I know several of you have family or friends in Florida and know the past several days had to be hard on you. I hope you have heard from your loved ones and they are fine.
I was able to contact my family and was hugely relieved that all were Ok. My nephew probably had the worst of it as he lives in Bonita Springs, very close to landfall. He said his house suffered no damage though his neighbors weren't so lucky. The bad part is that he will probably be without power for a while as the outages in Florida are staggering.
My sister said she was terrified by the howling winds. I remember those days when I lived there. First you were tormented for days wondering where it was going to make landfall. Then the storm itself has to be experienced to understand how violent they are. The sound is terrifying. You just hope you prepared enough and would be spared major damage.
As I lived in the country, the aftermath with no power had several punches. No air conditioning, refrigerator failure and because I was on a well system, there was no water. So days consisted of searching for food and water. I know those survivors are going through similar now. The govt was a great help providing MRE's (meals ready to eat which actually aren't half bad) and drinking water. The longest I ever had to do without power was 8 days. I really hope those folks in Lee county are luckier. The death count is hard to fathom. It just keeps growing daily.
From experience I know that soon this will all be back page news except for those still suffering long after media coverage leaves. If you are like me, I wanted to help. I personally use the Red Cross for they have helped me twice in the past but some also like to use the Salvation Army. Or if you wish, prayers will help both them and you.
Stay safe everyone, these are really trying times.
Patti I wondered if you still had any connections there as you lived there so long. I feel both lucky and spoiled, I can't even imagine going without power or water for 8 days. Frankly, it's amazing how many of us do have ties to Florida. My youngest sister lived in Key West over 20 years and just recently moved with her husband to Cincinnati 2 years ago. Anyway, glad to know your own family is okay.
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteThank you so much. If your sister lived in Key West, she probably passed a cousin or two of mine while there. My family goes back many generations there. Anyway glad she is out of there now.
It's always a relief to know friends and family survived the devastation of such a storm as Ian. Sadly, it will be years before some normalcy. I wish the best for all who have suffered.
ReplyDeleteAnni,
DeleteI know I was hugely relieved to hear all were OK.
The clean up will be massive and so many are just displaced with no homes to go to. Just so sad.
I can't imagine what it would be like to be in a hurricane like that. It's heartbreaking to see the photos of the destruction. Even with all the forecasting and readiness for it, it's hard to prepare for such a wild event.
ReplyDeleteRobin,
DeleteThe sad thing is that you are prepared for one thing and then the monster takes a right hand turn and your life is upended. I sure don't miss this time of year in Florida.
I am glad all your family is well. I feel so bad for those down south. We are near Tampa and thought we would be hit, so we relocated to Kissimmee. I told my mobile home it was great knowing it and expected to never see it again. We shockingly did not even lose power here. It is just awful what is happening down there.
ReplyDeleteAnon,
DeleteYou did the right thing and luckily for you it mostly missed your area. Wonderful that you didn't even lose power.
I remember we were without power for 10 days after Hurricane Sandy. No fun. But we weren't in any real danger. My heart goes out to those who lost ... everything. I hope they survive and thrive.
ReplyDeleteTom,
DeleteYikes, ten days?? I was a bit wonky after 8 days.
But like you, I don't think I was ever in danger. My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives. The climbing death count is staggering.
Glad to hear your family made it through the storm with minimal damage. I saw a news report this morning, saying that many bodies are now being found in the aftermath. It is so sad.
ReplyDeleteThe power outages are continuing here in Canada too - parts of the island province of Prince Edward Island have been without power for 10 days now. I sure hope both the folks here and in Florida get reconnected soon.
Eileen,
DeleteI was surprised when Canada took a hit this year and am horrified there are still power outages. Once the news crews pull out, no on really knows what suffering continues. Hope they get power SOON.
Yes, my heart goes out to your family and others in Florida. Terrible what happened. So far, no hurricanes in Hawaii this year. Thank God.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteHope you keep your clean record for this year in tact. When you live on an island in the middle of the ocean, it can be scary. Keep staying safe.
We lived in Florida (Palm Bay and Melbourne) for the first 2 years we were married. Hurricane blew the windows out in our apartment once. (We were right off the water). But it was pretty cool to watch the rockets go off from our porch. And yes, I am praying for those who were in Ian's path. I love visiting the Florida coast, but didn't like living there.
ReplyDeleteRian,
DeleteSo you know how powerful those storms can be. Yes, Florida is a great place to visit--in the winter--but can be nerve racking the rest of the year.
We are in an earthquake and volcano zone but at least we don't have hurricanes. Or major tornadoes. It seems like the government has jumped in quickly to help although it's not going to make the damage or the lack of water/power any easier.
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteEvery place has its drawbacks. I moved here to get away from the 3 back to back hurricanes and was hit with a massive tornado the first year. Was beginning to think it was me:)
Happy to hear your family is all okay for the most part. Mine all evacuated and made it home to find only partial damage but still without power. We have all be scrambling to find out who is where etc. Without power and cell phones charged all of us weren't getting any info. When one did we shared. It was scary. I can't fathom living through this. The stories on TV are heartbreaking!
ReplyDeletePeg,
ReplyDeleteI know communication is really iffy and you feel so great when you finally find out what happened to everyone. I am so glad your family is ok if in the dark. I was thinking of you as it threatened the Carolinas. So glad you are Ok too.
I have three blogger friends in Florida and I've only heard from one. I believe this couple I met here live in Fort Myers so I'm thinking of them and their two gorgeous dogs, And as far as dogs go, winds like that must be so scary. So I'm keeping people, pets, and wild critters in my thoughts and will donate for sure. I mean where are all these now homeless families going to live?
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteI too worry about the pets who perhaps had to be left in a home that was later destroyed. When I was in Fl you couldn't take an animal to a shelter.
As for the new homeless, FEMA often sets up trailer cities that the displaced can use while finding their way. Not luxury but a roof.
It always makes these catastrophic events more real when you know someone who is affected. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteAgreed, personal connections do put reality into the horrific headlines. Glad to have been of help.
Heart tugging post, Patti. Makes it more real to have someone you know describe what it's like to live through a hurricane.
ReplyDeleteJean,
DeleteI have been through many and hope to never have to do it again. Those storms are usually a hundred miles wide and only travel under 10 miles an hour so they are with you for a loooong time.
Ian was horrific! Glad to hear your family in Florida are okay. The hurricane reached as far as the east coast of Canada where my cousin lives by the Atlantic in Nova Scotia. His house was unscathed but he will be without power for a couple of more weeks. Mother nature sure can throw a tantrum!
ReplyDeleteFlorence,
DeleteSo glad your cousin was spared damage but stunned that he may be out of power for a couple of more weeks. That Canada hit was so rare and they would not have been prepared. Mom Nature really does have a bug up her behind doesn't she? Sad part is we have done so many things to make her mad.
I have seen the destruction on the news here and can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be to stand where your home was and wonder how to start over. I hope those people had insurance at least. I have only one blog friend living in Florida and was very relieved when Ian passed her by.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteInsurance is a real problem in Florida. It is outrageously high for good reason. Many just can't afford it. I am glad your blog buddy dodged the bullet.
My sister and her home made it through without only a little damage. She had evacuated to Virginia at her daughter's house. It's a huge tragedy.
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteI was so glad to hear your sister only had minor damage. She was so smart to leave the area and hope by the time the fringes found Virginia, Ian had lost most of its punch.
It was quite horrible to watch but tinged with glad to not be there. My home had only very minor damage that will be easy to fix. And the electricity is back on. Mold being my big concern.
ReplyDeleteOlga,
ReplyDeleteI thought of your winter home when this hit and glad you only had minor damage. The pictures you showed of your neighbor's places didn't look so minor. Great that power is back on too.
Not sure how I found your blog but here I am. I used to live in Fort Myers beach with my girlfriend/roommate. We moved to Fort Myers proper to be closer to work. Both places we lived are gone now. Her daughters still live in that area and have damages to varying degrees. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Hugs- Diana
ReplyDeleteDiana,
DeleteThank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I am sorry your daughter is still in that area and hope the damages can be fixed. Also hope she has power.
I am trying to find a way to follow you. Is there a way to follow you by email?
ReplyDeleteDiana,
DeleteI tried to find a gadget to add for emailing post but it is not available to me. See you found a way to follow. Welcome.
I believe the Red Cross has probably improved since all the scandal of their high paid execs, etc. But I still prefer the Salvation Army. They have always served the needy with over 90% of their donations. The damage from Ian had been horrible and thankfully my family in Naples escaped the worst. Many of their friends did not. I cringe to think how I could have survived such a horrible experience.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad to read about the devastation that people are still living and suffering through. We've heard that most people did not have hurricane insurance which makes it even worse of a disaster. We talked to good friends in Florida and were relieved that they were OK, though power was spotty.
ReplyDeleteDear Patti, I subscribe to the NYTimes (i got in on a subscription cost deal several years ago and I just keep renewing it!!!!!). Anyway, one of my favorite columnist is Frank Bruni. He's not a sports columnist but he is a keen observer of humans--as are you. I think he could take this story you've told so well (I read the earlier posting also) and really "hit it out of the ballpark!" He's a master of alliteration and his choices are always spot on. I so enjoyed reading this as I had a cousin who came and visited me with his wife in Stillwater, MN, and ignored her for the entire visit. We'd sit in my living room and talk and he'd just either put down or not listen or ignore whatever she said. I kept trying to draw her into the conversation and she and I would talk and as you said, he'd just "glower" and "glare." I had so much fun with this as she was had a great sense of humor but was cowered by my bully of a cousin. Peace. Dee Ready
ReplyDeleteLiving on the Texas Gulf Coast all my life, I have lived through quite a few Hurricanes. People laugh when I talk about getting prepared each year but after being without power for 3 weeks one year, I don't think having fresh water and non perishable foods is too much work.
ReplyDelete