Monday, April 18, 2011

Tornado's

Saturday at least two tornado's hit Fayetteville. We were very blessed they didn't drop down at Hidden Haven. We had the tree branches spinning in the wind and the usual limbs falling and things blowing around.We lost power but it came back on later that evening. My friend Gerda lives in a neighborhood that got hit hard. Thank goodness she and her home are okay. We tried to get to her right after the tornado but didn't make it. First trying to drive in and was turned around because of all the power lines down. We park and try to walk on only to be turned around every street we tried to walk down. Seeing the homes that were destroyed or damaged was awful.






 Seeing the people standing in front of their homes in shock was so sad. Gerda was alone, upset and without power. She was worried about everyone but herself. We talked with her several times by cellphone and promised to try again the next day to get to her. The next morning I fixed her a breakfast sandwich and thermos of coffee for William to take to her. They were letting people walk in but it was a long distance from where you had to park. I stayed home and cleaned up the yard and pens. Good ole Gerda was doing great without power. She had the burner on her grill going cooking a big pot of chicken and rice which she shared with William, her son, and grandson that showed up at the same time. Here we all have power and she is cooking and feeding everyone! Once she knew everyone was okay she was ready to campout at her home without power. She refused to come here or go to her son's. I understand though. There is no place like home no matter what the conditions. Things are really a mess all over the city. I have never seen so much damage, even from a hurricane as I have from this.

 It will take a long time to clean up, repair, or rebuild but everyone is helping each other. Today William and Gerda's grandson are cutting up and removing trees that have fallen on or into peoples homes. They are going to help as much as they can for the next week or so. There are many others there helping as well. Until today they were all strangers but a tornado has made them friends. I would love to be there helping clean up Gerda's yard but am doing all the homestead chores to free William. He is much better with a chainsaw than me. LOL And I am having to bottle feed the little boy goats born the other day. The mama doesn't have but a few drops of milk. I feed them 4 times a day and they try nursing her the rest of the time. I finally named her Hillary Clinton since I have a Barbara Bush, which by the way gave birth to twin girls during the tornado. Barbara hates Hillary (must be a political thing) and keeps reaching thru the boards dividing the stalls and biting her ears. Hillary just moves to the other side of her stall and Barbara gets mad and stomps her feet and snorts. Must say even in stressful times there is always something to bring a smile to your face around here. I will post photos of Barbara and the babies tomorrow. Have a wonderful evening and count those blessings!

11 comments:

Lynda said...

Stay safe. My daughter is in Chapel Hill, N.C. and only knew about the tornadoes when she watched the news! We were here in California worried about her and her family!

Tracy Bruring said...

Peggy as ugly as it was I bet the landlord of the rental properties out by the road are not regretting cutting all those monster trees down are they? I am glad all is well with you. They hit close to my son too but no damage at his street.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

OH Peggy, I am so glad to hear from you. I have been so worried.... I can only imagine how much livestock got killed in some of those tornadoes. How SAD.... BUT--I'm happy that you all are okay...

Glad Gerda is okay too --and it's good that William can help...

God be with EVERYONE who lose so much in those horrible storms on Sat.
Hugs,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

So sad to see the destruction. I once lived in Kinston, NC and remember the spring tornadoes well. I had to giggle about Hillary and Barbara getting into it!!! Stay safe dear friend.

amelia said...

I'm so glad you're OK Peggy and your precious animals. It's good that William can help as well.
A couple of years ago we had a (rare) tornado pass through here and my hubby did the same thing. There wasn't too much damage, just some roofs ripped off and barns coming down but no injuries. Lot's of trees down as well.
Gerda has the right idea, to feed everyone then they can work!!

Carole Burant said...

Oh sis, I'm SO glad that you are safe and sound! Thought of you right away when I heard about the tornadoes touching down in North Carolina!!! My heart goes out to all those whose homes were damaged. After such a tragedy, it's wonderful to see strangers become friends when they come out to help.

That's too funny about Hillary and Barbara...it's a political thing all right! lol Love you sis. xoxox

DayPhoto said...

OH! THERE YOU ARE! I've been so very worried about you. I'm glad you are safe!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Kelly said...

Thank God that you all are okay. I was so worried when I heard about the bad weather. Animals help us keep life in perspetive. Our prayers go out to all.

Granny said...

I was so glad to see this post show up in Google Reader. I knew the tornados hit close to your place and was praying it didn't hit Hidden Haven. I'm laughing at your two goats, Hillary and Barbara. You have such a great sense of humor. I'm glad Gerda wasn't injured and that people are helping each other.

ancient one said...

Glad you had no damage from the storms. We didn't either. And it tickles me that you have your goats named Hillary and Barbara. I always let my husband's goats do the speaking when I'm raving about something political on my blog.. LOL

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

I am relieved you were spared. I hate to think how devastating a tornado would be if it hit your homestead with you and all those animals in harms way.