- FLORENCE, AGAIN -

Tuesday after storms

What a difference a few months make.  I am back in Florence, Oregon for a couple of nights and all of the rain has washed everything clean and totally saturated the earth and everything around, and it is great to be here.  When I was here in July, everything was dusty and it was quite windy.  Now it is all lush and green and clean and smells wonderful.  I love the smell of the evergreens after a rain.  There are many cedar trees here and their branches are gently hanging downward with the weight of the rain.  Lovely.

Tuesday after storms

Okay, so I spent Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday safely tucked away in my little home on wheels as the rain, wind, hail, thunder, lightening and everything else was going on outside.  It was quite an experience.  Since the sounds on my little roof are magnified anyway, I was bombarded with accentuated noises.  When the hail was coming down, it was tremendously loud and I even said a few prayers that the vent covers would withstand the onslaught.  Fortunately all is will with the exception of the truck cab carpet being wet.  Obviously, something is channeling in the wrong direction.  Minor issue

Sea foam after storms

I read a lot, watched TV and DVD's, did some crocheting, spent quite a bit of time on the computer, ate, spent some time with Cynthia and her family, and snuck out between downpours to get a few pictures and do laundry.  I spent Thursday (before the event) and Tuesday (after the event) on the beach and marveled at the difference in the waves and beach and clouds.  A huge difference between only  five days.  The creeks, well, let us just say that they are full and rising as the water from the surrounding hills is working its way down toward the sea.  

Neskowin, Tuesday after storms

Neskowin, Thursday before storms

We were fortunate to maintain power and water throughout as I have heard so many outlying areas were less fortunate.  One couple, who were returning to their rural home, were going home to contaminated water so they filled their fifth wheel holding tank with fresh water to tide them over while they dealt with the water issues at their home.  Many people had power outages and such.  Tree branches down and causing damage and blocking roadways were just about everywhere.  

A spot of sun along coast near Florence

So, I was surprised when I left yesterday to find the roads mostly clear and passable.  There was only one stop with a flag crew, while power lines were being worked on.  Otherwise, it was smooth sailing.  The ocean was beautiful with big crashing waves.  It was rather misty though the sun was attempting to clear it away.

Depoe Bay, Oregon

I stopped several times just to watch the waves, smell the air and simply enjoy the majestic wonder of the ocean.  By the time I arrived in Florence it was fairly clear and nice.  It did manage to rain quite heavily during the night and this morning it is clear, crisp, sunny and beautiful.  A walk into town may be in order.

Oregon Central Coast

There are only a few motor homes in the park.  It would seem that most people decided to cancel their treks to the coast due to the storms and so I am one of the few travelers here.  It is rather nice to be hidden away in the trees and vegetation.  Almost the same as camping in the woods in the mountains.  Although last night I could hear the ocean surf as I went to sleep.  Love that sound!  And I am enjoying the lack of wind.  Everything is clean, peaceful and resting after these major storms.  Very serene!!!


Please include a family member in your prayers!  Thanks.

To all those celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Lela!

Happy Birthday, Shelley!

Happy Birthday, Amy!

Happy Birthday, Gail!

Happy Birthday, Devonne!

"Our dependency makes slaves out of us, especially if this dependency

is a dependency of self esteem.

If you need encouragement,

praise, pats on the back from everybody, then you make everybody your judge."

 - Fritz Perls

Enjoy your independence!!!