Greetings from the island everyone. Hope all of you are doing well and enjoyed your Columbus Day Monday.
Thank you Lord! As I sit at the kitchen table Sunday morning, the rain just keeps on falling from the heavens. Nearly three inches so far and I hope it keeps up all day like this. I’m not thrilled with the repeated lightning strikes, especially those that cause Barnacle and me to flinch when they hit so close, but as long as they keep their distance I’ll take them with the precious rain.
With every inch of rain, about 100 gallons empties into my rain tanks behind the house, by way of a gutter system around the entire roof. When full, the 1,100 gallons in the tanks will supply my inside water and last me several months with conservative use. But just as important as filling the tanks, the abundant rain also replenishes the underground water supply for my well. The bottom line is I must have some form of fresh water supply to make it on this barrier island. Again, thank you Lord!
Well, Fall began three weeks ago and the early mornings sure do feel like the season. The evenings of taking outside showers are quickly coming to an end, as the underground well water is becoming a bit too cold for this big body. The inside shower and propane water heater will start seeing some regular use now.
The early morning outside porch coffee times are so enjoyable right now. The cool crisp feel in the air, seeing the steam from the hot black coffee rising from the mug, watching the seagulls and pelicans soar overhead and of course the cackling of the chickens as they hunt for bugs and begin their task of egg laying. October is a nice weather month on the island. A few flounder are just beginning to inhabit the shorelines, and the redfish and sand trout are usually in abundance to catch and enjoy as a fresh meal.
I’ll begin stocking up on supplies in preparedness of the coming winter months, as there will be many times that the strong north winds and low tides will prohibit me from making the four mile trek across the bay for needed items. This is when a propane deep freezer is worth its unusual high price on the island, but it’s a must for full time residency.
Well, the hermit island guy happily opened my doors and island abode this past Saturday for a wonderful cause. I played host to an organization called Snowdrop Foundation, benefiting cancer patients from Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston. A group of five patients and staff – Amber, Jalane, Samantha, Candis and Mital, along with seven additional supporters, including Kimberly and Doug Bennett, both of whom spearhead the project, enjoyed the island for the day. We all spent time on the beach and then stuffed ourselves on Clint’s gourmet cheese dip, grilled hot dogs and veggie burgers and topped it off with homemade coconut ice cream. This is a wonderful organization that twice yearly treats the cancer patients to opportunities of great enjoyment. This will certainly not be my last time to be involved with such a great cause. And a big thank you to fellow islander Burt Metzler for use of his Suburban that day.
Well, that’s it from the island for now, everyone take care and enjoy your October.
Patients And Staff Of Texas Childrens Hospital Enjoyed A Saturday Outing At Clint’s Island Home. Pictured L to R are Amber, Jalane, Samantha, Candis and Mital.
