This was all out of kindness, and much appreciated (tho I did not take anyone up on their offers). At least, it was appreciated AT FIRST. But by about Day Five it started to get. . . tiresome! I said to a couple of my friends that I was beginning to understand what it must be like for people with nasty diseases. Cancer, say. Well meaning friends ask "How are you doing?" in just THAT tone. And after a while telling the same tale -- "I'm good! Hanging in there! Soldiering on! Thanks for asking!" -- becomes wearisome.

What is it they say about the Road to Hell. . . . ?

Something that annoys me whenever we have a storm or other event that affects many people is the insertion of religion into circumstances. Yesterday, I had a conversation with a customer in the store where I work. We compared notes. We'd both been without power for a few days but had no other damage to our homes, cars, or other property. We agreed that we felt bad for those in shore areas who suffered more damage than we did. But this woman had to insert the comment, "I guess we're just blessed!" which ruined the whole conversation.

No, blessing had nothing to do with it. The reason my house didn't flood or wash away is that I live on a mountain and not a beach. God didn't buy a house there, I did! If I'm blessed because of that, what does that make those whose house were damaged? Are they cursed? Was it the wrath of God that destroyed their homes? Can't anything just be the fault of the weather and individual circumstances rather than having religion inserted into everything?