Hurricane Ike sends the WINDS to Cincy

All I can say is, "WHAT A MESS" the week has been. Last Sunday, just about Bengals game time, the WINDS began...as high as 75mph winds swept through the area....relentless from about 1:00pm until 6:00pm. Branches down, trees down, power lines down, tiles blown off rooftops, and even garage doors caved in. Over 1.2 million local customers were without power, which included nearly everyone we knew including ourselves. The Governor declared Ohio a disaster. The schools were closed for days, hospitals had to survive on back-up generators, and power crews came up from North Carolina to assist. To put it positively, the high temps were in the mid 70's and low's in the 50's, we had a lot of family time, no damage to the house, and a lot of sleep (in bed by 8:45...what else do you do in total darkness!)! The negatives included loosing at least 70% of our cold foods, no hot water meant showering at the YMCA, the yard work was endless, and lots of PB&J!HAHA! Our power went out Sunday at 1:00pm and returned Wednesday at 5:35pm. Others had it worse...my Dad's was out until Thursday night and my Mom until Sat. night. And still there are people without power today! "WHAT A MESS!"

Ella & William collecting big sticks!

Big tree branch across neighbors garage...another one across the back of the house.

Clean up time!

Ella & William sitting on a tree that fell in Mom's backyard

This is the scene of down trees and branches everywhere you look!

Eating by candlelight!

Fridge and Freezer cleaned out...hoping the coolers will save some of the food!