Hurricane Generator
Aug 28th, 2008 by Nola
Today was ostensibly spent researching and seeking a generator. But today was much, much more. Today was the day I felt more like a New Orleanian than I have in a really long time. And it had very little do to with the amazing muffaletta I ate at Just Italy with Warrior Engineer. No, it had to do with seeking the advise and comfort of my elders: my uncle, my former boss and my neighbors.
1. My uncle. This man is a New Orleans original. He has little idea how much I love and adore him. I seek his counsel on all things seafood, carpentry and hurricanes. And today we talked over and over about the right generator for me. And he did it happily and sagely. His final advise: Buy one and keep it in the box until you lose electricity. If you don’t lose it and you decide you want a different generator for whatever reason, sell it. Being still in the box will bring you more money. See? Sage. And he interrupted his time at the casino to impart this advise to me. I told him he’d earned his good luck tonight. Thanks, Uncle Mernie, and do break the casino’s bank!
2. My former boss from the hardware store. As a last resort on pinning down a generator, I called my first boss ever, E, the owner of the hardware store I worked in as a teenager. Seemed obvious enough and I am not sure why it took so long for the thought to occur to me. But I was immediately put at ease with what he told me about the generator he had to offer me. I knew he wasn’t just trying to sell me something–he’d never forsake a friendship for a sale. And my uncle supported his recommendation. A warm bath of ease washed over me. After hours of twisting and turning and deciding and undeciding, the decision was a simple and obvious one. Thanks, E.
3. My neighbors. Three of the four neighbors immediately surrounding my house are older; two are in their eighties. The fourth is a single mom about my age with a four year old son. We all talked today, us five neighbors, and we each are currently waiting-and-seeing and staying until and unless serious danger seems imminent. We offered them to come to us if we all stayed and they wanted the benefit of our generator. The one other of the five of us with a generator made the same offer. We will take care of each other. And even if we evacuate, we won’t leave anyone behind.
And so that germ of a dream to live high on the hog during a storm has really propagated into something far more. It has reinstilled what New Orleans is all about: The people; the community; the watchfulness we have for each other. Who knew that THIS is what my generator would, in fact, generate?
Stumble it!
yes, indeed, we need to focus more on building neighborhood and community than getting on I-10 and running away.
YatPundit’s last blog post..Politicizing NASA as a scare tactic
Maybe that was the worst thing the Katrina floods took from us. The “bring it on, we’re ready” attitude in the face of approaching storms, buttressed by family and friends who were in the same boat as us.
Despite what the ignorant may say, this never meant we were stupid. Just measured in our response. We did leave when we needed to. But now, we need to calm down and prepare to stay and provide stewardship to what’s ours, until it’s time to do otherwise.
Pontchartrain Pete’s last blog post..One K A Day, Day 21: Signs
I think that’s wonderful what the generator generated.
I’m taking my kids and dog to my sister’s house in Jackson, but I’m doing it so my daughter gets to see her favorite person ever (my sister) for her birthday. My sis was coming here, but it’s weird asking someone to come visit when a storm is possible. So, we’re taking the party there. As soon as I can, we’re coming back. We’ve got things to do here!
Sarabeth’s last blog post..Review: Green Works by Clorox Dishwashing Liquid
You would not believe how many people have called to tell me they’re coming to Austin to stay with me. Which is all fine, but . . . I have to ask if there are dogs. No dogs, I’m sorry, we totally don’t even have a yard. And we can only fit so many people, so now I’m starting a list.
However, I hope you and yours don’t even need the generator. And hey, just so you know, Pearl River had running water not long after Katrina because apparently a bunch of good ole boys got the water tower up and functional. Go knock on my momma’s door.
Sharon’s last blog post..Thank you, Mr. Scanner
Heading out in the AM. Will make it a long weekend to visit the in-laws if nothing else. Hubby staying around to hold down the fort unless it gets ugly. Good luck to you whatever you choose to do.
mybayouvieux’s last blog post..Take my political challenge
I’ll most definitely be watching the storm’s progress and keeping you and NO in my thoughts.
It’s about community, you’re right. And I am comforted in your resolve to stay. I don’t think it’s cavalier.
Keep us up to date.
Ed (zoesdad)’s last blog post..I Got Tagged (Part 1)
As long as you pinky swear you will leave if “danger seems imminent” then I suggest you do what my Grandparents (in Savannah) do when the hurricanes come…..have a cocktail & watch the rain while reading a good book.
Daisy Duke’s last blog post..Deja Vu
I’m watching the storm, and you and all of NOLA are in my thoughts!
Maria’s last blog post..Say it with me now - “Homophobic”. And now - “Stereotypical”. Or maybe just “Ignorant.”
I think it’s great the way you and your neighbors have come together. There is strength in numbers even if it is just psychological strength. However, I hope for you , Gustav does not come to pass!
I still get shivers when I hear all the humm about storms coming in.
Stay safe, and stay in touch!
Xbox4NappyRash’s last blog post..A man’s work is never done
I was pleasantly surprised at how all our neighbors did the same after Opal, and since. I hope the storm bypasses you all. Stay safe, and stay dry.
Tara R.’s last blog post..I got nothing…
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