Flood and Drought Friday Five

1. Have you experienced living through an extreme weather event- what was it and how did you cope?

I grew up in Virginia Beach, so hurricanes and nor'easters were just a part of life. We didn't have snow days off from school, but we did have storm days. The most recent and personally devastating was Isabel, which spent an agonizing 10 hours passing over us two days before my sister's wedding (outside, of course, on the beach). Mom's house lost about 10 trees and ultimately, the roof had to be replaced. Not having power for 5 days was particularly hard on my uncle, who was terminally ill with cancer. BUT, by an act of divine mercy, a refrigerator truck was called in, the caterers cooked with gas, the cake made it (we didn't know it would until it got there), and the power to the reception site came on about an hour before the wedding. Most important lesson learned: if the ice company doesn't have power, there will be no ice.

2. How important is it that we wake up to issues such as global warming?

It's important to be aware of them, but also to have some sense of perspective. One good volcanic eruption can create more greenhouse gases than years of human activity. We need to take a longer view. My undergrad major was environmental science and when I was in school, scientists were predicting a new ice age. We don't yet know enough to really predict or understand our impact on the environment in context with historical events. The earth is in a constant state of change...should we be careful? Sure. Should we be terrified? No way. But we do need to be educated and mindful...anyone know what the real cost of ethanol is? What "natural" source of methane produces up to 1/5th of greenhouse gases annually?(Way too much and cows...methane's a gas!)

3. The Christian message needs to include stewardship of the earths resources agree/ disagree?

Yes, as a way of understanding that we are a part of creation and that we are called to stewardship by God. But it is one more social justice issue, not even necessarily the most important one.

And because it is summer- on a brighter note....

4. What is your favourite season and why?

I love the Fall, especially late in the season when its cool at night and still warm during the day. Our chilly Atlantic takes months to warm up, so October's a great time for barefoot beach walking--low humidity, comfy temps, and no mosquitos. And I love to roam around in jeans, crocs, and a light sweater.

5. Describe your perfect vacation weather....

See above. Low 70s by day, cooler by night, maybe a little gentle evening rain or fog on the mountains. In fact, the coolest thing I ever saw was pea soup fog in one valley and clear blue skies on the other side of the ridge. That was a pretty day on the Blue Ridge Parkway.