~~~Clean Up will Start Tomorrow~~~~

I just took some shots from the front porch and ventured out onto the driveway a LITLLE bit. This looks bad but it could have been SOOOOO much worse so I am grateful to God!

 Twigs and branches down.

 This is 2 branches that fell and broke the clay pot that we use as a squirrel baffle for the bird feeders.

 Thank God it didn't hit a person!

 This branch is stuck upside down in a bush.

 Big branch further up the drive. I didn't want to go out that far yet.

 Front of the house that is usually free of leaves or anything.

 Branches in here too.

 Now, this is why I get so nervous. I stood in one spot and swung around to show you that we really ARE surrounded by trees that are at least 100 feet tall.

Back deck, not bad at all! I am so grateful! They said on the news tonight that most of the deaths were caused by falling trees and branches!!!Thanks to you all for your concern. I feel so bad for the people who had FLOODING and lost so much! XO, Pinky

~~~Gratitude that We are OK!!!~~~

I just want to thank everyone for their concern and prayers. We are fine. It is still WINDY here and we have many limbs down and the yard is a MESS. BUT, we are fine. We lost power last night at 9PM and it came back on at 10 this morning. That is SO good, it has taken longer without a hurricane:):) You are all so sweet and loving, I am in awe. Thanks again. XO, Pinky PS, will take some pics when I feel it is safe to go out. A big limb came down just a while ago so I am staying INSIDE!!!!!

~~~We have Battened Down the Hatches!!!~~~

Yesterday, Joe and I got busy preparing for Irene! We started to bring in all the things that could become a projectile or do damage.  The front porch was emptied except for the fountain that is very heavy.

 Large pots moved to the corner.

 Brought the side tables and accessories inside.

 On the back deck we tied down the tables and chairs!

 It is so weird to see the deck all empty in August!!!!

 We put a tarp down and brought in pots etc. This is between the living and dining rooms. Lovely:):)

 Didn't want my favorite bench to get damaged.

 Of course the umbrella and more large pots.

 Then, in the midst of doing this I got a SPECIAL delivery!!!!! Beautiful flowers from my hubby!!!!!!!!!!!! They SMELL wonderful with the roses and the lily! LOVE.....

I pray that everyone will be safe. I am most worried about the 100 foot trees that SURROUND our house. Please keep your fingers crossed that none of them come down. Love to you all, Pinky

~~~ Mother Nature has left her Calling Card!!!!~~~

I went out front a little while ago and this is what I found in the driveway. This Large branch fell out of one of the trees during the storms yesterday, I guess. We got home late and didn't see it.

It is a big one but not the biggest I found today!

 The leaves are starting to FALL already! It will soon be "that timne of year" when we spend days and weeks blowing, raking and hauling LEAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HATE that job!!!!

 So, I got my blower out and cleaned up the porch and the part of the driveway that I can reach.

My hubby was out back cutting back the once beautiful cardinal flowers, that the hummingbirds love, since they, too got beat down during these storms of the past few days:( I got some shots before he cut them back.

It's such a shame cause they were so pretty all stading up tall! But they are about done blooming so I guess it is time.

 These had been standing up tall against the lattice.

 All beaten down:(

Then I saw a HUGE branch that had fallen.....

It is through this bush.....

The nuts from the birch trees are falling all over!!!! There are thousands of them. When we drive into the driveway it sounds like fireworks:):)

Look at them all! This is just a small spot of them!

 I thought I would get some shots of some PRETTINESS too. Is that a word???? I hope so! The begonias in the mailbox are doing fine.

 The flowers on the hostas all need to be cut back now too.

 The hydrangeas are turning a beautiful color now!!! I love them in Fall arrangements!

This is Mother Nature at her BEST!!!

I love the 2 lanterns that greet you as you approach the front door.

 We light them at night when we sit out on the front porch.

 Red and orange impatiens. I plant those colors so they will still look pretty with my Fall decorations.....that will be out here pretty soon!!!!!

They look like little rose buds when they start to open. SO pretty! Have to go get ready now, am going out tonight to help some friends make a banner for an upcoming event. Thanks so much for stopping by. I may link to some of these parties! XO, Pinky

Table Top Tuesday at :  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
White Wednesday at:  http://fadedcharm.blogspot.com/
Wow Us Wednesday at:  http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/
Tablescape Thursday at:  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
Vintage Thingie Thursday at:  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/
Feathered Nest Friday at:  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Foodie Friday at:  http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/
Show and Tell Friday at:  http://myromantichome.blogspot.com/
Inspiration Friday at:  http://thepicketfence.blogspot.com/
Open House Friday at:  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
Sunday Favorites at:  http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/
Seasonal Sundays at:  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/