Venting: It was a shitty day today

[hamsterjill]

I live in south Texas and we had catastrophic winds today. Many wildfires all around my area, and the firefighters, linemen, etc. all did an amazing job.

We have (or had, actually) a pole on the interior of the property for a big spotlight in a dark area that leads to an out building. That same pole also provided support for a faucet. Damn wind blew the pole over breaking the water line. Water gushing everywhere. The only person at home at the time was an elderly, infirm relative who wasn't strong enough to turn off the water main. I was at an involved dental appointment. It didn't take out the electric to the house (only the outbuilding)....but then...

Electricity for the entire area went out promptly after that because of a tree in another area falling on a high line wire.

We called a local plumber who was amazing and was onsite to turn off the water within about 20 minutes. The local electrical co-op sent a lineman out to make sure the electrical on our downed pole wasn't a threat. Water was restored by the plumber in about an hour, and we have electricity to the main house. Will have to call an electrician to fix the pole and restore power to the outbuilding - an expense that I don't need because I just retired and am waiting and hoping that my social security application doesn't get effed over by Eloon.

Trying to count my blessings. The pole didn't land on the outbuilding; it fell just in front of it. The plumber was amazing. The linemen were amazing and very kind to come to check our situation with all else that they had going on. The three wild fires around us were all contained quickly. Some people about 20 miles from us were not so lucky and four houses burned.

It was still a shitty day with expense that I didn't need. But days like today always remind me that there are still some good people in the world. I have a cat sanctuary on the premises, and they are all safe. I will go to bed tonight tired and irritated...but still grateful.

[NJCher]

1. Now that

Is what I call a stressful day.

But it all worked out in the end.

[mwmisses4289]

2. Our area wasn't as bad,

though the high winds lasted until well into the evening. Haven't seen or heard of any downed lines or trees, just lots of small branches. The wind did play havoc with the power, though. Kept going out, coming back on, going out...oy.
Have a funny story about today. Was out doing errands, stopped at a mom and pop coffeee shop. Just as I was ready to order, the power went out. It came back on after a few minutes, they made my coffee drink, but the computerized system was refusing to come back up. They were going to let me have it free, but I told them to keep the ten, and whatever change from it they could use to go to the coffee drink of the next person who ordered a drink. The smiles that lit up their faces made me glad I could ease their frustration with the computer somewhat. I will go out of my way to stop there again.

[PufPuf23]

3. Given the current political situation worry about wildfires.

Live in a California National Forest and have spent from sometime in July to rains in smoke, twice my home was in evacuation warnings. In 2023 there were fire crews from all over the USA across the road from my driveway and sprinklers set up around my home and neighbors for over a month.

Glad for you in this instance.

I have a cat who is my boss now. But a charming boss.

[XanaDUer2]

4. I'm sorry

[hamsterjill]

5. Thank you, my friend.

I know you understand about "those" kinds of days!!! Sending hugs.

[some_of_us_are_sane]

6. You are a wise man

Gratitude soothes many ills.

As Mr. Rogers said- whenever overcome with fear and distress after a catastrophe, "Look for the helpers."