I am going to attempt to post using my phone. We are safe, and are managing one day at a time. No power, limited generator, massive numbers of trees down taking power lines with them. Our home only had minor damage, friends had much worse. We have food, and clean water from our well. We can make do.
The rest of the area is suffering as only a few stores are open with hours-long lines for water and food. The rest have no power, and are closed. The water treatment plants in Asheville are knocked out. Henderson County is on boil advisory, but over 90% of the county has no power. Only those with gas stoves or grills can do that.
Thousands of huge trees are down on houses, power lines, and roads blocking lanes or the entire road. Other areas are flooded. Emergency management says to consider every road in our county to be closed.
I do not expect to have power and internet back for at least 2 weeks and possibly more. Fall Fortnight will be postponed. Virtual Retreat is not possible at this time, and when I have access from my computer again, I will refund those who have paid.
Mary is updating on our Facebook group, and that may be my only way to let readers know how we are. I do not know if this access will last, so signing off for a bit, and hope to be back with you all soon.
Carole
From My Carolina Home 
Glad to hear from you. Post hurricane “camping” is a challenge but does help us be grateful for what we have. Prayers continue for you & all others experiencing challenges & loss. Also for the many helpers out spending hours trying to get help & repairs to those in need. Stay safe!
I am thankful you are safe and have the capacity to cope with such a devastating event. Praying for you and those around who are struggling.
Sending prayers for your safety and the safety of your friends and neighbors.
Please know that prayers are being lifted on your behalf. Be safe!
Praying for you there, Carole. Our daughter in Black Mountain at Excel College. They are on higher ground.
Stay safe. It’s so sad to see so much devastation in Chimney Rock, Asheville, Boone and all those beautiful mountain towns.
Thank you for letting us know you are safe. The pictures have been shocking. Prayers to all that have been affected.
Thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate thru this time. Take care of you & your family. We’ll all be waiting for your return when you are able…
So glad to hear from you, we have been thinking of you. We were supposed to leave for Asheville this coming week, so we have been watching the news. Heartbreaking to see all the devastation to your area. Glad you are okay. Long road ahead for all of you!
So sad to see all the devastation. We were supposed to visit Asheville this summer, but never got there. We will wait a few years is with the hope that the town will be restored. Praying for you and you community. Take care.
OMG…I’m so glad you’re ok. The most important thing is safety…then it’s the rest. Thanks for posting so we know your status!!
I’m sorry to hear that your area was hit hard. I haven’t been out and have seen only a few videos. The devastation is far worse than I thought at first. Good luck!
You are in our prayers . I am so glad you are safe and hopefully your power will return soon.
Dreadful effects from the storm. Glad to you are safe, your home is relatively undamaged, even if power is going to be in short supply.
sending good thoughts to you and your neighbors,
Susan
Carole, I am so sorry. I’m glad that your damage seems to be manageable. Who would think that a hurricane could do so much damage inland? The devastation I see in the news is unfathomable to someone who is protected from most natural disasters. We are all thinking of you and all the others affected by this storm. Much love to you and your husband and a warm hug.
Glad to hear you are doing alright. Carla from Arizona Carla Hundley
We do have to wonder what is going on in this crazy world..The statement..”Thus too shall end” is true but the timeliness is in serious question. Be safe..hold on to each other and remember that CreatorGod is in full control.
prayers for you and your neighbors Carol.
I was concerned that you might be affected. I am happy that you are relatively okay but know this is very, very hard to contend with. If you think of anything we can do let us know when you can. We all will be waiting to hear as soon as possible. This weather phenomenon is almost unbelievable.
Saying prayers for you and the entire area. Take care.
oh Carole …
was worried if you were affected …
thank heavens you have food & water !
snuggle in and stay safe !!
Hello Carol, I wish you all the best for the next time and send you many regards from Frankfurt, Germany–Gesendet mit der WEB.DE Ma
Thanks for the update. You and your community are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carole, thanks so much for the update, and the news you are safe, even with limited generator power, and nothing for another 2 weeks. Biblical proportions I think were the words used to describe this huge, immense tragic disaster. I am so thankful for you, so sorry and unbelievably sad for others. Sending hearttfelt love and thoughts.XXX Jean.
It’s so good to hear that both you and your husband are safe.
When a weather event like this happens nobody is ready for it. I’m very glad that you still have a home after such devastation. Hopefully your services will soon be restored and any repairs needed are taken care of in time.
Mary :))
You have been, and still are, very much in my thoughts. Fingers crossed that things improve albeit slowly at first. I am just thankful that you are safe.
You are in my thoughts!
Carole – so grateful you are safe. What devastating pictures we are seeing here in Australia! You are in my prayers. Keep safe xx
Our power was restored yesterday. Still no cell service. I can intermittently text. Like you, I feel fortunate compared to those who lost so much. It was unnerving to be cut off from the rest of the world for days.
i am so sorry to hear about the devastation in your area. Be safe
cindy givens
Sending hugs and prayers.
Carole, it is just good to hear from you. Based on WV’s 1,000 year flood in 2016, I know help will mobilize as quickly as can get there. Samaritans Purse, Tide’s Loads of Hope, and many volunteers will come. Stay strong!
Prayers going your way for all
The electric company will get power back as fast as possible. Those guys ROCK !
(((HUGS))) FROM ACROSS THE POND X
Sending prayers to you and all those who were in Helene’s path. God Bless you all!
I’m glad you are both okay. Even if there had been warnings, the extent of the destruction is unfathomable. Don’t let your Sweet Baboo go out to start cleaning up. It’s too dangerous and no way to get help if needed. No need to respond. We know you will be back in touch when it’s possible.
I am so grateful you are both OK (and not in as wretched a state as some others). Hang in there, my friend. Sending hugs your way.
Carole, After seeing so many pictures of places you have shared with us, I feared that your area had been hit hard by all the bad weather. While there is little we can do in other parts of the country to physically help you and the others, we will donate money and other goods that might help all the people who could use our help. As you recover and find what is needed, please let us know what and how we can help. After my husband’s strokes, I am limited in time and funds, but I can help in my small way. I look forward to hearing from you in the future that recovery is happening for you and all the others. This may take months or even years, but you will continue to be in my prayers. God’s blessings, Lenora
So sorry you had damage, praying that power will be restored and the roads will be cleared soon. Glad you guys are ok.💕💕💕
Grateful you and your husband are OK. Sending prayers for strength, stamina and safety your way.
No worries on the blog, Fall Fortnite and virtual retreat. We understand.
When something like this happens, it is heartwarming to see those who give so much of themselves to help others.
So glad to hear you are okay and safe. Sending lots of good thoughts your way.
Really glad you are safe Donna
Thank you for your update. My husband has a cousin in your area and they are overall fine. They have a generator and had fence go down but house seems ok. Praying for your safety and comfort during this time.
Thank you, Carole, for the update despite all of the obstacles you face. I’ve been praying for you and your husband and your community. From all of your writings, I know that you are resilient and your husband has knowledge and skills that will be helpful in this situation. Please do not worry about the typical fall activities that we so enjoy doing with you. Instead, let’s remember the thankfulness theme of this season and that so many lives have been spared.
Connie W.
Be safe. Helene was so nasty-hearts heavy for your area and others affected.
Carole, my heart goes out to you. A disaster of this magnitude will take time to rebuild infrastructure.
Praying for you and all of He dear son County. Glad you are safe!
Carole, this is sad news that you had that stupid hurricane come barging in.
I am glad you and your hubbs are coping. I am glad that your home and property are relatively in good shape after the storm.
I am praying fervently that all of you get electricity very soon. (I guess having an electric car is not so great an idea after all?) Seriously, this situation is maddening.
you are in my thoughts through out this week and the days ahead.
I was surprised by the ferocity of this hurricane, but am so glad to hear you are relatively well. Wishing all a quick recovery with help from around the country; I know crews from Maine left the other day. Flooding and power/infrastructure loss are so difficult.
so sorry to hear of the drastic time you are going through. Glad to hear that you are both safe. Hope the time doesn’t feel as if it’s dragging waiting for things to start to get better. Will have you in my prayers . Take care and please don’t worry about your followers, I’m sure we all understand. X
Linda Hodges (UK)
This is so heartbreaking. I’m glad you are safe and have little damage. My niece lives in Florida and my son and his family live in Georgia. They are safe and everything is fine for them. I’m so thankful! Take care! Sending prayers!
Carole, to see the devastati
Prayers for you all!
Glad you are ok-praying for you all! Debbie
I’ve been thinking about you, Carole, and it’s really good to hear how you’re doing. Sending lots of good thoughts to you and DH. Glad you’re safe and can manage during this tough time.
So good to hear from you Carole and you have had no significant damage personally. Of course, with all the surrounding devastation it is quite personal isn’t it. Have been through hurricanes here in Florida so I know what you all are going through. Continued prayers for all. Big hugs!
Carole, you are loved and remembered by so many with prayers and hugs coming to you and your community. Take care of yourselves and we’ll be patient waiting for your updates.
Glad to hear from you. My brother is in Polk County, NC and like you is relatively unscathed but without power and water. I am so very sad for the devastation that has occurred. Please know you are cared for deeply and we will make donations to those that are nearer who are providing help.
So glad you are safe. Sending you lots of love from afar.
SO glad to hear from you! glad you are safe and can manage during this difficult time. Line men are headed your way, our godson is one of them. My prayers are with all those who are suffering from this storm.
Sing out when you think of anything we can do to help. Chicago, cool, calm. Is the mail working? Can we send you anything?
j
So glad to hear you are safe and that your home is ok. Stay safe and take care of yourself and others as well as you can. If there is a way we can help and you can get word, let us know.
Karen Cyr, Maryland
Glad to hear you are safe. Please let your friends in N.C. know what we can do to help folks in your area. Those of us east of you have not suffered but love our mountain neighbors.
Prayers are with you.
Diane
Praying for you all. My family in NC has had lots of problems too. BIL in Gerton is in same situation as you and can only be airlifted out at this time. Brother is out of power and had to go to a hotel. He is in a wheelchair and health not good. At least, as of right now, they have power at the hotel in Shelby. Again, prayers for all suffering through this devastation. The positive is that you are safe, as are they.
It’s sad to see the destruction that Helene has caused. I add my prayers to all who have been affected. Stay safe.
prayers have been going up in general, Carole. Now I have someone in particular to pray for…stay safe
Sharon in Colorado
Thoughts and prayers to you and all in you area.
Carole
praying for you and all those affected by this horrible situation
Dear Carole,
Praying for you and all those who have been affected by this devastating hurricane, especially those who have lost their lives. Take care and stay safe.
I am so sorry! I will keep you in my prayers. The widespread devastation is horrifying. Thank-you for the update!
Blessings!
The Bookish Dilettante
My best to you and your hubby. So happy that you are safe and no major damage to your home. Hope the power goes on soon and that you will continue to do good with your limited resources.
Chris
So hard to image what you, your neighbors and friends are going through. You are all in my prayers.
So pleased to hear you are safe and have not suffered much damage to your home. Have seen on the UK tv news the heart-wrenching pictures of homes completely destroyed. Keep safe and best wishes Nora Ellis
so happy to hear you and your husband are ok! Prayers for you, your community and all affected by this horrible storm.
Happy that you are safe . Sorry for all of the damage and loss of lives.
God Bless
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Hi Carole,
I forwarded you post today on to Mary Etheridge of Country Threads. Mary is a quilt blogger like you. She is worried about the folks in your area. Your post had such a good description of what people are going through there. Best wishes,
Elaine Elmore
Goldsboro, NC
Hi Carole. We have been stunned by what we have seen in the news reports. All these beautiful towns with so much damage. We loved Asheville and of course Biltmore. We have stayed at Brevard and loved the surrounding forest. OUr granddaughter has had 3 years school at Greenville and is now at Converse. Being familiar with all these areas has heightened our awareness of the damage that has been done.
It is so good to know that you are okay and safe. Take care.
Thanks for your update. You need to keep telling people about what is going on. The mainstream media is not talking about it or showing photos. My sister in Greenville, SC is safe but no water, power, food or cell service. She would have to drive to Charlotte for food, but doesn’t have the gas, pumps are not working, ATMs not working, just a full out disaster and the country just doesn’t seem to care, especially those in charge. It is not just Asheville as bad as that is.
Hi Carole, So glad you made it through the storm okay. Our hearts go out to you and all in western NC; just can’t believe the devastation. We are donating supplies locally to be sent. The stores here are gutted with people coming in from the mountains and also donations. Let me know if there is anything we can do for you directly; we are about 2 hours away. Stay safe,
Christine Scholz, Backside Fabrics
Wednesday morning (10/2/24)update via text from Carole – Cell service was out for more than a day again. She was able to read 74 comments on the blog before cell service went down. They have service today, but no idea for how long. Still no power. If there is a MATT reading this, she saw it . Christine – I will pass your message along via text. @Everyone – please come over to the Friends of From My Carolina Home group on Facebook where I will post updates from Carole as I receive her texts.
Thanks for the updates. Take care Carole, my prayers are with you. Liz
Thank you for taking the time to let us know you are ok. The news coverage is horrific on what has happened to your beautiful part of the country. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I had wondered how you are doing and hope your power is restored soon and back to “normal” even if that is limited in some way
Stay well. Ann.