10/24/24 update

I spent Monday through Wednesday of this week busy with my “to do” list - Cleaning, Fixing, Researching, Ordering, Meeting, Updating, Planning, Organizing, Scheduling.  It’s a good thing that I retired because managing a household after two hurricanes is more than a full-time job.  And frankly, it’s not a job I want (I don’t recall applying for this position).  I was feeling dispirited, cheerless, gloomy and irritable.  For someone for which enthusiasm is a superpower this was a total bummer.  I would have just loved to have stuck my head in the sand to make this all go away, but life doesn’t work that way.  And here on the island the sand, as high as large snowdrifts, is being hauled away to be cleaned before going to back to our beaches so I wouldn’t be able to keep my head in the sand for long.

My dear Aunt Mary helped my perspective when she texted me “the trauma might take longer so take care of yourself and give yourself some grace”.  Trauma?  What?  I had not viewed these hurricanes as a traumatic event but in fact they are.  Today I was with some other women, and we were sharing our experiences with each other.  This really helped me as I know I’m not alone in my feelings.  Everyone is on edge, tired, overwhelmed, and dealing in the best way they can.

My morning was spent cleaning plastic storage bins, yes there is still more cleaning to do.  I responded to one of our many insurance adjusters with some paperwork and photos they needed.  I then headed off the island to Starbucks for my favorite, Grande London Fog with 5 pumps of vanilla, so indulgent, then it was on to the laundromat, YoWash!  I’m finding that there are regulars on Thursdays. Love it!  After I got back home, I took the dogs for a walk and then rode my bike around the island for about an hour. I stopped to take a few pictures which I will post on my Instagram story.  Trees people are trying to save, our huge city trash pile, the Rod & Reel Pier, or where it used to be.  I had leftovers for dinner, some delicious white beans I made last night from a New York Times recipe and some broiled cod.

We had a water main break on the island today and were without water for several hours and are now under a boil order.  Not much of an impact, turn off the refrigerator ice maker, make sure the dogs are getting bottled water to drink and use bottled water to brush your teeth!  I’m a professional.