Happy Luau

Friday, January 27, 2012

Cleaning Up the Mess

Oh my, what a mess we have here!

After Snowmageddon 2012, we had a wind and ice storm that brought down more debris, so I have my hands full helping to coordinate the cleanup with the assistance of our wonderful insurance agency. I'm learning a lot about many different things and meeting new people--our project manager (who works with the construction workers, the roofer, the painters, and the gutter installers), an arborist who will see what trees can be saved, the people who will clean up the large debris and do chipping, and our terrific gardener who is taking care of regular debris cleanup.

While this is going on, I am making a short trip to Atlanta to support a relative there in the treatment program I've visited before. It is an alumni visit, a reunion of sorts, and I'm quite excited about it.

The mess will still be here when I return, but I think good progress will be made.

I am so very, very grateful for power.

I am also grateful to NOT be one of the people who had trees fall and crash through their roofs, effectively cutting their houses in two. Or who had their roofs pierced by a tree branch and now have water all over their belongings. Or who didn't have insurance and now are faced with overwhelming financial losses.

This storm was something that I know we all will remember here for years to come.

Thank you for all of your support, prayers, and comments, my friends.

14 comments:

kate i said...

I'm also grateful that your home is "fixable" Olivia. I missed all of the high winds that they had on the Island but my daughter said her BBQ was picked up by the wind and carried across the yard. I think your area was even harder hit.

Wishing you a good trip to Atlanta...it sounds like it's been a very valuable and positive program to have been involved with.

patti said...

So happy that you are safe and well and that your property is intact, except for some storm debris.

Storms make us feel so vulnerable, don't they?

Hope your clean up runs smoothly and that the weather settles down soon!

Olivia said...

kate,

Me too, so glad that all can be put right. Flying barbeques, oh my!

It is a positive program. I feel honored to be a part of it.

Thank you, my dear, xoO

CrystalChick said...

I'm glad the process to get your home and property repaired has begun.
Maybe there will be emergency funds made available to help some of those who didn't have insurance.

Safe travels to GA. Enjoy the trip.

Olivia said...

Thank you, Patti. Yes, I think that storms just let us know the truth of how fragile life is really--we just forget and think we control so much when we do not...Thanks, Patti, xoO

Olivia said...

Thanks, Mary. Yes, since we do have an official state of emergency here, perhaps there are; I do hope so. Thanks Mary, xoO

Angie at Home said...

I'm happy to hear you are safe and managing the clean-up. I can't imagine all that snow and where do you put it all.

Safe trip to Atlanta!

I agree with your comment about how storms let us know how fragile life really is. Several years ago we were without electricity for 6 days during a very hot September. My son didn't know what to do without electricity. And since I lived in an all electric apartment it was very tough. I didn't like taking cold showers, etc. But having that happen in Winter time would be tragic....early dark nights, and trying to keep warm....wow

Olivia said...

Thanks, EB. You know, it's true about our dependence upon electricity. In 2010 we went to Brazil and it was a different world (although they did have electricity most places) because they didn't have many things we take for granted here. I blogged about various aspects of it. We are very spoiled as Americans, I think and don't even realize it--I know I am.

Again, I love your new dark hair, EB. xoO

~Karen C.L. Anderson~ said...

It's so crazy that you're having the weather we normally have and we're having one a mild, snow-free winter (so far) here on the coast of SE CT.

I hope all goes well...and I'm grateful that you didn't have anything catastrophic!

Unknown said...

Sounds like things are looking up on the home front! Have a great trip to Atlanta! I'll talk to you soon.

Olivia said...

Yes, Karen, isn't that something. People in CT are so much more prepared for it than on the West Coast. BTW, I lived on Long Island for years and my estranged sister lives in Hamden...is that near to you? Thank you, and great to see you here :) xoO

Olivia said...

Kristine,

Yes, they are looking better and better. I indeed will talk with you soon; even though traveling seems stressful to some people, once I'm out of my house and away from my responsibilities, everything seems so easy to me. There is the next thing to do, and you do just that, and life is simple. You deal with the bumps in the road the best you can. I actually find it relaxing because I am not in control!! So in those gaps, I will make a point of getting back with you because I WANT TO TALK TO YOU!

It will be transparent to you where I am! I'll probably be all excited about this huge departure from my small, ordinary life---I'm stepping out!

Talk to you soon, xoO

Cindy said...

Olivia, I am so happy you are okay, sounds like a heck of a mess, glad you have power. Hopefully most of it will be cleaned up by the time you get back. glad you are safe and sound my friend. hugs.

Olivia said...

Thanks, Cinner. Alas! The cleanup is only just beginning. But such is life, right? And I am grateful for insurance, otherwise what would we do? Thanks for the love and hugs, my dear, xoO