Let me start with Hurricane Florence, the subject that is very much on the minds of many of us here on the East Coast. We are looking at some potentially catastrophic times ahead for our beloved and beautiful corner of paradise.
I lay awake much of Saturday night, thinking of the stories I’ve read about the devastation of other big hurricanes and then comparing those stories with the potential ones getting ready to be written outside our front door in just a few days. Not the most restful night I’ve ever had and then getting up at 4:45 a.m. for church didn’t help. I will have to admit this whole thing is stressing me out a tad.
We aren’t entirely sure of our plans at the moment, but will make some decisions in the next few hours. I will try to be in touch with you all over the next few days, depending on where I am and what is going on.
For those of you who have faced potentially devastating natural disasters, I’m sure you can agree that it is an odd feeling to know something is coming that could conceivably affect many parts of your life and not be able to do a thing about it.
Just sitting here in the living room at 5:30 a.m. and typing this post carries with it a mixture of poignancy and sadness because I can’t help but wonder what shape this sweet room will be in after the storm has gone. Maybe it will be untouched? Maybe it will be destroyed? Maybe flooded? No way to know.
The only thing I do know is that I am treasuring these quiet moments, right here, right now.
Steve put this sign up at church a couple of days ago which gave everyone a chuckle. (Our Youth House is the building in the background.)
It was especially lovely to see this sign of a different sort when I pulled into the church parking lot yesterday afternoon. Love me some rainbows!
In addition to my general antipathy for this coming storm, the timing of it is especially frustrating because I was scheduled to be in Greenville Thursday for an infusion, an injection, blood work and a chest C.T.
Why a chest C.T.?
Well, I went to see my pulmonologist two weeks ago and after doing the annual PFT’s (pulmonary function tests), the resident and the attending gathered in my little examining room and showed me some test printouts. The gist of the conversation was, “This is not how these tests should be looking. We need to do some investigating.”
So I’ve been a little spooked by that and was looking forward to getting the scan and bloodwork done and then getting results. Their best guess at the moment is that my RA is beginning to affect my lungs but they won’t really know until after they see the C.T. At this point, I have no idea when all of my cancelled appointments can be rescheduled.
So I’ve lain awake doing a bit of fretting over Florence, and chest CT’s, and all the scary unknownness of the weeks ahead. An old gospel song comforted me on Saturday night in particular as the words ran over and over in my mind. “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
That’s my prayer and my hope.
I’m going to concentrate on a post that contains some sunshine.
On Labor Day, I had the day off from both of my jobs and although I usually love getting to spend an entire day at home, I was feeling a bit restless and out of sorts. The cure that often works for me at times like that is to get into my car and just drive. So that’s what I did. Thankfully, I have a husband who understands me well and when I say I need to go out and drive, he just gives me a hug and tells me to go.
The road I chose was Hwy. 264 which goes through Englehard, NC. One of the things I love about this road (besides its solitudinal beauty) is that I can drive for a long time and never see another car in any direction. In fact, I was able to stop the car smack dab in the middle of the road to take this picture. I could have sat right there for many more minutes and still not seen one moving thing–except maybe a bear, a deer, or an alligator.
As I entered Englehard (which is about 45 minutes from Manteo), I saw a sign which made me smile. I’m not sure how many years ago the “newest” hotel was added but the age of the sign makes it seem as though it might have been a while.
That is one of the things I love about meandering through small towns. There are fascinating things to see at every turn–but only if you are looking for them.
At the next corner, I saw another sign overlooking a parking lot full of pickups.
Notice that one of the trucks has knee-high rubber boots poking out of its bed which is a common sight in a fishing/hunting area.
The words, General Merchandise, and the date, 1895, both piqued my curiosity and I walked around the front of the store to take a look.
The front window gave a bit of insight into the “general-ness” waiting inside.
As I began to wander the aisles, I reveled in the smell of oldness and the sound of the wooden floors which came equipped with just the perfect amount of creakiness.
Here is a photo album of my General Store Wanderings. I have added a few comments to some of the pictures. (Just click on the first picture to view them at full size.)
I drove around town a little more to find the local Assembly of God which is pastored by a friend of ours.
Steve and I actually sang in this church 25 years ago, back when we were traveling full-time.
This small structure out in the side yard is suitable for Sunday dinner on the grounds, with a small platform at one end built for a singing group. We’ve sung at a few gatherings like that over the years; it is a true southern tradition. Oh, the memories!
After another hour or so of wandering nearby roads and a stop at a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant for a take-out shrimp sandwich, I headed back down that deserted highway toward Manteo, feeling revived and refreshed.
There are many good medicines on this earth but I believe one of the best is the medicine of meandering.
What about you? Are you a meander-er? Or do you prefer to stay closer to home?
Out of all the pictures of the store items and antiques, which one piqued your curiosity or caught your eye?
Have you been through a memorable hurricane? Which one was it? Any thoughts you want to share?
Somehow I missed seeing this post on Monday. Was checking to see that you had made it to safety and saw it. I would like to do some meandering now that I am retired. Every time I drive to my parents – about 120 miles away – I think I need to just take one of the exits and find old barns to take pictures of. The picture that I was drawn to was the one of the gloves – looks like every type and size of glove imaginable.
I see in one of the comments that Sarah’s situation has gotten a little complicated. Praying that Florence doesn’t impact her.
I lived in Florida in 2004 when there were four hurricanes that made landfall. Charley was the first and was supposed to be a direct hit for Tampa, It veered right and hit south of us as well as moving across the state to Orlando and Daytona. Next came Frances – it brought tropical storm winds and rain to Tampa. Ivan was next and hit the panhandle so no impact in Tampa. Finally was Jeanne which I believe was Category 1 by the time it crossed the state from the east.
Praying for all impacted by Florence!
Phyllis,
You are definitely a hurricane veteran. There is nothing quite like living through one of those.
Next time you visit your parents you really should take some back roads. Meandering is good for the soul!
Thank for checking in with us.
Friend, at 4am I’ve enjoyed meandering with you this morning. I imagined myself climbing in beside you on your drive and enjoying the sights and your thoughts. I’m feeling a little anxious about staying to meet Florence and thought I’d distract myself with catching up on emails. It’s been a treat to read your words but, I’m disappointed to hear of your latest medical discovery and will continue to pray for you and your medical team. I’m glad to know that you and Steve have gone to be with his parents. I love you both.
What interesting pictures of the General Store and what memories you stirred…my maternal grandmother’s sister had a pump organ in their home and it was so fun to try to play….and your description of squeaky wooden floors reminds me of our long ago G.C. Murphy store.
I pray you are able to have your scans, etc. done soon and that you receive good results. The waiting is so difficult.
And of course, prayers for your safety during Florence (I just saw Dare County) is under mandatory evacuation beginning tomorrow), the safety of your home, your loved ones (is Sarah being evacuated?) along with friends and family that I have nearby (Duplin and Carteret amoung others).
SueEllen,
Sarah’s situation got a little complicated so I’ll post about that soon. 🙂
Praying for you!
I love driving around our coastline. It seems God is always waiting for me there no matter the weather. My cousin and I tend to drive around in all sorts of storms, but given the reports of Flo’ I’m not so sure we would venture out (far). We’re only minimally crazy after all! It is amazing to witness the power in a storm, but often devastating to view the aftermath. Keeping you and the OBX in prayer.
I enjoy riding in the country but Jim isn’t too fond of me going by myself. I well remember Hazel as a child. Worse one we had in history for our area. Floyd caused much flooding and damage. I have worked shelters when I was at Social Services. Prayers that flooding will not damage your home or church building. Watch out for falling trees and down electrical wires. We will probably get some wind and rain which will cause flooding and damage from falling trees. Thankfully we have a built in generator so if electricity goes out we will have current. Our hot water is natural gas. Our house in not in a low area so hopefully we will not be flooded but just a short time and water will run off causing no damage. Just as long as our trees do not fall. What will Sarah do?
Ann,
How nice you have a built in generator. We just bought a regular one this week. Figured after 9 years living near the ocean, we should get one!
Sounds like you all are in good shape for whatever heads your way. Hugs!
Beautiful pictures as usual Becky and I have been thinking about all my friends on the Carolina coasts as well, even up here in Raleigh, they are cautioning us and our neighborhood website put up a long list of what to do during a hurricane, one I found interesting was to take some of your valuables, those you can’t bring with you if you evacuate, put them in ziploc bags and put them in the dishwasher, which is waterproof…..and of course as someone already said, take a video or pictures of your rooms so you can show them to the insurance company if need be. Good luck and God Bless!!!
Dale,
I always love to hear new hurricane tips. The dishwasher idea was a great one.
Thanks for your comments on the pictures; I loved taking them!
Becky – All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We were 2.5 hours away from Katrina went it struck Mississippi. We still had 100 mph winds and no electricity for a week. I agree with the comment above that suggests taking current pictures of your home. Stay safe!
I LOVE to meander! Takes me back to the Sunday drives we would take with my parents. We dreaded them then, but oh how I love to do them now. Your photos made me feel like I was there. I love old general stores. Wish there were more of them around today.
Hugs!
Elizabeth,
I remember taking Sunday drives, too. Six kids all crammed into the station wagon. I always loved them and for our family, it was good, cheap entertainment. Here’s to meandering–both past and present.
I can imagine being anywhere near Katrina when that thing hit. Absolutely unreal. Glad you were ok.
Stunning pics, Becky. Have you considered taking another photography class?
I’m sure I’m not telling you something new but perhaps, you want to take some detailed pics of every, single room in the house. This way, if this nasty women decides to stop by uninvited you’ll have recent and beyond decent (since you’d be taking them) photos for the insurance company.
Also (again I’m sure you’ve already planned on this) bring important things to the upstairs. I think what breaks my heart the most when seeing the aftermath of these terrible, horrible storms are all the photos lost. Seeing the remnants in the murky, mucky, mess just makes me cry.
Where will Sarah be? Are Meg and Nathan in any danger?
Let us know how you fair. If for whatever reason you can’t get online; you can send me a text message and I’ll be happy to post whatever you want in the comment section of your most recent post!
Stay safe! I’ll be thinking happy (DRY) thoughts for y’all and some not so nice ones about Florence.
Love, Jodi
Jodi,
Recent and decent photos. Love that line! 🙂
Yes, in a few minutes I am going to walk around and take pictures; I read somewhere to open drawers and closets, too. The good thing about doing it with a cell phone is that they are automatically uploaded to the Cloud.
Sarah will stay at school; it’s further away from the eye of the hurricane and Regent is blessed with many brick buildings for sheltering in place. Nate and Meg are out of harm’s way.
Thanks for the offer to help post; hopefully it won’t come to that but we’ll see!
Dear Becky, Prayers Florence goes another way and your health. I have to thank you for your last post. This summer hit me like a truck that I am now an “oldster” and I’m having a tough time coping. Today is my 59th birthday and I’m lucky to have the day off. I’m riding shotgun with my husband on a short haul then picnicking with my 95 year old Mom in a local park. I’m truly blessed! Thank you for your wisdom. Karen
Karen,
So sorry to know this has been a tough summer for you. However, I am happy to celebrate your 59th birthday with you today and grateful that you are seeing the blessings that surround you–even in the midst of hard times. A husband, riding shotgun, and a picnic with your mom. A good day, indeed.
Happiest birthday to you.
You’ve been on my mind with the impending storm. Prayers for safety for everyone in it’s path!
I’m not much of a meander-er….I’m more of a ‘I’m on a mission, get ‘er done’ kind of gal. 😉 I like the picture of the road with no one in sight. I like to take road trips like that and just enjoy the beauty of nature.
So sorry to hear about your lungs and sorry that you will have to worry about it a bit longer. Hopefully you can get seen soon!
I’ll be watching for updates. . . .
Hugs!
LeeAnne,
There are few happier words than “road trip.” Glad to hear you enjoy them, too!
Thanks for having us in mind this week; it’s crazy to think of what’s ahead when I look out the window and see blue skies and sunshine. Whatever comes, we will get through it!
Sending hugs and prayers your way… you know you are always welcome at the Hawkins House in Burlington, although with this storm, we may not have power either! I hope that all news is good when you get your CT scan, but you know if you need a second opinion, or anything at Duke, just let me know and I will do my best to help you out! Love you guys, and will continue to pray for your safety, as well as all in the path of this monster storm… Take care!
Tiffany,
You are so sweet, offering Hawkins Hospitality. 🙂
You’re right–from what I’ve heard on the news, there are a lot of cities a long way from us that will be feeling the effects of Florence, as well. Here’s hoping things go well for you all there in Burlington.
You and your family have been on my mind since I first heard about Florence’s path. I hope you stay safe and dry, and that your home and possessions aren’t damaged (or worse) by the storm.
So very sorry to hear about your lungs. Perhaps the medical facility could get you in a day or two early? It might not hurt to ask, and you could get that worry taken care of sooner, rather than later.
I love the photos of the general store! What a neat place!
Stefanie,
I did try to move some appointments around but with the storm coming, everyone was doing that, and I finally just rebooked for 2 weeks from now. Hopefully life will be back to somewhat normal by then.
The general store was wonderful; I was so glad I happened upon it.
Thanks so much for thinking of us during this stormy week.
I haven’t been able to open your blog for several updates. I am so sorry to hear your news.
Mrs. Pam,
I am so sorry you’ve been having trouble with the blog. I miss getting your comments!