Ike and Febreze

So...we moved to Texas...and along came Ike. Yes...it was my second experience with a hurricane and Jason's first. We went to a friends house for a Hurricane Party (because isn't that what hurricanes are for?) and hung out with 11 people, 3 dogs, and 1 cat. Before the storm actually hit, a dead tree fell in the back yard from the increased wind speed:

It was rather exciting...because we saw it come down and were able to clean it up with the help of some neighbors jumping the fence to lend a saw. Then later that night, the real storm came with the lovely train noise winds and of course...the power outage. We lost power until Monday afternoon but we were blessed to be able to stay with some other friends at their 3 bedroom apartment...that's right all 11 people, 3 dogs, and 1 cat moved in for a few days. We were very grateful to have some place with air conditioning to stay and shower. Now the power is back on, the trees are starting to be cleared, and the TV is broadcasting things other than Ike recovery.

Even though storms are not something you wish for, it was a good time for us to hang out with new people and be thankful that it wasn't as bad as predicted. We went back to church today (last week it was closed) and the pastor put it interestingly that when some things, like storms, happen in your life, you take notice of those things most important and spend time building those relationships that your life otherwise tends to push out because you are "busy." It was also nice that God brought a cold front through so that our normal steamy days turned into breezy fall ones for the week when many people were without power. It also makes one appreciate this wonderful century that we live in...I mean what would we do all day with out instant connection to the outside world...we have so much that we take for granted.

On another note...our dog Evee, the incredibly smart border collie, has developed this interesting reaction to air freshener. I guess the dog on their commercials did not have to have too much training...just a few takes. Here she is:

I personally think we have found the answer to a lingering question. We have always wondered why our other dog needs baths every week and Evee just needs about one a month. Guess this is the answer...also notice that she freshens her breath too! Hope you all are having a great week!

-Jenni

PS-Here are some cool sky shots of the calm before the storm: (This must be proof that God is a Clemson Fan!)