Words: batten [MW]
Main Entry: batten
Function: noun
Etymology: alteration of Middle English batent, bataunt finished board, from Middle French batant, from present participle of battre
1 a British : a piece of lumber used especially for flooring b : a thin narrow strip of lumber used especially to seal or reinforce a joint
2 : a strip, bar, or support resembling or used similarly to a batten
(see also bat, batter)
posted by Twerpette @ 4:20 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Dodged a bullet this time, didn't we?
Here's to Houston--really the best prepared city for this type of disaster in the country. And we've learned how to do better next time.
You are so right when you observed that the decision to evacuate is one that is made in community with those you care about, and is not a individualistic decision.
Now for a 'rita!
I say that the bullet dodged us!
That communal decision carries all kinds of extra conditions: Waiting for Uncle George to finish smoking his cigarette, the teenager *beginning* to pack (for 45 minutes) only after you've all loaded the car and announced, "OK, we're leaving!" ...
Steve - for us in West Houston, the return home was shorter than yours! We did attempt to evac on Thursday AM around 11. It was too late to avoid the gridlock at that time. So, when we realized that we had accomplished a mere .1 M in 20 minutes (I could have walked from my house to as far as I got!!), and heard the announcement that I-10 was closed in Seguin, we turned around and returned to our Battened down house and Hunkered to wait Rita out. The miraculous turn of that storm's path, and that she likely hit some cooler gulf water which slowed her down allowed many of us to stay home, listen to the gusts of wind, and wonder what the re-entry will be like for our comrades who did brave the gridlock. We are truly blessed in this city. I have no doubt. Glad you did well. We didn't even lose power over here on the West side!
Thanks for your story. I'm in west Houston too; I just went a few miles farther west in order to not face the worst of it alone. Molley appreciated that! My hosts kept power but mine was out for 14 hours.
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