked books.
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I was really worried about you after seeing the news last night!! Our national networks covered the tragedy at the Scout camp and I saw on CNN about the funnel clouds in Nebraska. Glad you're all ok, but sorry to hear about your books. They can probably be dried out - not mint condition, but at least still intact.
ReplyDeleteKeep safe!!!!
Oh, honey, sorry about the books. Some of them might be able to be saved, although it's time-intensive.
ReplyDeleteIt's a terribly stressful time for all of you, and my thoughts are with you.
I hope the storms are clearing out and you're able to get back to life--and writing!--as usual. You're right, the books are a small thing in the grand scheme, but when you've had certain copies for years, they do become like old friends. Good thought turning off the computer, btw. And a good reminder to all us writers to back our work up daily to CD/jumpdrive/whathaveyou. (I tend to forget...)
ReplyDeleteStay safe and dry. I hope the sun comes out soon.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about the books! You poor thing! I know how you feel about books, I won't even lend my sister any of my books. They are like my babies!
ReplyDeleteAt least you and your family is safe. That is most important!
Sorry about the books, about your daughter not liking it, about the dog being afraid, about it all. What a rotten time you're having. But yes, the family is safe and that's the main thing.
ReplyDeleteI bet, though, that if you posted a list of the books somewhere, someone may be able to help out.
I'm sorry to hear about the books too. I had that happened to me back in ol' Dodge City. I still kept them but they were never the same. I thought they would just have some memories attached to them with their stickyness.
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone, for the sympathy on the books. I know you all understand how precious they can be to a person. But yes, they're only things and it's a blessing that my family is all safe - that's the important thing! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you're having such a horrid time right now. You're right, though. Books can be replaced. So long as the family is safe, all's well in the world.
ReplyDelete