The Aftermath

There are lots of places that escaped the wrath of Irene. Unfortunately, large parts of upstate New York weren't that lucky. There's a lot of damage here. Thousands without power. Lots of water in homes. Creeks and rivers out of their banks. The aftermath of water damage to be cleared as water begins to recede.

Whole towns flooded. Bridges out. Homes gone.

And the worst? Lives lost. This morning's local news tells a story of yet another man washed away in the floodwater. So sad.

Here on the farm, things are pretty okay. Lots of cleanup. Trees down. Shingles off a roof or two. Branches everywhere. The gardens? Underwater. Water in the basement and raining in a barn. But I can deal with all of it. Small potatoes by comparison to some of our neighbors. I am grateful it wasn't worse.

Lots of people still without power. There are power crews from out of state here to help, but they're having trouble getting to the affected areas. Bridges and roads need to be in place for those big trucks to get around, but they're gone in so many areas. I saw a caravan of electric trucks from Illinois pass the farm yesterday. They're looking for back roads that are still passable. I didn't see them come back, so I'm praying they found a way to help the ravaged areas.

Just a few photos of Irene's mess. Nothing too graphic. You can see that on the news, and it's really too disturbing to post much here.

Will be here and there for the next few days. Trying to do all I can to help neighbors. Thanks for understanding!

My boots are getting a workout.

I've rescued a bunch of these from the lawn and driveway.
They were swept out of the pond in the flooding.
He looks lost, doesn't he?

This is usually a lazy, babbling brook.
In a few hours, it took out buildings and changed lives forever.

We're used to seeing a picturesque creek, not this raging torrent.

The wall of water took out anything in its way.

Around here, we're happy to be alive.

Not too thrilled with Mother Nature at the moment, though.

Come On, Irene!

Good Sunday morning, friends. Just popping in while there's still power here on the farm.

Irene's finally found us, and already she's making a forceful first impression. And this is just the beginning. Torrential rain and increasing wind have me up way before sunrise. The hammering on the roof isn't conducive to peaceful sleeping!

So, I've spent the past three days battening down the hatches. Now, I'll just ride it out and hope for the best. We're forecast to probably lose power so if I'm missing for a bit that's the reason.

I've got plans to read. Write. Watch the rain. And, if the power holds up, I'll watch the Weather Channel. Or not. I can't imagine what they might tell me that I won't be able to see with my own eyes!

And, just to add interest to this wild weather week, another small earthquake shook Albany county yesterday morning. Nearby, but I didn't feel a thing.

What do you think the weather in Tuscany is? Just wondering...

I hope you have a peaceful day. See you soon!

Friday Lowdown

Good morning! I'm over at The Lark Journals today. Won't you come visit?

Wishing you a peaceful Friday.

Have a Plan

Oh boy. First the ground shook. Now? Irene.

Mother Nature? Uh, having fun yet?

Today I'll pick up a couple of things to make sure the farm is prepared. I'm preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best. I can't cover all bases but I can take care of some things.

So, that's how my day will go. You?

The Godzilla Stomp

So, I did have a Godzilla-free day. But, the earth felt a little of the Godzilla-two step not once, but twice, here in upstate New York. That's right, the earth shook...and then, later in the day, it shook again.

Yesterday morning, around 6:30, I was sitting right here when the house trembled. The computer screen swayed. The television remote sort of skittered across the desk.

My reaction?

Huh. Now, isn't that interesting?

That's right. There was an earthquake, measuring 2.2 to be exact, about 35 miles east of here. I felt it, but just carried on.

Unflappable, I guess. I'm sitting here shaking my head, almost embarrassed to admit I took it so in stride.

Later in the day I was outside picking apples. Yes, life here at Villa Leone is lively. So...picking apples. We planted a row of apple trees behind one of the barns. They're heavy with fruit, and the apples are oh-so sweet, so I spent a good part of yesterday making applesauce.

I was minding my own business, picking fruit from the first tree in the row, when the ground beneath my feet just sort of started to shudder. Really weird feeling. I realized the branches around me were swaying, and an apple dropped near my feet.

I looked down the row at the other trees. Branches? All swaying. Very freaky to watch.

My reaction?

Huh. So this is wild. I wonder how many more apples I can fit into this big bowl before I'll have to go inside and dump it into the sink?

Desensitized, much? Overload, anyone?

Godzilla stomping? You think?

Today? More applesauce. More canning tomatoes. More book writing. And, hopefully, no more ground shaking!

Wishing you a peaceful day!

In the Soup

Morning is breaking. I've been awake for hours. It's going to be one of those days, when I scramble all day long, trying to rub the sleep from my head while keeping every ball in the air. It happens. I'll probably sleep tonight. But today? It's going to be interesting.

But...the sunrise is gorgeous. All red, pink, lavender and white. I'd take a picture but don't want to miss a moment. So, imagine the beauty...

Just before sunset last night I raided the gardens. It was a mini-raid, since there's such abundance out there and I'm only one woman with two hands who got tired after three trips inside. I picked zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, yellow squash, potatoes, green beans, peas, basil, blueberries and apples. Most of it is still waiting for me in the kitchen.

Yikes!

Today I'll pick some more. On the to-do list? Applesauce. Pesto. Soup. That's my day.

And the book. Always, the book. Which, by the way, is moving right along. Chapter 20--all about resisting temptation. Or not. But I'm two-thirds done with the first draft and I'm just over-the-moon tickled.

But...

You know what's next, don't you?

That's right. It's the dreaded synopsis. Looming ahead of me, waiting like Godzilla hiding around a corner. Ready to smack me down when I dance to the point of needing a synopsis.

Stinking Godzilla.

Wishing you a peaceful, Godzilla-free day.

Weekend Update

I hope you had a nice weekend. I hope it was peaceful. Relaxing. Heartwarming. Productive.

If it was, you had a weekend similar to the one I had. What did I do?

Well, I took most of Saturday off from the book. One of my college sorority sisters arrived early that morning. The day was beautiful, all blue sky and warm breezes, so we took a nice ride. Just talking, catching up, laughing. We went for lunch. Lingered. Talked some more. We ran errands. Bought flowers. Visited someone special. We had a lovely day. We walked the farm when we got home, stopping in the vineyard, orchards and by the pond. We admired flowers in the meadow, picked apples and just enjoyed the day. She'd brought home-baked cookies (I felt so special!) so before she headed home we had coffee and cookies for dinner. Yes, you can do that--have cookies for dinner. It's okay!

Later on, I worked on the book for a bit.

Yesterday? I canned tomatoes. Did laundry and other household chores. I dealt with an entire sinkful of peppers.

Mostly, I worked on the book. It's coming along nicely. I'm not making it easy for this couple to find their happily ever after. They've got lots of wacky stuff to deal with before they find their truth, that they need to be together more than they need anything--or anyone--else. I sent the first chapter to a new set of eyes. Major trepidation there. But her reaction? "Get moving and finish the book!" So, all good book-wise.

Today, more writing. I've got a deadline for this one, a timeline in my head, due mainly to circumstances that will be soon upon me. Just some stuff I'll need to deal with, obligations that can't be changed. It's not all bad because it's pushing me right along.

What about you? How was your weekend?

I wish you a peaceful day!

Saturday Snippet

Did you notice? Just one snippet. Just one. But, it's a big one.

Oh, I've been working my butt off on the new book. Yes, I really have. I'm having fun but I've got sore fingers, aching wrists and a backache that just won't quit. For my trouble, I've got nearly 43,000 words. Not all great, of course, since it's the first draft, but I've got a solid story coming together.

Good news, no?

So, here's the snippet.

I'm taking the day off from writing.

I know, I know! I never do that but I need a writing break. I've got plans for this gorgeous day. I know they'll be fun. And, hopefully by tomorrow my fingers won't be so sore.

Wishing you a peaceful Saturday.

Midnight on the Farm

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power . They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief... and unspeakable love." -- Washington Irving

A good friend sent that quote yesterday. I love it.

Today I'm at The Lark Journals. I'm going to gab about what kept me company in the wee hours this morning. Interested? Why not stop by and say hello? I'd love to see you there!

Wishing you a peaceful Friday.

A Day at the Farm

Yesterday was one of the best days I've had in a long time. I laughed. I felt almost like the "old" me. I looked ahead. I dealt with some of the past.

No, I didn't go for a spa day, although I could use the pampering. And I didn't escape to a tropical destination where colorful drinks are served with tiny paper umbrellas. Fancy? Not one bit of my day could even loosely termed fancy--or schmancy, for that matter.

So, what made yesterday so great?

Love. People. Hard work.

And, I'd never forget this part, "Good, clean living."

There's a lot to do here on the farm. Sometimes, I find myself a bit on overload, with a spinning head and too many things to do with not nearly enough time to do them. I've had a to-do list regarding some outdoor projects all summer long. Yesterday, the calvary arrived and wiped that list off my mind!

We emptied out the building where wood pellets are stored. Now, I can have pellets delivered. We straightened up the greenhouse. It's ready for spring planting now. We cleaned the garage, putting the yard equipment in proper places in the barns and making room for vehicles to go back inside. Now they'll be where they should be come winter, and I won't look out the window and think I've somehow dropped the ball.

Plus, I won't have to clear snow off the truck. Last year I smashed myself with ice doing just that. I'd rather not break my nose again if I can help it! So, the truck in the garage is a very good thing.

It souds like a huge amount of work, doesn't it? It was, but it went so well and so quickly I was just amazed. Many hands really do make for lighter work.

I am beyond words grateful. I woke this morning, looked out and saw some of what we accomplished. I smiled, my heart warm and my shoulders lighter for having shared some of my burdens. It's wonderful that we ripped through my to-do list. It's even better that the love and friendship truly lifted me up.

I am healing, thanks in large measure to those who love me enough to support me. I will never be the same woman I was, but I will be okay. I know that as surely as I know my own name.

And, since we tore up the chores, we had time to sit in the shade. Eat. Share stories, reminiscing about the past and looking to the future. We laughed. As I said, a great day.

How did your Wednesday go?

Today? I'm back to the book. I love it that whenever I tell someone a bit about what's going on in the story, they laugh. It makes me believe I'm on the right track with this funny romance. I certainly hope I am...fingers crossed!

Wishing you a peaceful day.

The Wednesday Creep

Some weeks it feels like Wednesday creeps up on me. I don't know how it happened. It was Sunday, now it's Wednesday. Holy moly!

Things have been so busy here that I guess the hours fly by without my realizing it's happening. Good in a way. On the other hand, I think I might need to stop and smell some flowers. Starting today, I'm going to make a conscious effort to take a little time and do...nothing. I'm not sure I can do it without going nuts, but I'm going to give it a shot. Wish me luck.

Maria asked if the meadow is hay. Yes, that's exactly what grows there. When we bought the farm, we knew we had no need for the hay in the field. A local farmer, however, has a great need. So, my sweet man spoke with the farmer and offered it to him, free of charge. It is a good situation for everyone. Small farmers need all the help they can get. We're supporting them, even in a small way. And, the meadow is cut three times each year, making it nice for long walks whenever we feel like strolling. So, I love to see the tractors on the farm. It's good to know we're making something that's contributing to the local economy. And in turn, to the food supply. All good.

Today? Carving time to work on the book. And I've got a sinkful of tomatoes, a half-bushel of peppers, potatoes and onions that need to be dug and blueberries waiting to turned into jam.

Oh, yeah. I'm so on top of taking time to smell the flowers.

Maybe tomorrow. I'll put it on the list.

Anyhow, what's on your Wednesday schedule?

Wishing you a peaceful day!

Tractoring

Day number two on the seriously wet and rainy regime. Yesterday? Buckets of rain, all day long. Today? Forecast similar.

No complaints here. I'm working hard on the book. Just starting Chapter 15. Eating a lot of peanut M&Ms.

Just a few days ago, things were bright and sunny here on the farm.

The meadow was mowed.
I love those straight lines!

I've got to say, I get a kick out of tractors.

It's interesting to watch the rolled hay come out the back of this contraption.

I wasn't standing in the right spot to see it, but trust me, rolls were made!

Today, back to writing. What about you? What's keeping you busy?

Wishing you a peaceful day.