Wednesday, September 13, 2017

SEPTEMBER SURPRISE

Life was pretty smooth until a week ago.
We felt safe and puttered in our garden up North.

Every few days a night-rain pours refreshment into our foliage.
Blooms keep bursting forth as night temps dive.

Then news blasts through our tranquil abandonment.
Out of the hot southern ocean, storms surge into homes and gardens and businesses and LIFE! 
 First Houston and environs, then FLORIDA.


We are blessed to spend a few winter months in the southern tip of Florida.
It's the place that got hit by 147 mph winds.
A storm surge was to follow but the winds turned and our place was spared.

One minute we delight in the beauty around us and assume our abodes will house us and the next minute we wonder, "What happened?"

Once the winds died down the real challenge begins.
Strong homes still standing are dripping with sweat as electricity is swallowed up into nowhere.
No lights, no cooling, no refrigeration . . . 
No pumps could pump gasoline even if the tanks were NOT totally dried up by those who were able to exit the state. 

But the sun is shining and soft breezes beckon those who wish to return home.

No food, no gas, no electricity . . . but residents return . . . wondering if they have anything left.
Churches are open.  Some can help provide living space for those who lost their homes.



Egrets return to their natural habitat.    They have no worry about what they will wear or where they will live.


Homes like this model of an old 'florida home' may not have survived.

But the dock and shelters far from shore survived fine.
This was rebuilt to withstand mega-winds and it worked!


Natural flora may have twisted into the air
 but it will quickly grow back to look like this.



In the mean time, most do not have a clue as to how to fix things.
That's why FEMA is right there to help.
Florida Power and Light is using help from all over the US and Canada.  Churches and community centers are handing out food, water, clothing and any other necessities available. 
 Donations are pouring in!



Banyon Trees were uprooted but mangroves held their ground.



Open doors and gates say, "Come in . . . we are Florida . . . welcome."  Yet, many are too eager to return.  
Wait, be patient, it's not yet time.
"Breathe deep," they say.
Soon enough all will be ready to receive any and all.


In the mean time, fly a kite and
 drink in the summer breezes up North.




These arches are like the arms of God holding up this beautiful edifice.  When it is cleaned up it can be used for those near them who got hammered by the storm.


This sand-turtle as dissolved by now but it reminds us of this slow-steady creature who has weathered storms over decades.  
Going turtle-slow may be frustrating but many have no choice.



In the mean time, our flag flies in victory.
No matter the surprise, we fly the flag in defiance of our circumstances.  
The sun sets on another day
 - no water, no electricity, hot, humid.
Oh well.
We are blessed to have a place still standing
 and dear friends nearby.



Thank you, Lord, for another day to breathe
 and thrive in this incredible country.

OH JOY!