Backyard Happenings

I realize I haven't blogged in forever.

We have been ridiculously busy and overwhelmed since Irma.

I try not to say her name. 

Because of HER, it got us to thinking about how to be better prepared,

just incase we ever have another hurricane. 
Let's just say "h" word.

First we decided to raise the sea wall.

Everything dominoed. 

The dock was damaged, so we dismantled part of it.

Building the sea wall higher,

required bringing in dirt.

Bringing in dirt meant new plants.

Thankfully, I had help from this missy.

That made us realize the pool deck wasn't going to work. 

We tore it down.

We built a new one.

Can you see the light at the end of that tunnel.

We chose cable fencing around the deck and pool 

which I am in love with.

We finally ordered grass.

Can you say a prayer that it'll grow?

Can't believe that I am hoping for rain.

All in all,

Mark & I love big projects.

It has been fun.

The dock still needs work but it should be soon.

Another prayer please.

We know we are so blessed and we know Who is in control.

I have this sign in my kitchen to remind me when I need reminding.

I am glad to be back at documenting our lives.

So many have switched to Instagram but I apparently have the need to talk so this works for me.

Hope you are all doing well.

Have a Great Weekend!

Chicken Life

People frequently ask how my chickens do during the hurricanes.

Surprisingly, they always seem to do fine.

The water has come up in their coop 

about a foot but goes down when the tide goes back out.

I see Eleanor.

She runs the show with my girls.

Bossy lil thing.

I do enjoy my chickens.

The eggs are nice but just watching their 

mannerisms and behavior is entertaining.

I would like 1 or 2 more but did you know,

Tractor Supply requires 

a minimum of 4 when you purchase them?

Right now, 

I have 3 and to add 4 would be too many for me.

I shall wait until another door opens.

Ready For Fall

Hey everyone!

Long time, no hear.

The hurricane came and let us know all about it.

We didn't get as much damage as several 

of our neighbors 

but Irma still took a toll on us.

The water came into our den which is ground level, along with the back porch and garage.

Hopefully, we'll raise the floor level one of these days.

Three steps forward, two steps back.

That seems to sum it up.

Enough with my saga.

How are you?

Ready for Fall?

I am so ready!

I can't wait for the weather to cool off. 

Long sleeve shirts make me happy.

Isn't this porch cute?!

sandandsisal

I've been searching the web for front porch ideas.

My porch is small and I've tried a chair with plants 

but I'm never thrilled with the outcome.

I like the simplicity of this one

I found on Pinterest.

How about this idea?

I like it a lot.

Simple and pretty.

We get a lot of wind since we are on the water.

I have to consider that when decorating.

I hope you all have a great week.

I'm shopping with mom today. 

What will we find?

So many treasures to find.

She LOVES Belk, so I'm sure it will be one of our stops.

Kirklands, Hobby Lobby

 and a trip to the Bible book store 

are most likely going to happen.

I will let you know if I find anything exciting 

and how my porch ends up.

Have a happy!

The Anchor Holds

I don't know about you but I sure am glad the past week 

has come and gone.

I have always loved a good storm.

When I was young, my mom celebrated EVERYTHING.  Hurricanes were no exception.

Growing up in Miami, we had regular afternoon thunder showers.

It was a party. We would count one mississippi, two mississippi to see how many miles that lightning strike was from us. 

We would go ahead and turn the lights off 

so we could light the candles.

Today, the media encourages buying water, 

cases and cases of water.

Back in the day, mom would clean out the tub 

and we'd fill it just incase we needed good drinking water.

Today, we fill our tubs so we have flush water, 

which I might add is quite enjoyable.

Our new (to us) house on the river is at sea-level. It brings on a whole new world of issues that we are just learning how to deal with.

Docks floating away, neighbors docks landing in our yard, 

toilets that have no where to flush,

water in the house.

I must say, it is no less fun. 

It changes up the daily mundane world 

that we have grown accustomed to. 

It provides an opportunity to purge and clean and redecorate.

This is our dock just after Matthew.

Doesn't look too bad.

Get a little closer.

Could have been worse.

We are in the middle of replacing the old pilings with new and improved ones. They were about 1/2 way done before the storm.

Doing without teaches me to be more thankful for the simple luxuries that I am spoiled to enjoy.

1. Ice

2. cable

3. flushing toilets

and in that order.

The sailboat below weathered the storm pretty well.

Can you see the boat behind it?

She is sitting on dry land.

Not sure if you can tell,

the rope connected to her anchor is right where it was dropped.

Reminds me of the song The Anchor Holds.

It reminds me of no matter what life hands us,

The Anchor Holds. 

Jesus is my anchor and He is always right there.

No need to stress.

No need for worry.

Trust Him.

Easier said than done!

The night before the storm hit us,

the news announced to expect a 9 foot storm surge.

Well, if that would have actually occurred,

our house would have had about 5 feet of water in it.

Mark and I decided to run back to our house and grab a few things. 

As I walked through the house,

we had already stacked things high.

It was eerie to look at all our "stuff."

I tried not to be anxious.

I know I trust Him.

It was emotional.

Our neighbor, who stayed and weathered the storm,

sent us a video of our property. 

Water did enter our house. 

The back den is lower than the rest of the house.

It got about 3 inches in it.

We had emptied it.

We have terrazzo floors.

When we came home to access the damage,

we walked in and the floors were dry.

The tide came in and went out just the same.

I was so surprised.

God is good!

Life is getting back to normal.

Hopefully, 

no more Matthew's for a long time.

Of course,

there will be other traumas and crises.

Hopefully, my faith is a little stronger 

and I will trust Him a little better.