Happy Birthday Sean

I can recall the day he was born like it was yesterday - or at least last week. The details are clear and bright - how could it have been 26 years ago??? He will go out with friends and his sister tonight - what? he doesn't want to spend his birthday with Mom and Dad???? He stopped by the house this afternoon, and I gave him his birthday presents - mainly clothes (which he asked for) and season one of Deadliest Catch - he loved it. Tomorrow night he will have dinner with us - not sure whether we will go out or have dinner at home - he said either was ok, and he'd love chili if we stay home. I think I'll see how the day goes before I make a decision.

The storm is finally over - now people are dealing with the aftermath, and it's not pretty. Thousands along the coast are still without electricity and phone service, as well as major damage to homes and businesses. Major flooding has put many areas under water. Most roads to the coast are not passable at this point. Hwy 26 not only has hundreds of trees down, but today a gigantic sinkhole developed just west of the tunnel. It will be some time before that road is open to traffic. Vernonia is all but destroyed - flooding everywhere. It is beginning to recede, but will be a long time before homes are habitable again, businesses are open, and the kids are able to go back to school. So very sad.

The hwy between Portland and Seattle - I-5 is totally under water near Chehalis/Centralia. An entire new shopping complex is under water. It will be several days before the road is passable again. There is a loss of four million dollars a day, every day that the road is not open. Not sure exactly how that is calculated, but I'll take their work for that.

I finally heard from Ayn today - the only cell reception available was in Warrenton - so they drove there to try and call. It seemed that the only place Ayn could get reception was in the middle of the road! It was an interesting call as she jumped in and out of the road dodging oncoming traffic from both directions! The good news - they are OK, and so is their house!!! Their neighbors are all ok also - such good news. They still have no electricty or phone service - and probably won't for a while. The conversation was difficult and short, so I will have to find out the details when they are able to return. They were not sure if they would try to make the trip tomorrow - which could be very arduous, or maybe wait until Thursday or Friday. I'm just glad that they are ok, and the house is still standing strong.