From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch sweet friends!
I’m keeping it short and sweet today as we made it home from the cabin just in time to begin preparing for Hurricane Ian.
We’re on the Atlantic side of Florida (the side the storm is projected to exit) and while we’re expected to get heavy rains, gusting coastal winds, flooding, and storm surge we likely won’t experience nearly the impact our family and friends will have in the Tampa, Fort Myers, Naples, and Orlando areas.
If you’re in those areas too, we’re keeping you in our prayers!
I’m writing and scheduling this post on Wednesday as we’re expected to lose power later tonight so I wanted to grab a few pictures from around the island to share before things got too intense.
We’re all safe and accounted for which is the most important thing.
The picture you see above was taken at the boat launch not too far from our home. We were shocked to see the water up this high already because technically the hurricane isn’t even in our area yet!
Here’s a shot of the dock and ladder at that same boat launch almost completely submerged.
I have two cousins one who lives in the Fort Myers area and the other who lives just outside of the Tampa area so please keep them in your prayers as they’re expected to suffer a direct and catastrophic hit.
I’ll try to share another update as soon as it’s safe to get out and about again. The picture below is one street over from our home.
Until then, thank you for lifting our family and fellow Floridians up, it means so much.
Weekend Update:
Thank you again to everyone who’s reached out to check on us. It makes me teary in the best possible way just thinking about it!
Our power, water, internet, and cell services have been completely restored and we were able to get off the island late Friday.
While we still have a lot of yard and tree debris to clean up, the flood and storm surge waters have mostly receded.
Part of the roof at Bliss Barracks will have to be repaired thanks to the hurricane and several large areas of the town my parents, sisters, and their families live in flooded due to rain, wind, and storm surge.
All of these things are minor inconveniences though, as countless Floridians across the state are dealing with conditions that are much, much worse.
My cousin in Fort Myers had damage to her shed, boat, outdoor pool, patio areas, and garage. They’re all ok but as you can imagine they will be without water, power, and sewage services for at least a month, maybe longer.
She has spotty cell service which is a huge blessing that at least allows her to communicate when possible. Since there is no power to run grocery stores, gas stations, or banks, our family has teamed up to make sure she has plenty of food, water, gas, and cash to get her through until services are restored.
My other cousin who lives just outside of Tampa has damage to her home, pool area, outbuildings, and boat as two huge oak trees came tumbling down in the middle of the storm.
Thankfully they were not hurt or injured and have already started ripping out drywall, insulation, and have started patching as many things as they can.
Mold and bacteria are dangerous any time but especially after a hurricane and flooding.
One tree has been removed but the other one will require a professional team due to downed power lines and the tricky way it fell on the house.
We’re also prepared to support her family in any way they need for as long as they need.
All in all, both of my cousins and their families are holding up as best they can. We know they and many others will not only be repairing but rebuilding their lives completely for years to come.
Thank you again for keeping them and fellow Floridians in your prayers.
This post outlines how to help Cuba and Florida if you’re looking for a way to help.
PS: Can you believe this is the same boat launch as the one I shared above?
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…
This former Boy Scout Camp turned family compound is amazing.
This French American Villa in Los Angeles is perfection.
This new to me home store has so many beautiful things. The video of this tablescape is stunning!
Foxhall by Zoe Feldman is filled with lots of beautiful details.
Currently Crushing on Marie Flanigan!
My friend Rachel recently introduced me to this fabulously creative blog.
Speaking of fabulous have you seen these budget-friendly fall decorating ideas and home tours yet?
This rustic fall tablescape for a chowder dinner that Michele created is so pretty!
If you’re looking to stretch your ironstone collection, this platter is a pretty alternative.
This tea towel is almost too pretty to use!
These silhouette necklaces would make a great gift idea.
5 Simple Organizing Strategies
Shoe Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
20 French Country-Style Homes with European Elegance
Words to Live By…
Fourth Quarter Books of the Month and Devotional…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
- October: Celebrating Home by James T Farmer, III
- November: How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana K White OR How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis (both of these books have been recommended to me so many times!)
- December: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
- Devotion: Courageous Kindness by (in)courage
On the Menu this Week…
- 10/02 Sunday: Slow Cooker Red Wine Sunday Ragu Pasta
- 10/03 Monday: Cinnamon and Pecan Crusted Salmon
- 10/04 Tuesday: (National Taco Day) Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeno Ranch Slaw
- 10/05 Wednesday: Fig and Kale Salad
- 10/06 Thursday: Roasted Pear and Parsnip Soup
- 10/07 Friday: Turkey Biscuit Skillet
- 10/08 Saturday: Antipasto Mozzarella Sandwich with Pesto
- 10/09 Sunday: Creamy Balsamic Pork Tenderloin with Mushrooms and steamed veggies
Sweet Treat to Try This Week…
Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Icing
Neutral and Green Inspired Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon and Target This Week…
(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Dress * Travel Tote * Coat * Earrings
Throw * Turtleneck * Mules * Throw Pillow
Earrings * Skirt * V Neck * Mini Crossbody
Eye Pencil * Heels * Pullover Sweater * Striped Sweatshirt
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Country French Inspired Fall Home Tour
Country French Inspired Fall Porch Tour
Dollar Tree Glass Glitter Pumpkins
October Bucket List…
*You can find the rest of our Fall Monthly Bucket List Ideas here
- Celebrate Oktoberfest
- Decorate the House for Halloween
- Bake a Loaf of Pumpkin Bread
- Attend an Outdoor Fall Antique Event
- Buy a New Sweater
- Enjoy a New Decorating Book
- Navigate the Pumpkin Patch or the Corn Maze
- Paint or Carve Pumpkins
- Host a Halloween Dinner, a Spooky Soiree, or Indoor Candy Scavenger Hunt
- Keep Sundays Sacred
October Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Attic or Basement, Pets, and Travel Plans
- 10/01 Organize Pet Cabinet and Supplies
- 10/08 Organize Garage, Attic, or Basement
- 10/15 Finalize Holiday Travel Plans
- 10/22 Finalize Seasonal and Holiday Decor Ideas and Plans
- 10/29 Create Winter and Holiday Bucket List
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 10/03 National Techies Day
- 10/04 National Taco Day
- 10/05 Do Something Nice Day
- 10/10 World Mental Health Day
- 10/13 National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day
- 10/15 National Mammography Day
- 10/16 National Sweetest Day
- 10/20 Chicken and Waffles Day
- 10/22 National Make a Dog’s Day
- 10/23 National Make a Difference Day
- 10/26 National Pumpkin Day
- 10/29 National Cat Day
- 10/31 Halloween
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
Hello Coco, Its Friday here and as I write this I hope and pray that everyone suffering this awful storm there is safe and well. Please stay safe, God bless.xxx
You are so sweet to check in, Janette, thank you so much. Bliss Barracks (my parent’s home) has some minor roof damage and we have lots of tree and yard debris to clean up but nothing like what our friends and family members are dealing with on the west coast. Every time they send us pictures, it’s just heartbreaking to think about what they are going through. One of them will not have basic services like power and water for at least a month (maybe longer) and the other had 2 massive trees fall on her home. We’re definitely helping to make sure they have what they need but every day we are just so thankful they are alive. Please keep your prayers coming – they help so much, CoCo
Coco, be safe. I hope all is well. Those pictures of places near you look scary. Prayers to your family and friends in Tampa, Naples, and Fort Myers. My heart breaks for all of you and the devastation Ian has left behind. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Kim
Thank you so much, Kim! All of our services have been restored now and it was a blessing to be able to get off the island over the weekend. As you can imagine my cousins that live in Fort Myers and just outside of Tampa have months if not years of rebuilding ahead of them. Every time they send us images of what they’re dealing with my heart breaks for them and yet we know that a true gift it is that they are still alive. Keep your prayers coming – they are helping! Hugs, CoCo
So many great links, I too love that Boy Scout camp and have it on my link list tomorrow! Off to explore all of your other finds.
LOVE the green dress!
Stay safe in the storm.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! That Boy Scout camp tour was one of my favorites as well. The creativity people share constantly amazes and inspires me. We are drying out, cleaning up and all ok which is definitely a huge blessing. It’s still hard to believe all the damage that one storm caused. Hope your week is filled with all good things, CoCo
I have been thinking of you and stay safe. I pray things aren’t too bad from the hurricane. Prayers for all of Florida. Stay safe my friend. Beautiful post and sweetheart Piper.
I really appreciate that, Cindy, thank you! We’re on the Atlantic side so we’re in much better shape than friends and family on the west coast. All of our services have been restored and we’ve been able to get on/off the island. There is still lots tree and yard debris to deal with and my parents are dealing with roof issues but those things all seem like minor inconveniences compared to what countless others are dealing with. The whole thing has been heartbreaking. Thank you for checking on us and for keeping us in your prayers, CoCo
CoCo,
I hope you are safe and sound. Praying for all those not so fortunate in Florida today. Thanks for sharing my tour.
You are so welcome, Rachel! When we finally had a chance to see all the hurricane coverage after losing power on Wednesday we could not believe the heartbreak and devastation. It was literally from the west coast to the east coast. There are hurting people everywhere so please keep lifting Florida up! Hugs, CoCo
I loved all of the fabulous neutral and green finds you shared… and I adored the table scape you created on the recent Country French inspired decor post. So gorgeous. Stay safe and dry!!
I appreciate that Heidi, thank you! Sometimes it’s hard to decorate for fall when everything is still green outside and the leaves never really change. The tablescape was fun to put together because you know I can’t quit pink. Thankfully that color is totally considered a neutral now 😉 I appreciate you checking on us. All our services have been restored and we’re all safe and sound. Hugs, CoCo
I only hope that you and your cousins are safe and unharmed CoCo. This was such a devastating event and my heart breaks for all the victims. Hugs to you my friend.
Thank you so much for checking on us, Kim, I really appreciate it. We’re all ok, have been able to get off the island and our services have been restored. But it’s going to take a while for both of my cousins to get things squared away. One had two trees fall on her house and the other who lives in Fort Myers has been told power, water, sewer, and internet may not be restored for a month or longer. Thankfully, she still has spotty cell service and is able to communicate to let us know what she needs. They are both holding up as well as can be expected but I know it has been a traumatic event to go through. Thank you again for reaching out and for lifting them up. It helps so much! Big hugs, CoCo
Hi CoCo – Thank you for letting us know you are safe. I love the photo of Piper with her lamby. I am sorry to hear you cousins are facing so many challenges and heck – I realize that life on an island must be challenging in times like this. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. Stay safe, warm and dry.
Glad to hear you and all of your family are safe! Sorry about the damage some of them are dealing with, but they are fortunate to have you in their lives to help! It’s wonderful how your family takes care of each other! We had minimal damage and no flooding in our neighborhood! We’ll be keeping everyone in our prayers! Hugs, Donna