Helene Spares Murphy

Most of you already know, but should you have not have already heard, the storm was just to the east of us and we suffered no damage at all. Barely any wind, and as to rain, we received about 6.5 inches over a few days. As I wrote about ad nauseam, rain showers this summer were few and far between. The fall leaves had begun shriveling instead of turning glorious colors and one of the most famous trees here in town, the "Taco Bell" tree, began changing early and we were shocked to see it looking like this before last week's rainy days. Some folks think it happened because of the drought.

During our one and only trip to Murphy two years ago, our friend Karen took us to see it and what a sight it was. Perfectly round and bright orange. Let's see if I can find it. Oh my gosh, I have found the post and you simply must click on this link to see the difference. At this point it is ridiculous of me to be sad when so many people have actually suffered so much.

There is no phone service in these parts for the last say, four days. While that doesn't seem terrible at first thought, imagine those folks who have no internet and need help. Now what? The photographs are just shocking to say the least. 

The power of water cannot be underestimated! 

As it turns out, I took some photos of the river from the bridge about a week ago to show how low it was. So let's take a look:

 And looking the other way:

This area, showing the Paynes Landing canoe launch is very dramatic when it comes to showing how shallow the water is this time of year.

As you can see, there is some color but how pretty it becomes is yet to be determined. During the two weeks we were back in Florida last October, according to friends, it was an exceptional year for color, however, with the drought, that may not be the case this year. Time will tell, as it always does.

So back to the water level post rain:

I am not sure if the photograph makes clear just how fast the water was moving.

The above are shots of the Valley River, but as you have come to learn, there are two rivers in town. We stopped by the Hiwassee River boat ramp and it too was quite high.

I have no idea how it was that it took about two days before I began looking at the news reports and seeing the horrible videos of the rushing rivers in Asheville and the surround communities. Some of you may recall that John and Laura have a condo in Asheville that was also spared. That said, they are just across the river from significant flooding. Should you be interested, check out images from the River Arts District and prepare to be dismayed. Bruce contacted the nice folks at Deerwoode Reserve, our favorite place in Brevard and she replied today, saying all of the cabins are okay but the property was innundated with water from the French Broad River that borders it.

Continuing on with the storm situation, Bruce went to pick up a prescription at Ingles and discovered that they were cash only as their systems are all down. Because they are based in Asheville, I began wondering how they would be getting food out to the various stores around the state because all roads out of Asheville have been either washed away or damaged. As it turns out, we heard that our local Ingles is closing because they are running out of food! No deliveries, made even worse because the Asheville Ingles warehouses have been flooded! Oh my goodness! 

This morning we went to the courts only to have rain begin almost immediately, thus we did some errands instead. One of which was to pick up a prescription for Eliquis from the hospital. 

Tell me more Gail!

Tuesday of last week I went for an appointment in nearby Hayesville to establish myself with a local doctor, that is if you call 17miles away local! :) Actually, I was thrilled to get the appointment and as it turns out, she was terrific, spending lots of time getting to know me. Amazing really. Anyway, she made me aware of a program at the hospital to buy Eliquis for a discount. She was not kidding!! I believe that I have complained plenty in this space about the ridiculous cost, to the tune of $500 a month with insurance!! Unreal! Count us tickled pink because when I went to the pharmacy window, the helper handed me the bottle containing three months worth for $90!!! Unbelievable was my reaction! Dr. Lohf suggested a flu shot, so I did that, along with blood work. Darn if I did not forget to rub my arm vigorously and woke up in the morning with a very sore arm and a fever. Neither lasted all that long, for which I was grateful.

Okay, back to the errands. Secondly we did stop by Ingles and saw a nearly empty parking lot. From there we went to Walmart. As we were heading inside, we saw a woman packing the back of an SUV with a very large order of groceries. Speaking with her, she said she had come from Bryson City, a trip of 60 miles, for groceries to distribute to those in need, because there was so little food to be found. 

This is getting a little scary my friends. We also learned that no deliveries had been made to Walmart for three days which means they are running out of food. Look at the shelves.

It brought back memories of shopping for food in the early days of Covid.

The lunch meat was about cleaned out.

All that white used to be filled with products.

I neglected to mention that before any of the other errands we went to Truist to get some cash and deposit a small check from the store that sells my prints. Not open and neither was the ATM. Fortunately, Walmart somehow can process cards, which was a blessing because we spent far more than we planned! Running into another friend who had left the wet pickleball courts, as we stood there talking in the crafty aisle, she picked up an artificial Autumn spray, if you will. Hmmm....wheels began turning and with a talented husband by my side, I said to Mr. Can Do Anything, "do you think you could make a wreath for the front door?".  As you have come to expect, his answer was sweet as sugar, "whatever you want, honey".  A few hours later, here we are.

We roamed the whole store, buying things ranging from stadium seats to a small heater for the basement. As well, plants were on sale, as was fertilizer. We got both.  Plus some fun pillows for the front porch rockers. Although we try celebrating fall in Florida, it is hardly distinguishable from summer. This is very fun!

Check out the droppage in the back yard of Chestnut hulls. It is so weird, I cannot think of any other term to call them. Ideas?

I mentioned that I would show you a close-up of those dangerous things, well here it is!

I speak from experience, those spikes are SHARP! Actually there are no Chestnuts to be found on the ground which puzzled me, however, a friend said that the squirrels hide them for winter food. The basket-full I have will be returned to the back yard because they need them more than we do. 

Speaking of celebrating Fall!

What is most interesting to me, aside from the wide variety of pumpkins, is that while it was closed today, everything is left out in the open. Those tomatoes look delicious!

Woo hoo...look who had baking success!! A loaf of Apple Cinnamon Bread!

Finally, or so it seems. This afternoon I made a new version of blueberry muffins that I cannot wait to try in the morning. Cornbread blueberry, a recipe I found in the Joy of Cooking. I will let you know how they taste.

It's puzzle weather!

A friend gave me several puzzles and it was time to see what we could do. The card table! What a find.

Another find was during our trip to Blairsville for a doctor's visit for Bruce. Weird week, right? Anyway, they have two huge thrift stores, both interesting, although because the rain from Hurricane Helene was already happening, Bruce did not really want to go to the lesser of the two stores. Little Missy here convinced him otherwise. I am so happy he did because I found some goodies. The fabric was around $5.00, the tray, $2.00 and the notebook (super crazy, right?), was $2.50. You absolutely never know what you will find is why I like it so much. I used to say the same for Marshalls, Ross and TJMax, but with them being too far away, thrift stores will have to suffice. Plus they are far less expensive. 

Color is coming to the mountains, hopefully soon.

This post was hard to write because my thoughts keep turning to those affected by the storm and the hopelessness people are feeling. The truth is, while North Carolina was hit hard, so was Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. A big swath of people who are in pain. The stories are heartbreaking. All we can do is contribute to food drives and funds to help with recovery. 

It is hard to imagine that there are more storms brewing.Heaven help us.

your friend,

Gail

I Never Meant to Be Away for So Long

Gentle readers, to answer your questions as to where I've been, the response is, selling. Those of you who have been with me along this journey can't imagine that I'm doing the things I'm doing--neither can I! This is the second time I've done the Darden Craft Fair and oh my was it better than last year. Between Fiesta in the Park, two days at Darden, the new Whole Foods market on Saturday and the usual Sunday market I was pooped. The grand total for all that selling was 75 prints which is a good thing. That said by Sunday afternoon I'd lost my selling mojo. Normally I engage people in conversation and chat about my stuff however by that point I was saying if you have any questions please ask!

Complicating my blogging our internet connection was iffy for several days, and sadly I must report that I began to feel terrible again. Fortunately Bruce was home for most of the week (shocker!) and took care of me when I wasn't out being a street vendor. As we'd all come to expect, I'd been feeling excellent with none of the nagging pain of the last two years. Inexplicably it hit me like a shot on Wednesday, continuing for days. I'm still struggling, but not like last week. Let us all hope it is short-lived.

Yesterday I got my desk all cleaned up. The bills are paid, my radiology licenses are renewed, and I can now see most of my desktop. I made a trip to our new Target for Bruce's prescriptions, picked up dry cleaning and deposited money at the bank. When Matt and Jonathan get here next week they will be delighted with the Target being so close. We now have dog food, toothpaste and razor blades. Now, if I can just get to the laundry and cleaning....

Because the weather was spectacular I just had to make a trip to Leu Gardens for some photography. I was so totally missing it last week. I was pleased that some of the photos I'd had in my baskets for a while sold enabling me (Mr. Roger) to print new ones. I've been to LG so many times I know where everything is blooming yet I still love to do it. Yesterday there were some beautiful,fragrant silk floss trees blooming. The trunk of these trees is almost as interesting as the blooms:



There are two versions with the pink one featured today. I wish I'd had the Panasonic with me yesterday because I have a longer zoom with that camera; this bloom is about 40' in the air:



Bruce is in Connecticut as I type having back-to-back inspections on his projects there, a first in his career. I spoke with him briefly last night and they look good, so here's hoping the punch lists will be SHORT.

Michelle came over yesterday afternoon to see my dress and chat. After a hearty approval we discussed the jewelry options. Later on I scooted over to Nordstrom to see if anything appropriate was featured in the half yearly sale. The answer was no. Sadly, because all of retail is struggling right now, the inventory to choose from is limited. I can certainly understand that (being a business owner and all) but it makes it more challenging to find things you like. I tried on multiple necklaces and earrings, eventually picking some. Aside from a handbag, I believe I'm set.

Off to the museum dear friends. The first photograph today is one of Mr. Polasek's oldest entitled "Unfettered."

Please Wait.......

As you know we have a fancy new television, what you don't know is that it hasn't worked very well. Last Friday night we anxiously waited for the presidential debate to begin. Unfortunately the tv kept going to a black screen with the phrase, please wait... visible. Naturally this occurred right in the middle of a response and never during commercials. We finally gave up as it was so frustrating. The next day after asking one of the neighbors if she'd had trouble with her cable and getting a negative response I thought something must be wrong here. Because we took the little drive to The Villages, I didn't get the chance to call the cable company and inquire about our problem. Arriving home I was geared up to watch Florida State play football and there we went again. Always during a big play I would get the same message. Today the repairman came and replaced the box and the remote and hopefully we'll be get to go from now on. Either that or one of the arriving sons will have to set us straight!

Maybe you understand the financial mess we are in, if you do skip what I'm about to write. One of my favorite radio programs is This American Life with Ira Glass on Public Radio. I know that for some people radio has lost its' luster but I find it soothing. No shouting, no commercials full of lies, and best of all, you can usually do something while listening. Yesterday afternoon I spent the hour or so listening to this edition while ironing.Global Pool of Money
It is a clear and concise explanation of what has gone so terribly wrong. If you want to listen to folks who were involved in making life miserable for so many, understand CDO's, and find out how it is a global problem, than set up the ironing board (or empty the dishwasher) and tune in.

Tools of the trade in our photo today. Last week I made a trip to Big Lots for bungee cords and tie wraps for our booth. It is a gold mine of stuff that I've never seen in our grocery stores. For some people going into a deep discount store makes them uncomfortable but not me. I generally find it interesting to see products that never made it into the mainstream. While there I found some food coloring with fall colors for $1. This week I wondered how much food coloring is in the grocery store and found it for $5.49 at Albertsons. Needless to say I was shocked. I also discovered they make a neon version that after a chat with Matt I've decided to forgo.

This afternoon I went shopping for some new work shoes for Bruce. He has dress shoes he wears to the office and then oxford type shoes for job visits. The last pair, if you can believe it were Hush Puppies. Now before you laugh to yourself I'll say this much. They have worn exceptionally well and were not only comfortable but had a sole that withstood all manner of terrain. Remember that Bruce builds a lot of buildings in cold country with ice and snow making that extremely important. After looking on the web it seemed as if Mr. James Cash Penney's store carried them. Not so. When I arrived in the shoe department I was bewildered but the woman standing around checking her split ends didn't seem to notice me. Turns out they no longer carry them. Here's two other notable things I saw-- disgusting thing one: underwear (panties and such) plastered all over with "Will Flirt for Gifts", disgusting thing two: a teenager with her mom throwing up on the pavement outside the store. Now I understand that sometimes you just can't help it, but honestly, there are plant beds flanking the store which certainly would have been a better place to leave it. Not really in the disgusting category but this much I will tell you, British tourists dress really, really bad. They fall into the category of those who dress by picking up a shirt and shorts regardless of whether they match or not. It is painful to see these folks with their white skin all sunburned and most of the time showing way, way too much skin for my liking.

Bruce should be arriving any minute now. We're planning a little dinner out before the craziness of the weekend. He reminded me that I'll be too tired to think straight let alone go out on a date.

----------------
Listening to: Womack, Lee Ann - Never Again Again
via FoxyTunes

Mall Rat

Here is yours truly trying to get a shot of an awesome spider mum using the afternoon sunlight in my office. Sadly, the idea came to nothing thus far.

It is storming once again as I type, a good thing as our air conditioner has decided to act up. On Monday, arriving home from his general contractor continuing education class, Bruce asked why is it so warm in here. Gosh honey, I hadn't noticed. Turns out there is a problem with the condensation pump which we were hoping Bruce repaired on Tuesday morning. This afternoon it quit working again. I have a window tomorrow between 11-3 when the repair man should arrive. I hope it isn't too expensive because I was a mall rat today.

You know how I've no interest in shopping for the most part, but there does come a time when a girl needs a few things. In my case it was blush, facial cleanser and shampoo from Kiehls, mascara, and a replacement for my flat black sandals which are wearing out. Because Nordstrom is having their anniversary sale that was my first stop. I was delighted to discover that they are now carrying the full line of Kiehls. The bottle of shampoo is huge and should last for a year at least.

I purchased the blush from the old standby Estee Lauder because they were offering a GWP. For those unfamiliar with cosmetic department lingo that means a gift with purchase, one of the many things I learned from our mom. Makeup packaging is so seductive, however I am able to resist the temptation because I know I won't wear it. A lipstick, mascara, concealer, eye shadow "quad" and some little bags were in this gift. I decided to look at the little brochure included. Accordingly, I will now "banish uneven skintone, dullness and fine dry lines--those visible signs of aging." As well, I will "enjoy more even, vibrant look overall with discolorations appearing dramatically reduced." My skin will look "healthy, glowing, and more even toned every day." Sadly, women believe this silliness making cosmetic counters the most lucrative area of department stores.

Next stop, the handbag department. Five years ago Bruce bid on a limited edition Coach bag during an office charity fund raiser which I've been carrying since. I'd never had a Coach bag before but I can attest to their sturdiness! The thing is, I dislike logos all over bags (mine did not have them!) making it difficult to find a nice bag that doesn't cost as much as a washing machine. I managed to find a reasonably priced black bag with a discrete logo from B Makowsky. Before the deal was sealed I got my camera from the car making sure it would fit!

One mall down, another to go. I headed to Millenia, visiting the Apple store, JJill, and Cartier where I had them clean my ring. Although the papers are full of dire economic news I encountered lots of shoppers with bags; I guess the real question is whether they could afford those purchases or were piling on more debt.

You are getting used to hearing how hard Bruce's job is aren't you? After his classes yesterday he went to the airport for his flight to Bangor, Maine--best case scenario, arriving at midnight. I only talked to him briefly an hour ago and his flight from there was canceled leaving him with a LONG drive to Connecticut. Frankly, I don't know how he does it.

Time to fix some supper.

----------------
Listening to: Beirut - Cherbourg
via FoxyTunes

Life Stories

These guys were playing in front of the grocery store on Saturday morning hoping to entice folks to put some money in the Salvation Army bucket. It's the thing to do.

Fast forward to this afternoon--same location, different characters.

I ran up to the store to get a few things for Matt's arrival and saw a woman outside I knew I recognized. Couldn't really place her, but said hi--I'm glad I did.
She said: "Don't you have twin sons?"
Me: "Why yes I do, as well as two other sons."
How I wished I'd left it at the twins, not because Matthew and Jonathan are not precious to me, but it may have been like rubbing salt into a wound. As it turns out, her son was Bill and Dave's age (I called Dave later, apparently he played baseball with them for some years),anyway, he collapsed and died last November 28th at his job. Well, he didn't really die immediately, they brought him back only to find he had irreparable brain damage. They removed him from life support four days later. He was her only child. We've gone over this territory in the past--losing a child has to be the most devastating experience. I feel for our soldiers parents deeply.

I was shopping a good part of the day; I'm glad that I went there late because obviously she needs to tell her story. She found a rapt audience in me.

Matt's flight has been delayed two hours--I'll leave for the airport a little after 9.

BTW, it is official, my grades were posted today.

Progress

Now I remember what the picture was for. I wanted to show you how the pros photograph stuff. They showed up yesterday morning at the museum about the time I did--9:30. By the time I left around 1, they had photographed 10 pieces of art for the website. Karen told me they had 20 more to go! She has to move each piece with white gloves and supervise the whole shebang. Because it is a small museum the curator has to wear many hats.

Now for this new picture. Locals often bemoan the fact that Disney ever discovered our area. The fact is that we are looking more, and more, like LA every day without good roads. Growth has spread far and wide with little planning for the proper infrastructure. Unfortunately, the majority of the jobs in our area do not pay big money, thus the further from the epicenter they move to find lower costs. The bottom line is that we are having growing pains with no solutions in sight.

However every cloud has a silver lining, ours is shopping! This is the new IKEA which I learned from the commissioner on Sunday is opening November 14. Hurray! I have no idea if I'll ever buy much there, but it's there if I want to. This will be the first IKEA to open in Florida. It is so huge, apparently they are going to have three whole houses inside furnished!!!

The area where this is built used to be terrible. About five years ago some developer bought all this land and turned the area into a shopper's paradise. The fact that it is only 5.5 miles from our house is awesome. The best part is that although we have to travel through a sketchy area it is all residential for the most part so no traffic to speak of. The mall that this sits next to has a Dior, Gucci, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, LaCoste, Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, Cartier, Channel, Burberry, and the list goes on. As well across the street is a Target, Marshalls, Home Depot, Ethan Allen....again, more stores than I can imagine. A Last Call (Neiman Marcus outlet) opened a few weeks ago at the revamped outlet mall. I haven't even covered all those stores--it's crazy. When you are one of the tourist capital's of the country you've got to have lots of shopping for the spenders.

Olga, our CPA, helped me this morning with my sales tax stuff. I have to pay quarterly and this stuff is daunting. She'll get me through it at first, hopefully I can take it from there.

I've forgotten to mention that Bruce is in the midst of a Federal jury thing; I hardly know what to call it. Here's the deal--he has to be available for TWO WEEKS! Every day he calls at 12:30 to see if they need him. The instructions state that men are to wear a coat and tie. Additionally, NO electronic devices or cell phones allowed. What, pray tell, are the folks supposed to do all day if they don't get called? The pay is $40/day. When you are a traveling man like our Bruce this proves to be quite a pain. So far they've not needed him so he flew up to Ohio this morning and will return tonight. He made a three hour site visit to make sure the contractor is where they should be. This sounds kinda crazy doesn't it? Well, If the contractor gets behind it is a huge misery for all concerned. Bruce knows exactly what should be completed at each stage of a job. It is a seriously hard job. I must say that Bruce is extraordinary at it.

Huge thunder and lightening now--I've probably written more than you want to read anyway so I'll turn off the computer now. School tonight.