As of last night Five Oaks Manor is NOT. We had a squall come through, dip down, and make a big mess of the 'hood.' It took out three of our ancient old oak trees in front of the Manor. Made a big mess across the road, blocking the road for near 5 hours. Volunteer folk came from all around and cleared the road filling the yards on both sides of the road with the debris. Same crews showed up at 6 this morning with heavy equipment, chainsaws and a long line of dump trucks to clear it all out. by 10 it was all gone, everyone had disappeared, and the view out our front window, the one we have for the bird TV, was so bare and desolate looking that none of the boys would even sleep in the window nest beds.
Miki was extremely upset when the 'big bang' happened last night. Shortly before I (the Large One) heard and recognized the sound of 'twister', Miki was on me being very upset. He had heard it, as had the other three insider kitties, and was trying to tell me something was major wrong.
I didn't realize it until much later in the wee hours of this morning, that I tucked him under the futon, called the others who were right there, and sent them under as well. They minded me quickly. Small One was asleep in the big bed. I sent her to the hall closet piled on pillows, and went back down the hall to look out the front window. The blow as over, all was 'normal' sounding outside, and rain was falling. Taking flashlight and beach shoes only, this old homeowner eased out the back door onto the cat porch for a look see at what was left of our acre.
Already people were pouring out their doors, flashlights in hand, calling out to family and neighbors, calling the outside pets, and taking stock of their surroundings. Withing 5 minutes the lights went out. Frightening that.
Short story: the rest of the evening and most of the night (for me it was 4 AM when I gave up and turned in) was a troubling, and in some cases, heartbreaking time.
No lives lost, no major injuries, minimal damage to homes and vehicles, minor damage to the trees most of us in the immediate area had hand planted over the 20 years Small One and I have lived here. In a couple areas, one in particular, a home (mobile type) was stripped of its roof, picked up and moved forward off its foundation the length of the home. All occupants were accounted for, none injured, the Mother near hysterical when she showed up with children in tow.
Volunteers were pouring in from all 5 communities, as were, believe it or not, sight-seers, a couple with cameras in hand. The sight-seers and the 'paparazzi' were shortly sent packing, all to return at sunrise just after the cleanup crews showed up to clear the roadway.
As the crews began their cleanup of the road in front of Five Oaks Manor, the realization of what 'might have been' hit me and I almost came apart at the seams. I stood around outside, calling myself helping direct traffic, but mostly getting in people's way, had a short heated discussion with the County Supervisor over a rather mundane subject, which, thankfully, brought me back to my senses enough to go inside and change into dry clothes, and pass out till after 10AM.
Other things happened during the afternoon, most of which I do NOT remember much of. But, one thing I do remember. In all the years (over 20) we've lived at this location, I've never had the attention and concern of my neighbors, near and far, everyone looking out for everyone, some speaking for the first time ever. Several 'waving acquaintances' showing such concern it was almost unnerving.
We were luckier than most people that have been the target of Mother Nature and her wild storms over the years, but I can say, being part of the 'targeted group', you are never alone, and too, you never really know how much you are cared for and watched over by those around you until disaster happens.
Hope you will forgive the lack of news and reports of the antics of the
5 Mouskateers of (now)
Twin Oaks Manor. Next edition we'll let the resident House Panther, MikiCato take the keyboard, and continue his ruminations and tell his tales. For now, though, MikiCato, his brofurrs and sisfurr, his Small One, and I, his Large One, bid you all a good night, hope you all stay safe, warm, dry, and sleep well.