az, there is not really a problem doing what you want to do if you can re-install the waterproof connectors over the new splice. If you think there is the possibility of water getting into the splice and migrating into the wiring after you re- make the connections, then you could wrap the splice with self amalgamating tape. Self amalgamating tape is sold at Lowes, H/Depot Etc, both in the Electrical and Plumbing Depts,. It is a rubber tape that you stretch as you apply it over a wiring splice and as it is lapped over, it seals up and is totally waterproof [if applied properly]. Just stretch it well as you wrap and it will be a watertight seal. Home plumbers use it for sealing water leaks in pipes, but it was originally developed for sealing splices in electrical wiring and high voltage cables. The 12 volts you are dealing with, is no great issue, as far as danger to you or animals life if it did leak out a little, but it is always wise, no matter what the voltage is, to keep water and any electrical connections apart from each other. "Horton"

polly - wow 1,600 with major damage and 10 condemned. The sad part is that those whose homes are condemned will most likely not see a reimbursement for the total value of their homes. No, I am sure that FEMA was not expecting so many to turn out. FEMA made automated telephone calls to all our our telephone numbers, home and cells, about where to call for the help available, as the entire state has been declared a disaster. Did they believe people wouldn't turn out, especially those who don't carry flood insurance coverage? On another note, apparently FEMA claims it is low on $$. That tidbit makes me crazy as every year for over 20 years, we have paid out of pocket to carry unrequired flood insurance. It wasn't required by my mortgage lender. But living close to a creek that flows into the Delaware, we figured it would be better to be safe rather than sorry. So, FEMA has collected a tidy sum from us over these many years, and yet we've never made a claim before now. We have an acquaintance, "Joe", who also lives on the same water source, about a mile as the crow flies, from where we live. His home continually floods from noreasters, remnants of hurricanes, and locally heavy rains. The township will not allow him to raise his home. We have been assigned to work with the same adjusting company (you don't get to choose who you work with). I hope our situation goes better than I am anticipating. To keep my sanity, I have set my expectations low, if I am pleasantly surprised, at least I will not be disappointed. In speaking with "Joe" the other day, DH remarked that his wish is that his home would either completely float away or burn down. Can you imagine? At least that way he would not have to be continally inconvenienced, and deal with making flood claims only to wait to see whether FEMA will cover the cost of repair his home each time. It is exhausting both mentally and physically when your home is flooded. You are usually displaced for some period of time, only to return to a home that needs major repair. Fortunately, our damage was confined to our crawlspace, but everything that runs the home is located in that space. We are still in chaos as prepping for Irene, we moved everything we could to our second floor. Now, everything needs to be put back, including all business records that we relocated to a safe location as a precaution in anticipation of Irene. No loss of life is one of the most important things. Things/possessions can be replaced.

Thank you so much Calamity and Texasfern! I'm slowly getting there. It seems that the first time I do something I screw it up somehow, then I slowly get better. Like just now I tried to mosaic an already made pation stone, so I used contact paper for my tiles then when that was ready, I put thinset on my patio stone, oh boy did that ever turn out scary and ugly!!! I guess I put too much thinset (too thick), and shoud have had an extra pair of hands to help me put my contact paper on...oh well, live and learn I guess!!!

Yes, those photos are awesome. However, it is pretty obvious that many of them have been "doctored". The photo with the three yawning foxes are actually one fox. The markings on it's fur make that fairly obvious. I do think some of them look real, though. Thanks for sharing.