Hello my dear friends.
First I thank you for all your prayers and concerns as Hurricane Idalia blew up the coast of the Gulf of Mexico recently.
We were very fortunate as she stayed off shore and we in Cape Coral, Florida sustained a little wind and lots of rain from the bands on the outer edge of the Hurricane, but for the most part, we fared well.
I prayed for those who are still having to live out of campers or at a friends house…. as we didn’t know if our homes could withstand even more rocking and rolling after Hurricane Ian.
As a matter of fact, the Captain and I have finally received a new terracotta tile roof to replace our old one; and a new fence surrounding the Secret Garden in the back of our home; new and different landscaping that had been destroyed and in a couple weeks we will be getting a pool, decking and courtyard remodel.
For a year now, we have gone without a pool cage and I have become accustomed to seeing plastic draped on the top of the courtyard wall which has managed to keep out the elements. So we will be glad to embark on that journey.
Today, however, I would like to show you a few pictures of before and after in the Secret Garden….I will post the front in another post.
Just let me say that our damage was nothing compared to what others endured.
Our home did not flood although the flood waters did come right up to our courtyard doors.
The Secret Garden has a long 3 foot wide and 2 1/2 foot tall pillared landing with steps on each end and the flood waters came up the steps… and came within inches of coming onto the landing.
I named the back area “Kari’s Secret Garden” because it was such a private area with lots of trees and palms. Scattered about were beautiful hibiscus bushes with pink, yellow and red hibicbus flowers the size of salad plates. There is a 3 tiered water fountain that bubbles with the most wonderful sound. I also have 2 stone benches and lots of pots with all kind of flowers and native bushes. There is a pergola that was entwined with pink mandevilla vines. Scattered about were small bistro tables and chairs and under the pergola was a long rectangular table with 10 metal chairs. There were/are also green lazer lights to highlight different plants and trees.
That description was “before” and the pics below show what the Captain and I saw as we ventured out after the Hurricane.
The leaves etc you see in the back of this photo is actually to top of our neighbors huge Carrotwood tree that was uprooted and landed on our fence and came into our yard.
This photo is on the West side of the landing and this Plumaria Tree completely uprooted. It used to have the most fragrant, yellow blossoms. In Hawaii, they use the Plumaria for making Lei’s that greet one at the airport.
This photo is of the water fountain and the East railing of the landing. The pieces of metal came off of our fireplace chimney on the top of our house. There is an older black bench in the photo that we have had for years and although we took most of the outdoor furniture into the garage, we tried to turn over and rope together pieces we weren’t too concerned about.
we had partitioned off part of the Secret Garden with a chain link fence mixed with the wood fence and the above photo shows both fences flattened. Jesse James is in the bottom of the pic…I kept him right beside me because there were nails and shingles from the neighbors’ houses on both sides of us. Brown shingles on our East and black shingles on our West. We picked up their shingles for weeks. We were fortunate most of our barrel shaped terracotta tiles from our roof stayed in place although they lifted and small pieces were strewn about front and back. We found things for months that were not ours. We had someone’s mailbox and post propped in our front hoping someone would claim it. No name but a house number not from our street.
This photo is of the flood waters rising, which is why the pic is taken from a window with screen. The waters rose so fast. It was at the top step and just going over the landing in a matter of minutes. The water fountain is that mess in the middle of the photo.
This photo is of our street in front of the house during the storm surge. The flood waters came up even closer. I watched as the white caps whipped in the wind. We are at nine feet elevation. The little tree in the middle of the photo is actually in the middle of our front yard. The flood waters stopped right at our front door. When the water receded, we were out picking up fish and putting them in buckets to redeposit in the canals.
As I have stated before…the Hurricane did so much damage to others and the Captain and I suffered only minor damage. Roof, fence and landscaping. How could we complain when so many lost so much?
So now I will show you the “after” photos one year later.
You may ask why it took a whole year for many of us to replace and repair damages.
It is because resources were stretched to the limit of many businesses.
So it became a waiting game.
I must tell you that one of our church friends made an announcement in Sunday School today that their home is finally “repaired” … but they will not be able to move in again until all the inspections have been met and legalized.
Of course being a blogger, you know I have tons of photos but I am only going to show you a few as I don’t want to make this post longer and bore you wonderful readers. However, this will give you an idea of just how far we have come since the Hurricane.
There are odds and ends still to be done here in my Secret Garden, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
And I have included a few night time photos.
We are truly Blessed.
What a difference a few months make.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
Please continue to pray for those who are still re-building both their lives and their homes.
2 Corinthians 9:10
“Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.”
Beve Jones says
Just thrilled that you are safe, though I’m sure the loss of so much beauty, and the hard work that came with it, was difficult to grasp. Happy to know/see that you are getting back that lovely, peace filled place! Beve J
Kari says
Thank you for your sweet comments my friend. I miss your pretty face but I know you are enjoying being close to family.
We are praying for Israel…we have a friend who has family over there and has suffered many family casualties. It is so sad. But people forget that the Jewish people are God’s chosen people and He will soon show His wrath as only He can do. Even so Come Lord Jesus.
Hugs and Blessings.
Sandy Marshall says
Dear Kari,
I’m so glad you and The Captain have your secret garden back again. It’s lovely. I’m going to pray for those who have not gotten their homes back to normal yet.
Hugs and love,
Sandy
Kari says
Thanks Sandy…it is hard to believe it is taking so long for some to get back into their homes….but it is a slow process. The good news is we are seeing more and more progress around the neighborhoods…and that is a good thing. Bless you and Ron always.
Pam says
Kari, the before photos are so very sad, but the afters are beautiful. I love your secret garden. You are resilient in all you have faced. God has provided and taken care of you and the Captain. Your faith is so encouraging. Blessings dear one,
Pam
Kari says
Thanks Pam…we are getting everything done but it is a slow process…we are learning patience! I appreciate you my friend and your comments. Hugs
Rita C. says
Wow, Kari. Incredible, the things you’ve had to deal with,.I’m not sure if the stress wouldn’t just literally make me sick. I do tend to go into work mode when I need to get things done, but something like this just overwhelms me. It gives me a bit of anxiety just looking at these photos, but the after is pure bliss. I have a neighbor who has a condo in Boca Grande, and they are STILL not able to be in it. They’re just going to sell it once they can get the repairs completed. It has been an insurance and contractor nightmare.
Kari says
Rita, unfortunately that has been the biggest delay for most people. The insurance people keep delaying and giving underbid offers in an effort to stay afloat financially. You can imagine the “hit” the insurance companies took. Many have closed up shop and left Florida completely and some are big name insurance companies. Add that delay to construction schedules and again bidding wars among the contractors. And these “bids” are over inflated as they also try to meet demands and push work way out into the future in an effort to level the playing field. It is sad because it is the residents who are caught in the middle. Example: one of our friends had solar panels on their roof. And roofing contractors wouldn’t work with them (liability) and solar companies had the same issues only in reverse and there is so much work available to the construction companies that they can pick and choose what projects they want to take on as well as jack prices up so high… to either sometimes “discourage” home owners or get them to jump on any offer just to get the job done. Yes, there are laws and codes to follow…but those areas are backlogged also. Eventually, The Cape will be back to our new normal…it all just takes time and if one is willing to wait it out. You are right, many are leaving the state….but now we have a new influx of people moving to Florida because of politics….about 700 a day! AND THE BEAT GOES ON.
the Painted Apron says
Oh Kari, the before photos are heartbreaking, but the after photos are breathtaking! You know I can totally relate to your pain, it took us almost 3 years to fully restore all the damage we suffered from Hurricane Sally in 2020. Our boat is still having issues from being full of salt water for days, most everything has been replaced but there are still problems. We are going to trade it in this winter. Your Secret Garden is such a wonderful place, you are so lucky to have your retreat restored so beautifully! I know you will be thrilled to have your pool area restored soon. I will be praying for your friends and neighbors and fingers crossed that there will be no more hurricanes in the Gulf this year…
Jenna
Kari says
Thank you Jenna…I know you can relate as having been in such a situation. Anyone living near a coast is always vulnerable and some have said why do you stay?…The pros outweigh the cons for us. When we lived in the Midwest…we had the threats of tornados…so it is what it is. 🙂 Looking on the bright side, it is comforting to be returning to a bit of normalcy. That is such a Blessing as I use my Secret Garden as a refuge for my quiet time and even though we are currently living with dust and debris as the pool restorers work tirelessly…there is a plus as we are getting work done that would have been a necessity down the road so we are in a win/win situation. Our home is 22 years old and the natural repairs of an aging home are getting the much needed attention. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.