The Calm After the Craziness

Finally — a post-hurricane post! I have good news and bad news. First, the bad news: we were hit very hard. With a 16-foot storm surge at high tide on Monday, there was widespread flooding and wind damage along the Connecticut coast, as these photos show.

A tree in a neighbor's yard squashed their pick-up truck like a pancake.

Boats broke free of their moorings and ended up in unusual places, like the five that came crashing into the front yard of the house, below.

And almost every street has trees and power lines down.

So now for the good news: we fared better than expected. A flooded crawl space, several inches of water in our garage, an inch or two in our mud room, porch and my beloved studio. Other than that, our house was dry. Thanks goodness!

We have spent the last few days recovering. We had moved almost the entire contents of our house to the second floor, so we've been getting everything back to its proper place. There has been lots of cleaning and speaking with contractors about the myriad of repairs that are needed to restore our house to pre-hurricane condition. Plus, we don't have power, telephone or internet service and it looks like it will be a while before we do. I ran out at the crack of dawn this morning and headed to Starbucks for their WiFi so I could write this post and say hello.

I wanted to thank you all for your recent comments and support. I am so grateful for your kind words and also for safely weathering the storm with my family by my side. 

Susan

Comments

[Carolynn..."Chenille Cottage" Blog]

Dear Susan,
I am so sorry you were affected by the hurricane. What terrible devastation. Thank God your home was only partially impacted with flooding. I know in the coming days you will be busy putting things back in place.
Please know you are in my prayers,
Blessings,
Carolynn xo

[barbara]

I have been thinking about you a lot and am glad you are OK. It sounds even with the damage you had that you have a lot of work ahead, and I hope that goes smoothly for you. Hope your power will be back soon - there is nothing more thrilling than electricity when it's restored!

[Susan Freeman]

So happy to hear from you! I have been worried. Although there is lots of damage, it can be repaired. The important thing is that you all are safe. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

[Colleen]

just glad to read your family is well and house not more damaged. I've been checking your blog last few days, hoping for good news. Best of luck in repairs and cleanup.

[Beth]

Oh Susan!~~~We fared much better here in DC than expected. But my goodness your neighborhood looks so beaten up. Glad you all are safe and sound.~~~XXOO, Beth

[Kim Kenward]

Your pictures are such an amazing reality of the damage. I'm glad your home repairs aren't worse. Thinking of you...

[Louise Houghton]

Susan, so glad you and yours are safe. Big hug from me over here in Blighty.xx

[Elsie]

Susan I am so glad you and your family are o.k. I have been very worried about you.
Pictures tell the story of just how strong those winds were. Thanks for letting us know you were alright and I hope your power is restored soon.

[Claudia]

Susan, I wondered how you had fared during the storm. It's really been horrendous, hasn't it? We came through just fine. I hope your repairs start soon and that your power is restored ASAP.

xo
Claudia

[Christine]

Thank you for your post and pictures. I'm still amazed at the damage and destruction all around us. I'm so glad your family is safe and your damages are reparable.

[leslie]

I'm so glad it wasn't worse for you. The pictures are unbelievable! My son was lucky too-no power outage in Brooklyn where he's at. Hope power gets back on sooner, rather than later.