HEY Y’ALL!

Thank you for stopping by. This post was going to be all about what has changed here in my sanctuary since Irma hit Florida one year ago. But with Hurricane Florence headed for the Carolinas and the threat of other storms in the Gulf becoming stronger, I thought it would be good to recap the posts I did in preparation for Irma…. in the event I could help someone else.

Before I get to those recaps, here’s a quick update to the changes we made in the event of future storms: We had new windows installed on the most vulnerable sides of the house, the large bank of windows at the back of the house, the dining room window in front, and Mr B’s office window, also at the front of the house. We purchased a wind baffle system for our lanai, it’s supposed to block some of the wind and rain and prevent wind-driven debris from hitting the sliding glass doors. Keeping our fingers crossed we never have to find out how well this works.

I am so glad we made the decision to have those new “wind resistant” windows installed at the back of the house. Our biggest worry last year was those windows failing. Turns out we were right to worry.  When the installers of the new windows removed the old ones, we found that they were held in place by caulk and ONE screw! No wonder they rattled and vibrated in the smallest of storms! Egad!!! We’re waiting for the new windows to be inspected and approved so that I can finish painting the exterior stucco that was repaired after the installation. And I wonder how those old windows ever got approved by an inspector when this house was built!

We’ve had an uneventful hurricane season so far, but September begins the active storm time, that time of the year when major storms are most likely to form. And form they have!  Florence is gaining strength and headed for the United States, and all in her path are busy making preparations. At least I hope they are. These storms are not to be ignored. I’m saying prayers for all in her path and just hope that Florence weakens as she comes on shore.

If you’ve ever wondered how you would  prepare to evacuate, what you would put in your “one bag”…. these posts from a year ago will give you a glimpse into life in the path of a large storm. What do I save? That’s a question each of us has to answer for ourselves…. and will depend on the kind of evacuation and amount of time available. I made some hard choices as we prepared for a storm that was wider than our entire state. There wasn’t a county that was not affected by Irma. You can read those posts here, and here and here.  They’re in order so you can read about the choices and the aftermath. 

I hope to never have another hurricane hit anywhere. Foolish I know, because hurricanes have been around since the earth was born. Still…… I hope.

Thanks for stopping by, may all your storms be small ones. If you are in the path of Florence, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Create your sanctuary no matter where you live.

photo courtesy Google