11 Ways to Prepare for a Disaster

The Tax Day Houston Flood, as the deluge last week is being called, is ever present in most of us in this corner of Texas.

I thought I'd take this opportunity to post about how to prepare for a disaster. No, I'm not going to tell you to arm yourselves like you'll be fighting zombie hordes. There are many emergency preparedness things you can do. The ones that follow are the main ones that will get you through a short crisis.

Preparation Is Everything

When Mother Nature throws a hissy fit, you better have an emergency kit already in place that will help you get through the situation.

Many natural disasters also feature power outages that can continue days after the event causing the disaster is over. How do you entertain kids and spouses who are accustomed to whiling away the hours with electronic devices and digital entertainment?

How do you feed a hungry family when you have only an electric stove and microwave--and a rapidly-defrosting freezer and refrigerator?

How do you keep a sense of safety when all the lights are out and the security alarm is off?

Entertainment

1. You better have board games and decks of cards so you can introduce them to the old-fashioned way of having fun.

2. Stacks of books geared to their taste. After all, a Kindle will hold a charge only so long.

3. Get a couple of jigsaw puzzles the whole family can piece together and drawing paper, coloring books, activity books, crayons, and such for the younger kids. Heck, get some adult coloring books while you're at it.

Food and Water

1. Get in the habit of always keeping a couple of cases of bottled water for emergency use. A gallon of water for drinking per person is a rule of thumb. If your water supply is interrupted, you'll also need water for brushing teeth, cooking, and sanitation.

2. Get a camp stove. Even frozen dinners can be scooped out and heated in a pan on a camp stove. Water can be boiled for coffee.

3. Get an old fashioned coffee maker like a coffee press or my personal favorite, a drip coffee pot where boiling water is poured into the top compartment and it drips through the middle section filled with coffee grounds and comes out in the bottom section as coffee.

4. Keep a supply of canned goods in case the power is out a long time. Once after a hurricane, we didn't have power for almost 2 weeks. With that long a period of time, the stuff in the freezer will defrost and rot before you can use it all. That's why so many people have block party barbecues when there's no power.

Safety and Security

1. Have a flashlight in every room and check them every month to make sure the batteries are strong.

2. Keep a supply of batteries for those flashlights and anything else you might need that's battery operated. Store them in a cool, dry place. Lithium disposable batteries last the longest.

3. Kids who grow up in cities with the false security of alarm systems and well-lit nights may feel extremely anxious when the lights go out. Plan in advance how you'll make a game of it to get them intellectually invested rather than emotionally. One way might be to look at the stars and discuss the constellations. Or, if you grew up in a rural area, use this opportunity to tell them about your childhood.

4. Teach your children about the dangers of walking in flooded streets and what to watch out for in case they must. Talk to them about safe practices like not driving into flooded areas. Communication makes anything better.

Takeaway Truth

If you have a tip, post it in a reply.

3 Documentaries To Interest Writers

On the Home Front: Things are almost back to normal in Houston except every time it clouds up, everyone gets anxious. The most expansive flood waters that remain are in the reservoirs and rivers. 

There was an interesting article in the Houston Chronicle this past Sunday about the reasons for all these floods in areas that have never flooded before. It all has to do with developers and builders not building required rainwater retention ponds because of "grandfathering" and using legal loopholes.

Is it okay that these developers and builders do this just because they can? No!! While it may be legal, it is morally wrong and irresponsible.

But I digress. I came to tell you about 3 documentaries I saw on Netflix that are great research material for writers. You can find them on Amazon are other websites where you can stream videos.

American Experience: The Poisoner's Handbook

Fascinating documentary about the 2 men who developed the field of forensics. If you write historical mysteries, this is a must see. This was so interesting that I watched it twice.

Some stories this film are heartbreaking. In today's world, it's hard to believe that radium was once touted as a health tonic. People drank it to be healthy. So was it any wonder that young women who worked in a watch factory, painting the numbers on watch dials for glow-in-the-dark watches, would also paint their fingernails with it?

Meet the Patels: A Real Life Romantic Comedy

This is a wonderful film that should interest anyone who believes that love conquers all. "With his 30th birthday just around the corner, Ravi Patel finds himself in a love triangle with the woman of his dreams and his parents." Of course, Ravi's parents want--insist--that he marry a nice Indian girl. There's only one problem. I'll let you watch this affectionate portrait of a son who wants to please his parents. You'll figure out his problem as you watch the film. I loved this film because it affirms my belief that there really is someone for everyone even if that someone isn't what you wanted or expected. Great for those who write romance.

Unsung Heroes: The Story of America's Female Patriots

Everyone needs to see this, but it's particularly of interest to those interested in recent history as a background for novels. This portrait of the women who served the United States from Revolutionary War to present day should be seen by all. It will stir your imagination and your emotions. I found it of particular interest because my mom worked in a "shell" plant during WWII. The shell referred to the cannon shells the plant made for the war effort.

Takeaway Truth

Documentaries offer an easy way to learn information that may serve you as a writer or as a human being.

Flood in Houston: How We Spent Monday

Cypress Creek: usually a trickle of water.

As I said in a post I wrote for Gems in the Attic yesterday, I certainly prefer a nice April shower than a "world is coming to an end" rain like we had in Houston yesterday!

Monday, April 18, was an unhappy experience that began at 1am for us when the power went off.

Through the long night, we listened to rain and hail pound the roof--and wind so loud that I wondered if a tornado had passed overhead. I've heard that kind of sound before when I was a kid, and it's so distinctive that you never forget it. I did see some trees snapped off in the boulevard about a mile away so who knows?

Yesterday, we went out in our pickup just to drive and try to charge the cell phones. Crossed over Cypress Creek about 1.5 miles from home. Water just beneath the bottom of the bridge there. Up ahead barricades were in place going west on Cypresswood. We kept going straight, through the intersection and saw on the right a shopping center (designed in a low place with the stores built up so you climb about 3 feet of steps to reach store level) had water up to the stores.

On the left, a large vacant field looked like an ocean as far as you could see. People were kayaking there. We drove on in hopes of grabbing a Little Caesar's Hot and Ready Pizza. Unfortunately, everyone else who could get out and drive had the same idea. So we decided to go to Whataburger which was inundated with hungry people trying to charge devices and get a hot meal.

We passed the post office where throngs of really unhappy people were circling the post office in an effort to mail their tax returns.

We turned in at Kroger's where white car is

We kept driving and turned on Champion Forest Drive and headed south, thinking we'd just make a big square from where we started, go to Jason's Deli, and then back home. We were dismayed to see water in parts of the northbound side of the street.

We got as far as the Kroger's where Cypresswood crosses Champion Forest, which backs up to where we live. Across the intersection, Champion Forest Drive was under water.

So we turned left. That end of Cypresswood was also under water. We drove through the Kroger's parking lot as far as we could go, and came out on the end where the flood water was just starting to fill the northbound lane.

At this point, our cells had enough charge that we just came home because every bridge we had crossed had water level with the roadway. We spent the afternoon visiting with all the neighbors who were exchanging stories of what they'd seen while out and about. We were all stunned at the flooding.

We've lived in Houston more than 30 years. We've been through hurricanes, tropical storms, and spring thunderstorms. We've never seen anything like this.

Takeaway Truth

Since 2013, there's been a Houston flood every year. One can only conclude that the weather patterns have changed for the worse.

Funny Floater: Life Reflections 2016

My good friend Frank sent this Internet Floater to me. I asked him the source, and, of course, it was something he got from a friend, who got it from a friend, etc.

I really hate not to know the source so I can give credit where credit is due. So I tried to track down the source. I found it posted on several Facebook pages and blogs--all with no attribution.

If you know who wrote this, let me know so I can credit with a bio and web links.

Life Reflections, 2016

• My goal for 2016 was to lose just 10 pounds. Only 15 to go.

• Ate salad for dinner! Mostly croutons and tomatoes. Really just one big round crouton covered with tomato sauce. And cheese. Fine! It was a pizza.

• I learned how to prepare Tofu: (1) Throw it in the trash. (2) Grill some Meat.

• I just did a week's worth of cardio after walking into a spider web.

• I don't mean to brag but I finished my 14-day diet in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

• A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than men who mention it.

• Kids today don't know how easy they have it. When I was young, I had to walk 9 feet through shag carpet to change the TV channel.

• I may not be that funny or athletic or good looking or smart or talented--where was I going with this?

• A thief broke into my house last night. He started searching for money so I woke up and searched with him.

• I think I'll just put an Out of Order sticker on my forehead and call it a day

Takeaway Truth

Life is easier to take when you laugh every day.

New Book Alert: Special Agent Kandice by Mimi Barbour

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Mimi Barbour has done it again: a new book--Special Agent Kandice--in her Undercover FBI Romantic Suspense Series.

About Special Agent Kandice

Powerful, thrilling and character-driven, this romantic suspense is a real page-turner.

Special Agent indeed, Kandice Warner is everyone’s best friend. Talk about a Barbie doll! This female might have the same pretty-girl looks but even though she has a tender heart, she also has the resilience needed for a very successful FBI Hostage Negotiator. Feelings of inadequacy constantly force her to prove that she’s tough, and she demonstrates her courage when dealing with a murderous bank robber, a desperate jumper, being stalked, kidnapped and beaten. But her tender heart can get her in trouble and she needs to grow a thicker skin. Almost impossible when her obstinate new boss, for reasons of his own, interferes in everything she does.

Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division in Washington, Dan Black is as hard as they come. With the grit of a street youth stiffening his resolve, he’s worked his way up through the ranks, his personal space shields as strong as ever. Until he sees the sweetest things on two legs! A girl from his past. The one he’s never been able to forget. Working undercover in the Seattle bureau, he tries to protect his childhood fantasy but she refuses to stay put or take orders. Faced with a woman like that, what’s a mere man to do?

Enter the Giveaway on Goodreads.

Add Special Agent Kandice to Your Library from Amazon Kindle.

Takeaway Truth

Saturday is here. Why not select Special Agent Kandice for your weekend reading entertainment?

Basics for Writers: Viewpoint

How many different viewpoints are there? Most people say there are 5, those being First Person, Second Person, Third Person, Omniscient, and Modified Omniscient.

Purists say there are 8: First Person Protagonist, Third Person Protagonist, First Person Supporting Character, Third Person Supporting Character, First Person Minor Character, Third Person Minor Character, First Person Shifting, and Third Person Shifting.

Of course, there can be variations on the basics. Harper Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird in First Person using Restricted Omniscient. James Jones wrote From Here to Eternity in Third Person Unrestricted Omniscient. John LeCarre wrote The Spy Who Came in From the Cold in Third Person Restricted Omniscient.

The important thing is to choose your viewpoint character and stay in that viewpoint unless there is a compelling reason to change. Beware of the literary sin known as "head hopping" in which each person who speaks also thinks, meaning viewpoint shifts back and forth--sometimes as frequently as a dog wags its tail. (That makes me think of a historical romance author back in the 1980's who even had a mouse, I think it was, with a viewpoint!)

Many romance novels are written with shifting viewpoint used in intense emotional scenes, such as lovemaking. When the viewpoint change is obvious, and it works in that particular scene, don't be afraid to break the rules.

Takeaway Truth

In other words, learn the rules first, then learn how to break them so that you make seamless viewpoint shifts that carries readers along rather than jars them out of the story and sends them backtracking to see who is speaking or thinking.

Thursday3Some: Books by Bess George, Linda Howard, Alice Orr

Let's call this Romantic Suspense Day on SlingWords.

I have reviews of 3 romantic suspense novels that I think you'll like.

The Amazon Kindle link is given for these books, but I'm sure you can find them at all ebook sellers.

These are all priced low so you can add them to your To Be Stack for a modest price. Go crazy and select all 3 for a reading-filled weekend.


Happily Never After by Bess George

From my review posted on Amazon: Kelsey Brackston has a dirty little secret. Since being shot in the chest, she's suffering from a major case of PTSD. Sure, men have PTSD, but one doesn't often read about a woman coping with this affliction--and coping unsuccessfully at that.

This gripping detailed story of PTSD shows how it can literally ruin your life until you feel as if everyone is out to get you. That's the situation Kelsey finds herself in even though she relocates to a different part of the country. Her troubles followed her. From one unexplained accident to another, Kelsey has no one to turn to except former SWAT officer Bode Taggert who vows to keep her safe.

As the "accidents" and violence escalate, Kelsey is certain someone really is out to get her, but her chief suspect is a dead man. In an action-packed climax, the truth is revealed. If you like a mystery wrapped in a romance and flavored with action, this romance is for you.

After the Night by Linda Howard

This is one of Ms. Howard's older novels. I read it years ago, but I saw it was in ebook now so I bought it for my Kindle. I enjoyed it just as much as the first time I read it.

From the Amazon Description: FAITH DEVLIN: A poor, outcast child in Prescott, Louisiana, she'd always adored the town's golden boy from afar. But he called her white trash that sultry Southern night when his rich, respected father disappeared, along with her pretty Mom. Now Faith wanted to hate Gray Rouillard...not to feel a powerful surge of desire. But she couldn't quench her passion, any more than she could hide the truth about the past she had waited so long to unravel.

GRAY ROUILLARD: Even when he raised hell, he did it with style. Reckless, charming, and backed by Rouillard money, Gray controlled the town of Prescott -- and Devlin was a name he never wanted to hear again. But when he gazed at Faith Devlin, all he saw was a swirl of tangled sheets and her silken flesh beneath him. To care for her was impossible, unthinkable...because Gray Rouillard planned to use all his power to ruin her.

A Long Way Home by Alice Herron Orr

A Long Way Home is actually free as an introduction to Ms. Orr's series, Riverton Road.

From the Amazon description: Going home can be dangerous.

Kara Cartwright returns to her hometown on the same night Anthony Benton is murdered. But she knows nothing about that or how it will unhinge her life. She only knows she vowed never to come back to Riverton or to see Matt Kalli again.

Matt has made a vow of his own. He will never forgive Kara – the woman who loved him then betrayed him nine years ago. And he can’t forgive himself for the way she is stuck in his heart.

All these two have in common is their hatred of Anthony Benton. Now Benton is dead and they could be suspects. People they care deeply about could be suspects too. That gives Matt and Kara something else in common – a perilous search for the real killer before he murders again.

Takeaway Truth

Great weekend reading is ahead with these books so grab them today.