Continuing storm

There was no power for most of yesterday and without being able to charge my phone, I was unable to write a blog. We'd been without power for 20 hours by the time it returned yesterday afternoon, only for it to be taken out again during the night. We were lulled into a false sense of security yesterday afternoon, with lessening winds and even a little sunshine. However, during the night the storm returned with a vengeance, blowing with even more intensity than Monday's wind and from a different direction, as we were told it would do. 

It seems much of the country has been affected by this storm with more flooding in many of the regions. Internet is also out so I don't know exactly how others are faring. Various pictures I saw yesterday didn't look too good.

We have been able to syphon fresh water from the tank, we have gas for cooking so are coping reasonably well here and even have some power on my phone to write this. I will post when the power is restored. 

We took Riccardo home yesterday and even though we didn't have him this morning, we still battled the elements for a morning beach-walk. The wind and rains were lashing, but there was an incentive - scallops. These get washed up on the beach after easterly storms. They are worth checking for, though no signs of them this morning. Possibly a tide too early, or the fact the wind is now coming from the south-west. We will have to check again later in the day.

It was interesting yesterday without my phone. I received quite a few messages from friends down country enquiring to our wellbeing before the phone went flat. We were busy during the afternoon returning Riccardo, then visiting Genevieve and Willow and by the time we returned, the power was on again. I anxiously grabbed my phone to check messages etc. I realise I have an addiction to it because the anticipation of using it again was just like my sugar addiction. One gets an initial high, then nothing. I will have to restrict its usage in future and stop playing the games I'm currently playing. Perhaps my time would be better spent dusting. Speaking of which. I see a layer there now.

It is now several hours later. Power was restored about mid-day. It seems some parts of the country have been severely affected by Gabrielle, and included amongst the carnage is a missing firefighter while another is seriously injured in hospital. I think every New Zealander would be feeling for this man’s family and all the other firefighters and lines’ repairers out there as well as all those affected by this storm. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those still experiencing Gabrielle’s wrath. May you all, and your homes, keep safe.