Hurricane Isaac

This was Monday while we were preparing for Hurricane Isaac, at that point we knew it was going to be a Category 1 but we were not sure yet where it would make landfall.  We have a gigantic ancient oak right next to this room of windows so we went ahead and boarded up just in case we lost a branch. All along, this storm was going to be more of a water issue than a wind issue.  The surge was estimated to be 8 to 12 feet in Ocean Springs and our house sits at 15 feet so we were hopeful that estimations were correct or overestimations.

On Tuesday, the day Isaac was going to make landfall.  It was projected to make direct landfall west of us however it was such a huge storm and such a slow storm that it was definitely going to cause a lot of water surge.  We took the kids down to the beach.  Normally, the beach goes past that grassy spot you see in the distance.  We were at the beach for about 20 minutes and by the time we left the water had made it all the way past the sidewalk.  That is all due to surge since it didn't even start raining until hours and hours later.

Picture of front beach before the storm but at the start of the surge.  Eventually the water got so high that it flooded Front Beach Road and Washington Avenue had about 3 or 4 feet of water.

Stephen had to stay at the hospital for a couple of days so the kids and I headed to higher ground at Grandpa Steve's house.  He only lives minutes from us but is at higher elevation, has great hurricane protection and has a whole house generator for when the power goes out.  We had good food and felt much safer.  The dogs were troopers during the storm and didn't fuss a bit.  Sadie was a big baby like always and loved having Grandpa wrap her in a towel and snuggle her after going outside.

Isaac Schmisaac.

This is Grandpa's backyard.  That huge tree fell on top of his fence and his beautiful palm tree.  Lucky the fence caught it though or his neighbor would have a smooshed house.

On Wednesay afternoon we returned home and found this tree had fallen on our dog fence.  How lucky was that? No damage to our house and no water !

This is what we rolled up to when we drove up to our neighborhood.  These are my across the street neighbors, partying it up, like always.  Love Lovers Lane!!!

Our kids joined in on the fun as soon as we got home.  Skim boarding, kayaking and just good soaking wet fun.  This is a view of the Lemon's field next to my house.  Thankfully, it collects all the water.  Their was even two big mullet fish in there because it wasn't rain water, it was water from the back bay that got pushed inward.  Crazy.

Go away Isaac...although they are loving all the time off of school.  This is basically the south's snow days.

Joanna and I having a grand ole time during Isaac. 

These are pictures on Thursday morning.  I took all these pictures for those of you who have been to my house so you could see landmarks you remember.  This is the lot behind my backyard.  Over by my fire pit.  In a lot of the pictures you will see the line of debris-that was the highest point the water got.  

Amelia checking out the field today and how far the water came up.  

This is the "beach" in the back of my house that we usually play at.  It was a good 30 feet further into the shore than it is normally.  Usually from this direction there is a dock sticking up but it is totally submerged.

This is looking the other way from our beach, toward the Ocean Springs bridge.  We can usually walk out to that pier in the distance at low tide.  It was super deep now.

The debris line with my house in the background.  It really never even got close to our house-we were so blessed considering how much water surge Ocean Springs got.  

More mess.

Dad, this is Ms. Betty's dock.  Or it was...

This is my friend Julie's dock and property.  Usually none of this is under water.  Both of these neighbors are on Lover's Lane just two houses down from me.  

Our house, high and dry this time.  Thank you God for keeping us all safe.

This is Highway 90-Hard Rock Casino on the left with the Beau Rivage further up on the left.  Our house is just over the Ocean Springs bridge over Biloxi back bay from this picture.   

This is the pier we have all played in if you have come to visit.  It is on Front Beach right across from the playground.  Unbelievable...

This is going over the little bridge on the way to Grandpa's house.  This is right across from Gulf Hills country club.  It's called Mikey's on the Bayou.  

This is Hwy 90 again by the casinos.  This is right where we would turn to go to the Kroc Center for those of you who have been there with us.  Right by the Grand Casino.

Another picture of Hard Rock.  As you can see, considering the surge level, we were spared all the damage at our house.  We are feeling very relieved and thankful that Isaac did not get stronger but we are praying for recovery and peace for those that Isaac did affect.  Thanks for all of your prayers and concerns.