<VV> Hurricane Frances

[Ewell Mills]

Hope this isn't the calm before another storm (Ivan), but thought some might
be interested.
Since the storm was predicted to hit us head on in this area I evacuated,
along with all of my family to south Georgia (Valdosta), on Thursday before
the storm, and returned on Tuesday after the storm. (Took 12 hours to go 250
miles).  My home received minimal damage, and I feel so blessed since there
are so many in this area that were totally wiped out.  I have not had
electricity for over a week, since the fuse on my transformer tripped and
since it only affects two houses we are understandably on the bottom of the
priority list to have power restored.  My neighbor does have power so I am
able to survive with a few extensions cords run between our houses.  I have my
freezer unplugged temporally to be able to run the computer for awhile.  Since
I live approximately 15 miles from the coast, I did not receive nearly the
destruction that so many did, especially along the coast.  What was the
saddest of all was that due to so much damage to all of the electrical grids,
all of the super markets also lost power, and lost all perishable foods.  They
have had to haul tons and tons of food to the dump.  Although shipments are
coming in daily, and things are improving what to me was the saddest part was
the inability of so many to buy even milk for the babies and children.  Gas is
still in short supply also, with almost all of the stations closed and long
lines to get gas for cars and generators for those lucky enough to have one
and a home  to use it.
Literally thousands of power trucks and tree people have descended on the
state to help, and for that we are thankful.  The Red Cross and other support
organizations are doing the best they can to feed the multitudes, and supply
them with water and ice.  It's tough, but we will survive.  Makes one really
thankful for the abundance that we have in normal times, and reminds us what
it must be like to live in some third world counties that live with
practically nothing on a daily basis.  Please pray for those that were hit so
hard, and still have a long way to go.

Cecil Mills
Cocoa, Fl.