We are heading to the Justice Center in Lakeway to witness a give-a-way conducted there. As most of you know, Texas was hard hit last February with freezing temperatures which caused power loss and dangerous conditions. The Young Men’s Service League, which is made up of Lake Travis High School (in Lakeway) students, collected items to be given away to help folks prepare for these conditions should such an event happen again. We want to see this in action. We are being catered by El Naranjo of Austin. Our entertainment is James Taylor.
Menu
We have arrived at the Justice Center.
Hmmm. Lines of cars ahead of us.
Here is a broad view of the items.
Buckets, of course.
Blankets to stay warm. Don’t be taking more than one.
Flashlights, Batteries, and portable chargers
First aid kits, latex gloves, and hand sanitizer.
Hats, winter gloves, matches, water, paper towels, and of course, toilet paper.
Need to ask for a space heater and firewood.
There is a packet from FEMA on how to prepare for the unexpected.
Here is a list of those who donated products, time, or money. It was a heartwarming community event.
Now is time for some brunch and music. I hope you have a great week.
Fiction Favorites 
What a wonderful thing to do. I love stories like this. we need more of them. I also love James Taylor. And the food looks so good, many things that I would enjoy. I’m ready to hop on the bus!
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Always welcome on the bus. Thanks, Darlene.
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Thanks for sharing this, John. This is so wonderful to see. Bravo to The Young Men’s Service League!
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They are a super organization, Jill 😁
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I’ll skip breakfast, but it certainly is good to see communities coming together in the face of disasters!
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Yes it is. Thanks, GP.
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I think it must have been a Texan who coined the adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The restaurant choices are always amazing. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for pointing out what the Young Men’s Service League is doing. That’s incredible and what a learning experience for these boys! Who couldn’t use a few buckets and gosh, an extra flashlight or two? Amazing giveaway! Bravo to all involved!! 😊
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It was a terrific gesture for sure. Thanks, Gwen.
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Cheers to the public service of the high schoolers. The their event work is one thing, but their pre-event effort to collect the items is even more impressive. Thanks for some James Taylor for my early Sunday morning.
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Sweet Baby James is a good way to start the day. Thanks, Frank.
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Indeed
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There are plenty of familiar names on the list of corporate contributors. They’re to be commended, too. Here in Houston, of course, Mattress Mack and Gallery Furniture would probably top the list, but our HEBs, Krogers, Randalls, and various pharmacies always help out when asked. Their participation makes the young peoples’ projects even more successful.
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They were all terrific. Thanks, Linda.
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Kudos to the Young Men’s Service League. It’s good to see high school boys doing some good. I sure hope your great state doesn’t have to go through that again this year, but it’s best to try to prepare for the worst. All my best to you and yours, John.
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We got a report that all the power plants are now winterized so hopefully if the temps go at us again the electricity will stay on. Thanks, Tim.
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It is great that steps are being taken to ensure people are prepared. These sorts of unexpected climate events are on the cards now.
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Yes this was a record breaking event. Thanks, Robbie.
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You must also live in a functioning neighbourhood, dear John. Great to see that!
We don’t understand how a little taste of winter can cause such problems. We lived for years in countries where we had lots of snow and freezing temperatures for months which didn’t cause any problems. Why can’t you cope with a little bit of winter?
Keep well
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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When you live in a semi-tropical weather region and nothing is prepared for the cold including the natural gas lines and electrical generating plants, the electricity and heat fail. When the freezing temperatures last for days then real trouble begins which in our case lead to several deaths from hypothermia. In this case, it was not a matter of coping with a little winter as you put it.
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Seen it from a Scandinavian perspective is was a little taste of a normal winter for us. For us these situations are normal whereas here in England people f.e. stop driving when there is snow on the road. But we all have it warm in our houses and have gas and electricity.
We read in “Texas” by Michener that’s not that unusual that you have freezing temperatures in Texas. Is Michener wrong or is your infrastructure that rotten?
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We do get freezing temperatures but not for days on end. The systems were indeed not winterized since such an event was very rare. So now all have completed the weatherization process. Michener no longer lives in Austin (died in 1997) and his book was written in 1985. To my knowledge, he and central Texas never experienced such a severe situation. Therefore your question has no logical answer for me to give.
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Klausbernd,
don’t forget that Texas is huge, and has many climate zones, from the subtropical to the continental and desert-like. In an area like ours, e.g., you can simply not be prepared for such a once-in-a-century winter event. One can simply not compare Scandinavia to here. The temperatures we had last February [-10 to -15 Celsius for days on end – more than a week, if I fremeber correctly] are more than just ” a little taste of winter”.
As to Michener, he does talk of a “Blue Norther”, which is not an infrequent occurrence of (extreme) cold, but I doubt that he ever experiences something like that winter of last year – as John also mentions.
“But we all have it warm in our houses and have gas and electricity.” – Well, just imagine what would happen if your power grid [electrical and gas] broke down for up to 2 and even 3 weeks. The damage here was so extensive, that it took up to 6 weeks in some areas to restore electricity, eben if the crews worked 24/7.
So, we really hope that this was a onece-in-a-century event.
Stay well,
Pit
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Thank you for the comment, Pit.
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Naja, lieber Pit -15 Grad C ist ja nun nicht die Welt. Selbst die Jahre, die wir in Montreal wohnten, hatten wir es jeden Winter tagelang kälter, und als wir in Inari wohnten, gab es oft über einen Monat Temperaturen von unter -20 Grad C bei viel Schnee. Da fängt für mich der richtige Winter an. Die Luft und das Licht sind dann toll. Aber Probleme wegen der Temperatren gab es nicht. Das Leben lief wie im Sommer, eigentlich besser, da es keine Mücken gab.
Hier haben wir heute zum ersten Mal zarte winterliche Temperaturen mit -6 C bei Sonnenschein, die uns zu einem langen Spaziergang gleich verleiten. Hier wird’s ja auch selten kalt, aber wenn es unter -10 C wird, bleiben die Leute zwar zu Hause, aber die Infrastruktur bricht nicht gleich zusammen, obwohl das auch hier nur so einmal alle zehn Jahre vorkommt.
Dann mach es ‘mal gut.
Liebe Grüße
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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You are entitled to your opinion, dear Klausbernd. The facts remain that the infrastructure was not prepared for such an unusual event. Your examples are still not relevant to the situation here in Texas.
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That’s great. Really hope you guys don’t need it. As much as I hate it, let’s hope the arctic temps stay up here. That or they go up to Canada for the rest of the year.
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Canada is a good choice. They love artic temps 😁
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Good to see the high schoolers and community coming together.
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Yes it is. Thanks, John
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Thank you so much for sharing this, John. It’s the kind of thing that lifts your heart to see. (At least, it sure lifted mine!) What a wonderful group of young men who already understand the value of caring about others and taking positive action to help out when they can. It’s a great story, and of all the great stories and photos from your community that I’ve enjoyed for many Sundays, this one really speaks to me at a time when I longed to see something positive in the world. Blessings to you for sharing and to every single one of these young men, the generous sponsors, and all who helped this happen. 🤗🤗🤗 (And here’s hoping that while some will now be better prepared, they never have to use any of the emergency supplies!)
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What a nice comment, Marcia. I hope no one needs the supplies either but if they do at least some will be prepared. 😁
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Thank you for taking me along on this trip. This is a great idea for winter survival. Here in Indiana, we have most of that stuff around the house. In warmer climates, it might be a hardship to get those supplies.
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I think it is more a matter of putting off getting the supplies. This is a reminder. Thank you, Molly Shea.
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great reminder.
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😁
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What a nice thing to do! Thanks for sharing this, John.
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Thanks for the comment, Joan
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Such a giving event for the community. We here do Porch – we purchase whatever we are told is needed and leave it on the porch of the couple that delivers everything to a local food bank.
I think I’ll have that delicious omelet with mushrooms!
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I like the Porch idea, Noelle. Thanks for sharing.
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Wow. I am speechless. Your community truly is one of a kind wonderful.
Thank you for the delicious breakfast, wonderful music and heartwarming share.
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Thank you for coming with us, Dale. 😁
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You know I hate missing the bus 🙂
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You must have known the only seat left was next to me. 😁
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What a wonderful thing to do — and how wonderful of you, John, to help publicize it. Those who generously give of time, talent, or resources should be lauded. Just goes to prove that people don’t have to be forced to give; they just need a worthwhile place to give to.
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I agree, Debbie. Well put. 😁
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That’s a wonderful thing to do!!
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Thank you, Deborah.
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What a heartwarming event!
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Yes it was.
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That is an awesome community event, John. I’m so glad I tagged along for the tour.A huge round of applause to the organizers and all those who donated.
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Thank you Mae. I’m sure they appreciated it.
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That’s a great event, John. What a wonderful idea.
I’ll have TWO FRIED EGGS OVER A CORN TORTILLA COVERED WITH YOUR CHOICE OF: SALSA RANCHERA, GREEN SALSA, OR DIVORCIADOS (RANCHERA AND GREEN SALSA) SERVED WITH REFRIED BLACK BEANS AND HOUSE-BAKED FRESH BREAD – you know, for the fresh bread.
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Alright. Dan.
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One significant change in high school is these community service-type projects that are often part of the kids’ education. Not only will this help people in the community, but it should make the kids to feel better about themselves.
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You are so right, Pete. Thanks for that comment. 😁
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I love the way communities come together in times of hardship, John. We had serious floods here a few years ago, and the divides in our community vanished as everyone pitched in. It’s great to see that happening in Texas. Thanks for the road trip!
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Thank you, Diana. 😁
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What a wonderful event and time put into it! Great to be prepared and have it provided by the young volunteers 🙂
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Thank you, Denise.
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That is such a great idea.
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😁
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Yes, great idea! Rather like preparing for a hurricane. I think we are prepared for both freeze and hurricane. Great food!!!!
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Yes. We have to, Don’t we. No wait. You have to, Jo. I no longer live there. 😁
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I want to be on your bus, John. A reminder that kindness and compassion change our world. Well done – Young Men’s Service League!!
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Thank you, Rebecca. Plenty of room for you. 😁
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Very practical idea, dear John as frost brings more danger than the heat. I’m glad to learn that you are supported well regarding the weather’s unpredictable conditions. Hot drinks must be included all day longs: the black tea, herbal tea, berry juices. All of them are perfect to manage with the cold. Stay warm no matter the temperature! 🙂
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Yes and a nice bourbon warmer upper too. It’s hard for me to complain about temperature when it is -4 degrees C where you are.
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Looks like they’ve covered all the basics. What a generous giveaway! Thanks for sharing, John!
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Yes it was. Thanks, Jan.
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What a lovely thing to do. Thanks for sharing it, John. And thanks for the song. Fire and Rain is one of my forever favorites. I even like to play it on piano in a medley with Candle in the Wind. Somehow they go together in my head. Although poor Crystal hates it when I play… 🐱 Hugs on the wing!
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Aw. Crystal doesn’t know what she is missing. It sounds lovely. Thanks, Teagan. Hugs
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Fire and Rain, buckets and blankets and brunch.
The blessings are real.
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Ha ha ha. Thank you, Marc.
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😉
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John,
I always admire the helpfulness here in the US, and there are definitely many items that might be helpful if such a winter event occurs again, but I seriously question what good portable battery chargers or space heaters would be when the power grid is out and there’s no electricity.
Have a great week,
Pit
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I had to wonder myself. Portable implies battery operated but who knows. Thanks, Pit.
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Thank you for letting us know about this heartwarming community effort, John! We’re in a deep freeze at the moment, with a load of snow expected tomorrow. Current community efforts are focused on the homeless.
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Yeah the homeless have a tough time in the winter. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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Such a great idea. Good to see young people involved. Looks lie a nice turnout. Make my two eggs scrambled with some jelly for the toast. Thanks
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Sounds like a simple breakfast request. Thanks for the visit, Steve.
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Just to let you know, your drone delivery arrived yesterday evening just before the storm. I reheated it this morning for a near perfect breakfast to fuel up for the snow clearing I’m about to undertake. I hope my Ariens starts up otherwise the shovel is my next option. I better keep the undertaker’s number handy. Thanks again for the eggs, you’re amazing.
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Don’t forget if the Ariens doesn’t start it might be a way of saying “Wait till it melts.”
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This is a wonderful idea!
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I agree, Becky. Thank you. 😁
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Love this, John. So amazing!
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Was a terrific event. Thanks, Audrey.
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This is a fantastic idea – looks like the community really turned out for the event. We could use something like that around here after the tornadoes.
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Yes indeed. Thanks, Teri
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I really enjoy these stories about kindness, John. We need more of them, but unfortunately drama and fear sell more news clippings, for the most part. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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You are so right.
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Hats off to the Young Men’s Service League!
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Yes indeed.
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🙂
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That’s so nice!
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It was nice of them. 😁
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