It's bad that I have forgotten about this blog for so long, but after the past 36 hours or so, babbling about my vacations doesn't seem appropriate. I received e-mails on new comments. I had a feeling I knew what they were about, so I am posting this as a collective response.
The damage and loss of life continues to be reported. Who knows when the numbers will stop. While my family and I are all safe and sound with no property damage, many of my friends have suffered damaged to their homes and businesses; a few have suffered total losses.
If you've missed it or aren't familiar with the situation, I live in Alabama, just outside of Birmingham. At one point yesterday, there were seven different tornadoes on the ground in various parts of our state. Two areas that were among the hardest hit yesterday, Pleasant Grove and Pratt City, are just a few miles north of where I work downtown. We watched that tornado, which as it passed through was reportedly a mile wide, blow past from the parking lot at the office. The death toll statewide stands at 168 as I write this, but it grows almost hourly.
It's been quite horrifying to see the reports and read details from those who have survived. We had a bad storm in the spring of 1998 that did a lot of damage and took some lives, but this is far worse.
So for those who have e-mailed or commented to check on me, I'm fine. Like a lot of folks around here, I'm trying to figure out the best way to help those around here who have suffered loss.
If you're interested in seeing news reports, video or pictures, I recommend this site.
So glad you got away without any damage - so sad for those who did not.
ReplyDeleteMother nature has been a b**ch this week
One of those tornadoes broke a record for staying on the ground and traveling the furtherist (is that a word?). Something like a 100 miles, all the way into Georgia. Glady you and your are okay, but my heart goes out to all those families. Mother-nature can be a bitch, I tell ya.
ReplyDeleteI knew you were in the south, but I didn't realize you were this close to all those storms. I'm glad you hear you and your family are OK.
ReplyDeleteVinny, it's been absolutely awful.
ReplyDeleteCoffeypot, yes, and it's not a pleasant record at all.
Travis, thank you. We were very lucky. There is so much damage within just a few miles of where I live and work.