Waterwheel

Inside water, a waterwheel turns.

A star circles with the moon.

We live in the night ocean

wondering, What are these lights?

You have said what you are.

I am what I am.

Your actions in my head.  My head here in my hands,

with something circling inside.

I have no name for something that circles so perfectly.

Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks 

There is a kind of waterwheel churning out in the Gulf now.  This one happens to be named Alex and it's creating some havoc not only for the area that will be directly hit but for those who are trying desperately to help with the oil spewing forth.  I hope that it doesn't affect the travel of those trying to get to the International AA convention in San Antonio. 

It's hurricane season which to us here in the southern US means that we start paying attention when tropical waves start forming off Africa.  I don't like hurricane season.  I don't like the forecasts that this will be a bad year for hurricanes.  

Yet, there is nothing that I can do but be aware and make sure that I have all supplies needed in case one starts heading for this part of the coast.  That means that I make sure the generator is in good order and that I have enough fuel on hand. 

Thankfully, we haven't had a major hurricane since Hugo hit in 1989.   We stayed during Hugo and were lucky.  I would probably opt to stay again, but I don't think that C. would.  But with the increased population in this area, evacuation becomes highly problematic.  I heard horror stories of people who tried to evacuate before Floyd hit and were trapped for many hours on the highway during the storm.  I would rather be at this house with its bricks and mortar than in a van filled with dogs and cats sitting in the heat on the interstate.  

But I'm not worrying about what may happen.  I've taken action to prepare.  I am thankful that a storm isn't heading this way.  And I would rather that there wouldn't be one at all.  But having the last 20 days with temperatures above 90 F indicates something unusual is going on.  Luckily, things are supposed to cool down to the upper 80's for the holiday weekend.  

We do have some holiday plans that include going out on the boat, watching some fireworks, attending a party at the marina, and helping clean up the litter left behind at the island where we anchor after July 4.  Last year, the party goers left 2000 lbs. of trash that we picked up.  Most of that was beer cans.  The press ran a bunch of stories about the littering and it got the attention of the mayor and other officials. So hopefully, there will be some marine patrol folks out there to make sure that if you bring it in, you pack it out.  

And if you are on your way to San Antonio, be safe.  I know that I am looking forward to hearing what you have to share about the experience, strength and hope of so many recovering alcoholics in one place.