Baton Rouge before the storm

I needed to drop off some quilts to a CFAL member in Baton Rouge for an upcoming show. We knew that Hurricane Delta would be coming ashore on Friday and we had plans to be in Jackson, MS. So we combined the two plans and hit the road running: drop off quilts in BR, then beat it to Jackson. 

We were to spend the night and go to the Mississippi Museum of Art. Then race back to Evergreen ahead of the storm. Baton Rouge happened. Jackson did not. 

We felt that we needed to be home to prepare for the storm and make sure family members were safe. 

While we were in the BR Garden District, we couldn't help noticing the beautiful homes, the ancient oaks, and the pleasant atmosphere. 

I had to have pictures to share with you, so Rich drove slowly and put up with me. (He really is a doll.)

We didn't even attempt to drive around and look, I simply took pictures as we navigated our way to Downtown BR. There is a sculpture on the levee that I wanted to experience for the first time with Richard. 

Experience is the correct word here, because you do more than just look at the sculpture. We had fun looking at things, and ourselves, from the sculpture's perspective. But there's more.

The Visit Baton Rouge website states, "most impressive is its ability to interact with the surroundings. Appropriately named Sing The River, the sculpture is connected to sensors in the mighty Mississippi River and plays music that corresponds with the rise and fall of the water." 

 

We talked about bringing the great-grandies to see the sculpture and go to the children's museum. I think they have been already, but at two and three, they would have fun again. 

Our little outing was entirely "on-the-fly" since we decided as we were driving into BR that we would not go on to Jackson. We didn't even touch the suitcases and electronics packed in the backseat until we returned home. No matter, we enjoyed each other's company and did much more than this. But this post is long enough already, so that will wait for another day. Thanks for visiting! Leave comments, you know I love it when you do!

Sunday Quilt Inspiration: Laura Aftermath

Thank you, everyone who has been asking about how we handled the storm. Our family is safe. That's all that matters. Friends have lost bits and pieces of their things, but it's just stuff, they are safe. Those we know who live in or near Lake Charles all evacuated in time, with one exception. A young doctor stayed behind to care for patients in the hospital who were too sick to move. What a hero!

Everyone lost power. But slowly, the power is coming back on, and not a moment too soon. It is HOT in Louisiana in August! Yesterday and today the temps got up to the high 90s with heat advisories because the heat index is easily over 108 degrees. 

  

I can't imagine how these linemen are working in this heat. Just being outside in shorts and a tee-shirt is difficult. They have to wear all manner of protective gear, heavy climbing boots, hardhats and thick rubber/leather gloves. Heroes. Every one.

The destruction that Hurricane Laura left behind on the Louisiana coastline is shocking. Coming ashore as a Cat 4, with a water surge of 15 feet, it was a horribly devastating hurricane with a death count of 16. 

 There are no quilts tonight. One reason is that without internet, I haven't been pinning, but the real reason is that it just doesn't feel appropriate. People are hurting--physically, emotionally, psychologically. Let's give them a little more time to heal. What you can do to help is to give to the American Red Cross and to pray for a quick, safe recovery while we watch four additional systems, three of which are expected to come into the Gulf. 

All images from Google images unless otherwise noted.