Most of the photos here at Rabbit Run Cottage
can be enlarged just by clicking on each one!
There you go...see? Easy!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Gone With The Wind

Edited Again: My brother and sis in law are still without power. Thankfully, they, like us, have a gas water heater so they are able to bath and shower. They had a nice dinner at Mom's last night. We have much of their refrigerated items in our house and Mom took their freezer things so they will not have to throw anything out. I have been watching Boo (my nephew) all week as his babysitter is without power and his school was closed. Grace went back to school today, albeit on a 2 hour delay. She missed her first art class at the rec center as they are still without electricity. I did some shopping yesterday and gosh were the shelves picked over. They were re-stocking as fast as they could as each place had to throw away entire freezer and refrigerated cases. I saw so much more damage while out and it is just so humbling.
We have friends who expect to be without power for many more days and
some schools will be closed all week. The Governor was here yesterday and toured the area. He stated that The Miami Valley will most definitely suffer huge financial losses due to this storm. Some businesses are still closed and I can only imagine the monetary hit they are enduring.
But, all in all, we are lucky. Although Ohio seeing such an event is extremely rare, we must remember those who are faced with so much more...those in TX and the surrounding states. Those in Cuba and many of the islands who sustained such great loss from this storm. Bless them all...
And to our friends who live in Texas, some of which will be without power for weeks, I send love and hugs.
Edited to add: Our telephone came back on tonight. How guilty I feel to have all our utilities when so many here (and around the nation) do not. Bless those that are out day and night, even braving the harsh weather conditions, to restore those things that we often take for granted...electricity, water, telephone. My heartfelt thanks to them all.
Like many of you, I know how it feels to be without such services for days and days. Been there, done that and have the much too small T-shirt to prove it. *grin* It is never easy and yes, it does make you appreciate how comfortable most of us are here in this nation. We repaired our fence and the shutters will be re-hung tomorrow. The porch will remain unadorned until we re-stain it this weekend. I can then begin having fun with Fall once again. Oh, we did find some bits and bobs of my poor wreath. A pice of yarrow in an evergreen bush, some ribbon in a neighbor's mum plant. The rest truly is "gone with the wind"!
Dayton's historic Old Courthouse lost
much of it's roof in Sunday's wind storm Believe it or not, this fumble fingers actually tried to, somewhat, re-create the wreath from the previous post. Yup, I did. Now, it was my intention to photograph it on Sunday afternoon, all aglow in the late day sun, as it hung on the front door. My mistake. I piddled around the house, after church, doing this and that. We were going to see "The Women" and go out to dinner with my friend *T* and my Mother...well, those *were* the plans. Then Hurricane Ike decided to wreck havoc on the area, our plans, our house and my wreath. *sniff* In fact, as I type this, my daughter and son are looking for it. Or, should I say, the remnants of it. And the sweet "Bloom" sign (beautifully created by the talented Donna) that hitched a ride on a gust, and, well...you get the idea right? During the height of the wind storm, Bill and Dan removed the front porch wicker shelf, rabbits,the plates and pretties from that shelf. Bill and Dan also cut down the beautiful Clematis from our front yard arch as it was causing it to lean heavily. Bill was afraid we would lose the arch itself. Oh but those blossoms were so fragrant and pretty! It makes me a little sad when I look out now and see a totally naked arch. Uh huh. Naked. Totally. Not a branch or bough or leaf left. Yes, I do know that makes me sound frivolous but there it is. *sigh*

2 of our shutters also flew away. We found one 4 houses away and the other across the street. I guess they just wanted to see more of the neighborhood. We also lost parts of our picket fence but did find those. *Whew* Yes, thankful for small favors after all. But do understand! I am NOT complaining. We still have power in my neighborhood, no telephone, but we do have electricity. The water pressure is compromised but should be fully on line again soon. Mom's electricity came back on in the last hour but my brother and sis in law's is still out for now. My nephew is with us. His school, as well as most school in the entire area, was closed today. Boo's babysitter is also without power. Cars lined up at any open fast food restaurant today. There were long lines of people waiting to buy bags of ice, the stores quickly sold all of their battery and flashlight stock. There were also long lines at the few open gas stations. Hospitals, blood banks and nursing facilities were/or still are on back up power. And yes, the Governor has declared a state of emergency for the areas hit. Yippee! *sigh* Should I have taken photos of me making the wreath? Of course! Hindsight is 20/20 after all!But, believe me, it was not purty. The *during* part that is. Still, the finished product did not look too bad! I did it MY way, with just a nod to the Victoria Magazine creation. Bill liked it. My next door neighbor really liked it. Heck, even *I* liked it. Will I make another? We will see...but first I have to clean up all the branches and Clematis boughs and the plastic plant pots (Not mine) and the shredded leaves in our yard. Then we get to replace the shutters and fence pieces. Oh well...nothing compared to this sort of damage is it? This is Young's Dairy's restaurant, a favorite spot for us. But this is NOTHING compared to the damage that the people in Texas recently suffered. My heart goes out to them all. For years and years, we lived along a US coastline and became used to dealing with Tropical storms. I know what horrific damage they can inflict. I have ridden out a few lesser Hurricanes and evacuated from several huge storms. I have seen the aftermath and it is wrenching. Bless those who have lost a loved one, their homes, their properly and their peace of mind. Bless those who are there to help and protect and rescue the citizens. This wind was quite the anomaly for folks in Ohio. We often get the tail end of a tropical event blow through but nothing like this. One of our local meteorologists said we had all experienced a "once in a lifetime" occurrence for Ohioans. There was nothing to predict it would be this bad. Some areas of the Midwest received a lot of rain. Our version of Ike contained little rain but did pack Hurricane force winds. No one was expecting it. Thankfully, we usually stay prepared for nasty weather events. I always keep bottled water, non perishable food, batteries, flashlights, a battery operated TV and radio and, well, the list goes on an on. It doesn't make it oh so sweet but a bit more palatable all the same. Our area was alive with all manner of Fall events, festivals and concerts. When the 74 + MPH wind gusts began, there were some injuries. Sadly, there was also some loss of life due to fallen trees. Some homes and stores have major roof damage. Many trees are down, siding ripped off of homes, traffic lights and street signs down, even a popular restaurant destroyed by fire. Some roads are still impassable and many homes and businesses will be without electricity for several more days. The reactions of local folks, as captured by the news stations, runs between tearful, stomach twisting fright and dance yourself silly exhilaration! Some seemed thrilled to have experienced such a storm, some said they could now better understand, albeit they have sampled just a small taste, how frightening it must be to live through a Hurricane. One gentleman, who has lived in the Miami Valley every one of his 75 years , remarked that he had "NEVER seen anything like this!" He then commented, "Oh my. It's like God Himself and old Mother Nature had a big disagreement. Boy I surely do hope they got their problems all worked out!" I had to smile at the analogy. I take off my hat to all those suffering loss in Texas, LA, MS and the other states affected by the recent storms. Bless them all. Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

~Photos are from the Dayton Daily News online. Images taken from various local photographers~

44 comments:

Harbor Hon said...

Wow! Even when hurricane Isabel (you can see the pictures in the post I did called Whether You Meet Fair Winds or Foul) came through we got lots of water, but nothing like that! Hope everything is well with you and your family and I will continue to pray for everyone who was touched by Ike. Take care of you. xxoo

Andi said...

What an appropriate title for your post! I'm just glad to know you're okay and that you have power. I know it's a big mess right now but believe it or not things return to "normal"...whatever that is. After going a total of 15 days with no electricity 4 years back I'm always grateful for the little things and so appreciative when I can flip a switch and the lights go on.

I know your wreath was beautiful. I can picture it in my mind. Did Dan and Grace find any of it?

Love and Hugs to You, Andi

Laume said...

I read the first part of your post thinking to myself "I didn't know she was down in Texas (or thereabouts) - how did I miss that?" But OHIO!? WOW! I had no idea - and the national weather reports never said a thing about expecting something like this that far north. I'm glad you're all well and you found all (most) of your wind blown bits and pieces.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

We were spared the worst of the storm because the center of it (what used to be the eye) actually went over my county!

However, I've read that six people in Indiana were killed as it went through. They were hit by the outer part of the storm which looks like what hit you guys.

XUE said...

Greetings from Tokyo. we used to live in Hongkong & a few times a year, I would put my toddler son in a empty paddling pool so that he couldn't stray while I re-plant & clean up the damages which the typhoon had done to our garden. Yr post brought back memories. Now in Tokyo, our fear is earthquakes.

Anonymous said...

I know your wreath was beautiful, Sue!

Our roof sprung a leak. It was repaired this afternoon. Our kids had water in their basement and Cuivre River was across Highway 61, in our town, today. Lots of flooding and two fatalities that we know of, in St Louis. More flooding expected. Our county was on the news, because of flooding. The wind was very strange! All in all...J and I count our blessings and shake our head trying to imagine what it must be like for our neighbors to the south.

Salmagundi said...

I had no idea of the damage that far north, no mention at all on our local Colorado news. I'm so glad you are o.k. Ike really was as devastating as they predicted. My prayers go out to all those affected. Take care, Sally

Cherdecor said...

I was shocked when I read on the Dayton News site about the winds. I promptly called my sister who lives near Dayton. She didn't have any electricity and the winds had just slowed. She said that it was pretty bad.

I am glad that you had no structural damage and that you got your shutters back.

sheila from life @ #17 said...

oh my word...I can hardly believe all that damage all the way up in Ohio...I mean, I see it, so I believe it, but I had no idea...

man...I hope ya'll can get that straightened up & things back to normal very quickly...

...

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! It's just a good thing no one was hurt. That storm must have been so scary. I cannot believe all of the damage. We didn't have anything like that here in our area. We did have rain for three days and there is flooding in some areas. I am so glad your safe. I hope you will consider making another wreath when things calm down.

Rosemary said...

Wow Susie,
I had no idea you would get all that in Ohio. My daughter just told me her friend who lives in Cincinnati is without power maybe until the weekend!!
So sorry about your damage.
I can't even imagine.
Take care, and thanks for visiting me.
Love,
Rosemary

{oc cottage} said...

HOLY COW!!!!! I don't have a TV so those are the first pictures I have seen! YIKES! I'm so glad you're all ok!!!!

M ^..^

Lisa Pogue said...

We had something similar happen like this 2 weeks ago. Weathercasters were quick to point out it was not a tornado. Coulda fooled me. I couldn't believe the amount of trees that were uprooted like the one in your pic. Scarey. Too scarey, times are a changin!!!

Mockingbird Hill said...

Having been through this aftermath more times than I like to think about, it is still so hard to see what is left behind. Been in FL over 50 years and we never get used to it...

Glad you & yours are safe...bless those that have a struggle ahead.

Cassie

Teresa AKA: T said...

Oh Sue, I can just imagine the damages... I'm living the life of an evacuee due to Icky Ike.... We've been out of our home for going on 6 days now.... (4-1/2 hrs away) We finally just today got back to see the devistaion.... Oh my god.... the town my mom lives in (Bridge City) was 100% under with no less than 2-6 foot of water.... My mom's house had 3 ft..... Oh it is so gross... There were even fish is the grass and in the driveway.... Oh and the smell... and the mud..... This is so unbelieble we just had Rita 3 years ago and then Humberto 1 year ago to the day that Ike hit..... I so want to go home.... Our home has very little damage this timembut they are saying could be up to a month before we have power.... Woo Hooo... Lots of cold showers for the next few weeks.... As we will be going back soon and living with a generator for power..... I've blogged some if you would like to visit.... Till Next Time.......... T

Donna said...

Oh my gosh, Sue! I had no idea you were hit so hard. It's unbelievable. I'm so happy to hear you are safe. Sorry about your wreath and the Bloom sign. I guess you will replace it now with your new Bloom sign! Thanks for mentioning me in your post.

I hope things will get back to normal soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.

Hugs,
Donna

Hippofatamus said...

Hi Honey! Thank goodness you are ok! Your pictures fill me with such a realization of how lucky my family and I are to live where we do. We almost never get disaterous weather up here in canada. The last time I remember anything so horrible was in 1985 and 13 separate tornadoes including 2 F4's blew through a HUGE part of Ontario. Several people died and hundres were injured. Never even experienced a hurricane to my knowledge (except for the mild after effects from the ones that always hit the south).

Thanks for the pictures, seeing it makes it so much more real.

Hope you, Dan and Grace are all doing well!

Sheila said...

My goodness Sue, you guys sure got it bad! Your pictures really tell it all. We got lots of rain, and floods, but NOT in our particular area, so for that I'm thankful! You take care now!

Sugar Bear said...

Those are some scary photos. Thank goodness everyone is safe and sound and the damage to your home was minimal.
Karla

Melissa said...

I had no idea it was that bad up there! Glad you guys are safe, even if your wreath did blow away!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

After living in Fl for years, I had enough of hurricanes so I moved to NC...but we still get them here too. Who would think that a storm could travel from Tex to Ohio and reek havoc like that? I am so glad you and your family are safe....
Hugs,
Penny

Sandi McBride said...

You know, I was admiring the heck out of you while I was reading your "stiff upper lip" lots of humor post and looking at the pictures of the damage around you and realized that tears were pouring down my face. This has been a rough month as far as weather goes, but from one Navy wife to another, we've both been through some bad ones...I'm looking forward to quiet times, plain old weather, and settling back into blogging...hugs to you...hope you get your wreath together dear Sue!
Sandi

Anonymous said...

Wow! I just found your blog and am so sorry about all of the destruction where you are. So glad you are safe though!

Erin

Pamela said...

I watched this hit Texas (stayed up to wee hours Saturday)
and saw the mass headed northeast. But when I heard how hard it hit those states I was just shocked.

What a mighty hand of mother nature...
Glad you are safe.

Meggie said...

Sorry about the wreath, SusieQ! I'm sure it was lovely. I lost power for about 12 hours but many homes around me still have no power.

Susie said...

Hi Susie Q,
These pictures are just heartbreaking. So glad to know you're all OK. You'll be a real pro when it comes to making the wreath the 2nd time :)
xoxo

Wendster said...

Wow! What a storm! I am so glad that you and your family and neighbors are alright. Thank goodness.

Too bad for your lovely wreath and sign ... good you got your fence back.

Loved the posts of the apples, leaves, decorating ideas ... and I thought the Michael Palin video was hilarious!

I just don't get how anyone could have criticized that post. Could you have BEEN any clearer that this was ALL IN THE NAME OF FUN??? Gimmeneez. And why on earth do people BOTHER to write horrible letters? What kind of people are these? They must be full of pi*& and vinegar. Yup.

Thanks for stopping in.

No new info on the house yet. It goes to court in November ... such a long time to wait to find out where we will be for Christmas. And still the fear that we could be "evicted" by the new "owner".

Hugs to you. You never rub me the wrong way EVER. And you can lean anyway you want ... it doesn't bother me.

Next time nay sayers stop by, make them pay a TOLL! Make them buy you a SHRUBBERY! And of course we will all circle and shout NEE! NI!!! KNEE!!! And then we will quarrel endlessly about how to spell it and chase lumberjacks.

Hugs!

Love love love.

Melissa said...

Hey Sue...

My house was fine, and we never lost power. My sister in Centerville has been without power since Sunday. She stayed at a hotel last night. Not sure what they will do the rest of the week.

The library in Brookville where I grew up had part of the roof torn off. It was something else!

Glad to hear that you guys are fine.

Carolyn said...

I linked you........

http://thebarberbunch.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh goodness, what a dreadful mess! Thank goodness your home wasnt horribly damaged or anyone hurt. I dont think it sounds frivolous to miss the clematis. Our troubles may be small compared to others, but they are still troubles.

Anonymous said...

My goodness Susie, I am glad you are safe and sound. I don't watch much T.V. or read the papers and had no idea about your wind. And it's perfectly okay the miss the beauty of your clematis. We look forward to seeing your new wreath. :)

Nancy said...

I hopped over here from Old Lady Lincoln's blog as she said you had pics posted. Boy, you sure were hit hard in your area! I live in SC, and we got nothing at all from Ike. Isn't it strange that it did so much damage so much further north! So sorry that you all there had to go through such a thing. Glad there was no loss of life there.

We had a friend in Houston, but when I phoned his parents in PA, HE answered their phone! He and his wife had been there all summer! Seems their daughter was watching their home, and the only damage they had where they lived was they lost some of their fence, and their pool overflowed. So sad that people lost their lives and so much damage from these storms. It's been a bad year for hurricanes.

Have a good week and I hope your area gets back to normal soon.

(((((( HUGS ))))))

Janet said...

Thank God you are all right. I can't imagine how scary that must have been and how long it will take to clean up and make right. Stay safe.

Janet

Carole Burant said...

Dearest Sue,

I'm sooo behind in visiting this week and just now learned that Ohio was affected by Ike! I can't get over all the damage that was done in your state, oh how terrible!!! I'm sooo glad that you are safe and sound, though. It had to be terrifying to have such a storm come through. Here in Northern Ontario, we had the remnants of Gustave a couple of weeks ago but it doesn't look like Ike will be ending up here so I'm glad about that! I do hope some of your stuff that was blown away can be found. Take care of YOU!!!! xoxo

Meggie said...

Hey SusieQ: Just stopping by to check on my western neighbor. I hope the folks in your area have their power back and can begin cleaning up. Many folks around here still have no power...but our inconvenience is nothing like the destruction in Texas. I think I need to make myself an emergency stash like yours.

Andi said...

Hi Sue. Just checking back in to let you know I'm thinking of you.

Gretchen said...

So sorry about all the damage, Sue, but so very, very, very thankful that you and yours are safe. Thanks for keeping us up to date. xxxooogretchen

Chris@Cats On My Quilts said...

When Hanna went through we got tons of rain and some flooding but Ike missed us thank goodness. My husband's uncle lives in Houston and he's still without power. Stay safe.

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

It really was a wild ride for us here in OH over the weekend. Most of us have our power back now. The kids returned to school yesterday. I've been outside cleaning up all the debris in my backyard again today (it's taking me a couple of days).

We lost a couple of trees but felt SO fortunate that neither hit the house. Lots of neighbors had roof damage and other problems. But like you said, it's sobering to think how minor our experience was compared to those on the coast. It's hard to imagine how devastating the full brunt of the storm was! -Julia

Anonymous said...

Wow, such damage!

Anonymous said...

Oh My! These photos look all too familiar. I grew up in Florida . . . need I say more? My first outing at the ripe old age of 3 days was into a safer place than our home to ride out a hurricane! So glad you are all safe. xoxo

Jeanie said...

Boy, miss blog-checking for a bit and you miss a lot! You're in Dayton? I had no idea southern Ohio was hit like that. Here in Michigan we had three days of rain. No power outages, bad damage, just wet and gloomy. But oh, my! I hope the beautiful garden I saw in the photos above made it through relatively unscathed. Do take care... yikes..

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

I am glad to hear you are ok!!! Those in Texas sure aren't as fortunate!!! Hey, those squirrel candles sure are cute!!!

((hugs for you))
Becky

Rue said...

Hi Sue

I'm sorry you were hit so hard! It was frightening. You are right about that ;)

I hope things are back to normal now.

(((Big hugs and much love)))
rue