Nashville, TN., 11:01 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Now that we have been rolled out of bed by this morning's storms, I might as well get the last of the troops up and get this day started, but first, I figured I would write in here.  So here goes nothing ...

No damage here that I can see, but the power is out (or was before our generators kicked in, so at least we have backup until the regular power comes back on).  Guess we'll have to make do that way.

Bill is up; he's been up for several hours now.  Hopefully he called the electric company to altert them of the power outage.  I'm sure he is hurting.

We are both off from work today.  I am off today and tomorrow; meanwhile, Bill goes in tomorrow at 10 AM; he works 'til 6:00 PM and works all this weekend at Wal*Mart.  Today we'll be taking care of the kids still at home, as well as our granddaughter, Bella, who is visiting us from Oklahoma, along with her parents, Anh Kim (our oldest son) and his wife, our daughter-in-law, Thu.  Anh continues to recuperate from his injuries sustained during last month's tornado outbreak in Oklahoma.  Anh was injured by flying glass and debris.  He still faces at least another month or two of recovery time.  I'm just grateful that it wasn't a lot worse than it already was!

We heard from Ronee' last night.  She and her husband, Michael, are doing very well.  Both are working hard: Ronee' works as a receoptionist at a doctor's office here in town; meanwhile, her husband works as a contractor for a local construction company.  Ronee' 's pregnancy is progressing very well.  She definitely looks pregnant and it is exciting to think about the twin baby boys she is carrying inside of her!  She has informed me that she and Michael are thinking of naming their children Dean Isaiah and Dylan Micah.  Beautiful names!

Both have settled well in their new house here; they live a few miles away, which is a lot closer than they were when they were living in Louisiana, going to college!  We also see them every Sunday at church; it is wonderful having Michael and Ronee' back home! They both look great!

Johnathon is thinking of moving back home to Tennessee.  He said that the last round of severe weather really scared him.  He has been very depressed because of the deaths of the three storm chasers, who were killed during the El Reno (Oklahoma) tornado.  When I asked him about his schooling, he said he could take the same courses here in Tennessee, at Vanderbuilt.  I told Johnny that they have bad storms here; his answer, in his own words, was, "Well, yes, but they have basements, and besides, you have that saferoom inside of your basement.  Double protection.  I'd feel so much safter being here with you."

So it looks like Johnny and Rebekka (and newborn baby daughters-to-be) will be moving back home with us.  *Sigh!*

I feel so bad for Johnny.  He knew Tim and Paul Samaras; he had met them on a chase when he was 15 years old, and he had been friends with them on Facebook.  I just wish I knew what to say to him to bring comfort, but to tell you the honest to God truth, I don't.

Well, Bill wants me to help with Jodie and Todd, so I will go.  I will write in here again soon; until then, take care and God bless! 

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May.  :)