Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Frustration & tears

 

Hi Folks ~ Well, Matthew is coming pretty close to FL and we’ll be on the west side of the hurricane unless the storm decides to turn more easterly.  That’s not what is predicted though, but only time will tell. It moved closer to FL this morning, so that sent me into ‘freak-out’ mode.

My husband and I always took care of getting ready together. I got in touch with my pastor this morning, and a couple of the men are coming around 3 this afternoon to put up my plywood hurricane shutters. The plywood is all stacked behind the barn, and the grass, weeds, etc. was about 2 ft. tall until I headed out there before lunch to weed wack and mow.

My wacker ran out of string. I restrung it and must not have done it right because I did a little and then no more string. I unplugged it, then took the bottom off to get to the spool and I can’t even find the end of the string that broke. I then got out my mower, raised it to it’s highest level from the ground and started mowing.

I’ve cried out of sheer frustration and from missing my husband, and because I am having to ask for help. Then the fact that help is coming makes me cry too.

I am praying that all will go smoothly, and that the hurricane won’t come too close. Please keep me in your prayers for strength and for peace. My 3 little barn girls have not been through a hurricane, so I don’t know how they will fare out in the barn, scared poopless no doubt. There are plenty of hidey holes for them.  Straps and more straps went into building the barn, so they should be ok.

Miss Tork and I will be right here inside Plum Cottage. Praying on my part and trying to stay calm. She’s not been through a hurricane either.

Lines were forming at the gas stations. No jugs of water at the grocery. I bought 2 24 packs of water, and hopefully, our water will be ok and it won’t be a problem.  Hopefully the power won’t go out, or be out for long. After Wilma, we were without power for 13 days.

Here’s the path I mowed to the back/west side of barn. I’ve not been back there since my attack of plantar fasciitis, which is about 5 months now. Feet are doing much better and I am thankful for that. Nothing like a hurricane threat to get my fanny in gear to work on the area. I’m also hoping no fencing will come down like in the past.

hurricane-prep-path

Stacked up plywood, ready to be put on windows.

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DH & I always got busy cleaning up right after hurricanes too. So this is a whole new experience for me being by myself.

I’ll stop for now and will finish this after they guys put up the plywood.

***

Four dudes showed up and we were done in a little over an hour.

I am so thankful for their help. I’ve been told to call a couple of people that I can stay with if the storm is really, really bad. I don’t want to leave here though, but hopefully it won’t be bad enough to leave.

I am exhausted, physically and mentally.

The little cottage is dark with almost all of the windows covered. I’ll be glad to have them uncovered again.

Here are some of the windows from the inside. We made all of our covers from recycled wood.  DH cut all of the heart shapes. Makes me love him all the more.

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10-04-Matthew-prep3

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Ok, that’s it.

Pray for all those in the storms path.  Haiti already has been hit hard.

Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady

17 comments:

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

Thoughts and prayers sent your way. It's wonderful that someone could put your storm shutters up. I have been thinking of you today every time I heard the weather reports for your area on the news.

Take care.

Hugs,
Susie D.

Jane said...

You are in my prayers, Rainey. Sounds like you have a wonderful church family. You can see your DH's love shining through those hearts. stay strong!!!!

Hugs
Jane

Nancy J said...

In my thoughts always, but even more so right now.I have been so thankful for help lately, something very new for me, so I know how different it is, and how grateful we are, those weed eaters, I think the plastic line goes through in a certain way!! Thankfully Hugh always threads ours when it runs out. Hugs and heaps of love from down here. XXXX

Cheryl said...

I am saying a prayer for you right now, Lorraine. I can only imagine how unnerving it is to be facing this new thing without your partner, and it is difficult to be the one who needs to ask for help. (I have been that person during a couple of seasons in my life.) But, it is a blessing to people to be able to bless someone else, so accept it as God's gift to you. Of course, you will cry...for all of the reasons that you named, and then you will fall on His mercy and He will be your help!

Terra said...

What an act of love for your hubby to have carved the hearts into the protective wood, and another act of love for the Christian men to "batten down your hatches" for safety. Be safe and I hope the storm veers east and misses you.

Joy Junktion said...

Rainey, You, dear one, are in my prayers! I do a lot alone but I've never had to face that kind of storm here in the desert southwest. We get the Haboob, horrendous dust storms with strong winds followed by downpours, but it usually only lasts a couple of hours and then it's gone. There is no warning or preparation to be done. I can't imagine having to prepare for a hurricane! You are strong but I am so thankful that you are also smart and willing to call for help, grateful that you have church family to come along side you. Lots of prayers going out for All affected by this storm!! Bless You, Cindy xo

Anonymous said...

I was just watching the news and they reported a slight shift to the west -which is not what we want to hear here in FL. You are in my thoughts Rainey. Seeing those hearts carved in the wood nearly brought tears to my eyes. You were blessed to have had such a thoughtful husband.

Hang in there. This too shall pass.

Love and hugs,

eli

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Our fingers are crossed for you dear! Stay safe! Thoughts and positive herbal energy are coming your way! xo from LVL and The Herbal Husband

Ruth Hiebert said...

Hugs and prayers are going your way. I can understand how much you miss Hubby during a time like this.Goodness,I only have a head cold right now and I miss his tender care.

BeachGypsy said...

Getting nervous. Weve been evacuated. Please stay safe Lainey---will be thinking of you-- lets just pray for each other okay? It was so beautiful here today-- cant believe a hurricane is on the way- and yes it looked bad in Haiti

Valda Mason said...

Thoughts to you from Australia, hope all will be okay. God Bless.

Celestina Marie said...

Praying for you while we are watching this path. Hubby and I know so many here and we are concern for all. God be with you and watch over you and your home. Hugs and lots of prayers !!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I'm keeping you in my prayers until this storm heads east to sea. Don't ever worry about asking for help because there are so many that love you and I am sure not one of them is bothered by a plea for help. Terry and I were just saying that we are glad we don't live in Florida to have to worry about hurricanes. But we do have our own scares...sometimes tornadoes run rampant.

Stay safe.
xx, Carol

gld said...

I have been worried for you with the news of this storm on the TV daily. Glad you are farther away. What wonderful friends you have.

I love the little hearts. Your husband was a rare man and you were blessed.

Stephanie said...

Thinking of you, precious friend! You have been and will continue to be in my prayers. Hugs!

Jessica Jarrell said...

I'm very thankful you had some young men to help you board up the cottage. I know I would feel overwhelmed in your situation and there would definitely be tears. I'm really hoping you and the kitties make it through the storm unscathed. Take care FlowerLady! 😀

Kit said...

Your hubby's love is shining thru those hearts down to you. He is watching out for you. Remember, it is better to leave Plum Cottage than risk getting hurt. Take care my friend, Kit