More Video on the Flood

Click here for an overall view of the Nashville flooding, set to Johnny Cash, of course.

Click here to see an fly-over of where I was staying during the flooding. When you here "River Plantation," that's where we were!

Home From the Flood

On Sunday, May 2, it became very clear that I was not going to make the airport when all five "exit routes" from Bellevue were submerged in several feet of rushing water. The previous posts of pictures and videos show what surrounded my friend's condo where I was staying.

Now, being home since Monday evening, I can still not get the images out of my mind. And when I hear the news from the Internet and friends that people drowned in their cars and homes, it just makes me sick. I was so near some of the worst of it.

Bryan and I have many, many friends who have lost their homes . . . hello, their HOMES, including their possessions and cars. It is unreal. And several of those had no flood insurance because Nashville just isn't a place that floods!

If you feel compelled at all, please consider donating to the clean-up efforts. The Red Cross is taking donations, as well as other organizations and ministries.

Below are pics and videos I took just before I left on Monday when the water

from the Harpeth was starting to recede a bit, and a few shots of the Harpeth from the airplane (this is outside of the Davidson County area because I couldn't use my camera until we had completely gotten in "the air"). However, at that time the Cumberland had not crested and was still rising significantly in the downtown and Donelson areas.

Where Have I Been?

Oh, the places I've been since my last post. Mostly, in my office trying to dig out of postponed work. :-) Thankfully, I'm close to recovered!

We also had many fun occurrences in the last two weeks--a welcome sight given the events of last month.

First, my good friend Mary came for a visit. We had a lovely time chatting, "lunching," and hitting nearly every Fort Worth museum. She's my art enthusiast friend--and a talented artist herself. Come back soon, Mary!

Second, the D6 Conference landed in Frisco. It was great working, attending, and catching up with old RHP friends. I can't wait until next year!

Third, we made a trip to Nashville--one of our favorite places on earth! It was so nice to be around my sister and her family sans hospitals and "administration mode." We watched Kristen play her last two regular season volleyball games (Go Cane Ridge!); and dined with both Kristen and Kullen at California Pizza Kitchen. All I can say--yummy. Of course, meeting Isaac was a highlight! He is so cute, even if he has a rather interesting reaction to my holding him. (You had to be there.) And as always, we so enjoyed visiting with old friends. Nothing tops it.

I should post pics, but, alas, I didn't take any! Who's surprised????

Music City Weekend

Our traveling spurt continues; last weekend we were in Nashville (or NashVegas, as I affectionately call it) to visit family and friends. Although it was a whirlwind of a trip, we enjoyed every minute of it! 

We stayed Friday night through Monday with Tina, Brad, Kristen, and Kullen. They are doing great! Tina has added special touches to their new house, making it feel more and more like the Williams' abode. Brad is, of course, still busy with his job--watch out, Nashville criminals! Kristen is turning into a young lady, complete with iPod attached to the hip, um, ear. (I so remember those days, except I was plastered to a tape player listening to Mariah Carey's first "album.") She's doing so well in school and counting the days until the driver's permit. Kullen is cute as a button, and has a recent straight-A report card to brag about.

Throughout the weekend, we saw many friends. It was wonderful to be with dear pals again. However, we were taken aback by how many of them had new little ones around! Does this mean we're getting older???

In the fall, we hope to return to Music City, hopefully for more than a handful of days. But until then, we will enjoy the great memories made!

Nashville

Last weekend we enjoyed a few fun, relaxing days in Nashville. Actually, those days were more like a whirlwind than relaxing, but fun nonetheless. From a Thursday to a Sunday we stayed with the sis and family. Brad is busy being the "badge." Tina has her hands full with the kids' schedules and little Tyler. Kristen celebrated her 14th birthday (can you even believe it!). Kullen is as cute as ever; however, he suffered a loss while we were there. Minnie, his lizard of several years, went on to be with the Lord, so to speak. Bryan and I both agreed the graveside service was touching. Poor Minnie; poor Kullen.

Vanderbilt and Randall House were also on our "to-see" lists. It was great to visit with old work friends, catching up on improvements, new additions, and office gossip.

Of course, we ate many meals with many friends. Leaving the BNA airport, we again thanked God for His blessings of family and good friends--the good memories we've acquired over the years in middle Tennessee. The only regret? I didn't bring my camera. Rats.