Saturday, September 13, 2008

Quiet Celebration

We're off to a quiet place to sing happy birthday to each other and mark 17 years of marriage. No more adventures planned, just a peaceful getaway amidst the storm.

Speaking of storms, I anxiously watched Hurricane Ike crashing ashore in Galveston last night, and woke up to the images of a battered southeast Texas this morning. To my Houston family and friends, I've been thinking of you and wishing for your safe passage through the tempest.

Coincidentally, this week marks the anniversary of the storm that John and I rode out on September 11, 1992, on the island of Kauai. Rita Bennington, John, an old pit bull, an Australian Shepherd (beloved Aggipah of blessed memory), a cat and me spent six hours in a hallway and then bathroom drinking Fuzzy Navels and pretending we were not afraid for our lives. The aftermath of the storm brought days during which there was little or no communication intra-island, and no means whatsoever to communicate with anyone off the island. I have personally witnessed the devastation wrought by Mother Nature's fury, and would not willingly put myself in harm's way again. I have my own version, but this is what Wikipedia says about Hurricane Iniki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Iniki

There are also photos that paint the picture of destruction at the website below. We were in Princeville: http://www.hawaiimovietour.com/iniki2.htm

This week's brightest moment? The words of my son.

9 comments:

Lenore and Scott said...

Hi Elyse,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! It is today, right??? You know I get it confused. I know you will have many, many, many more birthdays, celebrations and occassions of joys in the years to come. Enjoy each day (as you seem to be attempting to do).
I too have been thinking about the Houstonians. If you talk to Liz and Neil I hope they are safe. Burton too!
I'm glad I had the pleasure and priviledge of visiting you and John on Kuai before Iniki. I know the hurricane was a life altering experience for you, but definitely holds some VERY fond memories.
Have a wonderful weekend. Continue to enjoy your friends and loved ones and have a damn good HAPPY, HAPPY birthday!!!
Love,
L&S

Anonymous said...

Dear Elyse:

Just wanted to say hi. Been traveling to teach a bunch. In the past 6 weeks have taught in San Diego, Oneida NY, and Menominee County WI. All interesting and different places. I have an ugly trial coming up with Barry this week and then leave to teach in Louisiana. I'm planning to eat well and drink a bunch of hurricanes.

I'm glad to see that you are continuing to write. It is a great exercise of the soul. I enjoy your sharing it.

You stay in my thoughts.

Joe Rosen

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Elyse! Wishing you only good and wonderful things in the year ahead. oxoxox Howard

Anonymous said...

Sending you happy birthday thoughts and hoping that you are in a lovely spot. Have been in NY this week and have been hard at work behind the scenes on the Obama/McCain Presidential Forum on Service this 9/11. Remind me to tell you a funny story about my Obama encounter. At least the election is providing substantive diversionary drama for all of us.

Thinking of you very often. And will hope for a visit soon. Love, Michelle N.

Anonymous said...

Elyse,
Brent is every bit as much of a one of a kind as you are and truly his mother’s son! I know that you gain strength & satisfaction from his very being. I am looking forward to giving you a birthday hug soon. Until then , here’s a virtual hug.
Susan

Steve Beagle said...

Happy Happy Birthday young beautiful lady and fellow virgo Ali aka Elyse.. Wishing you many many many more.. Enjoy your time away..

Some Imponderables for your b-day...

If the number 2 pencil is still the most popular - why is it still number 2?

If nothing sticks to Teflon how does it stick to the pan?

If a pig loses his voice - is it disgruntled?

What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Just before someone gets nervous, do they have cocoons in their stomach?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables - what is baby oil made from?

If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do all the rest have to drown too?

Where do forest rangers go to get away from it all?

Why do kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

After they make styrofoam, what do they ship it in?

Say goodnight Steve == goodnight Steve

elise said...

Elyse - I so vividly remember yours and John's wedding in that wonderful idyllic Camp Barney spot. It is a wonderful memory for me and Bob.

Hope you enjoyed your celebration -many more to come.

Elise

Anonymous said...

I am sure you experienced Serenbe in a much different light then the first time you were there. I hope it was as enjoyable!
Marsha

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Elyse. I hope you and your family are well. I think of you often. Hope to see you soon. Take care.

Andrew