The last 10 days have been a challenge, but it was not as severe for us compared to many others. There are still power outages, and water problems for many, but we have power again, and the internet came back last night. With our generator, and our neighbors, we have weathered the disaster pretty well. Thank you to everyone who left a comment with messages of support on my last two posts, I have read and appreciate each and every one. Thank you to all who donated to our local recovery effort, too! We have many roads and hundreds of buildings that will need repairs. Thousands are still without power. Just north of us, Asheville will be in recovery mode for weeks with their water system damage. To the east of us, Lake Lure and Chimney Rock may never fully recover. All this just as the primary season for tourism approaches, and travelers are being told ‘don’t come’. For an area that relies on tourism, this is an economic catastrophe with ramifications for some time to come. I have to tell you that the idiots spreading misinformation really irritate me. FEMA is here, the Red Cross is here, the National Guard is here, and they haven’t left. As roads are opening, the airlifts become less efficient than trucks, so yes, some flights are decreasing, but it doesn’t mean anyone has left. So if you see some of the garbage on social media, please counter them with the truth. Help is here, continues to come every day with trucks arriving from states far away carrying food and water, supplies and hope. A group of three pickup trucks came up our road, loaded with supplies, to ask if we needed anything. They had come from a church in Georgia, and were just driving roads, looking for people needing help. Everyday, we see the support, and are grateful for the outpouring of care and concern. From our veranda, an early morning fog settles into the valley, bringing a feeling of serenity to the day.
George survived the storm, and is still stopping by for a meal.
As I was enjoying the Carolina room during the last week, I noticed tiny flowers on the basil plant. Sometimes it is the little things that bring beauty to the day. I found that I enjoyed the quiet time in the afternoon, and may continue doing that.
I did a lot of grilling over the past few days, experimenting with ways to keep My Sweet Babboo fed while we couldn’t cook on my stove or bake in the oven. The only butternut squash that my garden produced was grilled, and the flavor was wonderful.
Another evening, I made a grilled chicken breast and cooked a corn cake in a cast iron skillet alongside. With the lid down, the grill becomes an oven, although it is more difficult to regulate the temperature.
My Handle Hot Pad came in handy once again. See my post Sew Day for a full tutorial for the hot pad. Looks pretty good, doesn’t it? Full disclosure, the bottom was a bit burned as I left it on the grill a bit too long.
But we scraped off the burnt part, and served it with the chicken and a side of broccoli.
Yesterday, our local quilt shop was open. They sent out a notice to bring some handwork and come sit and sew, as they would be open whether they had power back or not. So, I went down with a wool work project to visit with friends and support the shop. A friend brought a binding to do. Other quilters joined us, coming and going during the morning.
About an hour later, I was startled to see a truck coming toward the building, jumping over the concrete parking bumper and heading to the side of the building. About 15 minutes later, the power came on. We all cheered, and went outside to thank them, giving them a standing ovation. Turns out, these guys were from Illinois, Wisconsin and Alaska! More help from more states, so wonderful!
One of the guys came in the store and bought one of the quilts that the owner had for sale. He was delighted with his Christmas quilt.
Now that I have a stable internet connection again, let’s look forward! Plans for the coming weeks are now made. This Friday, we will check in with Stashbusters, just one week late. Gather your totals and prepare to report.
Then, Fall Fortnight will begin on Sunday!! I have the projects done, patterns written and prizes lined up!
I’ll also host a Virtual Retreat during Fall Fortnight. I am not sure which day right now, but will let you know soon.
So, we begin to pick up the pieces. It is so nice to be able to think about Autumn, and the fall season, the leaves changing, and holidays approaching. Let’s sew, and cook, and set a pretty table! Who’s with me?
From My Carolina Home 
So glad things are returning to some new version of normal. Water and electricity…so needed and so taken for granted until it is gone. Looking forward to your upcoming posts on the Fall Fortnight!
Oh Carole, what an ordeal. Thank you for sharing all of the news on the ground. there is a lot of rumor going around. this country is so divided and that just makes the task of information even more difficult. I did see a youtube video of Chimney Rock some guy made. it looked like it was just washed out.
I am grateful there were places spared and pray for some excellent care and relief for those that lost everything. You do not know what you are actually missing and need until you do not have it.
You made some valiant efforts making good food for yourselves, well done.
I am glad you got out and met with friends, i am glad that was possible.
All of you remain in my prayers
So happy to hear you are doing well. It’s just unfathomable to think of all the damage in your area. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.
Really looking forward to the retreat. You always have such fun projects. See you soon.
So glad you are recovering with power, water and internet, Carole. I didn’t comment on your post because I knew you didn’t have power so I waited. My thoughts and prayers have been with you and all affected. My BIL lives in Gerton and he still doesn’t have power. He was first told it would be months, then yesterday he said Duke had said they would be restored by Friday. Fingers cross that happens as his wife is a graphic designer who works from home. I know you are able to cook and sew again. Sending hubs and prayers!
Thank you for this very hopeful message! I wish everyone could read this because of all the negativity being spread around! This was a horrific event and a lot will never be the same but with the help of many compassionate people I hope things will restore to peace and prosperity that you all deserve! Prayers to all!
So nice to hear from you and it’s nice to hear that you have received support from numerous places and agencies. Our godson is a lineman and he is in on the road right now restoring power. He lives in Wisc. but hasn’t been home in weeks. He told us so many folks have been happy to feed them, give them water etc. It can be quite dangerous to be working on a power grid that one is not familiar with, having the schematics is helpful. Thank you for appreciating them, not all are so gracious.
Love the support of your local quilt shop and how nice that they opened the doors for folks to gather and socialize. You fared well with so many days without, bravo!
So wonderful to hear you are back to some state of normalcy. As the lyrics go “Don’t it always seem to go you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” We in Florida begin the struggle as Milton heads for Central Florida. I fear it will be much the same here. We are as prepared as we can be. Now it is in God’s hands, and we pray. Looking forward to starting the Fall Fortnight and hoping we are able to participate.
i am in for Fall Fortnight! I am glad things are starting to slowly return to normal. I know it will take a long time in some places due to the massive extent of damage. FEMA, aid organizations like Red Cross, church organizations and volunteers will be there helping through the process. All of the organizations are made up of people who want to help and I know the misinformation is disheartening to them, so thank you for setting out the true story on the ground.
It’s good to hear from you again, Carole! I’m glad you have weathered the storm so well, although I know your community has a long way to go. I loved the story about the utility workers coming and the guy buying the quilt! Looking forward to Fall Fortnite!
Well, I just tried to leave a comment, but WordPress wanted me to create a log in? Just wanted to thank you for giving us such a positive and
We are one of those that were planning to come before the hurricane hit. Hubs had a business thing in Asheville that was (obviously) canceled. We will get there one day, it’s on our bucket list. Meanwhile, we sure have been watching the news from your neck of the woods. With all the bad news out there today, it is heartwarming and reassuring to see people stepping up and helping. It’s easy to forget there are still good people out there! Thanks for keeping us updated!
So wonderful to hear from you! What a blessing to have so many people coming together to help. Looking forward to fall fortnight.
I am so glad you got your power and internet back on. So many people have believed the awful rumors of FEMA and that no one was helping – I and others have tried to get people to realize that it wasn’t true so I’m so glad you mentioned it here as some people in your comments are some that were saying that stuff about FEMA not helping. It was a rough 10 days for you – glad you will now be back to normal.
Thanks for the update. Glad you are feeling some sense of normalcy. I got so angry about politics, lies and misinformation about the hurricane that I deactivated my Facebook account for a while. More time for sewing. Continuing thoughts and prayers for everyone affected by the hurricane and agencies and workers involved who are helping with the recovery and restoration.
Marie
Hi Carole, I am definitely with you – let’s go forward! So glad things are getting better in your area. Thanks for the update and giving us first hand facts to combat the misinformation on Social Media. Looking forward to Fall Fortnight! Suzan
It is amazing to me how very different the recovery is going for various parts of WNC. No disrespect, Carole, maybe not all of the posts regarding lack of FEMA, etc. are by idiots. There are parts that have not seen the same level of support as others. It is coming but for obvious reasons, like access to the upper elevations, it is slower. We still have teams from our church going out on side by sides and 4 wheelers delivering supplies. Supplies that have come from many states, delivered by individuals from churches and other non-government organizations. My heart is broken, as I’m sure yours is, over the devastation. But I am encouraged by the resilience of our communities.
Perhaps, but those spreading the misinformation on social media seem to be from areas not in the disaster zone. Much is being twisted around, like the flights decreasing are because FEMA left. That just isn’t true. The flights are decreasing because roads are opening. I can tell you that FEMA is on the news every day with updates over a number of counties. I have personally seen the support, the National Guard, and FEMA at the distribution points for food and water. People need to understand that some areas of our state are so remote, that supplies are being taken in on horseback! But they are being addressed as best as can be. With millions affected, it isn’t going to be solved in a week.
its a happy day, great that some of your life is back to a “norm”.
i was happy to read that all the help is there, the News doesn’t always get it right.
now, along with many other happy sewist I will join you with your fall fortnight.
prayers 🙏 for you all
myrna
GOD is good and he works through us..His people.
sitting here crying while reading your text – so glad that you are doing so much better – we’ve been praying for you and will continue. God is good!!!
Thank you, we are blessed, and have come through so much better than most. The prayers and thoughts of so many readers has been heartwarming and helped keep our spirits good.
So happy to see your e-mail this morning. Was concerned about you and your community. Glad to hear that more and more help is arriving. TV news is overwhelming and heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sounds great – maybe we could also include the kit for the shelter that you have previously done
It sounds like each day is just a “little bit better” than the day before. Each day you have been grateful for the little you had, and what you gained as things got that “little bit better”. You have kept an upbeat perspective. It is wonderful to read about neighbors helping each other. I will continue to pray for all of western NC, especially those who have lost everything.
Continuing prayers for so many hit by this disaster! I’m so glad to hear of the help that has been ongoing. Thank you for keeping it true! My heart goes out to your community and all those hit so hard. It’s heartbreaking!
So happy to hear that things are somewhat improving. It is still going to be a long time for the new normal, but any step in the right direction is good. Continued prayers for all involved.
Glad you are back on line. The virtual retreat, zoom??
Yes, it will be on Zoom. I just need to figure out a day. My dentist office flooded, and they are trying to get everything cleaned and new equipment. I need my cleaning done, so I need to get that appt first, as they will be very busy for a while. They are supposed to reopen at the end of next week. We’ll see.
So happy things are getting better for you!
So good to hear your news. Very glad that life is starting to get back to some sort of normal. The groups that rally round to get the services up and running are putting in a sterling effort. But it all takes time.
I hear there is a new Hurricane, Milton, making its way up the Gulf of Mexico and fear for the people in its path. It sounds bad!
Lovely to read about the Lineman who purchased the lovely quilt. Not only restored the power but helped the economy. :))
Mary :))
Thank you for sharing and keeping us up to date on the news directly from that area. Blessings on you and yours.
Glad to read your update, Carole!!! Sounds like things are looking up!
I’m pleased things are getting better in your area, but as you say, there is still tremendous damage in other parts. Losing power makes daily life difficult, but you rose to the occasion with your BBQ meals. Take care.
So glad to hear positive news coming from your area. When we had a massive ice storm in the early 90s my parents were without power for at least 2 weeks whereas my power was back within 24 hrs. With a disaster of this magnitude you can’t get everything fixed at the same rate. So sweet to hear about, & see, the happy quilt customer. When things are bad, it helps to see something positive.
Good news!! Was glad to hear George made it too. I am really looking forward to the Fortnight.
Such great news to return to some semblance of normal again. I’m looking forward to Fall Fortnight and I’m ready to report in with Stashbusters! God bless all the help coming in from all over and God bless you and your Sweet Baboo!
Carole, It’s wonderful to hear that you and your quilting friends were able to get together. You have posted about many things that is happening in your world. It looks like you are seeing the light at the end of the darkness. My grandson and his family lost almost everything 2 weeks ago from Helene in Florida. He and his family have been living in a camper behind his parents house. And now, Milton is upon us. It looks like it will go across Florida. I’m praying it will not leave us any damage. RE: Skillet Handle Holders A few years ago I went looking for potholders that I could fold over and sew across the bottom and up one side. That was the easiest for me with a big family of cooks. For me, your handle holders would be for weddings and/or special occasions. Peace……
I’m glad things are improving for you. The logistics of dealing with so much devastation, spread out over so much territory is mind-boggling. And now another strong hurricane threatening to stretch the resources even farther. Thank you for your efforts to counter act the disinformation campaign. Disaster relief should not be political.
Carole, reading the story of your opportunity to sit and sew with the women at your local quilt shop was so heartwarming as was the smile on the fellow’s face holding up the quilt he bought for someone back home. Thanks for sharing the days and special moments of your life in NC and how God is blessing and keeping you. Pat
So good to hear that things are improving in your area and that everyone is getting the help they need. Many people have been praying for North Carolina and will continue to do so. You have a wonderful, positive attitude for the devastation you are living with at this time. Your attitude and smile are helping many people.
Definitely looking forward to receiving any information on the quilts for the children who are victims of Helene. Am going to get started on them this week. Thanks for your work on this project. Carolyn Howard
I’m happy that you have water and power. The damage has certainly been devastating. Glad so many showed up to help. I live rural at an elevation without much density of housing so we can suffer long periods without power. Sandy really devastated NY and we were powerless for quite some time. It’s cold in these mountains! One of the best things I ever purchased was a small butane stove. It’s just one burner and fits in a tiny little suitcase- like box. The butane canisters are small and safe to use inside the house. We have generators too but the wattage from microwaves and coffee pots can ruin the capacitor. Ask me how I found that out! Anyway, it’s great to be able to cook inside especially during blizzards! The stoves can often be bought at Walmart ($20ish)and butane canisters are easy to source just like the little propane bottles. We have even used ours on day trips to parks and such – nice to have coffee with dessert. Anyway,just a thought to prepare for outages but hopefully never like the disaster so many poor people have suffered. Prayers to all.
Carole, such a joy to read your positive notes giving us the truth of all the help your county and state are getting. Shame on those spreading lies. Thank you again for all you share with us and giving back to your community. Wow, George even knows you’re there for him.
Glad to hear things are looking up in your area. It’s wonderful to hear such positive things.
So happy you are making the best of it and from the looks of dinner! I’ll be there! Glad to hear Illinois came to help. I have family in Asheville, they run a restaurant and while I haven’t spoken to them, their Dad reports they are staying open but more to keep up spirits than the till. Thanks for sharing and take care.
I’m so glad to hear your community is clearly getting support from other States and the government. It’s been interesting to hear first hand about your news about the damage the hurricane left behind.
So thankful for your continued cheerfulness,
Colleen in New Mexico
Sent from my iPad
My good wishes go out to you and the thousands of residents “making do”. Thank you for a most uplifting post. I needed to hear about all those pitching in to help. Know what you mean about that Hot Pad Handle. I rely on a silicon handle for my smaller cast iron pan. Next to rice cooker it is a most helpful purchase. I will keep checking back for more news. Just cut a piece of batting to load for the next quilt on the longarm and decided on a quilting motif. It will be Munnich Design “all over feathers”. I will send a image soon.
Glad that you are getting along better. When I cook on the grill I put an oven thermometer in there for better control of the temperature. And when I first lived in Missouri and only had the wood stove to cook on – I did cornbread on it but when part way cooked I flipped the skillet over to another one so that the bread was better cooked and not toasted. Keep safe and hope that this next storm doesn’t give those of you already compromised don’t get anymore rain. Shirley
i am glad to hear things are getting better. My heart goes out to everyone.
Good to hear from you Carole, we’ve been praying and waiting to comment until you were up and running, as I didn’t want to make it more difficult for you to report in! I am so glad to hear that your experience sounds very positive. There are definitely places where things are not going as well, (which we have heard first hand) so we will just continue to pray and do what we can from far away. So thankful for people like those “guys in the truck” driving in with supplies and just stopping at houses and asking who needs help. Those groups will find those unable to ask for assistance through normal channels.
Looking forward to Fall Fortnight. I hope to be able to participate some!
Hi Carole,
I’m so happy to hear your good news! It is heartwarming to hear of everyone working together and sharing their love and kindness! We are a great nation. I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie Skinner
Hi Carole,
I’m so happy to hear your good news! It is heartwarming to hear of everyone working together and sharing their love and kindness! We are a great nation. I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie Skinner
I can’t even imagine living in the affected areas, but I am glad that there is help in those areas.
Thank you so much for this post. Have sent items several times to the western NC area. And good to know about the power men. Grandaughter’s fiance is a lineman for power company. They have put in many hours. With many folks thanks. I enjoy your post but don’t comment that much. I will try your grilled butternut squash. I have been very lucky as only lost power for a couple times. I am in Denver, NC, just about 30 miles northwest of Charlotte.
Stay safe.
Continued prayers for you all. The reports are just unbelievable but I know NC will come back stronger.
Lee Ann Jones
Sulky of America
Am glad that some normalcy is returning to your area. All of my family in Cruso, NC came out okay but there is a lot of damage. People help when they can and the misinformation that is being spread is disgusting.
It is so good to read about the positives that you see happening.
Thank you for debunking the reports of no help.
Lovely to see so much support from all the states.
So glad things are getting better for you and it’s wonderful to hear about all the help people are getting. I love that one of the power guys bought a quilt!!
Jenna
What a wonderful post . I am from Ontario,Canada and admire your courage.
Have so much empathy for you & your country . You have suffered so much from these terrible hurricanes & you continue to keep your chin up.
I’m just back, Carole, and was most eager of all the bloggers to check in on you and see how things were going. I’m grateful to hear it is and has been going as well as can be expected, maybe even better. And well done on the creative cooking! It looks great. My visits/comments will be short. Just got a post up explaining it all — three weeks away and coming back to a major messy project. But had to find out how you were doing. Hugs!