It’s been a week since Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas and the rivers are still rising. They are not expected to peak until Tuesday or Wednesday. There is so much devastation and so many people remain in crisis and in shelters and hotels unable to return to their homes, if they even have homes to return to. The destruction is devastating.
The current human death toll is 32. Thousands of livestock has been lost, and sadly many pets were lost in the floods as well.
Flooding: The Cape Fear, Lumber, Neuse and Trent rivers are overflowing and continue to cause major flooding across nine counties in southeastern North Carolina, officials said.
People impacted: 32 North Carolinians have died as a result of Florence and 2,800 are living in shelters — down from a peak of about 20,000 earlier this week, Cooper said. There have been nearly 5,000 water rescues, he said, adding that FEMA on Monday is launching a transitional housing assistance program in nine NC counties.
Recovery: About 69,000 people have registered for federal financial assistance through FEMA, Cooper said. And FEMA has already approved more than $12 million in relief for North Carolinians affected by Florence, said Albie Lewis, the local FEMA directing officer. Authorities are also opening 10 mass feeding kitchens, said Mike Sprayberry, director of N.C. Emergency Management.
Roads: Parts of Interstates 40 and 95 remain underwater, while more than 500 roads remain closed statewide. People shouldn’t drive on any of the roads east of I-95 or south of U.S. 70. [SOURCE]
The good news is that Bethenny flew down a couple of days ago with Bryn and took tons of cash cards and some things that were left over from Maria like kids toys and pet food and things that didn’t make the last planes to Puerto Rico. If you would like to contribute to her ongoing efforts, the here is the link
Another Bravoleb who has really stepped up to be of great assistance is Craig Conover. He’s already made one trip up to the flood zone with a truck he filled with basic necessities for the people and pets. And yes there was a lot of cat food. In his instastory you could see many carts full of items including feminine hygiene products, kids and adult diapers and joking about the crazy assortment of things he was buying.
I’m glad that some of the haters get to see that Craig is in fact a great guy who has multiple income streams and is also someone who jumps in to help others in need. If you go to his Instastory you can see he is been there helping with horses and trucking in items. Today he is also flying a plane of supplies in and next week he is doing a drive in Charles for more trucks to head into Myrtle Beach. I don’t know if this link will work, but here are his Instastories. https://www.instagram.com/stories/caconover/?hl=en
Those of you in the Carolinas please update us in comments. If you haven’t heard, Jaded made it home to her dogs and grandson. Others have also checked-in in the old post and I hope they chime in again here.
For those of us lucky to be in a safe dry home with our pets and families this weekend, what are your plans? I’ve found a new yard guy who lives four doors down and is excellent. Banjo’s entire backyard was an overgrown mess and he and his wife have completely cleaned it up. My garden was cleaned up and ready for some new dirt I just need to clean up the pots, I still have a few peppers trying to live. I need about half a truck of dirt and half a truck of Mulch to finish the things off followed by a good power washing of the house.
But my plans for today are to take Banjo on a hike! We do not hike. I used to live on Saint Simons Island half a mile from the ocean and barely ever went to the beach. When you live there, there is always a reason to go “tomorrow” because it isn’t going anywhere.
That’s how it has come to pass that I live near a beautiful mountain with hiking trails and have never been. Today, I plan to change that. I blame Castaways for this decision. It was the best show of the summer. And it’s a reality show! But not the kind you think AT ALL. It was an emotional and inspiring show and Robby has motivated me in a positive way to make some changes to my life. I’ve been making better choices for about two weeks now regarding taking an alcohol break and eating better. And today, I’m taking my poor dog who has been in the depression with me for months and months on a hike. I think. Probably. It’s really hot outside.
I shall report back later.
So what’s going on in your neck of the woods? I hope we can keep things positive. I stopped doing Open Forums as much because it can become a medical check in with a list of everyone’s symptoms followed by lots of condolences. I’d prefer it, if we kept things POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING because I can feel bad all by myself, but we all need a bit of positivity these days.
So as my Daddy used to say, “What do you know good?”
No big plans here. Have my grandson and my dogs. I asked my grandson what kind of food he eats at school. He said it was yucky food and when he was two he got to hang around the house and not go to school. Well alrighty then.
Not a fan of hiking, but I went to the beach the other day with my SIL and GDs, who were home from school. I turned out to be the nicest day of the week. No swimming, but a nice long walk and biking on the boardwalk. And food. It was a great day. Hope your hike is successful — just spending some hours outside is good.
Aren’t yards hard to maintain? I just had someone trim all the bushes and some tree branches this week. Also pulled all the annuals that have died due to the incessant rainfall and cloudy days we’ve had recently. Looks much nicer. I would love to mulch again, but I find that when the landscape guy comes to clean up all the leaves, the mulch seems to get blown away with the leaves. I will have to wait until spring to add more mulch. At least it looks neat now.
Hope everyone in the hurricane’s wake are safe and sound. We usually spend a week each summer on the Outer Banks. I was remembering how long it took to rebuild after the last big hurricane hit it. It must be so depressing to be living amidst the devastation until things start to recover. Hugs and prayers to all of you.
We have beautiful sunshine here today in my part of the South. After I clean up the pieces of my sofa that my dogs tore into while I was out (just two hours btw), I am taking them hiking, then going supboarding. Anyone have any tips for getting your dogs to not dig/shred your sofa? Their ages range six to twelve, so these are not young pups, but they do have separation anxiety.
After reading TT’s tomato growing stories, I am growing some, but only have two green tomatoes so far. I don’t think I will be able to make the great dishes with them like they did on Southern Charm Savannah.
Oh well, football tonight, then tomorrow as well. It is the South y’all.
Props to Craig Conover for doing such a good job on the rescue effort.
I know that after losing everything I owned to Hurricane Harvey last year, I received an outpouring of help from north and South Carolinians. And this past week, I was able to return the favor and drive a van of goodies up to them. I also know that Bama is beating A&M, so my life is the best it has been in a year!
My home is high and dry and didn’t even lose power so we feel fortunate. A snake must have felt higher ground was the place to be though, because one slithered up about forty feet off the ground to slurp sugar water from our hummingbird feeder.
We are in Edinburgh right now and boy, let me tell you that if you ever want to be somewhere that is jumping on a Saturday night, this is it. A group of young ones got on the tram and started singing Take Me Home, Country Roads so I felt right at home.
I am fostering a heart worm positive pup! A little over two weeks now. She is a lab border collie mix and eight months.
The thing with heart worm is that the dog is under an exercise restriction, which is 100% incompatible with this breed and age. Fearing for my sanity and her cabin fever, I let her try to get some every out by a few minutes of running tennis ball stuff. I plan on adopting her and pray she comes out perfect!!!
🙏🏼❤️🐶
Awww…I love that. Rescues are the best.
I love her, but want to kill her sometimes! It’s just frustration that I can’t let her do what she wants to do per her DNA. 😁😁
Hang in there! It will all be worth it later.
BIG birthday and having week-long celebration to fit in all my loved friends and family. Already lots to remember. Thank goodness for phones as friends and family emailing me photos when they get home.
So impressed with Craig Conover’s efforts in hurricane relief. He is the emerging young face in Southern Charm that has the kindness of spirit I want to see more of on the show, especially after the depths of bad behavior from others that we were subjected to last season.
Happy Birthday!!!!
Thank you very much, Fizz.
Beautiful summer/fall here in Central Mo. Little Bro had surgery yesterday and he allowed me to be his caregiver. He sent me home today (I go back tomorrow.). My bro is one of those sensitive manly man’s and thought he wouldn’t need the abdominal surgery pain meds. Haaaahaaa. I made him 3 gallons of homemade chicken soup and took his pup to the dog park to wear the little shit out. I’m most alive when I’m helping and being of service to others, I realize. I need to volunteer at the Sr. Center,. My leisure time ( which I have so much of) needs to get into giving back.
Good energy, Tamara! I hope you and Banjo have a most excellent day hiking. That show turned out to be a really good catalyst for thought, didn’t it? I really would love to see a follow up on these people.
Today I am relaxing after yesterday’s conference. That was a good day amongst doctors, neurologists, nurses, 4 nuns in full habits, caregivers, social workers, volunteers, table after table advertising resources (I have a bag full to pass to friends… He has Alzheimer’s.
Resting now as the upcoming week brings 2 cancer patients to drive, 2 singing gigs at assisted living facilities, 1 doctor appointment, 1 lunch with friends, and BB finale/Survivor premier.. And I had a third patient scheduled, but just got a call from American Cancer Society that his appointment was cancelked.
Luckily, all of these activities energize me.
Disasters like the hurricane and floods can bring out the best (and sadly, the bad side) of people.
Efforts large and small are appreciated and needed.
One of my patients lives in a hotel room, has for over a decade. He works there as a handyman. No vehicle. Under treatment for cancer for several years.
Chemo takes a toll..
But he has a great smile, he knows everyone at the cancer center..
I go to the dental hygienist twice a year and she always gives me a new toothbrush, floss, little tube of toothpaste). I don’t need them, but I always find a home for them.
This time it was this patient. Such a small thing, but it made him happy. Me too.
We did fine inside the house in Sneads Ferry NC (between Jacksonville & Wilmington) during the hurricane because Fly Boy installed a whole-house propane generator just before we got married last spring. It came on automatically when the power went out. The stove is propane, so we were fine. Outside was a different story. Four large “hurricane-proof” metal outbuildings did not make it; 3 were housing boats & the other was for the tractor. My wedding-gift tricked out kayak, Tyger Lily, is fine, but not totally sure of the damages to some other boats, as buildings have to be pulled off. One side crashed into the pool fence, & that is a mess; damage also to the shooting range & various other parts of the spread, but the ducks & coon hound stayed outside & played the entire time. We were without internet for over a week, & phones for days. Cell phone would get Facebook, but 95% of the time nothing else, even though I had bars. Still can’t get to my home county where I have other properties without going double miles via detour. Of course tenants used my rent $$$ to evacuate, so still working that out. Grandson-in-law evacuated all the great-granddaughters to the mountains, but then had to leave there for Virginia, but is home now making repairs & volunteering. Two great-granddaughters, 16 & 11 have been volunteering at a distribution center, & the older one is on her way to my waterfront house to check damage there. Water got to 9.5 feet, which means my shed & garage were flooded, but not in the house, as the doors are 10.5 feet above sea level. It will be a mess, & surely there are trees down. I have trees down elsewhere, & one tree where my daughter lives is caught in 2 other trees, trying to take them down. I’m on a list to get tree help, but assistance is much slower than it was during Hurricane Irene. Local granddaughter is a Sr. Social Worker, so has been living in a shelter, working there, & don’t know if she has been allowed home yet. Local daughter brought her 2 dogs to work & lived in her office for several days. I’m anxious to get to the house in which I was living before marrying Fly Boy because I have all sorts of used clothing donations & new children’s shoes, + stuffed toys & some school supplies. I’ve run a children’s foundation for years that my late husband & I founded, & it is strange to not be in the thick of the recovery effort. I’ve gathered up what I can here & will load my car tomorrow to be ready when the direct road is clear. I’ve got a ton of toys in storage, so will be able to help affected families at Christmas. Because of my knee replacement a few weeks ago I’ve put off making the actual move from my own house to this one, but decided to go ahead & place an ad in the paper (back in operation next week) to rent it out to a displaced family. This means a real hustle once the roads are clear to get packed up & physically move all my furniture, etc. in a very short time. Combining households at our ages is a big effort, so most of my things will have to be stored, hopefully here on the property if I can clear out some of the still-standing outbuildings. Fly Boy is having back surgery next week, so this will be pretty much Operation Moi with the help of a couple hired Marines & our handyman. Oh, & company is on the way from Ohio, so am re-doing 2 guestrooms; one for adults & the other for the great-granddaughters, who have selected a “Girly Nautical” theme. Tomorrow I’m getting a driving lesson in Fly Boy’s truck. I have my own 3/4 T. truck, but it has a load of gravel in it & it is on a currently inaccessible property. A lot of folks have been totally wiped out, & most have suffered damages to one degree or another. The effects of Florence will be felt a long time, & I hope the lessons to be learned will be heeded by the powers that be.
BTW, I want to nominate Fly Boy for some sort of award. He’s been reading the Perfect Husband Manual again. Not only do I receive flowers every week & got the most spectacular wedding gift ever,, but in today’s mail not only did I get a set of reusable straws with a tiny but long cleaning brush (I use straws with all my cold beverages), but a set of personal travel silverware. Now I know the later doesn’t sound particular thoughtful, but note that he included a pair of stainless chopsticks in the kit so I will be prepared to dine on Oriental delights wherever we wander. May every little old lady find such a gem in her life–
Miz Grandma – you had knee replacement and Flyboy is facing back surgery and yet you still manage to get so much done? Wow, you are really something – in a very good way. You make me feel like a big fat sloth, which I am.
So sorry to hear that you had damage from Florence, but it sounds as though you will do OK and are better off than a lot of others. I can see what a problem it is for renters to have to use money to evacuate (which they probably had no way of preparing for) and then not have $$$ for rent. That’s just one of the many ways a disaster such as you’re going through impacts people.
It sounds as though you and your husband are in good shape financially, which really helps, and you’ll be able to hire people to help you recover. Wishing you the very best as you attempt to bring things back to normal. With your great attitude, I have no doubt that you’ll get everything shipshape in no time.
You are both gems. You both get an award nomination!!!…”Most happy newlywed couple kicking all negative ass and not taking names!” Award! I don’t know, something like that, you guys!!??? Help me out TT and your faithful clan.
And the win goes to…shhh, opening the envelope…(like we don’t already know the winners but, never know, lots of heroes out there) MizGrandma and Fly Boy!
Your happiness, zest for life and love flies out of your words. I can feel it, it’s palpable! You two (kids) are then sharing your love by providing assistance in so many ways at time when your world is upside down and backwards too. You’re inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
My prayers and support to everyone effected by Florence. I’ve donated to one relief organization but will look into helping out Craig’s efforts too, his message really hit me emotionally.
Wow! You sure lead an interesting life. I think YOU should have a reality show, New knee and a new husband… And another thing: The most romantic gifts, as YOU understand, are not jewelry or fancy stuff, it is what means something to you. Those straws (I drink hot and cold bevs with straws) and silverware mean a lot to you. And that FlyBoy included the chop sticks … wonderful lagniappe. Best wishes to you and those you love and help.
Overcast day in here in Eastern Oregon. Temp in the 70’s and no fire danger so I’m happy.
Took Beau my Golden doggie down to the harbor early. The sea lions were out in full force yelping and taking over the place. The harbor patrol put up some inflatable wavy arm guys on the docks near them because they are sick of cleaning up all the puke and mess from them. Now they are lounging on the back of peoples boats so that’s bad. Afterwards, we went to a farmer’s Market downtown. Ran into my old dog sitter that I had for my Wheaton and he said he would watch my dog if I want to get away but his wife seemed frightened and said he may jump all over everything in there house. He’s only 2 1/2 so very adolescent still. He had a good trainer who even worked with Cesar Milan but he forgot everything he learned but he did get a nice graduation picture with a nice cap. I do still want to go whale watching soon as I have a free pass and the Orcas are out there right now so I don’t want to miss that. In other news, I’ve had a few celebrity sightings lately for those of you interested … I saw Lauri Peterson with her husband and two kids, (one is her son’s) in Costco. and for all you Shane lovers…I saw him a couple of times lately..one time dressed very dapper all in white with a light blue sweater draped over his shoulders. Maybe yachting with friends ?? I don’t know.. he looked like he may have been boating. He is rather petite though I must say. Most of all, my thoughts and prayers to all of you still in harms way am planning on helping in some way. Blessing also again, to the first responders. You are hero’s.
Ushering in the first weekend of Seasonal Electric Blanket Detente, during which Slutty Boy the cat and Henry the beagle freely canoodle and snore amidst their respective heat comas. So I’m throwing in my lot with them, and binge-watching Castaways, thanks to our Glorious Leader.
Oh no!!! I just started opening up at night a few weeks ago! We did get rain this monsoon season but it’s been hot, normally would have had our first freeze by now.
I’d rather have 10 blankets (don’t need) weighing me down to keep me warm vs. forced hot air or an electric blanket. I’ve compromised because I live with “dh” born and raised in So.Cal. I bought a heated mattress pad some 20ish years ago, controls both sides, so I can crawl in warm, turn off. Life is good on my side of the bed! I’m covered up and happy (mink blanket on top, anyone who’s been to Korea knows what a mink blanket is…)
JCPenny…we’re like on the or 4th pad…but I just sleep better staying warm by my own body heat and heavy weight blankets.
I have leg fights at night with my cats all winter! They work hard when it’s warm, but in chilly months they just want to be where it’s warm…
With all the inspiration from Lynn and MizGrandma and others, I feel bad for the whining I am about to do, but I am going to do it anyway.
HIKING IS NOT FUCKING FUN. I chose the shorts trail, a mile to the top of the mountain and a mile down. Clearly, the word MOUNTAIN did not register with me. Any activity that requires waddling about holding a sack of shit in your sweaty hamfist should send out warning signs that say NO FUN ZONE. THIS COULD BE A FATAL ACTIVITY. But my confident ass thought, hey, six or eight years and sixty pounds ago, five miles in an hour with the occasional incline was a normal workout. And by normal I mean five or six times a year!
I’d also like to point out that for eight or nine years I’ve had Banjo I HAVE NEVER PICKED UP POOP. We have a system on his walks where he has to get to the DROP ZONE before pooping. They drop zone is a weedy easement on the street behind us. Their may have been a time or two we have not made it but I may have looked the other way. On the way in to the hike I took two of the provided poop bags and used them both in the first five minutes when Banjo spewed shit diagonally across the head of the trail. It was barely solid. That should have been a sign.
But I persisted.
On Monday I plan to sue Kennesaw National Park for false advertising. THE TRAIL DOES NOT LOOK LIKE THAT. It’s more of a cliff than a trail. There are loose rocks and those benches are 27 seven miles a part. And when they say it is a one mile trail up, they lie. Ten feet in I was gasping for breath. I thought the Good Lord was coming to take me. He didn’t, but I wish he had.
But I persisted.
At the . 5 marker, the only marker along the vertical climb. I forced myself not to cry. About that point was when people started to ask if I was okay. I rested on a rock for a bit. Literally seven feet later there was a bench. The second of only two I saw. I rested there too. I started asking if I was close to the top. Everyone said I was not half way yet. How could there be a halfway marker, if I was not half way?
But after, much thought and self talk, I persisted.
There was a flatterISH switch back at this point that went back and forth instead of straight up. I could barely waddle. I was gasping for breath. People seemed more and more concerned about me. People on the trail, the real hikers were very nice. Embarrassingly nice. Fat girls were few and far between.
So I persisted. after a flatter path to the left and a switching back to a steeper path to the right. I reached the stone stairs. If there had not been so many people around I would have cried. I probably could not have produced tears. See that photo up there with the rock stairs? Yeah, it’s not like that. That photo must be from 1972. The rocks are smaller and looser and way steeper than it looks. I sat down on a cry and for the third time contempleted turing around. The was long past the .5 marker. I must be so close. I can do this.
Then hikers came by and told me it was going to be steep the rest of the way and once again, “I was about half way. How is this possible.
I finally threw in the towel. I was pissed for quitting but I didn’t have it in me. It was time to head down hill.
Have you heard that expression, “It’s all downhill from here?” THAT IS NOT A GOOD THING. Going down a fucking mountain is almost as hard as going up. It just means different things hurt. And the risk of taking a tumble and falling to your death is real.
I had to stop a lot going down. When we finally made to to the car, I tried to cry but was too exhausted.
We returned to the car, 70 minutes after we left it. The temperature had dropped from 88 degrees to 86. Banjo refused to drink water until we were halfway home. He actually sat down a couple times on the way down waiting for me to catch up.
We’re exhausted. Hiking sucks. ALOT. If I am not stiff as aboard tomorrow, we will go again. If I am we will try to go Monday. I AM GOING TO GET TO THE TOP OF THAT FUCKING MOUNTAIN IF IT KILLS US BOTH. And it probably will.
My sympathies, TT. I hiked a bit in the Andes a few years ago, but went medically prepared with some pills & an atomizer. Don’t recall exactly the names of the prescriptions, but they did help increase oxygen supply. I was still the last one back to the bus, but consoled myself that I was the only great-grandmother of five on the bus anyway. Now with the artificial knee I don’t have to worry about hiking ever again. When my sister was dying of cancer at 47 I tried to console her by telling her at least she never had to go the dentist again. I’m not sure that helped.
Hahaha! OMG I’m crying!
Hang in there, you got this!
😂😂 TT, you made my night. We were in the mountains last year during Thanksgiving and as beautiful as it is, I was so ready to go back to my life at or below sea level. I was side eyeing all of the elderly ppl zooming past me so damn hard! I’ll stick to my flat nature trails! I do admire your grit though. Kick that mountain’s butt!
Oh my gosh! I completely understand how you feel. I love that you are determined to literally beat the mountain though! I used to love hiking. Not so much anymore. I work out at home and like it so much better. You and Banjo are probably both going to be sore today. If you are ice not heat is your best friend for reducing swelling.
It is a tough climb done it once. Check out Atlanta trails site. There are a lot of great places around here. Sope creek one of my favorites. Fall is the best time to hike need to get my fat ass out there. Hubs is back today from clearing trees in the Carolinas. It has been nice having the house to myself but doing all of the work sucks.
It’s all bad karma..Jesus..pick up your fucking godamn dogs poop. I have a dog.
I love reading your historical/hysterical diary entries! I won’t tell you about 3 days in the “big ditch” with my Dad (I do still call him my Daddy! Um, because he is!). Oh, my training stories preparing to hike in and out of the Grand Canyon?
Let me just say good times! Ha! Not pretty!
Sooo glad Banjo enjoyed mother nature by taking a poo when it wasn’t a planned or scheduled necessity. Nothing better than a good BM out in mother nature knowing there’s no reason to hold back! Good job bagging that shit momma!
That’s right TT! Get pissed about doing it! That’s how I hauled my fat ass up a one mile hike from hell. It took two tries, and a shaming from a 9 year old kid who went up and back, and up again, for me to say I am going to get to the top of that fucking trail!
First off…hells yeah TT. Super happy for you. In no time that mountain will be your bitch. There are a bunch of folks helping here in NC. If you get a chance check out Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen the charity he started. They are here and have served over 150k meals as of yesterday. He has a new book out and 100% of the proceeds will go to the charity.
I, along with 3 other moms and 11 kids from our neighborhood, volunteered with World Central Kitchen yesterday in Wilmington. We unloaded trucks and set up food on pallets to thaw. They have provided over 100,000 hot meals to people in this area. The folks running it could not have been nicer. And it was a really great experience for the kids.
They’ve cancelled school again for all of next week. We were lucky to get back to Wilmington Tuesday but saw a lot of roads flooded around Greenville and Kinston. Many days all routes have been closed or there has been crazy traffic and detours. I’m in outside sales so I don’t want to leave town for fear of not being able to get home within a reasonable timeframe.
We had a neighborhood cleanup for a few hours today working to clear debris from the community areas. My neighbor’s dad is a lumberjack and he brought a crew here from the western part of the state. They’ve helped us clean up downed trees from our yards and remove trees from some rooftops. Everyone has been sharing tools and supplies and helping each other out for the most part. It’s nice to see people being unselfish and working together. We’re lucky!
Love Craig with the beard (& I hate beards ) wow !! Laughed my butt off reading your adventure tt . Last hiking for me about 15 yrs ago & my overweight sister left me in the dust so I knew that’s it for me. Even tho scenery was gorgeous. Blowing rock & leaves changing have to experience at least once. Mentioned before, but this is why I comment here only : can express my opinion & not get trashed . Thanks
I hope I can add a link?
If you have been effected by Hurricane Florence, please go to http://www.DisasterAssistance.Gov
South Carolina is a mess right now and so many of my friends homes are flooding.
Reporting from New Bern……water has receded some but will rise again tomorrow when the Neuse River crest. No more people reported to be at risk so far.
Please encourage everyone you know to give large or small as they can afford.
Lots of people out in the county low lands that had little to begin with now have nothing so the need is going to be with us for a while.
Thanks to everyone.
Sara, make sure you go to the above FEMA link and register. They are there to help!
Thanks but we are fine, hardly touched our house.. Its the people who are going to be homeless that are a concern.
My heart really goes out to you and everyone in New Bern!
Schools are closed indefinitely as we prepare for flooding in coastal SC. Those rivers you mentioned above all feed into the river that flows near my house and empties into the ocean. All we can do is wait and pray. Maximum flood stage is expected to occur Monday or Tuesday.
We evacuated to Atlanta when Florence hit. I have to say Atlanta was a very gracious hosts. They offered free meals at different restaurants. And we could catch a free ball game courtesy of the Braves. All efforts to make evacuees comfortable was greatly appreciated.
I’m glad we treated you well. Wishing you all the best with your river levels.
Castaways was awesome. Thank you Tamara for hooking me onto that show. I finished episode 10 yesterday and I as you are was totally impressed with Robbie. He inspired me. I am going to definitely follow his lead. And Terri as well. Thank you again for telling us about that show.
I’m exhausted and can barely move even after a hot shower. I’m starting to see why normal people go to bed at a reasonable hour. They are tired!
This is why you NEVER EVER throw out pain meds. EVER. Even if expired, they do not go bad, they even keep their strength for many years. One little helper and some hot tea … and good TV. I hope for your sake Banjo is not like my Calico dog. If I took her hiking at EXACTLY 10a.m. today, tomorrow at EXACTLY 10a.m. she would start barking and barking, yelling at me that it is time to go hiking again.
This is how the opiod crisis began. People subscribed more pain pils than they need.
Banjo is used to having low expectations.
No. I just saved some for a rainy day. And then it started POURING.
When I’m eating well and getting exercise, I can barely make it until 10 p.m. Good to know you and Banjo are getting out there and trying. You are right about how the downhill isn’t really much easier than the uphill. Hurts the knees and shins.
We are in for another few days of triple digit heat heat warnings. Hopefully we’ll catch some thunderstorms to help cool the house off though. I’m so ready for fall! When the weathers cools down and me and my manfolk get a few free days, we plan to go up to Vicksburg. My sister and brother-in-law live there and they sent me a link to the most awesome place. Maybe some of the Lucky Tackle Box goodies that are filling up my garage can be put to use.
It’s a perfect getaway and I can spend time with my little sister while the men play with their rods and reels. We’ll definitely catch more than the guys but that’ll make it more fun!
Still cleaning up after flooding here in WI. My heart goes out to SC. More flooding to come for them . . . . and then . . . . the mosquitos, the mold and the repair/rebuild! With everything saturated the mosquito population triples, quadruples (they grow to the size of small birds), and make it painful to even go outside. We don’t have a huge pool of contractors in Wisconsin so there’s a waiting list. I’m sure SC will face the same problems and need a mega work-force to help them back into their homes. I just want to remind everyone that when Hurricane Florence is no longer front-page news there is STILL a lot to do. Let’s not forget them.
Hi All.. I would appreciate some names of organizations to donate. There have been some fraudulent people asking for donations to causes and so I would like some links or names of organizations that you know of that are needing help. Thank You.
I am hoping to get any referrals for faith-based organizations out there or any organizations that are rebuilding or repairing homes. If you have any referrals please let me know. TY.
Best to all of you dealing with the aftermath of Florence, and kudos to Bethenny and Craig.
TT, we are avid hikers. Woods therapy is my savior. Banjo will love all the new smells and scenery. Let us know how it went.
Headed to DC to support Dr. Ford this week. Not much else occupying my mind these days.
Take care, everyone. Happy Sunday.
Oh ha. I just read your hiking horrors upthread! Sorry to hear but good on you for giving it a go. Probably not the best option for your first foray, but it appears you were misled. Hope you find some flat ground for your hiking adventures.
When we were at Yosemite and Sequoia earlier this year, it took me a few days to get used to all the climbing we had to do. I found that just going slower helped a lot.
Keeping it positive … because of moving, the plant blooming schedule is completely squeehod. The development on the edibles has been RETARDED by my late planting. Cheater tomatoes have tiny fruit and lots of flowers. Same with Sweetie Pie mini pumpkins. Ginger is in bud and more waterlillies coming. I don’t think frost comes to Sacramento until November, so I hope edibles will ripen before then. I may have to move the plumeria inside; my new pal at the hydroponic shop said he leaves his outdoors, wrapped in tiny Christmas lights for night warmth. BTW: The people who work at hydroponic shops are wonderful sources for scientific and “field-test” gardening advice. They may not know that your dwarf banana plant needs low-nitrogen soil and fertilizer, but if YOU tell them that is what it needs, THEY WILL KNOW the best products for you to get.
Friends from Lake Wylie (south of Charlotte) rode out the storm here with me in North Georgia. Duke Power lowered the lake before the storm so they weren’t worried about flooding. Very concerned about downed trees and closed roads. We had a great visit and I’ll miss them. My dogs on the other hand will not miss their 3 cats :). It will take a long time for coastal and river towns to recover. Kudos to Craig for walking the walk.
Tamara, I’ve hiked Kennesaw Mountain many times, usually while stoned. Of course, that was 40 plus years and 40 less pounds ago. Down hill is hell on the shins! These days I do my hiking on a treadmill.
I had a nice, relaxing weekend. Yesterday I met some friends for brunch at a restaurant I hadn’t been to before. I enjoyed the restaurant and of course the company. After that, it was football for the rest of the day. My team won. Yay!
Today I decided to drive to the beach for the day, It was cool and rainy where I live, but the perfect beach day at the beach – low 80s, no humidity, the sun was shining. I couldn’t have asked for a better day weather-wise. Plus it wasn’t very crowded.
When I got there, a spot was set up for a wedding at the top of the beach, near the boardwalk. The group for the wedding eventually arrived, and I enjoyed watching from my beach towel a safe distance (probably 50 yards) away. But then they started walking in my direction! They wanted to have part of the ceremony at the water’s edge, and for whatever reason, they had it right by me. Seriously, I was laying there in my bright pink bathing suit on my flowery beach towel, and the bride and groom were no more than 10 or 20 feet from me. And wedding guests completely surrounded me. Now what do you do in that situation? That portion of the beach wasn’t blocked off and there was no indication they would be coming there. There was plenty of open space on the beach where they could have gone. I wasn’t sure if I should walk away until they were done or what, so I just laid there on my beach towel. Getting up and walking away somehow seemed like it would have been ruder. They eventually went back to the set-up spot and finished up there. But it was a nice ceremony, and the happy couple did in fact look very happy. I am glad the weather was so perfect for their big day, and it appeared all went well. Even though they will have some fatass in a bright pink bathing suit in their wedding pictures.
😎 that’s funny. It’s like in a movie theatre that is almost completely empty, there’s always that person (s) that has to sit right in front of you. Good for you for not leaving, I would have stayed too.
I did a lot of yard work. I mowed down my garden, it was very unsuccessful this year (usually canning toms and peppers). I was lucky to get 20 tomatoes out of 8 plants this year though. Live on a small farm, so husband was getting the combine cleaned and prepped for harvesting. Might save some corn stalks before they are knocked down, my kids want me to decorate for fall, and not just a few pumpkins and gourds laying around the house. We will see. I look at corn stalks all season in our fields, so technically I do decorate. I love the fall, it’s a good excuse to buy caramel vodka with a chaser of apple cider. Not sure why I shared that little tidbit !!
FYI
Tamara:
South Carolina Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson is slow-boating complaints about at least 118 businesses for price gouging made by victims of Hurricane Florence.
According to The State, Wilson called price gouging “the normal effects of supply and demand.” Wilson’s spokesperson said none of the complaints thus far were too egregious—but right now, there are too many people in South Carolina in need and there are rising prices for gas and other essentials.
And the trouble isn’t over. Hurricane Florence is still affecting South Carolina communities as rivers continue to crest and neighborhoods continue to flood.
Attorney General Alan Wilson is failing to do his job to protect consumers from those who would take advantage of this disaster. This is the latest in a shameful pattern by Wilson putting the interests of his wealthy donors and the powerful above the people of South Carolina; Wilson faces allegations that he tried to derail a public corruption investigation into GOP political operative Richard Quinn and his son, former state Rep. Rick Quinn – his political cronies.
South Carolina deserves an Attorney General who will stand up for consumers and the people. That is why Democratic Attorney General Candidate Constance Anastopoulo (@EthicsAgain) is calling out Wilson for his inaction, and would hold price gougers accountable, and would always put the people of South Carolina first.
Leading up to the hurricane the news channels were just salivating at impending doom. Now, barely a blip if any on the aftermath & what is still happening. Also happened when I lived in Florida thru Andrew. So I have no problem with a reality “star” stepping up. Keeps it relevant. Wonder how much the others have done besides all the social media slamming.
I think the rivers are just now starting to crest. It’s really bad.