Florence Clears Out, And We're A-OK

^
Hey everybody ... it's all good!

After fearing the worst, our brick home in suburban Charlotte stood up against Florence's fury and performed wonderfully.

Not a drop of water inside, and no damage on our lot. There is cleanup to do, but it's not bad. We know we're so, so lucky compared to the death and destruction Florence wrought on other parts of the Carolinas, particularly the coastal areas.

Simmie and I took a walk around the neighborhood a little while ago and it appeared damage was minimal. A few trees fell, but it didn't appear any fell on houses, fences or other expensive structures. This despite our town leading the entire county in rainfall during the 48-hour storm, some 10.7 inches. (We're No. 1!)

There were reports of numerous streets in the metro area closed by flooding, fallen trees, etc., but Robbie got to work just fine this morning -- good thing for the sick kids and families she helps as part of her every workday.

Thanks to the many family and friends who inquired about our situation. It's always nice to know people care.

The only negative was that we didn't lose power ... meaning I had to watch my Panthers lose a tough one to the hated Falcons! Of course, I also got to watch the Patriots lose, so it wasn't all bad!!

+++

Speaking of football, I happened to catch the end of the Packers-Vikings game and I saw what hopefully will be the worst officiating call of the season.

(Video from Fox TV via YouTube)

Packers linebacker Clay Matthews put a textbook hit on Kirk Cousins just as the Vikings QB was releasing a pass. The ball floated and was intercepted by Green Bay's Jaire Alexander to seemingly clinch the Packers' victory.

But referee Tony Corrente whistled Matthews for roughing the passer, and, given a reprieve, Minnesota went on to tie the game.

Matthews didn't hit Cousins high, didn't hit Cousins low, didn't hit Cousins late, didn't hit Cousins with excessive force, didn't use his helmet to hit Cousins and didn't drive Cousins to the ground.

I am not one to blame officials very often. Heck, I officiate youth baseball and basketball games myself, so I know how difficult it can be. Almost always, a team has chances to overcome even the worst calls, and certainly the Packers could have won this game despite Corrente's flag. 

Still, this was a truly horrible call, and it played a huge role in preventing a deserving team from winning.

As Cousins himself said: 

“I’m sure it was probably a generous call."

Yes, if "generous" is a synonym for brutally bad.
^