Hurricane Florence update + simple comfort food -

No comfortable feelings when looking out the windows at the mess surrounding

 us, and more still falling from the remnants of Hurricane Florence on this grey, 

dreary, soaking wet Sunday morning. But we are grateful, so grateful, that we have

 been spared major damage and unbelievable flooding now coming to so many

 areas of this state. Florence has impacted the entire state of North Carolina

and part of South Carolina also.

We still have bands of gusty winds and drenching rain circling but, unless trees

 fall due to saturated ground (and the rain will continue through Tuesday), we

 should be OK other than the possibility of power outages. 

Funny how 'comfort food' can be so personal. My go to food in times

 of worry and upset, has always been my simple childhood breakfast of

 toast and marmalade.

Very English I guess, and something that continues as a staple in my kitchen,

 crusty wholemeal toasting bread, butter, and a pot of perfect marmalade.

 Add a mug of strong black coffee, or a cup of hot tea, and calm comes

 with each crunch and sip. 

To our dear friends in western North Carolina, stay safe as Florence

 pays you a visit today. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Hurricane Florence. . . . . . .and an excuse for a party!

We're doing OK so far and thank you so much for all the good wishes you sent, 

and continue to send, as we remain hunkered down watching the drenching rains fall.

Before turning in for the night Thursday, Bob and I took a walk down our street. It was quite eerie, silent, not a person visible, most lights out, most vehicles parked at the bottom of driveways away from towering backyard trees. We could make out heavy clouds skidding across the sky. The sound of the wind already rustling through the tree tops was somewhat spine-chilling - it was reminiscent of a Halloween night but without colorful goblins and fairies with their trick or treat bags. Later it was a noisy night with continuous things falling on the roof, thankfully so far just twigs and smaller branches - Nature pruning our oaks!  

Yesterday I got up early, headed into the kitchen to bake muffins and pizzas to share with our neighbors, just in case we lost power later. We watched live TV coverage from the coast as it was slammed by Florence's eye making landfall. In the afternoon we were in touch with several neighbors as the wind picked up and the heavy rain squalls started. We decided to have an impromptu Hurricane Party here early evening. It helped us all unwind a little while enjoying drinks, snacks, and good conversation about things other than the hurricane.

Today, the stronger winds subsided early morning, but now drenching bands of rain have come and will last for several days as Florence continues to move away from us very slowly - life threatening flooding, power outages and falling trees remain serious concerns. 

Our thoughts go out to friends in coastal areas of both North and South Carolina, inland areas and now also to those in western North Carolina where Florence will apparently turn and head north in the coming days. . . . . .the entire state will definitely be saturated. Stay safe. . . . . . 

 

. . . . . and keep your wellies handy!

Being who you really are. . . . . . . . . . . . .

 I'm totally 'up to my eyebrows' in trying to catch up with normal since

 arriving home from the great west coast trip!   

I'm so behind in posting stories and photos - still have tons to share

from the Kenya trip, and also more of the fabulous places we've just 

visited in California. 

I'm also feeling very guilty because I haven't had a moment to comment on

all your blogs which I so enjoy, plus answer some e-mails - please forgive me

 and know I'll be stopping by soon. The days are just not long enough, grrrrr!

BUT, today, on this fabulous sunny, warm October day, it is my birthday, 

and I will not lie, deceive, cheat, or try to hide the fact that today I have

 turned 73 - or perhaps that should be typed as 73! 

Gosh, who ever thinks about becoming this age when we are youngsters.

But, being that age is really more than a number, it's not a problem for 

me. I'm so grateful that I feel great and pray that I will continue to have

 good health and can plan more exciting travels for at least a few more years.

So, although I've not had time for autumn decorating - this dining room photo

 is from another year - since arriving home we've done a lot of garden cleanup

 from the effects of Hurricane Matthew.

We managed to fly out for California just as the hurricane arrived in town!

 Our neighborhood had many huge trees come down, but the roads are now

passable and the huge trunks and branches are stacked along the curbs

 awaiting pick up.

 Our cottage was spared from big trees falling this time thankfully.

 The loss of power for five days meant we came home to an empty fridge/freezer 

as our daughter had to come by and throw out all our perishable food.

 We've shopped and re-stocked and our great insurance company will be

 sending us a payment to cover the loss - Raleigh was definitely a disaster area.

So all I can say right now is I'll soon be back sharing old travels and telling

you about new ones.

As for today - I'm just going to enjoy my birthday - and be grateful for 

family, friends, and you for stopping by.

With love and thanks for your friendship.