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Monday, April 22, 2024

Severe Weather with Bridge Destruction

 Just like to show you some images from early spring, or almost spring.
Sunday March 17, back from singing in the chancel choir.
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. 
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.
Caring for all of our garden critters, furry ones and feathered ones...

Related link:
Our Bridges a Constant Battle with Mother Nature | previous post by me

66 comments:

  1. Such wonderful photos but that really is sad about that pretty bridge. It's nice to see you both!

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Terry,
      Thank 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

      Delete
  2. 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.
    Blessings!

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Martha Jane,
      Pieter 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

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  3. 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! ❤️

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Kim,
      Yes, 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

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  4. 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!
    I’m sorry about that beautiful bridge Pieter built. What a shame and disappointment. It was a work of craftsmanship you rarely see anymore.

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Debby,
      Yes, 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

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  5. 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!)
    --Jim

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Jim,
      Thank 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

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  6. 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.
    Your 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Ingrid,
      Yes, 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

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  7. 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.

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    1. Dearest Jackie,
      Thank 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

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  8. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Lynn and Precious,
      Thank 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

      Delete
  9. Oh dear!
    Our 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.

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Eastside Cats,
      This 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

      Delete
  10. mariette, Im sorry to see the destruction caused by mom nature, your
    bridge 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Laura,
      Yes, 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

      Delete
  11. You both are so good looking and slim. Beautiful.

    Yikes on the bridge.

    Have a fabulous day and week. ♥

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Sandee,
      Well, 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

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  12. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Helen,
      It 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

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  13. 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?

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Anne,
      Yes, 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

      Delete
  14. Mi dispiace per il ponte,complimenti a Pieter per la sua forma.Notte

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    Replies
    1. Cara Olga,
      Grazie per il complimento per Pieter e il ponte era molto triste!
      Abbracci,
      Mariette

      Delete
  15. Olá, Mariette, gostei muito dessa postagem a qual você mostra
    alguma 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Caro Pedro,
      Obrigado, mas esta ponte desapareceu e nunca poderá ser reparada. Temos que nos soltar... Triste pelo trabalho árduo e suor de Pieter!
      Abraços,
      Mariette

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  16. Well that sucks about the bridge.
    You and Pieter are such good looking people

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Jo-Anne,
      Yes 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

      Delete
  17. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Lorrie,
      Thank 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

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  18. Dearest Mariette,
    You 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

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Suzi,
      Thank 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

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  19. 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.

    Have a very nice rest of the week, Mariette.

    ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Sheri,
      Oh, 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

      Delete
  20. Mariette, you and Pieter are so elegant. Such lovely photos of you both!

    Sorry 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

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Kevin,
      Thank you so very much!
      Oh indeed those woes are hard to cope with.
      Yes, we both were safe.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  21. Hej Mariette,
    Dat is een behoorlijke ravage geworden. Jammer van het bruggetje en het vele werk van Pieter.
    Jullie zien er goed uit Mariette!
    Lieve groet Willy

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    Replies
    1. Beste Willy,
      Ja, een pijnlijk aanzicht.
      Zo zonde van al het harde werk maar niets is eeuwig...
      Dank je voor het compliment!
      Liefs,
      Mariette

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  22. You are beautiful my friend.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  23. 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.
    You 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 -

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Mary,
      We 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

      Delete
  24. Beste Mariette.

    Leuk 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

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    Replies
    1. Beste Hilly,
      Dank 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

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  25. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Betsy,
      Thank 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

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  26. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Father Seán,
      Thank 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

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  27. I am glad to see both of you are healthy.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Mariette and Pieter you both look very lovely and dapper in your Irish attire.
    I hope neither of you are sick...I say this because of the reply you made to comment befor mine.
    Sending warm hugs
    Cecilia

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Cecilia,
      Thank you so much for the compliment!
      We both are struggling and need lots of prayers indeed.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  29. How devastating to lose the bridge and pussy willow. It is scary that water can be so destructive. Very nice outfits. XO

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    Replies
    1. Dearest pilch92,
      Oh it is such a harsh sight to see your very hard work being destroyed that way.
      Thanks for your compliment!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  30. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Katie Isabella,
      Only now see this comment... Also due to Pieter's passing that very day!
      Disheartening indeed and now its very builder is no longer with us...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  31. You 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!

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Peter,
      Thank you, both of us never have been overweight—too hard working for ever reaching that stage. Yes, our property is at its very best in the spring.
      No, that bridge will not be repaired, hope to find one day some professional help for taking it up.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  32. You'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.

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Darla,
      Thank you for your words here!
      No way I would trust these bridges for walking across! Our kitty Spunky Tiger uses it though as it was her favorite spot—provided good weather.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  33. Beautiful pair🌸Double Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend to the both of you and the kitties too🐾😽💞

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    Replies
    1. Dearest Marlene,
      Thank you so much but these were very sad days for the kitties and myself.
      Hugs
      Mariette

      Delete

Thanks for your visit and comment.

Mariette...