Sunday, September 16, 2018

Florence update

This has been the strangest hurricane we've ever had.

The worst of the winds and flooding happened well north of us, although the storm is moving so very slowly that it's still making its way across South Carolina as I type this. We never lost electricity, although plenty of people around town did, and the water is just starting to rise in this area. Late last night people in two neighboring counties had to start evacuating due to flooding. Some of my cousins had to leave home, and my parents (who were without power for two days) are anxiously watching the water rise around their house and hoping they won't have to leave, too.

Meanwhile, it's just wet and windy and dull here, and I'm getting awfully tired of being stuck inside. I did venture out to the nearest grocery store this morning to try to get something to cook today. I didn't buy any perishable foods as the storm approached, because I really and truly thought our power was going to go out and stay out, so we've been eating canned meals and junk since Wednesday despite having electricity. I suppose I should be grateful I didn't have to heat it on a Coleman camp stove! So I drove the half mile to the nearest Food Lion, but although they were open, they had lost power for so long that there was NO perishable food available. No meat, no dairy, almost no fresh produce, and no frozen items...so no home cooking again tonight! That's such a minor inconvenience I wouldn't dare complain when it could have been so very, very much worse.

We've been beyond fortunate with this storm. Last week when it looked like it was going to be absolutely devastating to this area people were really scared. I've never seen such a major evacuation and advance preparation by the state in response to a hurricane threat while the threat was still so far out in the Atlantic. Some of my most level headed, not-prone-to-drama friends were almost having panic attacks in the days leading up to Florence making landfall. Even my friend Marla, which surprised me. She's normally the last person to panic over a weather event, but I suppose having the baby to be responsible for now (not to mention new mama hormones) has made a big difference. Speaking of the baby...



Check out the look she's giving me while I snapped her picture! This was taken earlier this week when Marla brought her over for short visit ahead of the storm. Carsen is growing into such a serious baby. She looks at everything intently with the slightly knit brow that you see here. 

Thanks to everyone who left kind comments and good wishes for our safety during this storm on my last post! It meant a lot to me to see that so many people cared. You all are the best!

18 comments:

  1. Such a relief to know you're fine, and I hope fresh food for decent cooking will soon be available again. Sorry to hear some of your family were/are affected; hopefully your parents won't have to leave their home.
    Little Carsen's look is so intense! In a few years, you'll be able to show her this picture and ask why she gave you that look :-) I wonder what she'll answer!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds as though you are going to weather it out ok. I can only imagine.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Carsen doesn't look too happy about the hurricane.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's good to hear you have got through OK. The news here now is all about the storms in The Philippines and Hong Kong - seems to be strange weather everywhere

    ReplyDelete
  5. Phew! That's such a relief to hear that you and Gregg and more importantly Marco, Ginger and George are all okay and that Storm Florence has had little effect upon you. However, please be warned that Hurricane Jennifer is on her way! You ain't seen nothing yet!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It was a dull storm, after all the hype, at least down here.
    I feel for the people in North Carolina who weathered the storm and now face flooding.
    I have been knocking on wood for three days now.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This storm is a big 'un. Good to know you are safe for now, and with power. I have yet to hear from my friend; I'm sure it's a power problem.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's very good to hear this as I have been thinking about you quite a bit.
    And don't feel guilty complaining about the lack of fresh food- I would be weary of that by now as well.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love serious babies. You can tell they are just taking in everything around them. She is definitely a thinker.

    So, so, so glad you are safe!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Fresh food will be on the menu soon. Hope your folks don't have to leave their home due to flooding.
    Alphie

    ReplyDelete
  11. On the plus side, before buying your new home you should take note of all anti-hurricane requirements. High ground, very solid walls, good roof, big water tank, huge larder, nothing within range of falling on house, concrete bunker, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good to hear that all is well for you, Gregg and the dogs..not to forget Marco of course!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I can't believe how big Carsen is getting. And more adorable every week! So glad you escaped the worst of the storm. Hope the waters keep their distance.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is a crazy hurricane as most come in and leave the next day. I am so glad that you escaped the worst of it and continue to do so.

    ReplyDelete
  15. It is good to hear you are safe! Oh, that baby!

    ReplyDelete
  16. YAYZ! you survived! hope your parents don't have to evacuate.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Clearly Carsen is a deep thinker and contemplator of life. Glad you're all safe!

    ReplyDelete
  18. So very happy to know you are so far safe. That is one super cute baby.

    cheers, parsnip and badger

    ReplyDelete