This first Friday of the month, I echo what Anne of Green Gables said: I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers! I’m joining with Susanne and friends at Living to Tell the Story to share some blessings of the week.
1. Safety. I mentioned last week that we were predicted to lose power for a few days during Hurricane Helene. Some people in the area did, but most were fine. Our lights dimmed a couple of times, but, thankfully, didn’t go out. My two sisters in SC were without power for several days but have it back now.
As I mentioned Wednesday, though the storm is over, the ramifications are not. It’s not often that hurricane-level winds and rain make it this far from the coast, but parts of TN, SC, WV, and particularly NC and FL were hit badly and will take years to recover.
2. Helpers. Though some of the photos and footage I’ve seen are horrifying, I’ve also been heartened to see groups and individuals jumping in to help.
3. Fall coolness and color. We’re still pretty warm in the afternoons, but the evenings have been so nice. And, though this sounds trite in light of what some people have lost, I was really hoping the trees wouldn’t be stripped bare of leaves during the storm. Soaking up the beauty of fall color helps me get through the bleakness of winter. I’m happy to say we have plenty of leaves left that are turning lovely fall shades.
4. Fall decorations. I finally got these put up last weekend. I didn’t take any pictures since the decorations are the same as in years past.
5. Dinner. Last Sunday night, Jason and Mittu came over and made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup from Jim’s tomato bounty. He only planted one package of seeds, and the tomatoes have been small, but they’ve been prolific.
That’s our week. How was yours?
Stray Thoughts 
Busy week here in the Lowcountry. Writing, reading, and trying to get rid of moles in the yard. haha! Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
So a real-life whack-a-mole? 🙂
Yes, real life whack-a-mole. haha! We’ve tried every remedy suggested and they are still making tunnels in our yard.
It’s difficult to watch these poor people in such need and not be able to assist! I am praying continually and so thankful that you avoided the brunt of the storm!
I too had grilled cheese and tomato soup last weekend! 🙂 Yum! LOL! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
The transition to fall is always refreshing! I got out the fall decor last weekend too 🙂 , and piano students are loving the return of Halloween stickers in the sticker box. I too have felt sad watching the photos from flooded areas — but heartened at the many “regular people”-led efforts to help. Glad you didn’t lose power!
I’ve been watching the relief efforts for NC and all parts affected. So sad but it’s so good to see people coming together to help!
I’m so glad to hear that your sister’s power in SC is back on. They must be thrilled!
The grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup gives me an idea of dinner tonight! That is always a great combination.
As you mentioned, Helene’s effects will be felt for years. I heard that I-40 through NC and beyond will be permanently closed until around September of 2025. And the Blue Ridge Parkway – I loved riding down that in the fall!
Have a great weekend. Looking forward to lunch!
Glad you didn’t lose power or be affected by the storms too much. I’ve seen the devastation caused on TV. Can’t imagine how you start to deal with it. Have a good weekend.
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LOVE all your faves. Am super thankful you all are safe and that there are good secular and Christian groups going south to help out!
I also love all things Autumn especially September and October. Our leaves are just now starting to change here in the capital region of NY but to the east and north they are almost at peak color!! I’l be heading to Vermont on Thursday and will see some majestic glory for sure!!
Your week of blessings are wonderful. I’m so glad that you didn’t lose power during the storm.
Homemade tomato soup made from fresh tomatoes sounds wonderful.
We are hot over here and fall does not really get here until the end of the month. We have seen the devastation on the news. So sad. I just updated my blog. Tomato soup and grilled cheese sounds good. I don’t have any bread, just tortillas so I guess I will make quesadillas. Have a great weekend!
I have been saying prayers for those effected by Helene and for those who are helping. I love the fall colours as well. The way the sunlight shines through the colourful leaves has been particularly beautiful this year.
Yes, the devastation has been horrific. Having our power out for four hours was nothing.
I love the falling leaves and all the colors. And the lower humidity is so refreshing.
Have a good weekend, and maybe more of Mittu’s great cooking. Willow
I have seen pictures of the disaster on TV, but as there is the war in Israel, it was less covered. It is terrible when you have such weather disasters, that shows us how helpless we are ! We had a few flooding here but nothing in comparison ! Our trees are still green but it is very cold in the mornings and nice in the afternoons.
Videos and reports from so many devastated areas are difficult to see, but you’re so right that neighbor helping neighbor and volunteers who go to such lengths to help are heartening. Praying that many of the aid groups can get through to the remoter areas.
That’s great that Jim’s tomatoes have done so well and made a lovely supper for you all.
Even with our 90s daytime temperatures, we get a cooler nights, too. Glad you have some fall colors in the neighboring trees to accompany your decor.