tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post3031574574391485082..comments2024-03-25T21:54:29.130-07:00Comments on FocusingOnLife: Off the GridUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-58969016957808716752012-11-12T20:53:59.154-08:002012-11-12T20:53:59.154-08:00Oh, Carol....so thankful you are safe and back in ...Oh, Carol....so thankful you are safe and back in your home! Thank you for opening your heart and sharing your experience with us! We were all so concerned about you and were so glad to hear the periodic updates from Claudia. Love and hugs to you!stephmullhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10493676485808535899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-78304777857204351472012-11-12T16:11:45.822-08:002012-11-12T16:11:45.822-08:00Most of the people I know at the shore are just ge...Most of the people I know at the shore are just getting to see what's left today. They are taking busloads in - each person allowed to take 2 SUITCASES for belongings from their homes - I can't even imagine.<br />So grateful for you all !<br /><br />CarolFocusing on Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12233043525545761174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-36814472273143812172012-11-12T16:09:15.049-08:002012-11-12T16:09:15.049-08:00Hardly a tragedy for me - but certainly all around...Hardly a tragedy for me - but certainly all around me. Thanks for your good thoughts.<br /><br />- CarolFocusing on Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12233043525545761174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-18414761937308592232012-11-12T16:07:10.145-08:002012-11-12T16:07:10.145-08:00(sorry that was me - it went under the wrong I.D) ...(sorry that was me - it went under the wrong I.D) So anyway - guess what Linda? Your coffee cubes that you had sent me were my sustenance those first few mornings. They allowed my to make coffee on the grill! Who would have thought when you sent them that THAT is how they would be used! They were much appreciated!Carolnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-49879266475607272222012-11-12T16:00:00.555-08:002012-11-12T16:00:00.555-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Focusing on Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12233043525545761174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-24498415789370866062012-11-12T14:15:34.580-08:002012-11-12T14:15:34.580-08:00So wonderful to see it all in writing and your pho...So wonderful to see it all in writing and your photos always knock me off my feet.<br /><br />Of course you know that you had me blubbering from word one *just happy you are alive and well* and yes, we are not just words or photos on a page... we are sisters of the truest kind.<br /><br />I was so happy to be able to share your safety with our group... yet worried till now. I know you will have a great story to keep on telling and especially to your grandkids some day.<br /><br />I spoke with a cute little woman from Long Island shortly after the storm passed and she told me how she USED to live 3 blocks from the ocean...and NOW she is ocean front... all the other homes were washed away only leaving the cement stoops. Broke her heart and she has guilt. :( soooo sad.<br /><br />Lovein you from UTAH<br /><br />Hugs GF<br /><br />Claudia Claudiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06061773932119197157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-55637923312849293992012-11-12T14:01:21.856-08:002012-11-12T14:01:21.856-08:00Carol, didn't know the extent of the tragedy i...Carol, didn't know the extent of the tragedy in your life. A lot to deal with. Glade to see that you made it through ok. Love your post.<br />KAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-67528919606805981622012-11-12T11:33:56.419-08:002012-11-12T11:33:56.419-08:00You're so right about how the camera can't...You're so right about how the camera can't capture the feelings! I know that many are still facing extreme difficulty. It is encouraging to hear about so many people doing so much to help! <br />I am so happy to hear you are back in your house and things are settling down for you. I have to thank your phone camera and the little social thing called Instagram for letting me know how you have been doing this past 2 weeks! Sometimes social media is a good thing!<br />Very powerful and heartfelt post!<br /><br />xo,<br />LindaLindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04344086795897680409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-15123161424689244172012-11-12T10:36:44.535-08:002012-11-12T10:36:44.535-08:00So glad you have no story to tell, Deanna - stay w...So glad you have no story to tell, Deanna - stay well!! Thanks you for your kind thoughts!Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433584313253805817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-31943134562731597152012-11-12T10:35:47.511-08:002012-11-12T10:35:47.511-08:00Kim - you are such a grateful spirit - I love that...Kim - you are such a grateful spirit - I love that about you. That might become a tardition of gratefulness. Sounds like you had a tough transition to Tx altogether - but I am glad you love living there now. Thanks for your kind words.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433584313253805817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-51568696459846374552012-11-12T10:34:00.125-08:002012-11-12T10:34:00.125-08:00See - that's what I'm talking about! Imagi...See - that's what I'm talking about! Imagine someone way over in the UK worrying about little ole' me - what a wonderful (and small) world! Thanks you!Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433584313253805817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-73785540824600014832012-11-12T10:32:36.587-08:002012-11-12T10:32:36.587-08:00I cannot belive what I'm reading - I cannot im...I cannot belive what I'm reading - I cannot imagine losing your home twice! I guess surviving those fires must have forcuibly taught you what's important in life - but a horrible way to take in that lesson. God bless you for all of your strength!Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433584313253805817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-38865289225785056562012-11-12T10:30:21.011-08:002012-11-12T10:30:21.011-08:00Thanks Patti - I'll forward those prayers to t...Thanks Patti - I'll forward those prayers to the shore and the island - but I'll keep some for myself first. Thank you.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433584313253805817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-89137387997479468342012-11-12T09:58:15.920-08:002012-11-12T09:58:15.920-08:00Carol, your re-living your story with us was fille...Carol, your re-living your story with us was filled with so much love and hope. Your neighbors that provided you with so much more than just food & gas, but their love and concern and willingness to help eventho they were in need as well. I have never lived through the loss of power (except briefly), lack of running water or gas, never had my home threatened by such horrific storms. So I can only imagine what you and thousands of others have gone thru and are still going thru daily. My heart goes out to you and all those suffering, and I thank God that you survived the storm and your home is intact. The Jersey Shore will rise again....!!!! Deannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10857633931690620336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-70210603533540875372012-11-12T09:36:32.501-08:002012-11-12T09:36:32.501-08:00Carol, that was such a beautiful post...although I...Carol, that was such a beautiful post...although I'm so sorry you had to go through that for me to read this. By the time I got to the end, tears were streaming down my face. (you won't get a picture of that, ha ha) Our camera can capture so much, but not everything. And I imagine as the weeks and months go by you just may capture the emotion you could not . . . 4 years ago this Thanksgiving my family and I drove around while our turkey was cooking in the oven, having just moved here in August and only 5 weeks before Ike, so thankful for what we had...seeing the devastation that eventually took years to come back from. Seeing it on the news is so different than witnessing first hand in person....so thankful you were all safe and that things are going to get back to a normal for you!! XO KimKim Stevenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16765296400379609580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-52581623819036732032012-11-12T09:12:46.902-08:002012-11-12T09:12:46.902-08:00So glad you are all OK We watched the devastation ...So glad you are all OK We watched the devastation on the BBC news and it was awful to see what Sandy did. I can't imagine what you went through my thoughts are with all of you on the East coast .....Viv@Thoughts from the Desktophttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06730298140439036198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-87479605818821072912012-11-12T09:06:43.557-08:002012-11-12T09:06:43.557-08:00I am so glad to hear that you made it through the ...I am so glad to hear that you made it through the storm safely! I know exactly what you mean that the camera cannot capture the emotions that you feel. I have lived through two disasters--we lost our home, not once but twice--to house fires. I cannot capture the devastation that you feel when you know that you've lost something that cannot replaced exactly as it was. I'm so thankful that you did not lose your home, though. I know what you mean when you describe the way your neighbors pitched in and helped even as they were going through the same sorts of things. How wonderful it is to have folks around you who will be there for you, to take care of you, to "feed" you not merely through the physical food but with friendship and love. Take care. Hugs to you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09996647895551351662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-56606206240814259042012-11-12T08:46:28.556-08:002012-11-12T08:46:28.556-08:00I am so sorry for what you have been through. I ha...I am so sorry for what you have been through. I have tears running down my face because it is so wonderful to hear how your neighbors helped one another. I am sending prayers.Pattinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-64544482620163136992012-11-12T08:32:04.865-08:002012-11-12T08:32:04.865-08:00Your right Terri - it's just human nature - we...Your right Terri - it's just human nature - we all move on when we're not involved - but when you're in the midst - good things happen, Michele - who posted here as a guest a few months ago, lives on STaten Island. She started by putting out food and plugs, and then people started donating things - she is now running donation centers all over - working tirelessly. I will post her site later ( after I get permission) for anyone nearby who wants to help STaten Island . Miclele has been tireless.<br />Thanks for your concern and care Terri - so gratefulCarolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433584313253805817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-62378978494016011852012-11-12T08:28:49.082-08:002012-11-12T08:28:49.082-08:00Hi Judy - Back from the edge! Got power and water ...Hi Judy - Back from the edge! Got power and water late yesterday! Feels luscious to take a warm bath . Your texts during it all were so kind and encouraging - thank you so much. Hope your neighborhood has emerged too - you are doing a wonderful job cooking for everyone who can't - you're one of those good neighbors/angels - Take it from me - it means a lot!Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433584313253805817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-84018987316600644512012-11-12T08:26:50.920-08:002012-11-12T08:26:50.920-08:00Thanks so much Pam - I feel like a baby telling my...Thanks so much Pam - I feel like a baby telling my little story - when so many others are impacted for a lifetime - but iy was quite a couple of weeks! Thank you so much for your kind words, and your wishes for Peace. I feel the love!Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433584313253805817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-41932934510347565202012-11-12T08:25:15.523-08:002012-11-12T08:25:15.523-08:00I don't feel there will be long term effects f...I don't feel there will be long term effects for me personally - other than hop0ing that the shore comes back - but it was an experience of a lifetime. Thanks so much for caring. Got electric back lat yesterday (Sunday) and water pump reprimed after that. My house is a mess - but I', back in business. Thanks for your careCarolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433584313253805817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-16199979226900728192012-11-12T08:23:18.340-08:002012-11-12T08:23:18.340-08:00Thank you so much, Kelly - it really means the wor...Thank you so much, Kelly - it really means the world!Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05433584313253805817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-30401015259524809402012-11-12T08:15:43.405-08:002012-11-12T08:15:43.405-08:00hi carol. i'm so glad to hear that you are OK...hi carol. i'm so glad to hear that you are OK. it's always amazing to me how these kinds of things bring out the best in people<br /><br />i can totally identify with your situation. we had a terrible ice storm here in tulsa a few years ago. a huge tree fell on our side porch and there were downed trees and powerlines everywhere. no way in or out of our neighborhood for a couple of days. no power for over a week. like you, neighbors banded together. one would bring take out from other parts of town less devastated. one would make gas runs for the generators. such an amazing thing to feel so much community.<br /><br />i have discovered that whether it's the kindness of your next door neighbors or an online friend sharing words of love and concern, it's all the same. it's all community. it's all wonderful. <br /><br />sending lots of prayers for you and all those impacted. love, kellykellyhttp://mindingmynest.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068408751309289035.post-24679004647989599852012-11-12T07:44:03.167-08:002012-11-12T07:44:03.167-08:00You can't know how much it warms my heart to h...You can't know how much it warms my heart to have you posting today! It seems like a month that we've all been so worried and now you are here. I can only imagine what this experience must have been like but your words paint a picture that a photo couldn't. Being clear across the country, I found that a few days after the storm, people were actually moving on with day to day life and forgetting that so many people were still without power, some without homes. I wanted to shake them and say, "Hey, it may be over for us but it's not over for them! I have a friend who is still without power, without heat, without a way to leave her home!" But I guess that's human nature -- you pay attention at the time, feel bad for the people who are affected and then forget about it. But it's also human nature to reach out and help when you can and it sounds like your neighbors did just that. I hope you know how much we were all hoping and praying for you. So glad you are once again here with us.terriporterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14333055591899961253noreply@blogger.com