Well here I sit… the night after Hurricane Milton.  A bit reflective as I wrestled with a section of my dock that was dangling and trying to figure how I could keep it from totally disconnecting and sinking to the bottom.   Because it was a new dock just last year I was slightly sickened as I saw it start to break apart.  For hours the lake attacked the dock from one direction and then around 1 A.M. it just got down right mesmerizing.  Maybe it was just a nightmare… nope… the wind and massive waves continued to batter that beautiful wood.  I really thought the roof of the boat house would rip right off but it did not.  Finally, at about noon today ( Thursday) the winds and waves changed direction and the started attacking the dock from a new angle.  This went on for hours.. the opposite side of the lake.. Veterans Beach side was of course relatively calm.  It is now at 9 p.m. and it is starting to calm down. 

This storm was just bad timing.. I was supposed to go to the National Starkey Hearing Technologies Summit.  With a flight leaving Tuesday the day before the storm I just felt that it would not be a wise decision.  I was able to meet virtually for some of the important points of the meeting.  But Bummer; just not the same as being there with all our peers.  I did learn quite a bit about the wonderful advances that Starkey Hearing Technologies has been working on.  Nothing short of spectacular!  But that is another article.  Starkey Hearing Technologies is the industries Largest Hearing Instrument Manufacturer in the world and the leader in technology.  They employ over 5000 people.  They are also the only family owned/ privately owned company.  Located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.  The owner and founder William F. Austin is in his 80”s and still goes into the company every day.  His philosophy is that “alone we can’t do much; but together we can change the world”.   I have known Bill Austin for over 44 years and have been to his company and his home many times.  He truly leads with his heart and his need to help people hear and live their best life. 

And.. as always in times of disaster and need; Starkey once again has sent out the offer to their business partners and their communities.  If you or anyone you know has lost their hearing instruments due to Hurricane Milton….please reach out to our office and Starkey will replace your hearing instruments for you.  863-385-3497. Lampe & Kiefer Hearing Aid Center, Inc.   To Hear Better Is To Live Better!