gambrinous with griffonage

This last Sunday the Husbear and I wandered up to Joplin to see the area that was affected by the May 22 tornado.

A large portion of the debris has been cleaned up, but in it's place there is a great swath of empty land that formerly contained many homes and businesses. There are also many crosses planted about, more than likely where people were killed.

There were several tent-filled camps set up in the area. Something I can't imagine staying in when it's been over 100 degrees in the area for a month.

We passed several properties where people will still going through the rubble of their homes, sorting what could and couldn't be saved. It was difficult to witness, and I can't even begin to know what emotions they are dealing with.

Sunday was a rough day for many in this area. Tornados, strong winds, hail and massive flooding hammered this area.

I lost count of how many times the tornado sirens went off in Pea Ridge. Luckily, none came to fruition for us. And the flooding and hail damage we had was minimal and insignificant compared to what was suffered by those around us.

Joplin is only about 45 miles north of where I live. Both the Husbear and I have clients and acquaintances who live there. It's the next big city north of where we live. The devastation there is unimaginable, even for a tornado.

Just watch this fly-over:

Sadly, Joplin wasn't the only destruction that occurred near us. 30 miles to our west in South West City, MO, a friend lost his home and farm to an as-of-yet unlisted tornado a few hours later.

Facebook has been extremely active with all the people I'm friends with who live in the area: Friends seeking information on missing family members and friends; and friends announcing the death of loved ones. It's hard to witness.

While I live in "Tornado Alley", I can't begin to imagine what I would do if that devastation happened where we live.

And yet, we're preparing for another round of severe storms tonight. To the point ALL of our clients at the tattoo studio and the Husbear's hair salon have rescheduled their afternoon and evening appointments, and most of the businesses in the area are actually sending their employees home early today. I don't know if it's due to a heightened sensitivity to what happened around us on Sunday, or if because this one is just going to be really bad. I guess we'll find out in a few hours.