“Checking In

Hail and high winds tormented the Texas Hill Country a few months back. We watched news reports of windows shattered, vehicles smashed, and businesses destroyed within minutes. For us, a push-me-pull-you battle began. Do we drive up there to check on the condition of our place, or do we bank on it surviving unscathed as it has for three decades? Obligations and obstacles around here forced us to wait until last weekend before making the trek. 

After our last cabin trip, back in October, we left the place neat and tidy. Turning the corner from the steep inclined road, the sturdy building came into view. Collectively, we exhaled relieved breaths. No sign of damage anywhere. A quick dash around the exterior reassured us that the windows remained intact, window air conditioner sat snugly in place, and the ancient porch screening stretched undamaged. A rooftop examination revealed a vent covering had shifted during high winds, but nothing that let rain into the place itself. It’s on our “TO DO” list for our next trip as we’ll need to order the correct part to replace it.

The screened porch, swept back in October, remained dust free! Many times, I have to sweep it right away to prevent us from tracking dirt into the cabin. Inside looked as I’d left it seven months ago, ready for visitors to stay hours, days, or even weeks! We doubled checked the ceiling where that vent cover had moved and found it pristine and dry. 

Every trip, I vow to stay longer than one weekend. This time, though, we planned on heading back home after a few hours. My anxiety over possible damage assuaged by simply “checking in” to see with my own eyes that all is well.

Copyright 2026 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman

IOUNIO's "Do We All Slowly Lose Control?" fit my mood perfectly before seeing our place in person! 

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