(But, PLEASE, don’t be any worse.)
Having always lived in southeast Virginia, the word “hurricane” was in my vocabulary from an early age. My memories of a few storms from my childhood include lost electricity, rainwater in the house, and power lines on the ground after the storm passed.
Since I’ve been an adult, there’ve been a couple that have gotten our attention. Floyd, in 1999, was one to remember, but probably the worst was Isabel in 2003.
We’re now under a hurricane warning, and preparing for Hurricane Irene. And she’s predicted to be a doozy. So I thought I’d share some pictures of Isabel. Just to give you an idea of how our scenery changed around here while she was in town.
If you’re a regular reader here, you may recall seeing pictures of this pier out to the marina in front of our house.
During Isabel, it floated BY our house.
The following day, the marina was pierless.
This picture of our side yard was taken from our garage door earlier this summer, during our little Poker Run party.
This next photo is of the same side yard during Isabel. Yes, that’s the Pagan River IN our yard.
And finally, this is looking down on our deck from an upstairs window – on a “normal” day.
And this was taken during a most abnormal day, the day of Isabel. Once again, the river IN our yard.
We didn’t evacuate, our house didn’t flood, and although we lost approximately 20 trees during the storm, none of them fell on our house. Oh, and we were without power for several days.
Is it easy to see why we’re not looking forward to the next 48 hours?
these days of mine 
So sorry you lost twenty trees with Isabel.
You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. It looks like generator weather. Do you have a generator? Be very safe and take care.
Yes, Georgette, we have a generator. Motor Man will bring it home from our shop today. (Just one item on his very long list!) Thanks for your concern. I’ll be in touch as much as possible! Earthquakes and hurricanes….oh my!
wow….those pictures are pretty impactful. we are in it’s path here in new jersey also. fingers crossed for everyone!! xo
Take care, Debra – hope she heads out to sea before reaching your area.
Hoping and praying Irene decides we don’t deserve a direct visit.
The first hurricane I remember was Hazel and that was also a doozy! But at that time, losing electricity wasn’t as unusual as it is today!
You are inmy prayers!
Thanks, Jill. I’ll probably have future blog post material….
I hope you weather the storm just fine. Sounds like a good excuse to bake brownies – at least you’ll have some good snacks on hand if you lose power!
You will definately be in my thoughts and prayers ~ sounds like you know what you’re in for, and getting ready….check in with your bloggy buds as soon as you can so we know all is well!!
Will do, Adrienne! I have a laptop with wireless internet, and we have an adaptor to charge the battery from our vehicle. So I should be able to stay in touch!
Wondering what you two will be doing. We have decided to stick it out, how about you? Sounds like another Isabel. Stay safe!
Yes, Doris, we’re planning to stay. Be safe! I’ve been out taking in everything in the yard this morning: didn’t know we had so much!
Yikes! I hope your home avoids becoming part of the river! Our home backs up to lots of trees..I’m just hoping if they come down they miss the house! You’re ahead of me..I’ve gotta get outside and get all the plants, furniture etc. put away. Looks like I’ll be making lots of salsa today, I’m not leaving any produce out there for Irene to take! 🙂 I’ll post as soon as I can with pics of the aftermath. God Bless!
I just love your attitude, little birdie! Make salsa before the hurricane comes. If anything’s going to make the good Lord smile, that’s gotta be it.
Thinking of you, Dianna!
I haven’t seen some of these Isabel pics in a while. I’ve never seen them as a comparison next to the other “sunny day” photos. It really does put it in perspective. And it’s so cool to see the Ol’ Cedar out there holding fast in pic five. Nice and symbolic !!
I’m not looking forward to the next few days. But at least David is home to help out for this one. Great comparison pictures.
Stay safe!
Goodness Dianna! Those pictures certainly tell the story….life on the river can be serene and beautiful but when the storms come and the river rises – – wow. I hope Irene is NOT an Isabel for everybody’s sake….but most specially those friends of ours who are ON the water……..take care and be safe!
Pam and Sam
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you ride this out!! MJ
Thanks, MJ! Will be in touch…
Brought back memories. I was in Smithfield with Mom during Isabel. Harold was here manning the fort. Stay safe and we’ll talk soon. Great “before and after” pictures. Tells the story doesn’t it?
So close to your house, that water was. And I’m sorry that you lost so many trees. Hoping that you and the other bloggers that I read who live on the coast stay safe and there is no damage. Just spent some time clearing out the yard and filling the sheds while The Cub played in the sprinkler. I wasn’t filling the pool for one afternoon. But he enjoyed himself while I cleaned up. We are in central NJ and my parents are in western NC so we should just get wind and rain since Irene has shifted east.
The before and after photos are very dramatic. Well done!
Be safe!
i heard a report that it weakened a bit. i’m hoping you will be okay. even power outages can be dangerous and definitely inconvenient!
I’m really hoping Irene isn’t as bad as Isabel was – those pictures of the water right up to your deck are scary!
I’ve been thinking of you and wondering if you lived close enough to Irene’s predicted path to be in danger. Please stay safe and hopefully you will be able to let us know how you fare.
Hope Irene chills out a bit before she shows up! And that you all stay safe and don’t get any damage.
Stay safe! My son is in Richmond tonight – was planning to drive to New York tomorrow – I don’t know what his plans are now! We visited your area in 2006 – which was three years after Isabel – but the number of downed trees was still amazing!
Oh those pictures are really scary. I’m hoping Irene peters out before she gets anybody. I’m sending good wishes and hope you are all safe over the weekend.
I didn’t realise your house overlooked the river and pier. That must be lovely (apart from when there is a hurricane).
Anyway take care – I’ll be thinking of you over the weekend.
Prayin’ for you guys and all you on the coast!
Thinking about you and your family, Dianna, and praying for safety and protection for all of you and also your home. Surely hoping it won’t be as bad for you as Isabel.
We were in Ike, the last U.S. land-falling hurricane — Next season, they need to leave the “I” name off the list(!!!)
You take care, and please post again after the storm when you can. I know we’ll all be waiting to hear back from you.
Great comparative pictures, Dianna. They really tell the story. Stay safe, hope to hear from you soon–with GOOD NEWS!
Bless your hearts. I can’t imagine the fear and worry you all must be going through as to what might happen next. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay safe, my friend. (((hugs)))
I hope and pray that everyone of you is safe. I have family on the east coast too and it’s worrying to hear the news reports (it looks HUGE on the map).
Sending you prayers.
So far in Virginia Beach much rain and wind gusts of about 40 to 45.
Everyone is in our prayers. Stay safe!!!!