We survived the night...didn't get much sleep with the wind howling, rain lashing against the window and roof and the sudden gusts of wind. I stepped out an hour before high tide at about 7am to a wild, wet and freezinfg morning, with the tide right over the driveway and heading towards vehicles and buildings. At high water Watkin and Elaina came clambering in via the Big House, climbing over construction materials and in and out of ditches. The kids and I were staying put, and rather cold due to the fire blowing itself out overnight. But we soon had things going again. Clothes came out of the tumble dryer, the fire was soon roaring and we all had tea and toast. The kids were well-chuffed at having the day off. With severe weather warnings all over the west, it seemed the safest option. I posted some video clips onto FacBook, logged on to work email to keep in touch, and then settled the kids down in front of their favourite films and websites.