Checking in from Louisiana and the aftermath of Hurricane Laura

[Solly Mack]

I'm OK. Miserably hot. 24 hours later and still no power. Very minor damage to home and hearth. A few small tree limbs on the ground. Have a separate hot-spot for occasions such as this and for travel. Battery running low on laptop. Phone has gone on 3 rides to get a charge-up. Not much damage on my end of the Parish. Aside from the Parish-wide power outage.

But the damage elsewhere in the Parish is surprisingly major.

A young girl died when a tree crashed into her bedroom. Six deaths total statewide. All but two from falling trees.

Trees down, power line poles snapped in two, roofs gone, sides of buildings and homes collapsed, debris everywhere. Roads closed. Minor flooding.

I was online until about 3 AM Thursday morning and had to let the dogs out. Quick trip because the wind became worse. The wind was already blowing stuff around but then the actual storm was upon us and it got scary.

Howling winds with the unknown flying about everywhere until about 6 AM. Lights flickering constantly and then went out at 5 AM.

Tried to sleep and actually managed a couple of hours.

We went to check on a few people - older, disabled vets. That's when we saw how bad it was in the Parish seat. Bad. Very bad.

We are not a coastal Parish. However, not far from Lake Charles, which got hit hard. Far worse than we did.

This wasn't my first hurricane but it has been the most miserable.

We're alive. House intact. Animals safe. I'm grateful.

Still, no power sucks. I really need coffee. Really, truly need coffee.

Nothing opened, of course. No word on when power might be restored.

Thanks for listening!

Solly

[Sherman A1]

1. Glad to hear that you are okay

It was some storm.

[Solly Mack]

3. It was! I heard the "train" sound and almost wet myself. A tornado was the last thing we needed.

Thanks!

It's already 90 degrees.

[Sherman A1]

5. Stay as cool as you can

I know it sucks to be without power in the heat.

[gademocrat7]

2. Thanks for the update, Solly.

Take care.

[Solly Mack]

4. You're welcome, gademocrat7

I'm sweating like a pig but I'm a live pig.

[SheltieLover]

6. Thx for update, Solly!

Glad you are ok & hope power is back on soon! 🤞

[Solly Mack]

7. I hope so, too! Thanks!

[SheltieLover]

19. YW! 👍

Healibg vibes to you & all sufferibg effects of Laura! Heavy rain & flooding forecast here today, but nothing like what you & many others are living through. Stay safe!

[BeckyDem]

8. I hope you get repairs asap.

Stay safe.

[Solly Mack]

10. Thank you, BeckyDem.

I went out earlier to catch a breeze that never came but the stars were magnificent.

[BeckyDem]

16. Its good to look up!

Especially these days.

[samnsara]

9. how scary for you and the dogs! Glad you are safe for now..

[Solly Mack]

12. They were happy to get into their kennels. I wanted to crawl in there with them.

Thanks, samnsara!

[fleur-de-lisa]

11. I heard that Cleco and Entergy crews were deployed

to the affected parishes yesterday to help restore power, as well as crews from other states. Hopefully they will get to you soon. I know how much it sucks to be without power in this heat.

I’m so glad you, your friends, family, and pets are safe!

Sending good vibes from New Orleans!

[Solly Mack]

13. Thank you, fleur-de-lisa. Yes! Power companies all over the place and they have already

restored power to around 300K homes. Hopefully today will be our day. They are dealing with a lot of damage though. Still, they have been incredibly busy and quick.

[a kennedy]

14. OMGAWD Solly.......so happy no real bad damage......

Hope ya get the power back on soon... I would die in that oppressive heat, ugh. Keeping fingers crossed for you and yours.

[Solly Mack]

17. The heat and lack of coffee - totally blows.

Thanks, a kennedy!

[brer cat]

15. I'm so glad you are safe, Solly.

I hope you get power soon and relief from the heat.

[Solly Mack]

18. Thanks, brer cat!

Sun is coming up so I'll be able to put the candles and flashlights away for a little while. Hopefully...with any luck...won't need them again tonight.

[duhneece]

21. You are in my heart

We have family in Coushatta and Shreveport so have been following the news with so much worry. You and your critters being safe (if anyone can be safe without coffee!) means so much for me to be grateful for. I love our DU family.

[Solly Mack]

25. Thank you, duhneece

[GreenPartyVoter]

20. Glad you are safe! Maybe make cowboy coffee?

[Solly Mack]

26. I just got a cup.Two actually. Hubby is an "essential" government employee and he went to his office

and brought me back coffee. Yes!

They have a generator. Lucky stiffs.

Thanks!

[BumRushDaShow]

22. Glad you were able to ride it out okay

There was apparently at least one tornado down there that might have been what helped to cause that chemical plant fire at West Lake.

It seems that Laura was more a wind machine like Cat 5 Hurricane Michael (where at landfall, Michael had sustained 160+ mph winds and Laura had sustained 150 mph winds) -



than a rain maker (like the Cat 4 Harvey of 2017 that had such a long duration of slow-motion movement and multiple landfalls, causing catastrophic and otherwise extreme flooding all over the Gulf coast from TX through to FL).



From what I understand, the storm entered and tore through what was a wildlife preserve and had it come in about 15 miles on either side, it would have really been horrible.

[Solly Mack]

27. Thanks, BumRushDaShow

That's what the news was saying just before the power went out. How much of a wind storm it was turning out to be.

[BumRushDaShow]

32. I believe they also were thankful that it didn't produce the levels of storm surge

that were forecast (upwards of 20 ft), although it did still produce some surge from 9 - 13 ft, which is bad enough, especially going across flat land, although the wetlands took that brunt.

[Solly Mack]

38. I am ever so glad it wasn't as bad as expected.

This city floods with ease.

[peacebuzzard]

23. thanks for checking in with field report, many on this site worried about you folks there.

I wonder what the "cowboy coffee" is the post above refers to?
I hope you are able to get some coffee...
glad to hear you are ok, power is sacred right now. we are thinking of you,
take care, stay safe, thanks for the check-in, let us know how it goes.

[Solly Mack]

29. Thanks, peacebuzzard

My husband brought me a couple of cups from his office a few minutes ago. I'm enjoying them both at the same time.

[bdamomma]

24. oh Solly

glad you are well, what an experience. Hurricanes are bad. Again glad you are okay. Stay safe.

Poor Louisiana, my first visit there was in 2015, loved it.

[Solly Mack]

31. Thanks, bdamomma

It was an experience and continues to be.

[Kitchari]

28. Hope your power comes back asap

Thanks for the firsthand account. Sending good vibes.

[Solly Mack]

33. Just heard a September 3rd date for the power.

Massive power outage all over the state.

Husband just came from his office with news and coffee. They have a generator.

Thanks, Kitchari.

[Kitchari]

37. Sept 3 - what a travail

At least there is coffee

[mitch96]

30. Having survived a few hurricanes, the lack of power is the worst.

I don't know how people survived down here with out A/C....... I had a "post hurricane" room set up in the house. A wall (not window) A/C unit, microwave, toaster oven and a small fridge.. I had a 6000watt generator outside and a thru the wall electrical outlet that went to the room On the inside I had a fat extension chord with four plugs.. I could charge the batteries and run the a/c.
It worked in a pinch and was not too expensive to set up. If you can afford a whole house natural gas/propane set up would be the way to go in the future... I don't think these hurricanes are going away no time soon. YMMV
m

[Solly Mack]

35. We are considering buying a generator now. :)

We have a well on the property as well as the set-up for propane already. We just use power for cooking. We can use propane as well. New stove and all that.

Thanks!

[mitch96]

44. Man that's perfect. A gas generator is the way to go.

Some Generac units have auto start when the power goes out it turns the generator on. You need a transfer case to do that. Another expense. If you can last that long they are usually less expensive in the winter time..
Also if you are thinking of selling your property in the future it is a good selling point.
The only bad thing about gas is if the gas line is near a tree. If the tree gets blown down it could rip out the gas line and your f**ked..
m

[csziggy]

132. I just put in a Generac for my house

It's a big unit, enough to carry everything in the house, maybe not all at once, 23k. We buried a tank for the propane since we're rural with no gas lines near. Propane tank was about $2000. Generator was about $6500, with another $1800 for transfer switches (had to put in two switches since with the addition we have two electrical boxes. I'm not sure how much it was for the electrician - that was part of the cost of the addition and I haven't been billed for that yet.

My husband and I went through a bunch of storms here, especially in the last few years. We got hit directly by Hurricane Hermine, a strong tropical storm the next year, Hurricane Michael did nearly as much damage as Hermine, though the eye was a hundred miles to the west of us. We are just too old to deal with the outages. We were lucky that friends took care of us during the recent storms, lent us generators, and set everything up, but I don't want to rely on the kindness of friends too much.

We actually missed Michael - we'd booked a cruise and left a day early to get ahead of the storm bands. The morning we got on the ship the power went out here (my husband had an app on his phone to check). When the ship got back four days later, the power was still out, but by the time we had lunch with my sister in Tampa, it was back on. If the power had not been restored, we would have stayed in Tampa an extra night.

After Hermine when most of Tallahassee had no power and coffee was no where to be found, I bought a box of caffeine tablets. They are still in my emergency pack just in case.

[Solly Mack]

134. Thanks for the info. Helped a lot.

Gives me a better idea of what to expect. I'll start my research once power is back and I have solid internet service again. I'll call around here as well. Very rural village.

[csziggy]

142. There are other brands cheaper than Generac

Problem is, the main other brand (I forget the name) is only sold by a company that was supposed to do the electric on the addition. But they were booked up when the time came. The electricians that did the work won't do business with the other company since they poached a bunch of electricians from them.

One advantage is that the Generac dealer lives in the subdivision behind us. If we have a problem, they are close for emergency consultation.

Something I did not anticipate is how noisy the thing is when it runs. If it is set to Auto it comes on once a week for self testing and to circulate the oil. We also signed a maintenance agreement - the company will come out twice a year, check the oil levels and make sure everything is OK.

The model we got has WiFi and I loaded the app on my phone and can check it and see every event it reports. I am having a problem with the app in that my account keeps getting screwed up. I've got to have some time to call in and see if we can figure out what is wrong. But I only need the app to change the self test times and check the reports - the unit will run just fine without me checking.

[Solly Mack]

144. My house can run either propane or electricity for

cooking and we have an existing propane setup.

Everything went electric with the remodel. Old farmhouse. We have a well. Capped but still good. We had it checked. Setup to house still exists. On city water now.

Bought the house almost two years ago. Even with the remodel we are making modifications to suit us. Probably best to get something installed now with all the extras bejng done.

Thanks, again!

[essme]

139. So glad you guys are OK- We don't have a generator

it's really not worth it in the middle of NC, but I have bought a solar powered cell phone charger. It works great- 12 bucks at Amazon. I think it would work for a hot spot too.

We also put in solar lights in the yard, so when the power goes out, we go out and put them up our staircase. To cook on, I bought a sterno fondue pot. We also have a crank radio.

You can make coffee in an old tin percolator that sits on the fondue pot stand It's really good, and I like to watch the coffee perk up in the little glass thing on top.

I guess the worst in NC is when the power goes out because of a winter storm. So damned hard to get WARM--- I hate it.

[Squinch]

34. Thank God you and yours are OK, but I feel for you about the power outage. I'm so sorry

for all those in the wreckage.

I read that this was the strongest storm ever when it hit land. I can't imagine.

I wish I could send you a nice big thermos of coffee the way you like it.

Hang in there and thank you for updating us.

[Solly Mack]

36. Thanks, Squinch!

I've rarely been that scared during a storm. The wind was....unreal.

Husband just brought me some coffee from his office. He went in just to get me some and get the news. They have a huge generator. Yay! me...and YAY! Hubby.

[Squinch]

39. He's a keeper! We don't realize how much we enjoy the little things until we don't!

Do keep us posted on how things progress for you. And try to take it easy for the next few days. The fear really takes a lot out of you.

[Squinch]

41. PS: I have to say, I'm a little pissed this is not getting more attention in the news.

It was a historically large storm, and it's being treated like page 2 news.

[Solly Mack]

45. It really was a bad one. Maybe people think less water damage makes the high winds a nothing story.

Still, mass destruction - and some communities were destroyed on the coast - should get some notice.

[Squinch]

47. As the pictures come out, it probably will get more attention, but I always think

news coverage equals timely response and relief.

[Solly Mack]

49. I agree. And this state needs help right now.

People are going to the hospital because the machines they use at home need electricity, so the hospitals are filling up. The sirens have been going non-stop. Only 1 hospital in this Parish plus the military hospital, which most can't go to for help.

Not good.

Also, several home fires because of idiots using grills too close to house.

[Squinch]

54. Jeez. Hang in there.

[Pacifist Patriot]

40. I'm so glad you're okay.

Your experience sounds a lot like mine with Hurricane Irma. I do hope your power comes back a lot sooner than mine did.

I hear you on the lack of coffee. It can sound silly to folks who have never had this experience, but it is often the little things that make it harder to get through the next few minutes, hours, and days, than the big things. We lost most of our screen enclosure and a couple of window panes in Hurricane Francis, but all I could think about was craving fresh produce. I'd have traded my car for a head of lettuce!

Be safe!

[Solly Mack]

42. Thanks, Pacifist Patriot

Yes! The little things that make the big things bearable. Husband just brought me coffee from his office. They have a generator.

So, for now - I have coffee. I'm thrilled.

Husband said the news was September 3rd on power restoration for our area.

[Pacifist Patriot]

78. Oh my!

We went 11 days after Irma. We were inexplicably one of the last three houses restored in our neighborhood and last twenty-five in the county. My office, which is 1.5 miles away - probably half a mile as the crow flies, had power restored within a day and my parents (who live mercifully live nearby and had evacuated to SC) had power within three. My sister lives in my neighborhood and didn't get power back until two days before me, so we essentially moved into our parent's house for over a week. My parents returned from evacuation with four days left for us to get power. It's a miracle my mother and I did not strangle one another. Love the woman dearly, but don't fancy living with her again. LOL!

Here's hoping they are giving you a conservative estimate so they can pleasantly surprise you and exceed your expectations.

COFFEEE!!!!

[Solly Mack]

102. Tense situations do not make for jolly family time. No matter how much I love my family.

I hope the power comes back sooner but I'm not afraid to look like something the cat dragged in...as long as no one sees me.

[Alacritous Crier]

43. Thanks for the update...

stay safe!

[Solly Mack]

46. Thanks, Alacritous Crier

Gonna try.

[Joinfortmill]

48. Prayed for you and your neighbors.

[Solly Mack]

52. Thank you, Joinfortmill

[Lonestarblue]

50. Wish I could send you some coffee!

Glad you’re ok. I have friends who live in a remote area who bought a generator because of storms. They’ve never been sorry. Take care. Hope your power is back soon.

[Solly Mack]

53. Thanks, Lonestarblue

Got coffee. Husband brought me some from his office. They have a generator. Yes!

[AirmensMom]

51. So glad you're safe.

I don't miss hurricanes. My last one was Wilma. It's a relief that you and your house and animals are all safe. It's sobering how much we rely on power, but you'll get through it. I hope you get things restored quickly.

[Solly Mack]

55. Thanks, AirmensMom

I wouldn't miss them either. Alas...bought a house here, so. lol

[AirmensMom]

63. We did that too.

We were in South FL for 12 years. Wilma did it for us. Like you, house, animals, and family were safe. We were without electricity for quite a while (I want to say weeks but can't remember), and there were no generators to be found. Neighbors wouldn't share b/c their kids needed TV, so we ended up having to fire up the grill and cook everything that was in danger of spoiling. We fed it to all those same neighbors who otherwise didn't know we existed.

Now we're in TN, so we don't have hurricanes but we have ignorant assholes everywhere. I guess it's not a whole lot worse than FL in that regard. They would have let us plug in a freezer for a few hours here, though.

Keep us updated.

[lunasun]

56. Sorry you are miserable and no coffee around but glad you are ok

Six deaths total statewide. All but two from falling trees.
Thanks for taking the time and giving us a small capture of what’s going on .

[Solly Mack]

66. I'll be OK. Grumpy, but OK.

Got coffee. Husband brought me some back from his office. "Essential" employee, so has a generator.

People way worse off than I am. Hopefully, help is on the way.

[mountain grammy]

57. Glad you're ok.

Hopefully power will be restored soon. Looked like Katrina coming on shore. Thank goodness it wasn’t. Very scary

[Solly Mack]

69. Thanks, mountain grammy

Very.

[MuseRider]

58. I am so happy to see that

you are OK. Thank you for letting us all know.

[Solly Mack]

70. Hey Muse! Thanks.

Sweaty and grumpy but OK.

[Alliepoo]

59. I'm glad that you and yours are OK!

I’m also glad that your super nice hubby got you some coffee. That’s a necessity in my book. Hoping you get your power back sooner and can find some relief from that heat. I love heat but I’m thinking what you have is misery. Stay safe!! Sending cooling off vibes!

[Solly Mack]

71. Thanks, Alliepoo

I almost wish it would rain to cool things off. Almost.

[drray23]

60. glad you are ok.

for coffee, you could get a french press. heat water on a propane stove / camping stove / grill burner. like you, I need coffee every morning so we have that french press we use when power is out.

[onetexan]

65. Ditto on the french press. Very glad you're OK Solly, & your property did not sustain much damage.

Former New Orleanian here. I had my oldest sister & her family stay w/ me during Katrina so i empathize with you. Stay safe & God bless

[Solly Mack]

75. Thanks, onetexan

I'll be honest - houseguests are the last thing I would want right now. Family I could almost tolerate.

Might even be better if I did have family with me. I could put on a happy face for them...helping me as well.

This too shall pass and all that. Still...lol

[Solly Mack]

74. I have a french press.

No camping stove or otherwise.

Thanks!

[malaise]

61. Glad you're OK

Sorry it's so bad and hope power returns soon and everyone who survived recovers.
As another DUer posted yesterday the aftermath is often worse than the horror of the hurricane.

[Solly Mack]

79. Hey, malaise.

It is. People lose family members and their homes, jobs...everything.

The light of day only brings that home.

[malaise]

83. I just have a feeling that one of Nana or Omar

will be heading our way

[Solly Mack]

100. Hush. :)

[DarthDem]

62. Glad You're Okay!

Thanks for the well-written update. I hope your power comes back on very soon!

[Solly Mack]

80. Thank you, DarthDem

We've been told this AM that it will be September 3rd for power. Maybe sooner but definitely by then.

Or so they say. lol

[babylonsister]

64. Thank you for the update and

I am so glad you're safe! Amazingly, this hurricane and news of it has virtually disappeared from the airwaves I frequent. I hope help is heading your way.

RE: coffee, do you have a gas grill? We've fired ours up after we lost power and have made hobo coffee; heat water in any ole pot, put a filter and coffee on your coffee pot, and pour the water in. Works in a pinch.
I hear help is on the way...

https://www.transmissionhub.com/articles/2020/08/utilities-work-on-restoring-power-following-hurricane-laura.html
Utilities work on restoring power following Hurricane Laura

Edit to add: Velshi on msnbc covering the extensive damage now.

[Solly Mack]

81. Thanks, babylonsister

I got some coffee. Husband brought me some from his office. He'll be using their generator to keep me happy. lol

I've seen photos of the cities below me and they need help badly.



I know this area will recover but the getting there is another thing.

[smirkymonkey]

67. Take care, Solly Mack!

Glad to hear you and the puppers made it through unharmed. I hope your power is restored soon, the heat must be miserable!

[Solly Mack]

82. And kittens. I've nursed two now. One from birth and one from 2 weeks old.

One is hitting a year next month and the other is 4 months old. They did better than the dogs. Calmer.

Thanks, smirkymonkey.



I know they say women glow but I'm sweating like all get out.

[ancianita]

68. Wishing you AC and your life back soon, Solly Mack.

Thank you for the update. I've been through about five, having been raised in S. Florida, and I feel you about the post-hurricane heat.

You seem in good spirits, so I hope for a future steady flow of caffeine to help you keep it going.

[Solly Mack]

86. Thanks, ancianita. This one has been the worst one to date for me.

But I'll be fine. I'm alive. My house made it through and my hubby loves me enough to bring me coffee from his office.

[Roy Rolling]

72. We're Sending Help

Glad you’re okay, New Orleans and all of Louisiana is sending help. Checking on your less-able neighbors is a good start, you have the Louisiana spirit that can’t be denied.

If only our GOP political lemmings had a moral compass...

[Solly Mack]

87. Thanks, Roy Rolling. A lot of people have already arrived. 16,000 power workers for a start.

People are setting up food stations for hot meals. A lot going on.

The GOP doesn't care....but the republican voters will still be in those lines getting help. Which is good. People need help then they need help. It's that simple. If only they voted that way.

[Dustlawyer]

73. No power here for me in Beaumont. I am one of the 25% here without.

Hard on 83 year old mom but she insisted on coming back with me.

House ok but neighbor not so lucky. 150 foot pine that has been leaning badly since Ike but not cut down by other neighbor came down and wiped out garage. This neighbor with the leaning pine has two more like it still up. He better cut them down now as he is on notice.

[Solly Mack]

88. Yikes! Leaning trees are not good. I hope he cuts the other pines. He's going to get someone killed.

I hope you get power soonest!

Keep us updated, please.

[sarge43]

76. Thank you for posting, Solly

So grateful you and yours are OK.

Yeah, power outages are a little slice of hell. No coffee is the downtown business section of hell.

Good vibes and thoughts that your power is back on soon. Blessings on the linemen, heroes and no capes, just dedication.

Keep us posted, please.

[Solly Mack]

91. Thanks, sarge43

Now what really sucks? We had to pay the power bill today. lololololol

It was time. They are open for cash payments. lololol

Got to laugh.

I live in the back of beyond rural. All local bills are paid at the teeny tiny townhall.

[sarge43]

106. "....pay the power bill today."

Now that's the irony cherry atop the sundae.

Well, the linemen, not a job that should be done for free.

Right, one of those burgs. Sharing the town drunk with two other burgs.

One more time, stay safe and may the power be with you ... very soon.

[volstork]

77. Glad you are OK.

Hang in there!

[Solly Mack]

92. Thanks, volstork

I'll be the grumpy one hanging in.

[volstork]

104. You are entitled

to be grumpy given the circumstances!

[Maeve]

84. Sounds terrifying--glad you're ok

Here in Ohio, we are all too familiar with tornadoes, so I have a point of reference--I'm sure the dogs were not too happy, either! Also glad you were able to check on others.

High winds have scared me ever since I got tossed by a sudden severe storm we were riding out under a tent at a festival a few years back (10x10 I was holding on to, along with many others--it broke loose and went across the parking lot; I went with it the first 6 feet or so!)

[Solly Mack]

93. Oh, my. That is scary!

I grew up with tornadoes. Hate them worse than hurricanes but it's close.

[davsand]

85. I'm glad to hear you are physically safe!

Other than getting back your electricity is there anything you need? Can the evil DUers do anything to help you at this point beyond sending our love and support?





Laura

[mfcorey1]

90. Glad you are okay! Stay safe!

[Solly Mack]

95. Thanks!

[Solly Mack]

94. Thank you, davsand. That is so sweet and thoughtful! We're good.

Fortunate in many ways and those things will help get us through this.

We'll rough it as long as we have to and help others around us.

Thank you!

[barbtries]

89. Glad you made it through mostly intact!

and sorry you have to be miserable for however long it may be. you have plenty of food and water?

[Solly Mack]

97. Thank you, barbtries. Good on water. We've lost a lot of food due to the outage but we have canned

goods, so we're good for now.

If push comes to shove we'll get some MREs from post. Husband is retired military and the army will help out if needed.

We also have bread and stuff to fill it with that won't go bad.

No way to save the food in the freezer or fridge if the power does not come on today. That's bad but we're lucky enough to be insured and they do cover lost food.

We're fortunate in many ways. I'm grateful for that.

[Hekate]

96. Thanks for letting us know how you are, Solly

Hang in there.

[Solly Mack]

98. Thanks, Hekate

[Fla Dem]

99. Glad you weathered the storm in relatively good shape.

Have seen videos of damage around the Lake Charles area and it is incredible. Biggest shocker is the Capital One building with it's windows all blown out.

With all the damage, I fear it will be a while before power is restored. Sending positive thoughts your way and for all those impacted by this massive storm.

Stay as safe as you can. My heart goes out to you.

[Solly Mack]

103. Thank you, Fla Dem

Oh, yeah! Lake Charles got it far worse than we did. Cameron even more so.

We're up the highway from Lake Charles. It's the city this town goes to for weekend fun.

September 3rd was the date given for restoration of power. That's the word the power company put out a little bit ago.

[Fla Dem]

107. Almost a week, hope it's sooner.

[Trailrider1951]

101. Solly, I'm glad you and your house are safe!

I lived in Houston for many years and endured the hurricanes and tropical storms that can come up from the gulf, along with the lack of electricity for days afterward. Of course, the apartments and most of the houses there are all electric. What saved my bacon was my camping gear. I remember one big storm in the late '90's (Allison?), I took my old 2-burner Coleman gasoline stove to work and made coffee for everyone. This:

https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Bottle-Propane-Stove-Green/dp/B0009PUR5E/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=camping+stove&qid=1598623325&sr=8-5

plus this:

https://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Enamelware-Kettle-Blue/dp/B000EJJYDG/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2REOSE8GZ2E1A&dchild=1&keywords=tea+kettle+camping&qid=1598623503&sprefix=tea+kett%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-9

plus this:

https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-640446-Pour-Over-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0000CFLCT/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1SWZ8CQHUK4C7&dchild=1&keywords=coffee+drip+filter+pour+over+camping&qid=1598623434&sprefix=coffee+drip%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-6

will give you fresh hot coffee whenever you need it. Don't forget the lighter!

https://www.amazon.com/Bic-Multipurpose-Lighters-4-Pack/dp/B00GUQWAS8/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=camp+stove+lighter&qid=1598624093&sr=8-6

[Solly Mack]

105. Thanks, Trailrider1951

We'll be making some purchases as soon as possible. Mail delivery was affected as well. And it was already slow these days.

[crickets]

108. So glad to hear you and yours are all okay!

We went through a similar experience with Michael, and once the relief of getting to daylight in one piece starts to fade, the details like heat/humidity and lack of coffee and lack of power can get very wearing very quickly. Go hubby for finding coffee! I am happy to hear that help is coming in, and that the power companies have some extra help to get things moving again. Stay safe, and hopefully power will be back soon.

[Solly Mack]

111. Thank you, crickets

It rained for a few minutes a little bit ago and now it's even hotter. I grew up with this kind of humidity in Georgia but I'm older now. Big difference.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an earlier power restoration.

I've got my sense of humor still. For now.

[jpak]

109. Glad you're OK

Hope you get power soon !

[Solly Mack]

112. Thanks! Me, too. Cold showers aren't all that great.

[jpak]

114. Cold showers in August heat might not be so bad

[mnhtnbb]

110. Glad to hear you and animals are all ok and no damage to the house!

No power really sucks. I don't do heat/humidity well any more--never really did--so I know how miserable it can be.

Hope you get some coffee from somewhere soon! Anyone have gas stove to boil water? Or even a charcoal grill? Pour the hot water through the coffee machine.

Hang in there!

[Solly Mack]

113. Grill coming tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Thanks mnhtnbb. We've been busy locating and acquiring needed items. Some luck. Meh. Oh, well.

We'll be fine. Just hot and in the dark. lol



A little humor. There's a church in town that proudly supports Trump. They have this multiple cross display that got blown upside down...inverted crosses now. The funny is...the banner over the crosses said We Support Trump. I rolled when I saw it. Inverted crosses are supposed to be Satanic or some such.

[Dreampuff]

115. There are already a lot of replies

But I couldn't stop wanting to commend you on going out to be sure that others are okay. How awesome that you also included that the animals are okay. Good luck to you and your family!

[Solly Mack]

117. I'd want someone to check on me if needed.

Help where you can in life.

Thanks!

[Mr.Bill]

116. Glad to hear you are okay.

It could be worse. You could be going through a disaster in California and the whole rest of the country would be saying "I hope the whole state falls into the ocean and they all die!"

Hope you get your power back soon.

[Solly Mack]

118. Not the whole country.

Just the assholes.

[Mr.Bill]

119. You're right, of course.

Sometimes I spend too much time monitoring RWNJ web sites.

[Solly Mack]

120. Assholes do break wind the loudest.

I try to avoid rwnj (and aren't they all?)

[Mr.Bill]

121. Yes they do.

For the next time power goes out, get something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/Coletti-Butte-Stainless-Steel-Percolator/dp/B07DBCDYD1

You can use it on a BBQ grill or even a campfire. You will be a very popular person in the neighborhood.

[Solly Mack]

122. That's pretty and functional.

Thanks!

Don't want to be too popular though. Neighbors might come over.

[Mr.Bill]

123. I live in a Senior mobile home park

so neighbors are close. When the power is out and I'm making coffee on the grill, they come. But that's okay, we're a close community and we all look out for each other. We also have a clubhouse where they have some generator power, so they make coffee there and people can charge their phones, too.

My grandson just gave us a pretty nice Honda generator because he was getting a new bigger one, so I should be real popular the next time the power goes out. I'll have TV and wifi so maybe we'll have a few neighbors over and watch a movie.

[Solly Mack]

124. That sounds pleasant. My neighbors? Not so much.

[Nevilledog]

125. I'm glad to hear you got your coffee connection established.

I'm one of those people who need it to be coherent in the morning.

Stay safe, stay caffeinated, and hope you're electrified soon!

[Solly Mack]

126. Thanks! With coffee I can move...well, move. Around.

With a smile.

[Cha]

127. Glad you're ok, Solly! The Hurricane Iniki that hit Kauai in Sept '92

was a Cat 4 & we were out of power for 3 months.

How do you get onlne without power?!

[Solly Mack]

129. Phone, at the moment. Car charger for phone.

Hotspot and laptop earlier. As long as they both have juice, I'm good to go.

Both my laptop and portable hotspot have since run out of battery life.

Just need to charge both...somewhere.

You can buy streaming/internet time for a hotspot. Cricket has one. Small, phone sized, carry with you 5g (and less) hotspot.

I can use my phone as a hotspot but find the separate one makes for easier streaming, etc.

I get wifi and streaming with it and it runs on a battery. As long as it is charged, no electricity needed.

[Cha]

137. Wow.. glad you can do that. I go crazy without the net.

When the electricity goes off here as it does occasionally my laptop goes off too.

I'll have to ask my tech guys what I can do about that if anything.

Take care.. sorry you have to go through all that

[Solly Mack]

138. Mine only goes off once the battery dies.

I was sucking out every percent I could earlier. My laptop, notebook, and tablet all have a battery life and hold a charge until they die. I usually plug them back in before that happens. Can't do that now.

Phone dies tonight I'm without until morning. Power companies and the work crews have a lot of roads blocked tonight.

Guess I could sit in the driveway to charge but we'll see.

Hot inside and out. Hate wasting gas too. The first night stations ran out of gas. I have been combining charging my phone with errands. Don't really have any tonight.

Oh, well. I'll get by.

[Heartstrings]

128. Good to hear you and your puppers are well...

Hopefully the power will be restored for your much needed coffee!

[Solly Mack]

130. Thanks, Heartstrings

With any luck. More like patience and skill. My patience and their skill.

[Beartracks]

131. Thank you for the eye witness report. Glad you are safe!

Keep an eye on your neighbors.

=======

[Solly Mack]

135. Thanks, Beartracks.

[C Moon]

133. Link to Louisiana power outage map. :O

https://poweroutage.us/area/state/louisiana

[Solly Mack]

136. I'm in the lighter red @ 60%. Means some have power

back already.

Wheeee

[onetexan]

143. Excellent! But it's a little late to have coffee now LOL

Glad you're able to at least get by and charge your phone & tech devices. AND you can have coffee tomorrow morning Stay safe Solly!

[Solly Mack]

145. I'm actually drinking coffee now.

Got hot water in 3 thermoses and using the french press.

Not great coffee but I'm enjoying it.

I'm adapting but not without the kindness of others. People have been good. Except this one price goucher.

He wanted people to pay 5 bucks a can for soda. We stopped by looking for anything we might need since the store was open. We didn't buy though.

I did report him.

Thanks, onetexan.

[C Moon]

155. Awesome!

[Grasswire2]

140. having a jar of that freeze dried coffee granules can be useful

Can mix it with cold water, too.

Or coffee nips.

Anything to fix that itch.

[Solly Mack]

147. I keep instant in the event of an emergency.

Well, it was. lol

[MustLoveBeagles]

141. Thanks for the update

I'm glad you and your dogs are okay.

[Solly Mack]

148. Kittens, too. Thanks, MLB

[BobTheSubgenius]

146. An awful time, but so good to hear you are OK!

Best wishes!

[Solly Mack]

149. Thanks, Bob!

[spanone]

150. Take good care, Solly!

[Solly Mack]

151. Hey, spanone! Thanks.

Rumor has it with the addition of workers from Georgia, we might have power by Sunday.

They arrived earlier today.

Fingers crossed.

[steve2470]

153. hope you get power ASAP, fingers crossed ! nt

[MLAA]

152. Wish I could buy you a cup of Joe

Since that’s not possible I bought you 2 cups worth of JOE


Sorry couldn’t get the image to come up, so please click link

https://imgur.com/Stlumo9

[Solly Mack]

158. Cool!

Thanks!

[mahina]

154. Thank you so much for checking in Solly Mack!

Hoping you are able to get power soon and that all of it eases for you and your community. Aloha.

[Solly Mack]

159. Thank you, mahina

[Behind the Aegis]

156. So happy you are safe!

For some reason I thought you were in TX. Be well!

[Solly Mack]

160. Hey you!

I am close to Texas.

[Demovictory9]

157. sorry you are having a bad time

[Solly Mack]

161. Thank you, Demovictory9