Typhoon Take Two

"Thou shalt not leave your cookie unguarded.”—Tyler 7:3, 26

We started preparing for Typhoon Bavi on Friday, July 3 at the Branch—installing shutters on most of the doors and a few of the windows. The rest were closed up the following day.

At home we brought in all the plants.

The calm before the storm

“The heavens opened up…"

Forcasted to pass between Rota and Saipan

Cheers to another typhoon!

July 5, 10 pm

July 6, 8:04 am

We lost power during the early morning hours.

The water gurgled in through our bathroom window

July 6, 9:20 am

Typhoon rations

G U A M experienced wind gusts of up to 110 mph, widespread utility disruptions, and the loss of power to approximately 90% of the island. Water pressure was affected in some areas, while fallen trees, downed power poles, flooded roads, and significant debris created cleanup challenges across the island. Despite the widespread damage, no fatalities or injuries were reported.

S A I P A N and T I N I A N also experienced typhoon conditions, with damaging winds, power outages, fallen trees, and impacts to infrastructure. Utility disruptions and debris-strewn roads were reported as crews worked to restore services and clear hazards following the storm.

R O T A bore the full force of Bavi when the eye passed directly over the island. Winds were estimated near 180 mph, with gusts potentially exceeding 200 mph. The National Weather Service described the impacts as capable of causing widespread destructive to catastrophic damage. Power and water services were initially lost island-wide, and some trees were stripped not only of their leaves but also of their bark. Although two injuries were reported, there were no fatalities. Recovery efforts restored water service, reopened major roads, and returned the airport and seaport to operation in the weeks that followed.

It seems to be an active storm season. We’ll see what the future holds.

Back to “normal”

Puzzling with the kids

Convention time

Friday selfies

Saturday selfies

Twinning with Tyler

Coordinating with Brandon and Marlene

We see you, Rowen!

Cortez family and a few extras

Aaron thought the photos on his phone were flipped. Louis helped me find and test the settings.

The Earl of Thomas, Lady Ruby, Louis and Reimi (they do not hold titles - tee hee)

Stacey and Leah

Isaac needed a new profile pic

Sassy was Dawnee's fashion mantra for Sunday

Sunday selfies

Seiko and I ran MC cable through the walls for a pantry extension during the week.

The following weekend brought another convention, which had been rescheduled due to the typhoon. Aaron was busy backstage all three days, while I worked at the branch on Friday and spent Saturday catching up on household chores. By Sunday, I was finally able to join him and enjoy the event.

Friday stage crew

Vietnamese formal wear

Mickey and James

(ignore the construction in the background)

Lunch with Chloe and Jacob

Family photos without me

Backstage makeup crew

Dinner that evening with Dallas and Blaze

The kids on Saturday

Playing with Uncle Aaron’s phone

Turnabout is fair play

Everyone got in on the action

Jacob was chairman

Saturday makeup crew

Jacob conducted the Watchtower and Chloe commented on Sunday

Sunday stage crew

Mish

Sunday makeup crew

(and Garrett, I don’t know what he’s doing but it looks uncomfortable)

“Auntie, let’s be in a photo together since you weren’t here Friday and Saturday!” says Chloe.

The owners of our building asked us to clear our balconies for waterblasting and painting which means the plants came back inside. Well, some of them did.

That was in July and because of the rain we’ve been experiencing, the building still hasn’t been painted (as of August 19).