Welcome to the weekend, everyone.
The past week has flown by.....though at some times it seemed like it was moving at a crawling pace.
We eventually get through -
We wake up, we do all the needed things, we fix meals....run the generator when needed to keep things cold...and eventually it is time to go to bed.
We get up the next morning and start it all over again.
I'm putting something quilty at the top of this post to remind me what I need to get back to. If I can find my sew-jo again.
At some moments I'm still having to remind myself to just breathe.
Keeping it real in the kitchen.
There are 4 jar candles burning as dawn arises - this is the morning routine.
The pitcher of water next to the fridge and the tea kettle were filled full before the generator was turned off at bedtime last night.
The generator gets turned back on between 9-10 a.m. to keep things frozen/cold - but neither of us can sleep with the generator going, and it is an unnecessary use of fuel so we are only running it 12 hours a day.
I start my day by lighting the candles (It's an odd combination of ALL the different fragrances) using a flashlight and a BBQ lighter.
Then I turn on the gas stove and use the lighter to get the flame going to heat the water that becomes our morning coffee (for me) and hot chocolate. (for Dave)
I brush my teeth at the kitchen sink, And use the remaining cooled down but still warm water in the tea kettle for my waterpik. It's amazing how much better I feel just knowing my teeth are brushed and I am ready for the day.
Dave is still experiencing pain from the fractured clavicle more than he is the 31 staples in his head. It's the muscles further down the arm that ache, so cold packs and some massage to the rescue.
Breakfast is easy thanks to the gas range. Today it was bacon/cheese omelets. We are not starving by any means.
I am typing this form the QPO studio where the power was restored on Friday evening. It's nice to be able to sit at a keyboard instead of trying to compose a post on my phone using voice-to-text which presents challenges of its own.
These images keep flooding through my mind when I least expect it. We were on the ambulance for 4 1/2 hours waiting for this to recede. We are actually ON the road here...but it looks like a lake of mud. Terrifying.
Photo from ambulance window.
Before the ambulance arrived - we were in the parking lot at Corner Market watching a road across the way turn into a rolling river...and some farmer upstream had recently cut his pumpkin crop from the vines in preparation for them being picked up by truck.
We watched pumpkin races float on by.....it was incredible. It was comical in a very surreal kind of way. Much like those yellow duckie races some communities hold as a fund raiser. Only this was not for fun and games or prizes.
In talking to the Shippenstitchers before they left last Saturday for home - they too had stood on the back porch at Quiltville Inn watching the creek rise and expand and roll fiercely on by, carrying all of the pumpkins further on down toward the New River.
I do have photos from that retreat - but I think I'll wait until Monday to post them. I still need more time.
The last loads of laundry from last week's retreat went in the wash this morning. The inn has power. So many do not.
Today is day 9 without power at home on the mountain.
In spite of it all - what a beautiful week of weather we've had in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The leaves are falling - thinning out the curtain of trees giving us a glimpse of long range mountain views to the east, and even the sunrises are able to peek through if we are awake enough to witness them.
Folks are still in survival mode up here. A call went out for those with ATVs to help get supplies to families that are completely cut off.
In spite of it all - what a beautiful week of weather we've had in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The leaves are falling - thinning out the curtain of trees giving us a glimpse of long range mountain views to the east, and even the sunrises are able to peek through if we are awake enough to witness them.
Folks are still in survival mode up here. A call went out for those with ATVs to help get supplies to families that are completely cut off.
And that makes my whole problem of the One Drive mess up on my office desktop computer less of a problem than it would have been PRE Helene. Files can be recovered. I am reminded that I can do better at backing things up.
I lost my EQ8 files. I had to uninstall and reinstall EQ8 and Blockbase because One Drive changed all of the directories and the programs couldn't locate files.
I had to uninstall and reinstall Chrome - of course Microsoft tries to demand that you stick with edge. What a pain.
Supposedly files are still on my hard drive somewhere.
But if the worse thing I have to do is re-type up some documents, re-draft up some quilt designs and graphics - it was worth getting rid of One Drive and losing stuff in the process.
It's all about perspective, right?
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Our community continues to grow in love for one another by lending helping hands.
Lifting one lifts us all. And we see ourselves reflected in the eyes of each and every one of us.
Lifting one lifts us all. And we see ourselves reflected in the eyes of each and every one of us.
And that's the best part of all of this.
Find small things to be grateful for this weekend no matter where you are -
23 comments:
So glad to hear of gradual improvement, but so sad that Dave is still feeling severe pain. I continue to hold you two and all of the affected area in prayer that healing and rescue and positive outlooks can prevail.
Bonnie, you are a beacon of light. Your optimism is inspiring and your spirit so admirable I want to do nothing other than copy it. I pray our dry dessert will never face the challenges your community is facing, but if it ever happens I hope I'll be able to find the strength to be as optimistic and strong as you are. Thank goodness your husband will recover. Thank you for all you write.
Over here in coastal NC we are sending truck load after truck load of clothing, food and cleaning supplies, today a truck load of quilts , throws, and blankets is going to a local church in your area. We are trying to help the best we can. Our prayers to all those still waiting for help and those who have lost their lives or are waiting to hear about their missing loved ones. Be safe Bonnie, keep us updated on your area please.
It's a hot Cocoa morning in the PNW. I'm wondering if it was One drive that took out my laptop. I need to find somewhere to reinstall my Eq and Blockbase too. Will it take a phone call to change? That waits for Monday. Grateful for small pleasures. Praying for Dave's pain to subside!
Thinking about and praying for you and all of the people affected by this horrific mess-hoping there is some relief soon.
Laura Hudson, Raleigh NC
Thank You Bonnie for letting us help you carry the load. Prayers and Love!!!
Is the blue and white quilt at the top from one of your patterns?
Not yet. These blocks are for my Waterford pattern - scheduled for release in February. I haven't finished the quilt yet. Thanks for your patience - stay tuned!
Oh Gosh Bonnie! I just read your updates- I am so sorry you have had such a tough time. My healing thoughts are with you and the hubster - and for those out there who are struggling with the aftermath of the hurricane.
Keeping you and all of Helene's victims in prayer. Share/vent all you want. It is good for the soul. Better than keeping it pent up inside. The pumpkins would be funny if you didn't know it was someone's livelihood floating by.
Well I'm glad you're in some kind of routine. I pray that you won't lose power this winter.
I'm busy making curtains for the office. It's south facing so they're full length.
I did go to 5 quilt shops yesterday and refused to pAy 12.99 a yard for fabric. It's awful.
Have a good day
Bonnie, your positivity is amazing. Glad you guys have worked out a routine while you wait for your power to be restored. Hang in there Hubster Dave. Hugs to you both, Jenny
Morganton cousins are back in their homes! Prayers and Hugs from vikki in WY
Thank you for making the effort to write daily to describe your day-to-day experience with Helene. Your narrative has made this feel much more personal to me even though I live across the country in Southern California. Your compassion is inspiring and I certainly hope that all those who need help will get it soon. It's wonderful to read the stories of communities coming together and people lending a helping hand. Sending hugs ❤ Juliet Sandquist
Can't wait to see more of these big Waterford blocks together. This 1 is gorgeous! Glad you have found a routine to cope with your temporary losses, and that Dave is doing a bit better. He sounds like a hard one to keep down for long. Wishing you both some happier days to come. I'm sitting in central Florida waiting to see what this next system is going to do. It's timing has me concerned as I'm running a 3 day quilt retreat next week.
some years ago Arkansas had a horrible ice storm that hit a lot of areas bad, one of my brother's in NW AR lost his power for over a month and lived with generators and kerosene heaters - no hot water and went to shower at someone's house that had power before they did. You learn to go day by day. The longest it ever took for us to get power back was about 24 hours now I realize even more how prepared we need to be winter or any other time of the year. Hope Dave feels less pain day by day but sure it will be another couple days or so before that happens. Good luck thinking of you and your neighbors
The cows. I hope they made it to higher ground. The power of water blows my mind. A few years ago we did 10 days by candle light. The linesmen are daredevils working hard to get everyone back in the light. You never know how strong you are until a major event test you to the nines. You have both passed the test with flying colours. On words and upwards as my Nana would say. Elaine, Ontario Canada
Email exchanged with a friend in Columbus, NC yesterday. no flooding near them but 5 days without electricity where they are and she's on oxygen. Fortunately they had a place they could charge the batteries for her portable O2 but she couldn't use her main O2 source for 5 days. By the time the electricity came back on, her batteries were no longer holding a charge like they should - never meant to be the main supply. She survived, but SCARY! So many stories. So glad people are stepping up to help each other.
Prayers and strength to cope sent for the entire area. Thanks for the updates!
Love and hugs from Oregon!
Haha, i connected with that surreal image of the pumpkins floating by. i know the feeling when everything seems out of place and lost. But, you just focus on what you can control now, and carry on. Your daily routines seem very wise to me. Sending you love and a wish for healing and comfort. Take care of yourselves!
I am simply heart sick about the damage to livelihood. My father was born in Boone. NC many years ago and I do have family members in Ashville., mostly Sheets families.
Many years ago, lost cousins.
I pray for you Bonnie. and your hubby. You look at the positive in life , such a wonderful role model.
May God grant hope and peace to everyone harmed by this hurricane
Bless you, Bonnie.
Debra, Try Marshall Dry Goods for fabric. I have used them for years and have always been very pleased with my orders.
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