10/16/2026
10.15.26 Thursday Update (posted on 10.16 because I fell asleep ... I woke up around 3am and scheduled it to post Friday morning)
Hi! I haven't posted in a couple of days because I fell asleep before I could get it typed.
I grossly underestimated the amount of damage and the time we would need to get it all cleared/cleaned. When I 1st looked/started, I thought I'd be back to work Tuesday/Wednesday...tomorrow is Friday and we still aren't finished.
I am still so incredibly grateful there is not any structural damage and we are physically okay!
Our power has gone off again, but comes back on (not uncommon when there is this much damage and they are working to repair power poles, transformers, etc. to restore those around us that still don't have power.)
*we have over 17,000 linemen, from 29 states here!!! They are working non stop and unbelievably hard to get our area repaired!
We are still under a boil ban for our water, but the stores around us are stocking plenty and there are so many amazing groups handing out free cases of water.
The amount of relief help we have personally seen is humbling! Brewer Foundation Navy Relief (DISASTER RELIEF)
Operation Airdrop and so many more...
I had no idea that Walmart has a full disaster relief team that comes in to cook and hand out free hot meals (you drive through and this goes on all day) ... they have a shower staion where you can take a hot shower!!! A huge unit where they do free laundry, pallets of free water, and more... (photos attached)! ... if you haven't heard of these groups, please check them out! The work they do is amazing! I pray your area never needs them, but if it does, you'll be in some amazing, hardworking hands!!
As for everything else: I am having a reaction to something in the yard, I verified our fridge/freezer is a total loss, I've missed almost 2 weeks of work (BIG ouch), and there is still at least another day of work outside. Even with all of this, I am beyond thankful. We've worked side by side with my dear friend/neighbor, Tena, to get our 2 properties cleaned/repaired. We've laughed, instead of crying! Another friend knew I needed help and sent some (you know who you are ♡THANK YOU)!! My moms facility is so amazing. She doesn't realize anything is different (huge blessing)! The blues are doing flyovers and maneuvers - so amazing and uplifting to see them (the linemen are loving it!!!) ... I know I'm leaving off so much, but I'm mentally & physically exhausted, so I'm going to attach some photos, a really long video (separate post because it won't post with photos), and crash! If you made it to the end of this book, thank you! I am humbled by the amount of people who have checked on us! I also thank all of my amazing customers for your patience! Y'all have been so amazing and lifted a huge weight off my shoulders with your understanding!!!
So so so much love to you all!!!
PS: as you can see in the photo, Desi has been helping! She's with me all day, everyday. No matter what I'm doing, she is involved!!!
