A day of survivors enjoying a meetup

 First an update: yesterday when I woke up I was disoriented and didn't know which bedroom I was in, John's house? Martha's? or yes, my own!

The little mini-split-air-unit which cools or heats my bedroom went on frequently last night...it got down to the 30s. Tonight there's a frost forecast, so I plan to bring inside the few plants that I just can still water and hope they'll maybe survive another winter. Some I've already given away to neighbors and friends. Water is precious now. I've been doing like the old stories mention, and using the dishwater to water plants.  I don't wash many dishes (preferring paper plates & bowls, and plastic ware) so I only wash the pans I cook in, and utensils I use! And just a few days ago Black Mountain's water was improved from "use only to flush" to "boil for drinking, ok to wash dishes, clothes and shower." (However it still has a lot of fine particles in it, so I showered at a friend's house yesterday who owns a well.)

Two friends and I met for free hot lunches a few days ago...and went three places before finding a really good spaghetti meal, with a side salad and a taco soup. The first place by the Trailhead Restaurant was just giving either a cup of soup or a breakfast burrito, and a fruit. Though we were grateful for their offerings, my friends said they were too hungry for just that. So we tried the Presbyterian church, but they are now focused on clothing and packaged foods, and they told us to  go to the Railyard.

At one end of the Railyard's big courtyard of picnic tables, is a stage where volunteers take a turn at entertaining whoever comes in.

The food line wasn't too long, and we received a meal of pasta, green salad and a taco soup, with various drink boxes available and snacks also - all free. The pasta was very good with lots of cheese, a bit of meat and good tomato sauce. The soup was too spicy for my taste, but we all enjoyed the salad! It was sunny but a bit windy for my comfort, in the mid 40s.

There were many families with kids, and I counted at least 20 youngsters just hanging out blowing bubbles, or tossing balls. And yes, behind the parked cars is the raised railroad track. I think parts of it were damaged by the floods, so it may not be operational yet. Having no schools open must be a challenge to parents, especially those who could go back to work.

Who knew I could make that face! But I wanted to show the long building with all the garage door openings which is the heart of the Railyard.

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Today's quote:

"I learned this at least by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." Thoreau

And I'm now going to post a photo every day of the devastation, so those who haven't seen it on the news, or moved on to the next disaster, will know what we're still dealing with.  This isn't easy for me to do, as I get choked up just looking at the powerful destruction.

I-40 near mile marker 4 in NC near border of TN and NC. After flood.

Waters have receded on I-40 near mile marker 4 in NC near border of TN and NC.

Both entrances to tunnel.

Highway I-40 is not open to traffic between Knoxville and Asheville. It is not due to be repaired for months.