Post Irma

I'm back home after Hurricane Irma's visit to the Sunshine State. Apparently she wanted to see all it has to offer on her little tour. It has been an exciting week. My brother wanted us to come stay with him when it threatened to descend upon my hometown with a Category 5 status. Being a fickle female, she decided to plan her own path and outsmart those scientists. Many people were praying she would not slam into South Florida as it would be devastating. Her path did turn to the west, but the NE side of the storm was the most damaging. Many of my friends were calling for mercy at the height of the storm. I know that many were praying.
As the storm punished our communities, I kept a watchful eye as she seemed destined to destroy the Tampa area, where my youngest son had just closed on his first house last week. Thankfully, she veered to the east and they experienced the west (weaker) side of the storm. His home is intact and just a little clean up is required.
Next on her agenda was my brother's house. The storm had been downgraded to a Category 1 as she visited the center of Florida, 60 miles from the either coast! Being in the country, they lost power. It probably won't be reinstalled for a while. Many trees came down. His driveway goes through the woods. Fortunately, he owns a tractor!
On our way home, we saw many caravans of the National Guard, electric companies, truckloads of telephone poles, plus other equipment necessary to get back to life. It's being described as the largest power restoration in US history.
I am thankful to our Lord for sparing the State of Florida from the full wrath of Irma. While many have suffered and the Keys are in tough shape, it could have wiped our state off the map. #FloridaStrong

[Cathy Donohoue]

You have a great attitude for the clean up. It must have been totally unimaginable for those of us that have never experienced that kind of storm.

[Cathy]

Great photo to document Irma's visit. So glad your family is safe!

[Danette Thompson]

@cdonohoue We all know what we could have lost.

[Lou Ann]

So good to see this and to read your commentary. So thankful you and yours are safe and sound.

[Joan Robillard]

When you see the devastation in the Virgin Islands you can velieve that Florida made it out slightly better.

[mittens (Marilyn)]

I am so glad you and your family are okay, Danette.

[KWind]

Wow... what a crazy storm. Glad you are safe and back home!

[Pam Knowler]

So glad you and your family are safe. It could have been so much worse when you see the devastation it did cause elsewhere! So pleased your sons new home is safe too!

[Chris K]

what a relief that your sons new house is ok.

[Henri Russell]

So good to hear that you and your family are safe. I am thankful for the relatively small number of fatalities, although that may rise as they continue the rescue and recovery efforts. Thanks for the update.