ishte: Icon given by OTW for paid membership (Default)
ishte ([personal profile] ishte) wrote2008-09-16 09:08 am
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Well, for those of you who are unaware, Ike came to Ohio Sunday afternoon, and pushed along at a pretty good clip by a cold front, we had Ike "Remnants" at Category 1 hurricane force winds in some areas. Our maximum wind speed in Dayton I think they say was clocked at 69 mph. further south it was in the high seventies I think Lebanon had 78 at one time.

Anyway, power is out for huge numbers of people. Myself included since Sunday evening. I'm posting this from work, so I'll have to try to keep it brief. For the moment we're doing fine. Most of our service sector in Fairborn is up and running, so we're faring better than some areas. Most of our outages are residential. (edit: and most residential is out) Unfortunately, that means that much of our damage is small fry back in the neighborhoods. So we're pretty low on the totem pole for repairs.

Restoration of Health and Safety have top priority obviously. A lot of people are annoyed, but they are ignorant to want THEIR power back when our hospitals have no power, and half the traffic lights in the region are out. Obviously area health care facilities will be restored first, then traffic signals etc, and then they will start working on neighborhoods. They say that they will prioritize the residential service repairs based on what repairs will restore the largest numbers at a time, and work their way down to the small fry. We're prepared to be without power into the weekend.

I was smart enough to pick up a bag of ice IN CASE the power went out Sunday afternoon and ran it by the house. so when it did go out, it was in the freezer. Lexi was smart enough when it went out while I was almost in bed, to take it out and put it in the fridge. So most of our food has been saved. Yesterday I found two more bags.

Let me just talk about ice for a minute. I'm really appalled at the boorish behavior of some people. Seriously. What the HELL does anyone think they are going to do with 14 bags of ice? I'll tell you what they do with 14 bags of ice. Instead of keeping your most important and least perishable supplies cool (medicines, smoked lunch meat, etc.) you are just loading your fridge with 8 bags of ice (which will last about two days before you need more) realizing that you have no room for anything else, leaving 6 out to melt, and meanwhile depriving the person in line behind you from the ability to save ANYTHING because you were too selfish to consider your neighbor, or to consider tomorrow. (edit: please note that two bags was more than sufficient to keep our fridge cool enough) (Same thing with you guys with three quarters of a tank of gas and nowhere to go except to buy ice who went and topped off your tanks and closed the only gas station in town so that the guy with a sick kid and a big red E couldn't get gas for an emergency. You people were asked not to do it, begged not to do it, and you did it anyway. Thank goodness I don't live in your town with you and your SUV.)

Okay anyway, so now that I'm done ranting about that. We're all okay here. There is miraculously power at both my jobs, so I'm able to work, and not loosing any money on this deal. A large tree fell in my back yard. Thanks to DP&L hiring a cheaper company to trim the trees, which meant that untrained non-English speaking (and probably illegal) Mexicans hacked on the ash tree in my back yard in spring, failed to notice the very poor health of the tree, failed to cut it down, weakened it further and half of it fell in the yard Sunday. It was lying on a cable attached to the house which I initially thought was the power cable but thankfully it was not. Then I thought it was the phone line, which didn't particularly disturb me because I don't have a phone, so no big rush there, other than I didn't want it to tear up the corner of my house.

Late Sunday, my neighbor told me his wife's nephew (I think) had a wood burning stove and would be glad to come over and chop up the tree. I told Larry, that would be great, and that he'd be welcome to that wood. So all day yesterday, they were working in the back yard cutting on that three. He says he will probably get a couple cords of wood out of it. He took one truckload yesterday of cut ash wood logs. (they are not leaving the county btw. We have ash bore quarantine here. They'll come back today and work on it some more.

Turns out the cable the tree was lying on was the internet cable... Time Warner came out and cut the cable yesterday and that's why they were able to start working on the tree safely. Unfortunately what that means for us is that we will have no internet either... obviously not until the power is on. Time Warner says that they won't even be looking at replacing that line until after the power is restored. So I'll be scarce until then.

Better stop now. Should try to do some work today. I actually have some for a change. I'll try to answer emails here and there as I can to let you know we're safe and well. We will probably spend a lot of time doing crochet. That's what we did last night. All the candles in one room.

[identity profile] evil-little-dog.livejournal.com 2008-09-16 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Well...glad to hear you're okay. How's your Mom? Does she have power? Mine is out in Seattle, enjoying the weather there.

Crocheting by candlelight...how domestic. *grin*

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-16 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Mom's power was restored this morning. I'm still out. We're at Panera right now. Leaving in a little while. I don't see you yet.

[identity profile] evil-little-dog.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
I'z heeeeeere!

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-16 07:15 pm (UTC)(link)
James had said chunks of Ohio were without power, including your area. So I really wasn't surprised to see your blog outlining the fact, plus I could feel you...so I knew you and Lexi were at least in one piece.

I AM, however, appalled that such a civilized part of the country would have people behaving so selfishly.

I'm thinking for this winter I should re-learn how to knit.

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-16 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Ee ... tha'ts a good idea. ^_^ elxi and I havce enjoyed doing more crochet during the colder months. it's something we can do together. So we go to knitting circle on Friday then go get something to eat.

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-16 11:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Thinking of something simple....like a big wrap of some kind. I'll have to get needles, yarn....how to book....course I could look online for the how to part. It was YEARS ago when I knitted, and I cannot remember a durn thing on how I managed to do it.

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm going to Crochet this. http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/donisfuff/croshawl.html

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
OOOH that's going to be so pretty! What colors are you using?

I got my two things of Purple yarn today (as if I'd use any other color) and there was a 'Taught Myself Knitting' kit hanging nearby...comes complete with 2 pairs of knitting needles - size 6 an d8. A knit tally, cable stitch needle, stitch holder, tapestry yarn needles, cabone rings, point protectors, knit gauge AND a how too book. All for $11. What a deal!!!!

Noticed there was a large manual knitting machine on display...but I felt that was kind of like cheating. So I didn't get it.

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 11:27 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't know yet. I haven't even really considered what color to make it just yet. I have too many other projects in the works, but I think a nice varigated yarn might look pretty.

Good deal on that yarn. We buy little skeins of Caron acrylic yarn from wally world for $2.13 each. It's much softer than the Red Heart usually, and nicer quality, easier to work with. Sounds like you got a good deal though.

I want a round knitting machine. one that goes in a circle. Want one bad.

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 11:38 pm (UTC)(link)
OH OH OH! I know where to get one of those round knitting machines. It looks like a manual one....you wouldn't mind a manual one would you?

I love it when I actually get a good deal on something. *happy dance happy dance*

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 12:19 am (UTC)(link)
I have the kind that is like a ring that you pull the thread over with a little hook. I particularly want the kind with a crank on the side that you turn..

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 12:27 am (UTC)(link)
Oh ....hmmmm.....well let me take a look around. There's some craft stores in the KC area.

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
Okies. ^_^ Sounds good to me.

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
Michaels. Hobby Lobby. Lets see...there's a Michael's up in Lees Summit.

Location of Michael's stores in Ohio

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
Any of these close to you?

892 N Lexington Springmill Rd
Mansfield OH 44906-1117
(419) 747-1900

8111 Springboro Pike
Miamisburg OH 45342-3703
(937) 291-3759


5555 Youngstown Warren Rd, Ste 975
Niles OH 44446-4804
(330) 505-1168

4622 Talmadge Rd
Toledo OH 43623-3007
(419) 475-4296


5255 Airport Hwy
Toledo OH 43615-6800
(419) 389-0012

1830 Hilliard Rome Rd
Hilliard OH 43026-7565
(614) 876-6294


3862 Paxton Ave
Cincinnati OH 45209-2399
(513) 871-3170


2500 N Fairfield Rd
Beavercreek OH 45431-1781
(937) 431-8940


Re: Location of Michael's stores in Ohio

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 01:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Yah, Miamisburg and Beavercreek aren't too far. The others are all pretty far away. We shop at Michael's occasionally, but usually for our needs we find Wal-Mart to be more affordable. We can get that Caron Yarn there, and it's very nice compared to most acryllic yarns. We buy our specialty yarns like wool and cashmere from a local shop called Yarnique.

Re: Location of Michael's stores in Ohio

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 01:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Michael's will have that knitting machine you're looking for. AND it's a very nice looking one at that. Not one of those cheesy kid versions.

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-16 11:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Hey do any of you back there know a gal by the name of Julieanne aka Dragon Mama or Beans? She is well-known in the Browncoat community there, too.

A friend of hers out in California is nearly frantic with worry over the no power. Julieanne has a potentially life threatening illness, and Angela isn't sure if there's a support system in place.

IF any of the group knows this gal....would you ask if they'd check in on her!? Just to make sure she's alright.

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 02:03 pm (UTC)(link)
I have never heard of her. However, do let your friend know that there is definitely a support system in place here. Most people are doing fine, just biding their time until power is restored. There are places people can go to recharge oxygen systems, cell phones, and so on. Shelters available, and neighbors are really coming together to help each other. I note my neighbors spending all afternoon cutting on that tree in my yard. Granted he gets half a winters heating fuel for the work, but I'm seeing this pattern repeated all over the place.

(Despite my rant about people hogging and hoarding ice and not leaving any for the people in line behind them.) Because Ohio has been declared a state disaster, that also frees up more help. So we'll also have ice aid and even more medical aid and so on. There are shelters available for those who need it, but though some are coming for hot meals, most people aren't staying the night.)

Several of us have food stored at work today. Obviously Cassanos or Otha did not have to allow us to do that, but it was allowed, and I don't see Cassano's telling Otha that she has to tell her employees to take their food home to rot. At the very least not until our stock comes in. Otha lives in my neighborhood, so her power is out too. Even if she gets told, I don't see her enforcing it. We just have our stuff stored in boxes our stock came in.

So, let her know that things are probably fine. If someone can supply me with an address, I would be glad to go and check on her if she's in the Dayton area. You can e-mail it. I work all day, and while Lexi is in school, I'll probably got to Panera with my compy where I'll have wifi too.
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[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 11:29 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm glad to hear that you guys are doing ok over there. We were thinking about you earlier today wondering how things were going.
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[identity profile] edward-elric.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 10:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Ee! must be nice. Unfortunately, we've seen very clearly who is and is not getting top priority. A couple of days ago WHIO mentioned that Oakwood had top priority. Now granted they were in a state with something like 50 downed power lines, however, the way they backpedaled on that right away, it's very clear how other people took it. However as more and more communities are coming back on line it becomes increasingly clear exactly what their priorities are. Restore the affluent neighborhoods first. Leave the poor for last. they don't need power, they're just poor people... I"m trying to be patient, but when we see the order of operations, it does get a little annoying. We're prepared to be out until the end of the weekend though. Probably will go to Mom's if we're still out at the end of the work day on Friday.

Thank you very much for thinking of us today while you were at the grocery.

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 08:06 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll ask Angela if she has an exact address....apparently the gal just recently moved to that area. Cousin Ange sometimes doesn't pay close attention to things like addresses. Sort of like me and the infamous "Turn left at the white water tower" incident. (I'm STILL getting flak for that one!)

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 11:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Yah, I DEPLORE directiosn like that... My response to things like that are "and what street is that?"

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 11:36 pm (UTC)(link)
I honestly didn't know the name of the street. You know me...I tend to drive by landmarks. HOWEVER I did make a point to find out what that street was called. 75th Street.

BTW....the girls name is Julieanne Hennesley. No, Angela doesn't have an address...like I said she just moved into that area.

I know everyone back there, that we know, reads your blog. Maybe someone will know her? OH and if you find her...tell her that Angela was worried about her. That way the gal won't wig out with this stranger showing up on her doorstep.

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 12:17 am (UTC)(link)
I need to stop doing that... or Ed needs to stop playing sock puppet in my journal!


Ok... I think I need to know at the very least what is being called "into that area"... does she mean into Dayton? Into Fairborn? Into southwestern ohio? Can she narrow it down a little bit for me? Will you have Angela email me?

[identity profile] marynachaotica.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 12:19 am (UTC)(link)
*LOL* Now Ed, behave!

Okay I'll give her your email addie.

[identity profile] netta-sloan.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 07:56 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm glad to hear you got off with minimal damage and just power outages. Ugh, don't even get me started on ice and gas during storms. Our gas station here were gouging prices up to $5 a gallon and the damn storm was nowhere near my part of Florida. Shame on your city for changing the tree service...maybe an editorial in your local paper is warranted.

[identity profile] ishte.livejournal.com 2008-09-17 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Why does your name have a line through it?

Well anyway, I agree, and I may be the one to do it. I don't know i'm just glad it didn't smash down my house. Lexi was sitting in the kitchen when it fell.. I mean it smashed the apple tree pretty much in half only 15 feet away from her. She said all she heard was this loud BOOM as the entire segment of the tree just popped off that trunk... and it broke right next to the previously dmaged section... so there's no mistaking that the tree was not well, and should have been taken down... I mean, I have no knowledge and can tell that there's been a HUGE tear in that tree for many years, just right next to where that limb stuck out.

One of our local traffic guys got real bent out of shape on the air on Monday about people not knowing how to use a four way stop at an out traffic light, and how some people were just breezing trhough at 40 miles per hour. "YOU IDIOTS!" he said very loudly. "YOU ARE GOING TO KILL SOMEONE!" and then he apologised and said he didn't usually allow himself to get 'excited' on the air but... It was funny, but it was also true.