Just like to show you some images from early spring, or almost spring.
Wearing my silk clover leaf Escada shirt with jacket.
Pieter wearing his cotton Irish cloverleaf sweater that we found in Dublin, Ireland. I've one as well.
My 94–year old caretaker is frail as he lost quite some weight by doing it all!
On February 12, my Mom's heavenly Birthday, we had severe weather and Pieter had to run both wet vacs to suck the water off the tiles in our Rose Suite.
The builder left tree trunks under the foundation and in 30+ year the wood has deteriorated and water manages to seep in...
Those wet vacs we have for sucking up the water are rather heavy when full. Pieter had to carry those full buckets out the door for letting it run downhill—away from the home.
It was so exhausting for my frail Pieter and I of course was not in the position to help him...
On March 9, we again had severe weather and while I was lay reader at Church, Pieter had to stay home for running the two wet vacs again.
We also found our bridge totally whacked out.
So much hard work by Pieter destroyed by nature—the force of water is incredible!
The pussy willow got crushed by it, so we lost that too.
{Pussy Willow from Cuttings} ←click link
Another view and the pussy willow is seen knocked down
So sad seeing all the hours of hard work being destroyed...
On March 22, Pieter hung this new copper hummingbird feeder next to our kitchen bay window where we enjoy watching them drink.
Such wonderful photos but that really is sad about that pretty bridge. It's nice to see you both!
ReplyDeleteDearest Terry,
DeleteThank you and yes, you get to see us fairly recent.
Oh, it is hardbreaking to see so many hours of hard labor being destroyed...
Hugs,
Mariette
Pieter is an amazing man, especially for his age, Mariette. I know it breaks both of your hearts to see this destruction from recent storms, but we must remember that nothing except God's Word will remain in the end. I hope and pray that some from your church can help with these repairs or give you the name of reliable tradesmen in Dublin.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
DeletePieter is indeed an amazing man—a one of a kind rare gem!
Nothing is lasting in this life but both of us know that our souls cannot be destroyed.
We will not have the bridge repaired. It would be great if it could be removed though!
Hugs,
Mariette
My goodness, Mariette, Pieter might have lost weight, but he has more strength than I do, I think! At 94! I think he is an inspiration; you both are! ❤️
ReplyDeleteDearest Kim,
DeleteYes, Pieter has become frail and he no longer can manage such heavy tasks.
At age 94 he certainly is to be greatly admired!
Hugs,
Mariette
My goodness at 94 and he’s out there working! It’s rare for a man Pieter’s age who can do so much. Most seem out to pasture by their 50’s!
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry about that beautiful bridge Pieter built. What a shame and disappointment. It was a work of craftsmanship you rarely see anymore.
Dearest Debby,
DeleteYes, Pieter has been an exceptional man so far—none like him.
Indeed that bridge and also another one (not quite as bad) is a sad sight.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette and Pieter, Kudos to you both for dealing with all these problems in such a direct and responsible manner. It is heartbreaking to see your beautiful yard damaged, but I know that you have had years of pleasure from it, and it will still be beautiful after the damage is cleaned up. And even after so much unanticipated work, you both look great and stylish! About the wet vacs, it should be possible to get a small electric pump and coil of tubing so most of the water could be emptied before dealing with the wet-vacs themselves--it is worth looking into. (We used to use a similar set-up for moving maple sap!)
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteThank you and yes, we never could have imagined that having a lovely creek running through our property would create such flood damage. We sure have had years of pleasure from our garden.
Thanks for the compliments!
Hugs,
Mariette
I am sorry your home and yard sustaineds all that damage.So d=sad to see the hard work results smashed just like that. Nature sure can be cruel.
ReplyDeleteYour Pieter is amazing! Evden at age 94, how dapper he looks.
I read in a comment in another blog, that he will be going on hospice care. They do wonderful loving care for those under their wings...(We work with them sometimes where I work...); may God bless you both and give you much comfort.
Meanwhile take refuge and rest in the everlasting strong arms of our Lord.
Dearest Ingrid,
DeleteYes, at times it is heartbreaking to see our hard work being destroyed by the forces of nature.
Pieter sure is amazing and he still has a good posture! Even more important is that his mind is still very sharp.
Hugs,
Mariette
Pieter is amazing for his age. How many men still do that sort of work. It is a shame the lovely bridge was destroyed in the storm, and the pussy willow too.
ReplyDeleteDearest Jackie,
DeleteThank you and he certainly is an amazing man!
We have had quite some losses due to severe weather but we always kept going and patched up our garden.
Hugs,
Mariette
You both look amazing when you know all you have been through the past couple years. It is the destruction of Mother Nature when she rages that we can not stop only clean up after. I was sorry to hear the pussy willow went the way of that wonderful bridge.
ReplyDeleteDearest Lynn and Precious,
DeleteThank you and we both are fighters and with the help of God, we have made it this far.
No, Mother Nature cannot be tamed by us humans.
Oh, the pussy willow was so stunning in early spring. We grew it from a bunch I'd bought at Trader Joe's and let them root.
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh dear!
ReplyDeleteOur pussy willow has been in the ground for about three years now, and I'd be very unhappy if anything happened to it.
Lovely bridge; hope it can be salvaged.
Dearest Eastside Cats,
DeleteThis pussy willow was 9 years old, grown from cuttings... Did insert the link now to my previous post.
No, the bridge is not safe anymore, our kitties use it but we don't dare to stand on it.
Hugs,
Mariette
mariette, Im sorry to see the destruction caused by mom nature, your
ReplyDeletebridge was beautiful, and as I too have a pussy willow started from seed,
I would have been very upset, though, we can’t argue with her; mother nature.
984 paws UP as we say in trout towne to pieter for all his hard work, I know
20 somethings who couldn’t ( or maybe wouldn’t ) have done that work.
Dearest Laura,
DeleteYes, we little humans cannot stand up to the forces of Mother Nature.
You are so right that a lot of young people cannot stand up to my Pieter!
Also you can pride yourself for having done hard work yourself.
Hugs,
Mariette
You both are so good looking and slim. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYikes on the bridge.
Have a fabulous day and week. ♥
Dearest Sandee,
DeleteWell, both of us have never ever gained any weight. Right now I have to regain my weight back from post–accident but it is so hard.
So sad to see that bridge being destroyed—Pieter's hard work!
Hugs,
Mariette
I am so sorry about your beautiful bridge! And if I didn't know how very ill you have been recently I would never have guessed. Though Pieter has lost weight he is still quite attractive as I am certain you know. You are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
DeleteIt is so sad to see so much hard work being destroyed by the forces of Nature...
Thank you for your kind words!
Pieter always has been a well–dressed gentleman; except for when he did all the hard and dirty work...
Hugs,
Mariette
It has made a bad mark on the bridge. I hope it can be fixed. Hummingbirds are beautiful birds. Are there a lot of them feeding there, and what color birds?
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteYes, it is destroyed and we will not repair it anymore. Can't even take it out...
We have the Ruby throated hummingbirds and yes in summer we see plenty and they fight and chase off each other.
Hugs,
Mariette
Mi dispiace per il ponte,complimenti a Pieter per la sua forma.Notte
ReplyDeleteCara Olga,
DeleteGrazie per il complimento per Pieter e il ponte era molto triste!
Abbracci,
Mariette
Olá, Mariette, gostei muito dessa postagem a qual você mostra
ReplyDeletealguma coisa que aconteceu na sua casa em dias de temporais.
As poetes que a água estragou causou sérios problemas.
Graças ao desempenho de Pieter, as coisas melhoraram e ficarão boas outra vez.
Uma boa semana para o casal, muita paz e saúde.
Grande abraço.
Caro Pedro,
DeleteObrigado, mas esta ponte desapareceu e nunca poderá ser reparada. Temos que nos soltar... Triste pelo trabalho árduo e suor de Pieter!
Abraços,
Mariette
Well that sucks about the bridge.
ReplyDeleteYou and Pieter are such good looking people
Dearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteYes it was a very painful sight but we can't tame Mother Nature's rage!
Thank you for your compliment—happiness is a reason for looking good.
Hugs,
Mariette
What a beautiful property you have. It does take effort to maintain, and kudos to Pieter for all his hard work. The force of water is so strong and I'm sorry for the damage to your bridge.
ReplyDeleteDearest Lorrie,
DeleteThank you and yes it takes a lot of effort and for the past couple of years we have Mexican crew come in to do the upkeep. Pieter deserves lots of kudos!
There is nothing that can withstand the fury of Mother Nature...
Hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette,
ReplyDeleteYou and Pieter always look so elegant.
So sorry to see the condition of your pretty bridge. Toes crossed it can be repaired or rebuilt.
Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with. We had one of our dead trees come down suddenly, most likely due to all the rain. At least it was a good supply of fire wood!
Thanks for the birthday wishes.
Enjoy your day.....Suzi
Dearest Suzi,
DeleteThank you for the compliment!
We don't repair nor rebuild that bridge... Hope it can be removed one day.
Guess we have eliminated all dangerous tall trees that could fall onto the house, it is a constant struggle to stay safe.
Hugs,
Mariette
So sorry you had damage done around your home from the severe weather, Mariette. That little bridge is charming, and now collapsed. I got to see the lovely nature around your home. I didn't know you live in a wooded area. I like Pieter's green sweater from Dublin. I have been thinking of getting the same color for my road trip. Have always loved this color in fashion. Your copper bird feeder is cool.
ReplyDeleteHave a very nice rest of the week, Mariette.
~Sheri
Dearest Sheri,
DeleteOh, we have had to rebuild our 3 bridges several times. So much hard work and our estate is in fact way too big for now. We have a crew of Mexicans come in to mow the lawn and such but there is a lot more to do and Pieter no longer can do that.
That green cotton sweater has always been perfect!
Not even had time to view the hummingbirds come to the feeder...
Hugs,
Mariette
Mariette, you and Pieter are so elegant. Such lovely photos of you both!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about all of those weather-related woes. Especially about the beautiful bridge and the pussy willow being destroyed like they were. I'm glad, however, that you and Pieter are safe and well.
-Kevin
Dearest Kevin,
DeleteThank you so very much!
Oh indeed those woes are hard to cope with.
Yes, we both were safe.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hej Mariette,
ReplyDeleteDat is een behoorlijke ravage geworden. Jammer van het bruggetje en het vele werk van Pieter.
Jullie zien er goed uit Mariette!
Lieve groet Willy
Beste Willy,
DeleteJa, een pijnlijk aanzicht.
Zo zonde van al het harde werk maar niets is eeuwig...
Dank je voor het compliment!
Liefs,
Mariette
You are beautiful my friend.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Dearest Regine,
DeleteThank you!
Hugs,
Mariette
So sorry about the bridge damage and garden problems from water. It's amazing how strong water can be - we're dealing with a problem when it rains very hard but have just has some landscaping done which hopefully will help.
ReplyDeleteYou both look awesome as always. As for Escada - oh yes, how I miss their lovely clothes - and the discount/factory store they once had in Raleigh where I bought so many beautiful items when I was a 'working girl' haha!!!!
Sending love and hugs - stay well, be safe.
Mary & Bob -
Dearest Mary,
DeleteWe never can win from the forces of water!
Thank you for the compliment and yes, the good old days of Escada—all gone now!
Hugs to you and Bob from both of us.
Pieter & Mariette
Beste Mariette.
ReplyDeleteLeuk jasje heb je aan.
Pieter staat er ook mooi op met zijn groene trui.
Wat een prachtig vogelvoer/drinkbakje!
Ik las weer graag hier.
Lieve groetjes vanuit nog steeds een koud voorjaar in Nederland.
Hilly
Beste Hilly,
DeleteDank je wel en ik draag dat katoenen jasje graag!
Pieter's groene trui staat hem goed ja.
Ja, voor die mooie kolibries hebben we graag wat over om ze te voeren.
Liefs,
Mariette
Handsome Pieter in his sweater and you are so pretty in your outfit. Both of you look so happy. So sad to see damage to your bridge. I can't get over a builder leaving tree trunks under a foundation. I wonder what is left now under many of the new builds I see not far from us that are built over what used to be a forest and swampy land. The way they threw the homes up, I am sure there will be issues later. Hugs Betsy.
ReplyDeleteDearest Betsy,
DeleteThank you for your compliments! Yes, we have been always happy and that impacts the way you look.
Sad indeed to see Pieter's work being destroyed.
Oh sure, such sloppy—fast building tactics will manifest themselves after many years when the wood left starts decaying and water will seep in.
Hugs,
Mariette
I have just come from our chapel where I prayed for both of you. Pieter looks very well in the Irish sweater you found in my native place, the Fair City of Dublin. God bless you both.
ReplyDeleteDearest Father Seán,
DeleteThank you so much for lifting both of us up in your prayers!
We certainly feel the many prayers from people around the world.
Those Irish cotton sweaters from Blarney Castle were a wonderful quality find in your city of Dublin.
Hugs,
Mariette
I am glad to see both of you are healthy.
ReplyDeleteDearest RTC,
DeleteAt least we were on March 17!
Hugs,
Mariette
Mariette and Pieter you both look very lovely and dapper in your Irish attire.
ReplyDeleteI hope neither of you are sick...I say this because of the reply you made to comment befor mine.
Sending warm hugs
Cecilia
Dearest Cecilia,
DeleteThank you so much for the compliment!
We both are struggling and need lots of prayers indeed.
Hugs,
Mariette
How devastating to lose the bridge and pussy willow. It is scary that water can be so destructive. Very nice outfits. XO
ReplyDeleteDearest pilch92,
DeleteOh it is such a harsh sight to see your very hard work being destroyed that way.
Thanks for your compliment!
Hugs,
Mariette
The flowers of Spring were absolutely beautiful. I was sorry to see the Bridge go dow with the bad weather, Disheartening when so much work was put into it.
ReplyDeleteYou both looks so slim and trim! So many beautiful blooms on your property. Very sad to see the bridge, but something tells me it will soon be repaired!
ReplyDeleteYou're such a hard working, smartly dressed (and smart!) couple. ~hugs~ Sorry about your losses, I like to think of the ruined bridges as works of art. Honestly, these images look pretty interesting, though I'm sure you are concerned about safety should anyone try walking across. Best wishes for good health and great joy.
ReplyDelete