1. Can you believe we're rolling into the Labor Day weekend? What's a project you'll labor over this fall?
It wasn’t planned, but we will be laboring trying to get our lives back in order after Hurricane Harvey leaves. We have been fortunate. Harvey did not hit us head on like some of the models showed. He is just off our coast right now reforming, so he may come back here to visit again.
Our river, which is about one quarter mile from here, is over flood stage. God is good. It looks like we will make it through okay.
2. Tell us about the best perks you ever had in a job?
Way back when my family had a Western Auto Store and a rental company, we got company cars, a house, free babysitting, lots of free food, medical insurance (with no deductible obstetrics because Papa wanted grandbabies) and more.
3. August 31st is National South Carolina Day. Have you ever been to SC? Any desire to go? According to Southern Living, these are the top ten things to do in South Carolina...
Explore Charleston, bike, golf or relax on Hilton Head Island, see the beach and the boardwalk at Myrtle Beach, visit the state museum in the capital city Columbia, observe the wildlife and natural beauty of the Ace Basin, take a walk or hop on a trolley and check out Greenville's charming main street, visit Fort Sumter where the Civil War began, stroll through Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden in Bishopville leaving time to check out The Button Museum, also in Bishopville, see Morgan Island (also known as Monkey Island)-home to nearly 4000 Rhesus monkeys.
Which is most appealing to you today? If you're a SC native, resident, or frequent visitor what would you add to the list?
I was born in Georgia, but moved to South Carolina when I was eight. I lived there until we moved out here to the Texas Gulf Coast back in 2004.
I think everyone needs to visit the World Famous Jockey Lot in Anderson, South Carolina at least once. Also, historic Abbeville, which is known as the birthplace and deathbed of the Confederacy.
Charleston is a must-see.
4. Beef, pork, country-style, barbecued, baby back, spare or short...your favorite kind of rib? What's a dish you enjoy that really 'sticks to your ribs'?
Turkey and dressing, Fried Chicken, Fried Green Tomatoes, Macaroni Pie, Pecan Pie, Fried Okra, Deviled Eggs, Tomato Sandwiches, all are great.
But, if you want something really good, slow roast a pork roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and garlic.
5. What's one important skill you think every person should have? Why?
Personal finance, like balancing a checkbook. We once worked for a man with over ten million dollars who had no idea how much he had in his checking account. One day he had a question about his account so he handed me his statement. I asked him about numerous charges on the statement. He was paying about $200 per month in off the wall monthly charges.
Personal finance should be taught in high school, things like the true cost of credit, saving, compound interest, etc. It is too easy to just charge it and not know where the money went. We are trying to teach these skills in our free How To Manage Your Monkey course. If we can help just one family avoid the suffering and hardship we have endured, it will be worth it.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
Hurricane Harvey is now a tropical storm. We still need your prayers. Some reports say it is the worst storm to ever hit the US. Others say it is ONE of the worst storms to ever hit the US. Either way, it is pretty bad.
Walmart let us down. They ran out of water in most stores. Supposedly they have the best logistics system in the world. Hurricane season happens every year. How can they NOT know to plan for this?
People wonder why most of us on the Gulf Coast do not evacuate. The main reasons are the roads are so bad here in Texas that it is more dangerous to go than it is to stay. And, where do you go when many of the places inland are still in the cone of probability? Where do you go when you don’t have to money to go? How do you leave when most gas stations along the evacuation routes run out of gas?
When the chips are down, Texas steps up to the challenge. Neighbors help neighbors. People who don’t even know one another help each other. Yes, there are a few bad apples out there who loot and create havoc. But, in Texas looters can be shot on sight.
We will be back. We are a self-sufficient group of people. Walmart let us down but, we are still here. We would love your prayers. God heard our prayers and stopped the river from getting to our house. He placed His hand of protection over our town. Yes, we have a black eye.
While other parts of the country have tornado warnings, wind advisories, flash flood warnings, etc., we have all those right now along with Alligator Warnings.
On the plus side, we always wanted to have a waterfront home. We do now. Keep us in your prayers.
Please be advised that all the information in this course is provided to educate, enlighten, and broaden your views in life. The information provided is not a substitute for medical, legal, dietary, financial/accounting, or religious professionals. Always consult a professional before you act on any of the information you find in this course.
Please be sure to consult your attorney, accountant, and/or other professionals with any specific questions. There is no one right answer to any business question that will cover all circumstances.
The Jockey Lot is great and there you go making me hungry again!
ReplyDeleteLove you.
Oh yeah, and did I mention all the great food you can buy at the Jockey Lot. You should try some boiled peanuts and real kettle corn.
DeletePraying for Texas! The news is devastating and the recovery will be long. So glad to hear that you escaped the worst of the storm.
ReplyDeleteThank you. God blessed us. Have a great day.
DeleteI haven't been to the Jockey Lot and now I'm curious. So glad you've remained safe and dry.
ReplyDeleteIf you have never been to the Jockey Lot, you need to go. It is an experience just being there. Charter buses come in all the time. Dry... not so much, but we are safe. Have a great week.
DeleteHappy to hear that you've made it through the worst of the storm, and hoping that this next phase is not as severe. The photos and news coverage we're seeing of it up here in Minnesota is unbelievable! Stories of rescues - of people and animals - are heartwarming. Your stick-to-your-ribs sounds delicious. My mom used to make pot roast just like that on Sundays. Some of the best and most filling meals.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by. It will be awhile before anyone around here can have meals like that. The stores are running out of food and many roads are impassible right now. We are okay, we stocked up on peanut butter and other things that could be eaten without cooking just in case there was a power outage. Have a great week.
DeletePrayers for Texas here in New Hampshire too! One of our local restaurateurs has a charitable arm to his company and so they have started an effort called NH Helping Houston. So thankful that you and Suzanne have personally escaped the worst of the devastation.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the prayers and kind words. It is going to take awhile for the area to recover. Houston is hit pretty hard, but down closer to Corpus Christi, towns like Rockport, Port Aransas and Aransas Pass are wiped out, as we understand it.
DeleteI am your neighbor in North Louisiana and can agree with why more people do not evacuate - there is simply no where to go for many and no money for the costs incurred in doing so. My son was a hospital administrator in New Orleans East when Katrina hit. God worked a miracle and helped him get all his patients, workers and their families to safety on Wednesday night. So I can certainly identify with the victims and their families. Enjoyed visiting with you today.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and commenting. Many people who don't live on the Gulf Coast don't understand the way it is. If everyone here were to try to evacuate at one time, the roads would be clogged to the point that millions would be on the road when the storm hit. That would be worse than sheltering in place.
DeleteWe need a government that is more proactive. They need to widen all the evacuation routes and provide emergency gas rations to evacuees. The cost to go is amazing and if one can find a place to stay it is expensive. Shelters can be dangerous.
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.
Hope the rains keep away as they have been!
ReplyDeleteSo far, we are still dry. However, this is what our town, Wharton, Texas, looked like yesterday morning. It is higher now.
DeleteI am so thankful for you that your and your family are safe. And I really appreciate everything you pointed out about leaving. I have wondered and wondered why didn't people leave when they heard the weather forecast? Thanks for giving such logical reasons there.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and commenting. I am glad we were able to help. Most of the people around here have been through this countless times and know from experience that sheltering in place is the best option. Right now we have no food in the town and our grocery stores are partly underwater. God is in this.
DeleteI have never been to South Carolina, but it sounds nice. I am praying you stay safe.
ReplyDeleteSouth Carolina is a wonderful place. And, it isn't under water right now.
DeleteYour fellow Texans have conducted themselves in a manner that reflects great credit upon themselves. I hope that you do not suffer damage from the storm or the subsequent flooding. Prayers are continuing for a rapid recovery and a return to normalcy. May our good Lord watch over and protect you fine folks in the Lone Star State.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Texas is like a whole different world. Everyone is helping one another like it is all in a day's work. Emergency management has been great, law enforcement has been great, as well. Our town is flooded. We are fine, though. Have a great week.
DeleteSo happy to hear that you are safe. My prayers are with everyone.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Have a great weekend.
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