I had planned on writing on a different topic today, but life took a turn that inspired me elsewhere. Are you a plan-ahead type of person? I would say I’m notorious at planning-ahead. Maybe it’s just my personality, or the fact I was a young Girl Scout, and the motto “Be Prepared” stuck. In any case, when we heard unwanted guest Hurricane Irene was heading our way, I got busy. But no matter how much preparation or weather reports you keep updated on, when it comes to Mother Nature, sometimes you don’t know what’s in store for you, and she reminds you of the most important life lesson.
Glad you are okay. Sometimes with out electricity it can be fun. Makes you think about what is really important. And sometimes those well made plans just go up in smoke,or down with the rain or something but the sun did come out,and again thank God you are okay.
Brenda, thank you for commenting. We are so thankful – it could have been so much worse! -Nicole
We are glad you and your family are ok. We have been praying for the many affected by any parts of the hurricane. We have tornadoes in Minnesota so I know of the devastation. Thanks to your farmgirl spirit, you were prepared. Good luck and keep on writing. Bonnie
Thank you, Bonnie! -Nicole
So happy no one was hurt at your house!We certainly learn how to function quickly when disaster strikes, don’t we? Still praying for everyone in Irene’s path.
We were hit hard here in NJ too. Lots of trees down and no power for 7 days. A generator comes in real handy.
Sue, hope all is well with you and yours in New Jersey. These rains aren’t helping the floods, either, I bet. -Nicole
Gosh, Nicole! I am relieved that you and your family weathered this storm and will continue to weather many others (just maybe not this type!)….You did great planning for your basement retreat.
I have never lived in an area prone to this type of weather activity. The closest we got here in eastern Washington state is something we locals call ‘ice storm’. I remember I was working that particular day and my mom and dad called me to tell me that everything was covered with ice and to NOT take the freeway. I dashed out to my car and started down the hill to the main street when I realized that I couldn’t see through the ice shell covering my car. When I got out to work on my windshield my hair froze automatically, sticking out on one side of my head. We also were without power and I thanked God that my husband was an electrician and had installed a generator! My folks used their motor home alot that year and when we came over for Thanksgiving, mom had cooked the turkey and side dishes, promptly finishing when the power went out again.
I think back on this part of my life, being thankful that I had wonderful parents and a husband to help me through. As mom would say, ‘It was a tough row to hoe..’…..
I’m sending you some positive energy! Hang in there, sweetie!
Wow Janice, what a story! Thank you for sharing. We get blizzards here, but with those, we know in advance, and honestly the roads are cleared the next day. With ice, there’s a higher chance of losing power. What made last winter so hard was the ice and snow piled up so high, you couldn’t see the oncoming traffic when you pulled out or could walk anywhere. Thank you for your wishes. We are well, power here is back. Certainly makes you appreciate it, though, when it is out for long periods! -Nicole
I am glad that you are okay. I live in Houston, north of Houston, and we were affected by Ike – 2 weeks without electricity. It was kinda fun the first week, and not so much the 2nd week. We have our 72 hour kits ready at all times – just in case. And now there are fires near by in Magnolia!
Your chickpea and veggie salad that you made to "prepare" sounds yummy…would you be willing to share!
Joeby – Texas is certainly being hit hard with the drought and those horrible fires! Wish we could send our rain down to you!
For the chickpea salad, in a large bowl, I mix two cans of Organic Garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed, 2 large chopped tomatoes or a large handful of cherry tomatoes, 2 medium cucumbers, chopped, 1/2 cup feta cheese, 10 – 12 fresh leaves of basil, 6 – 8 leaves of fresh mint, and mix it with 1/3 cup White Wine vinegar and 1/4 cup Organic Olive Oil. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or two before serving. Enjoy! -Nicole
I am from the quiet corner of CT and there isn’t anything more intimidating then facing such storms and the aftermath of doing without a lot of things we take for granted till we don’t have them. We made it through and I am glad you and your family also. I like the laundry idea.
Glad to hear you are doing well, too. It was something, that storm, wasn’t it? Thank you for reading! -Nicole
I’ve posted comments to you several times now and almost feel like we’re friends, so as one friend to another, thank goodness you and your family are okay, God Bless.
Hi Patricia, We are both farmgirls, so that makes us friends! Thank you so much for reading and commenting on the blog. It means alot. -Nicole
Been there, done it. Cooked on a camp stove…..windows open all around. Hanging clothes out to dry…..by the way, the washboard idea was a good one! After five days without power, we got in a groove, and then when the lights came on, we were sort of bummed!!! But only for a few minutes! What I missed most when the lights came on was the quiet.
Jeannie, I know what you mean. We enjoyed "hunkering down" each night before it got dark in our basement (the generator powers a part of it). We had more family time without t.v. than we have had in ages. I also am looking into getting a "real" clothesline. I was inspired to do it when I read MaryJane’s book, but now really want one. The clothes smell so fresh! Thanks for reading. -Nicole
So glad you and your family are ok. I live here in Texas north of Houston. We are currently facing wildfires in our neck of the woods and many of our friends are evacuated and some have lost their homes. Floods, Fires and Tornados are all devestating. We are thankful that we are out of harms way at this time. Take Care we will be praying for all of you. Could you send us some rain?
Rachelle, my prayers are there with you! I have family where you are and have heard of some of their friends who have lost everything to those fires. Stay safe! Wish we could send some of the rain to you. Watching Texas on the news is just heartbreaking (my homestate). -Nicole
I am glad you are OK and hope this next storm is nice to you too! How convenient to have that washboard! And I am lovin’ your clothesline. Don’t you wish for one up all the time?
Blessings to you as you clean up!
Cyndi
Totally! My daughter wanted her swingset back, so I am looking into a "real" clothesline. I have to say washing with the washboard and hanging it up to dry was actually quite relaxing! My daughter says we should get a wringer, too! We’ll see… Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole
Your farmgirl spirit is inspiring (and a great example to your daughter). My grown children still remember a tornado that hit here in Akron/Canton, Ohio, when they were young. It sheered the tops off seven pine trees and put the top of a huge silver maple tree in our above ground pool. It only broke a gutter on the house four feet away from the pool. We have pictures of the kids standing on huge tree trunks taken down by the storm. I’ll never forget that steam engine sound. Time to check on my emergency supplies in the basement!
Mary, we have an above-ground pool, too. Not too far from our huge downed trees sat the pool, and would you believe that the pool floats were still in it! I was shocked! They were the one thing I forgot to take in. Thanks for the comment! Stay safe! -Nicole
Nicole,
Another great story and great advice about being prepared for a potential storm. So many people do not heed storm warnings and get caught with no food or water and an empty tank of gas.
I love the vintage washboard! And it is a practical item to have on hand.
Thanks, Rose! Thank you for reading, too. -Nicole