Monday, September 24, 2018
Storm Update
Another busy day in the streets of Wilmington as chainsaws whir and people try to get back to business. There is so much volunteer work going on. I am glad I got home in time to participate. Many places offer food. One has been occupying a vacant shopping center parking lot and serves only barbecue. It has trucks with shower stalls and trucks for sleeping. Several church based groups are set up and offer food and necessities. The place where I "helped" yesterday was World Central Kitchen and is run/organized by chefs. It appeared chaotic, but in fact it wasn't. It was well organized, just very busy. They prepare meals for 12,000 people! The food is taken to various places within probably a radius of up to 100 miles of Wilmington. They plan to stay through the week.
I stopped by Greenfield Lake today to see what Florence had done to it. There were quite a few trees down and men with orange vests cutting them up and moving them out. I saw a lot of white birds flying and nesting in the trees on the other side of the lake. One close to the walking path was staying put. At that spot, there were hundreds of smelly, dead fish, and not small ones either. A woman who was sitting nearby said it was due to the lack of oxygen, and that a group she was in had brought an aerator to put in the lake there. It's funny how the great trees go down but delicate looking plants remain. The pix are at Greenfield Lake. 1) high lake and trucks on the road 2) John standing on an uprooted tree 3) flowers
Then on to the Cape Fear River, broader than usual and faster moving. I've heard the water is receding faster than they thought. Good news. Mother Nature is awesome.
At my house, there must several hundred downed pine cones, mostly green and new. I definitely rather get them now than when they become seedlings.
Next post: The birds at the lake.
I stopped by Greenfield Lake today to see what Florence had done to it. There were quite a few trees down and men with orange vests cutting them up and moving them out. I saw a lot of white birds flying and nesting in the trees on the other side of the lake. One close to the walking path was staying put. At that spot, there were hundreds of smelly, dead fish, and not small ones either. A woman who was sitting nearby said it was due to the lack of oxygen, and that a group she was in had brought an aerator to put in the lake there. It's funny how the great trees go down but delicate looking plants remain. The pix are at Greenfield Lake. 1) high lake and trucks on the road 2) John standing on an uprooted tree 3) flowers
Then on to the Cape Fear River, broader than usual and faster moving. I've heard the water is receding faster than they thought. Good news. Mother Nature is awesome.
At my house, there must several hundred downed pine cones, mostly green and new. I definitely rather get them now than when they become seedlings.
Next post: The birds at the lake.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
storm recovery
I arrived back home about 6:30 pm yesterday.
Nobody returned by way of the same route they left.
Evacuees had to check the latest news on what was safe, flooded, or closed, and we did the best we could, no matter how long it took.
I left Lugoff and drove miles and miles through the rural midsection of South Carolina. When I finally reached I 95, was I so relieved! Then I had smooth sailing to 26, and up 17. I didn't see any real damage until I got to Leland.
When I pulled into my neighborhood I saw pine tree debris in the streets, fallen trees, and neat piles of lost trees stacked by the road ready for pick up. I was impressed by how much work had already been done.
Riding around today, I saw lots of work trucks big and small, more trees down, open businesses, and many places for people to get free food.
I think the aftermath of Florence has gone very smoothly. From President Trump down to our mayor. and the citizens, everyone has worked together. The meteorologists were accurate in all their predictions.
Much more could be said, but it is real aggravating trying to write on my old iPad.
Nobody returned by way of the same route they left.
Evacuees had to check the latest news on what was safe, flooded, or closed, and we did the best we could, no matter how long it took.
I left Lugoff and drove miles and miles through the rural midsection of South Carolina. When I finally reached I 95, was I so relieved! Then I had smooth sailing to 26, and up 17. I didn't see any real damage until I got to Leland.
When I pulled into my neighborhood I saw pine tree debris in the streets, fallen trees, and neat piles of lost trees stacked by the road ready for pick up. I was impressed by how much work had already been done.
Riding around today, I saw lots of work trucks big and small, more trees down, open businesses, and many places for people to get free food.
I think the aftermath of Florence has gone very smoothly. From President Trump down to our mayor. and the citizens, everyone has worked together. The meteorologists were accurate in all their predictions.
Much more could be said, but it is real aggravating trying to write on my old iPad.
Monday, September 17, 2018
how quickly we adapt
It's a sunny, blue sky day here in the Midlands of South Carolina. There are different kinds of butterflies flitting around, and I saw a hummingbird outside the window. Peter said they nest in the tall trees about forty yards from their house. The ground soaked up the rain that fell softly over the past thirty-six hours. I could get used to life in the country. It will be hard going back to my tenth of an acre no matter how convenient it is.
Meanwhile back in Wilmington, the people who stayed behind must adapt to worse conditions. I am trying to stay on top of it all and that is mainly through Facebook. Each time I see a picture of the flooding or read a story of someone helping or making it through a difficult situation, my mind goes back there. I do love Wilmington and I hate to see the devastation. They say it is now an island, not approachable by land vehicles. I will leave here when the "all clear" is given.
Hearing the continued news about the approaching huge hurricane, I mulled over getting the heck out of dodge. I was torn. I really didn't want to leave, but thinking I should, on Wednesday I quickly made the decision and quickly organized. I prepared the house the best I knew how, putting some things on higher ground and covering others. I didn't know what to pack. I was filled with questions. Would the house flood? When would I ever get back? In three days or two weeks or ever? Would I lose everything? Then I realized that is was all just stuff, and even if I were still alive in twenty years, I wouldn't need any of it. Even five years! I tossed three changes of clothes, my thyroid medicine, and a few personal items in one bag. In another I put my laptop, camera, iPad, chargers, books, and pens. A few shareable groceries went in another. Wisely I threw in my duck shoes and rain hat that ties under the neck. Some bottles of water, a sandwich and snacks, and I was ready to go. I was thankful I had the car serviced the week before and had found a place to fill up the gas tank on Tuesday. At that time it was hard to find gas, and grocery store shelves were being emptied. Now Hurricane Florence has gone, but the flooding remains. As the Cape Fear River fills with water from the bodies of water that empty into it before going to the Atlantic, the unknown is how high will it go.
pics of the day
Hearing the continued news about the approaching huge hurricane, I mulled over getting the heck out of dodge. I was torn. I really didn't want to leave, but thinking I should, on Wednesday I quickly made the decision and quickly organized. I prepared the house the best I knew how, putting some things on higher ground and covering others. I didn't know what to pack. I was filled with questions. Would the house flood? When would I ever get back? In three days or two weeks or ever? Would I lose everything? Then I realized that is was all just stuff, and even if I were still alive in twenty years, I wouldn't need any of it. Even five years! I tossed three changes of clothes, my thyroid medicine, and a few personal items in one bag. In another I put my laptop, camera, iPad, chargers, books, and pens. A few shareable groceries went in another. Wisely I threw in my duck shoes and rain hat that ties under the neck. Some bottles of water, a sandwich and snacks, and I was ready to go. I was thankful I had the car serviced the week before and had found a place to fill up the gas tank on Tuesday. At that time it was hard to find gas, and grocery store shelves were being emptied. Now Hurricane Florence has gone, but the flooding remains. As the Cape Fear River fills with water from the bodies of water that empty into it before going to the Atlantic, the unknown is how high will it go.
pics of the day
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Hurricane news
Jacob and the hubby are out in Jacob's truck seeing the results of Hurricane Florence's slow path through Wilmington. Raymond had so far seen it only from the view out the windows of our house, and was unimpressed. Now he is amazed how the house stood strong, even though some in the neighborhood suffered damage. I'm sorry for them, but I thank God for protecting mine. Downtown looks like a war zone, he said, and he has actually seen war zones. There is flooding in some streets, rain is still falling, and the river won't crest until Tuesday. Because of the amount of damage done, and work getting power restored, it may be a while until I get back home. Thankfully there was good planning by the government and the power companies. I am enjoying being where I am, but you know what they say about three days.
Friday, September 14, 2018
country living
It has been good to spend time with the family in the country. Since they moved in four years ago, they have done so much to make it far more than a house in the woods. They had a few acres of trees cleared. Then Peter put up fences making several different areas for the animals to roam in and built several structures for various uses. Sally has a way of making a home pretty and comfortable. It is all "precious."
From large to small, their animals are a llama, two donkeys who are mother and daughter, three nanny goats and one billy goat. They hope to have some baby goats next year. Fifteen chickens, black, brown, white and "striped." Two roosters, a barred rock and a white leghorn, who really watch over the hens and who really cock-a-doodle-do. Their dog Bijou doesn't want to miss out on a thing. Their cat Primrose is usually lounging around somewhere, and new kitty Ollie is cute and playful.
Here are some of the animals.
From large to small, their animals are a llama, two donkeys who are mother and daughter, three nanny goats and one billy goat. They hope to have some baby goats next year. Fifteen chickens, black, brown, white and "striped." Two roosters, a barred rock and a white leghorn, who really watch over the hens and who really cock-a-doodle-do. Their dog Bijou doesn't want to miss out on a thing. Their cat Primrose is usually lounging around somewhere, and new kitty Ollie is cute and playful.
Here are some of the animals.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
the hurricane is coming
It has been a pretty day here in Wilmington making it hard to believe a terrible hurricane is headed straight for us that is intent on destruction. At least that is what all the newscasters are saying. I do not live in a mandatory evacuation area, but tomorrow morning I will be one of the cars headed out of town. Most of Wilmington has a low elevation, and I am heading toward higher ground at Peter and Sally's. I hope I will be able to come back home in a few days, but reports say there will be massive flooding all over the Carolinas. I hear words like devastating, historic, catastrophic, life-changing, the worst ever seen, and I cannot imagine. I have never been in such a situation. I pray my house is spared and the trees stand strong. I got a neighborhood newsletter this evening, and a lot of neighbors are riding it out. So is the hubby. He wants to see what it is like. We have prepared today, but it may not be enough.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
pickled red onions
This is my second batch of pickled red onions. In the first, I used traditional pickling spices. In this batch I used garlic and rosemary only. There are many recipes out there. Probably any would be good. I like them.
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