So, how are we all?

Ahavati said:

Thanks for checking in. I've been wondering how you were faring up there, especially given your profession. Happy someone had your back and stood their ground. I've heard a lot of stories about people torn between working to death and getting the work done for the local businesses, as this is one of their busiest seasons. I just cancelled a weekend trip due to the hurricane. I make an annual trek from Lake Lure through Chimney Rock and into Asheville ever year for the leaves.

I wish there was more I could do outside of donations.

Hopefully you can have some time to rest and enjoy the season somewhat now.


Thanks   The before & after photos are absolutely terrifying. All we can really do at this point is brace for the next environmental horror lol Thankfully Milton wasn't the beast it looked like it was going to be. I know it seems strange to some folks, but I'm really hoping for a harsh, snowy winter. It would be make me feel a whole lot better, in an ecological sense

SonderNinja said:


Thanks   The before & after photos are absolutely terrifying. All we can really do at this point is brace for the next environmental horror lol Thankfully Milton wasn't the beast it looked like it was going to be. I know it seems strange to some folks, but I'm really hoping for a harsh, snowy winter. It would be make me feel a whole lot better, in an ecological sense

I agree. I was horrified to see the aftermath photos. Some of those business owners lived above their stores, so they've lost business and homes. I viewed a photo of Chimney Rock this morning and was so impressed at the expediency of the cleanup.

Glad to hear DUP members are safe after the hurricanes.  If anyone is donating to help the communities affected by the storms, seek out local churches or Samaritan's Purse who get your donations directly to those in need-- I keep hearing negative things about Red Cross and FEMA.

Also consider donating to local animal shelters both in the Carolinas and Florida as well as your own area.  Animals are also displaced and are being transported to other areas of the country.

I just adopted a hurricane survivor kitty, yesterday, who was rescued from the floods in the Carolinas.  He's 2 years old , got adopted then returned by an owner who expected too much too soon from him and he's pictured here.  He's had a traumatic month, but is in his forever home now, with me.

I named him Ruska (pronounced ROO-skuh), which is a Finnish word that describes the timeframe in Autumn when the foliage is at peak color, bright and still on the trees, which is right now, where I live.  

Ruska is cat #6 for me and is settling in well with my other cats who are also rescues for different reasons such as being saved from kill-shelters, life in abandoned factories, etc.  

So remember the animals in need,  too!

What a beautiful cat! So happy he found a loving home.

Here is a good list of avenues for those desiring to assist victims rebuild. And, yes, it also includes animal rescues.

https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene

Spotted on the highway

"Look for the helpers. . ." ~ Mr. Rogers

Storm Jakob is haunting the west coast of Norway, lots of local floods, delays and disturbances in traffic, code red. The sea levels in Bergen city are very high now , rivers have flooded and water has come down from the hills.
So many are stuck at home here today, including myself, luckily my internet is still working

Anne-Ri999 said:Storm Jakob is haunting the west coast of Norway, lots of local floods, delays and disturbances in traffic, code red. The sea levels in Bergen city are very high now , rivers have flooded and water has come down from the hills.
So many are stuck at home here today, including myself, luckily my internet is still working

We just went through that here in the Carolina Mountains, where we were totally unprepared for the scope of damage this far inland. I hope you remain safe!