Saturday, September 16, 2017

Surviving ~ thankfully

Good morning Folks ~ It is Saturday morning 11:41 a.m. EST. I went outside at 7:45 to beat the heat so that I could mow. I came in at 9:30 for water and to rest a bit. Even at that time it was in the 80’s but real feel temp was low 90’s. I didn’t finish mowing a small bit because it was sprinkling when I headed back out, so I put the lawnmower away for the day. I am just doing a little at a time and not stressing over what needs to be done.  It is a whole different story being by myself than being with my DH and working together as a ‘team’.

I have hibernated since Tues. morning after getting home around 8:30. Just haven’t felt like going out at all. Plus the light at the big intersection near me was still out and I didn’t feel like dealing with traffic. I was only going to go out to the grocery store, but have found out that there isn’t much to be had. No fresh veggies, no dairy, maybe a few eggs. All of the trucks are going to the west coast and south of us to the areas that were hardest hit by Irma.

I’ve been drinking my coffee black, sweetened but black. I have cereal but no milk. I’ve some canned goods, food in the freezer, I can make bread in my bread machine. I have rice and pasta too. I’ve been eating peanut butter and crackers, canned veggies, with hot dogs and hamburger from the freezer.

I am so thankful for air-conditioning, clean water, a toilet that flushes, my comfortable bed, a roof over my head, a full tank of gas, compliments of my in-laws. My feline girls are all fine. Flowers are still blooming, butterflies are flitting, birds are singing. I have much to be thankful for.

I did find an unwelcome little snake while doing some clean up the other morning. He was about 6-8 inches long. I was concerned when I looked at his markings. Ran for my camera and after I took a blurry photo, I got the flat edged shovel and chopped him to bits. I sent a pic to my bro in law Todd, and he confirmed my suspicion, a rattle snake. I’ve never seen one here before, but we both figured he got blown in by the storm, either wind or water. I’ve not seen any more and hope I don’t either. Sheesh! A baby diamondback rattler. He kept striking at me. The usual snakes slither off in the opposite direction as fast as they can go, but not this little guy. I was so nervous I didn’t get a good picture, but you can see the diamonds on his back.

09-14-rattlesnake

This morning during one of my mini breaks while mowing, I saw this sweet little beauty. She is one of my very favorite roses, with a delicate scent. ‘Kathleen’. As I was standing there enjoying her beauty, I thought “this is why I garden”. Yes, it is a lot of work, some harder work than others, but so worth it for as long as I can do it.

kathleen

I’ve had a bit of lunch, now I’m going to take a nap. Talking with my sis in law, Sue, yesterday I was saying how I felt and she said she was feeling the same way and that she had heard some ‘call ins’ on some show about how people are thankful they are safe, that they have food, a.c., etc. but they felt awful. The dr. or whoever was taking the calls said it is because we’re all going through a bit of traumatic stress syndrome.  Freaking out and preparing as best we could for a possible cat. 5 hurricane, not knowing where it was going to make landfall, took a toll on us all.

So, thank you again for your kind thoughts, comments, and prayers. They help more than you realize.

Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

30 comments:

lil red hen said...

Oh my! I had no idea there could be rattlesnakes in your area! I'm so glad you saw it in time to avoid being its target.
I'm sure it will take some time to get back to normal feelings. Just do your cleanup as you feel like it.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful rose! You will surely appreciate the fresh eggs, milk, veggies, etc. when you can finally get them. Wow...you are brave. I'm glad you were able to kill the snake. (That's how we kill snakes too). I grew up with rattlesnakes in western Pennsylvania. Andrea

L. D. said...

When our town was hit with a tornado we too went through an emotional trauma. We did not get hit but we were one house away from being hit. I thought I would be ok and then all of a sudden we both just broke down from it all. The fear, the unknown, the trying times of everyone was a lot for us to handle. I again say that I am so glad that you are good. i didn't want you to ride out that storm alone and I am glad you did not.

M.K. said...

Yes, that's just what I was thinking as I read how you were feeling -- it's the stress of the situation you were in. Even though all came out well, all those stress hormones, etc., in your system are still working their way out. It will be better in a few days, I hope. Glad you killed that snake! Even a small one of those is no small thing!!

September Violets said...

Hopefully you will feel more yourself once some time has passed. Stress does funny things to us, and it's best to take things slowly. What a fright seeing the rattlesnake in your garden! I feel a bit bad for him if he was misplaced (although I'm not a snake person myself). The beautiful old-fashioned rose is very sweet. Take care,
Wendy

Cynthia said...

Praying for you, and glad that you made it through. My son is in the Ft. Myers area, and stayed through the Hurricane. Made me so nervous (I'm in Ohio), but thankfully, they are okay. . .Best wishes to you!

Ruth Hiebert said...

What a fantastic contrast between the snake and then that beautiful rose! It's kind of like life.We get some beautiful and sweet days and then we get those that may be more 'snake like' and not so good at all. Have a restful night and a peaceful Sunday.

Rose Petals Nursery said...

So happy you are safe and also that you chop it to bits!

Cheryl said...

You are wise, I think, to take it slow. I pray that you continue to find strength for the day.

BeachGypsy said...

Hi there, Lorraine! Glad you stopped in to visit with me today. I liked the fluffy brown dog too--he just looked so calm and wise! That is such a pretty pretty flower and I'm glad you shared your Irma photos. That was one wild storm, wasn't it? I'm so glad you came through it so well and no any too bad damage to your home and yard or of course-yourself! Glad your kitties made it fine too!That snake doesn't look so pretty though does it!!?? LOL Hope your clean-up is coming along fine--and yes, just take your own time at it, take care of yourself first and be careful--there is no rush. Glad all is well there, and yes, it's still HOT HERE TOO! We don't really get "Fall" until December maybe? LOL And the leaves are finished falling around February, so we rake leaves here in February.....and then spring hits! I bet it's similar where you are? Have a lovely weekend my friend!

Becky said...

I am so glad you are ok. That storm has affected so many people in so many levels of loss. Emotional upset takes it's toll just as a Physical injury would. Just remember to rest more until you start feeling a bit better. ANd EWWW ... rattle snakes are no fun at all.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

OMGosh!! A rattlesnake!! I'm going to mention it to my grandson's girlfriend who is staying with us. She was raised in Miami and her family is still there.

I'm so glad you are safe. It's good to recount all of your blessings when going through a tough time.
xx, Carol

Anne Payne said...

Oh Lorraine! I am so sorry you aren't able to get all need at the store. I haven't talked to my sister this week so I wasn't aware there is trouble getting groceries. I sure hope this passes quickly and things can get back to normal. You are in my prayers, sweet friend!
Glad you chopped that snake to bits! I saw a baby one in our NC yard one time and did the same thing. :)
The heat is dangerous and you are doing it the right way, a little at a time as you feel like it.
Take care and stay cool. Praise God for a/c! {{hugs}}

Deb J. in Utah said...

So glad to hear that you are OK. Our prayers are with all those in the Florida, Texas and Caribbean who have been affected by these terrible storms. Hope you are feeling better and better back to normal very soon. Hugs from UT.

Deborah Montgomery said...

Glad you have provisions in your home to carry you through. I'm sure it's true about post-event stress. And that snake would stress me out. I would have been screaming with fear and disgust while I killed that snake. Ugh!!! Glad you got him though.
And thankful you and your kitties are well. Rest up and recuperate sweet friend. xo Deborah

Karen said...

Rainey, I'm so thankful you came through the storm and your property was spared major damage. Ugh, a snake! I'm very glad you saw him before he did you any harm! After my run-in with the wasps, I cannot imagine being bitten by a rattlesnake. Makes me shiver! I hope the grocery stores will soon be stocked again and the traffic lights fixed. Good for you for taking the work in bits and pieces; I haven't done much since Saturday's stinging and I didn't go through a major hurricane event. Thinking of you always. Hugs and love, Karen

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Beautiful rose Lorraine! I'm pleased you found and dealt with the snake before it caused any harm.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

So glad to hear that you are slowly getting back to day to day life. So scary about the snake. You have been through a lot. Glad you and the kitties are safe and still finding roses. Hugs xo Karen

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Glad you have supplies. I hope the stores can restock soon.
I am glad you handled the snake. Very scary to say the least.
Such a lovely rose. Thanks for the pic.

Terry said...

Hi Lorraine!
You are so brave to chop up that snake! I would have ran away screaming. I am so happy that you are safe and sound. Thank you for sharing your faith. You are an inspiration!
Love,
Terry

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

ugh THE SNAKE! :)

I am in PA / had a cat that would go to the creek below my place and catch and drag snakes up and deposit them on my porch stoop. The first time that this occurred and I realized that it was still alive I freaked out and got some neighbor boys to deal with it.

years later would find me taking a broom and escorting the snake from the stoop to the driveway, to the drop off down to the creek.

BUT we had an instance in the office where I worked ( about 7 years or so ago) where a snake got in and was aggressive...rising up and fighting with people! )

They just give me the heebie-jeebies :)

Kit said...

Hello my dear friend! Don't try and do too much, too soon. Take it easy and enjoy the beginning of Fall. Love, KK

Dewena said...

Dear Lorraine, I guess many of you there must feel fragile right now, your life has been turned upside down. And it must be so much worse for those who live alone. It breaks my heart that you can't find the most basic groceries yet. We tend to think that this shouldn't be happening in our country. Please do continue to pace yourself as you work and definitely be on the lookout for more of those baby rattlesnakes because I can't help wondering if he was alone.

Take care, Lorraine, you are precious to so many of us,
Dewena

Terra said...

Your sweet Kathleen rose and a rattle snake, what a contrast. I can imagine how after surviving the hurricane winds and rain you could feel exhausted emotionally. I recall how I felt after the big earthquake we had here in 1989, frightening events.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Oh Rainey...SO thankful you came through the hurricane well and in one piece. Thankful also you were able to deal successfully with that snake...Praise God! Giving thanks you've got food, air conditioning, clean water...all reasons to celebrate. God bless you greatly! love and prayers, S.

CraveCute said...

Oh my that snake must have been such a frightening surprise! Reading your past posts, you have been through such a difficult time. Glad to hear your home came through pretty well, hope things are improving in your area and you can get out and about soon.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

oh my that snake!! So scary!

I can see where you are thankful for what you have right now ( versus others ) but once the major news sites stop covering what is going on you are our news ( about the store supplies etc. )

I hope that it gets easier very soon for you and all of you

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Me again ! :) I just had a thought...you could probably order food supplies from Amazon or Walmart to arrive within two days ( if you have Amazon Prime ...not sure how the Walmart thing works but you could check it out :)

Buttons Thoughts said...

HUGS B

outlawgardener said...

How alarming to find a rattlesnake in your garden! We don't have any snakes at all here. There are small garter snakes in less populated areas but none here in town. The sight of any snake in my garden would cause alarm. Of course, because we don't have snakes, the rat population in this region is one of the highest in the country.

You and all of the folks near the hurricanes have been in my prayers and I'm so relieved that you're okay.