Friday, January 12, 2024

LOST IN A WORLD OF MAYHEM

 

 
 
 
 

And, this is what I’m trying to do at present…look at life from both sides.   It’s been a very difficult time, but, sadly for many others, it’s a much more difficult for them.  Too many suffered great losses, their homes, their possessions, and it will take years for them to recover.

I live very quietly and humbly in an equally small humble dwelling, which is actually a rather small shed that was converted into a cabin.  Nothing fancy, not a threat to Buckingham Palace.  Somehow this little, unassuming, shabby abode withstood the ferocious, unforgiving onslaught of Christmas night’s tornado.  Its four walls and roof still, intact, surround me.

I think all of us in this area a suffering PTSD to some degree from the “event”.  I know I am.  My anxiety levels are through the roof and beyond…my nerves are shot to pieces…to smithereens.  I jump at the smallest unexpected sound.  And that is not the “normal” me…whatever the “normal me” is or was.

Finally, power was restored.  Until it was there was no electricity, no refrigeration (I lost all contents of my fridge and freezer), no phone, no internet, and no water (which meant no flushing toilet, as well).  We here on the mountain are reliant on our own water supply/tanks, and septic.  No power to operate the pumps to the septic tanks and water outlets.  Such fun it has been!

My television blew up so I’ve had to purchase a new one that was delivered yesterday, Friday, 12th January.  It won’t be installed until Monday or Tuesday this week ahead.  I need and miss watching television.  I need to dull down my over-active, non-stop mind.  My mind is running out of control like an out of control kaleidoscope.  When I do eventually fall asleep, my dreams a vivid and active.

I never, ever thought I’d say this, but I’m sick of reading!!  So far since the horrendous event and its aftermath I’ve ploughed through six books, and am now on my seventh.  Other bits and pieces have added to my reading material, as well.  I love doing puzzles and buried my head in those, too, but I had to cut down on doing so.  I found when I tried to catch some very elusive, evasive sleep, when I closed my eyes all I could see were squares, letters and numbers.  My brain was constructing its own cryptic crosswords!!

I’ve been feeling like shit, but hopefully all that will pass soon, too,

Once communications were back on line, back in working order, I have been sincerely humble and overcome by the generosity of so many…of the goodwill and care shown.

Thank you, thank you, thank you…..Take very good care, each and every one of you.

 

 


27 comments:

  1. Give yourself all the space and time you need to process what has happened. Truly awful for so many, with more ugly weather threatened. I hope that the television gets installed on Monday. I really hope it.

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  2. Thank you, EC. I don't want to sound like a whinger...I hope you understand...I feel that you do. Thanks so very much for your friendship.

    I'm going to try to catch up on blogs...I've am so, so far behind.

    Take good care. Hugs.

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  3. I was so pleased to see this blog post from you.
    What a truly awful time and experience you and so many others have gone through.
    My thoughts, as you adjust and come through your experiences, are coming across the miles to you.
    I hope your television is successfully installed on Monday.

    Take good care.

    All the best Jan

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  4. Thank you, Jan...your words, your care, mean so much to me.

    I hope all is well up your way....stay safe. :)

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  5. Lee; you don't sound like a whinger at all, you have been through hell up on your mountain, I saw it on TV and still can't imagine going through that. No electricity is bad enough, but no water! that's worse. Televisions these days "install" themselves as long as you have someone to move the old one and put the new in its place all that's needed is to plug it in and turn it on. Well, the "smart" TV's do, they run through channel searching and finding while you have a cuppa. So of course I don't know what type of television you bought, but I hope you're soon happily watching again.

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    2. Hi River....I purchased a Samsung Smart TV...only a 43-inch one. I don't need anything bigger than that, nor do I have the space. I can't lift the other one down, or lift this new one up in place by myself. I'd for sure drop and smash both. I have mobility problems. I use a walking stick, and have done so for a number of years. I am alone..I have no one...no family.

      My dearest, closest friends up here on the mountain lost their home during the onslaught, and Susan, the female member of the couple ended up in hospital for a couple of days. They are without a home. Until their house is demolished completely, or rebuilt, they will be renting a duplex down on the coast. And this will take up to a year to remedy. David, the husband, would help, but there is no way, no way, I would ask him with all they are presently dealing with.

      So, yes I need someone to do the job for me...this crazy old lady who hobbles around looking like the Wicked Witch from the West.

      I'm solely dependent on the Aged Pension...and can't afford to smash a new TV! :)

      Thanks for your advice and for coming by...take care. :)

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    3. "only 43 inches"? That's bigger than mine! I agree you don't want to be lifting that yourself, would the delivery person have helped do you think? If you'd asked? too late now though. And I am too far away to help. Is there a "home assistance" service you could call?

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  6. Haven't been through a tornado, but we've been through straight-line winds and lots of hurricanes, so you have my deep sympathy. It's awful, you are not whinging at all and you are in my heart and prayers.

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    1. Thank you, messymimi...your comforting words are comforting. :)

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  7. I hope I never have to go through something like this. Stay well.

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    1. I hope you never have to, either, David. I wouldn't wish such an uncontrollable, destructive, terrifying display of anger on anyone.

      Thanks for coming by....take good care.

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  8. Thank God you are alive and ok, Lee! Enjoy your new TV, the resumed communication, power, water, and try returning to your routine. "All's well that ends well", as they say, although climate matters never end, and might strike again everywhere , hopefully, not in your area. You've gone through enough!

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  9. Oh! DUTA....your concern means so much to me...I'm sure you don't realise just how much it has, my dear lady. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the thoughtfulness you've shown me....your kindness will not be forgotten.

    Thanks for coming by...take very good care...stay safe.

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  10. I must confess I don't know what the "event" was, a tornado?, Terrible. Since covid we have stocked up on food and water and a multitude of other supplies, not nearly enough water. I love Joni Mitchell, my mind runs constantly, always has, cooking shows, cops and robbers shows keep me grounded, then there is the occasional animal or nature show and last night a "free" to me movie of Mansfield Park; we pay dearly for that satellite tv service though, but when you're old like me, not much to do but tv, cook and art. Last week we had very high winds and this coming week we are expecting some extremely low temps. We are trying to prepare in advance, but one can only anticipate so much. A bale of straw to help insulate some outdoor plants. Hang in there and enjoy your TV.

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    1. Hi Linda....I will enjoy losing myself in some TV watching...if it ever gets set up. That will happen eventually....as I've said there are many far, far worse off than I. My problems, compared to theirs are very, very minor.

      Yes...it was a tornado, leaving this area looking like a war zone. The damage done was devastatingly destructive. I am of the old school, too...old-fashioned ways and always have well-stocked fridge and freezer, but having no power for two weeks, naturally, I lost every thing.

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)

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  11. The tornado was terrifying, Margaret....I've been so scared, and I've been in cyclones when living in north Queensland. It's like a war zone here...the destruction was widespread, devastating and heartbreaking.

    No water, power or anything for two weeks...no flushing toilet...and on and on....I have some little AA battery operated lamps that I used/and still do rather than waste electricity which is connected to my landlords. And I always use a torch at night when the need arises to go to the bathroom.

    There are many poor souls who are looking down the barrel of a long time to get their homes, possessions and selves back into some semblance of order and normality. I feel so deeply for them.

    Thanks for coming by and your good wishes...take care. :)

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  12. I feel for you, Lee, I really do. That must have been a terrifying experience and I do believe these things are a little harder to cope with when we are a little older. And to cope with the aftermath must make it seem like it's lasting forever. Let's hope that the arrival of the new TV will be like turning a corner. Hang in there and be kind to yourself. Hugs.

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    1. Thank you so very much, Pauline. Times are hard for so may folk..those far worse off, far, far worse off than I. My problems are minor when matched alongside the problems they're dealing with. It is so very sad.

      Thanks for coming by, and your good wishes. They are much appreciated, my dear. Take care. :)

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  13. I am late in reading this post, Lee, and what a horrifying event you have been through and come through intact, except for the bit of sanity you might have lost, but sure it's only temporarily. And, I say that not in a mean-spirited way because I surely would have been over the edge, so you are definitely not a whinger (assume that's the same as a whiner here). You have survived and that is the good news despite the sad part about losing all the contents of your fridge, freezer, TV, no water. I was sorry to read about your friend's losing their home and one being hospitalized. I'm sure it will take time for you to be able to relax and hope that your anxiety will decrease in time.

    Thank you for this update and please do post again when you are up to it. Bloggers are a very supportive community and while we may not be able to help physically due to distance, etc. Their good thoughts and caring will always be there. Keep hanging on, my blog friend.

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  14. Oh Lee! I'm so sorry you are going through...literally, more hell. It never just ends with the event...it last beyond. I pray these horrible days ease with each passing day!
    Sending love and hugs with prayer...
    hugs
    Donna

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  15. Hey there Beatrice and Donna...I thank you both so very much for your concern and good wishes. The poor souls who lost their homes and possessions with go through many, many months of despair and heartache as they rebuild...and rebuild their lives. So many possessions have been lost...it's so sad. I don't know how they cope...how anyone gets over what they've gone through and will continue going through.

    I'm okay...my anxiety levels are high and my nerves are shot to hell, but I'll get there, step by step. There are many far, far worse off than I.

    Thank you both for coming by...take good care. :)

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  16. So very sorry. You should share with your doctor or even a friend to pass on the distress. You have such good friends.

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    1. Hi Tabor...Oh....I keep to myself....I'll get there....thanks for your concern. Take good care. :)

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  17. That was a terrible storm. I just Googled to find reports of it. So much of this bad weather lately, it seems. You do have to feel lucky that your humble abode survived the winds and all. I do hope you got a better TV out of it. With all the advances in technology, I wouldn't mind if our TV conked out so we could get a better one. With our aging eyes, we're having trouble seeing the screen on the one we have. Hope your spirits improve soon. Take care.

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    1. Thank you, Dave. It's been a tough time...nerves and anxiety are pushed to the limit and beyond. I think most of us up here on Tamborine Mountain are suffering some form of PTSD...I know I am.

      My new TV is great...a Samsung Smart TV...probably smarter than I am!! :) It's only a 43-inch, but that is all I need in this tiny abode in which I dwell.

      Let's hope 2024 is a better year for everyone, everywhere. Take good care...thanks for coming by. I'll get back to blogging soon...I've been very, very slack of late.

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  18. Lee! Before the Super Bowl began yesterday, they played Frank Sinatra singing "My Way"! You know I thought of you!! Lots of things written about that game today but I had to tell you that little fact! x

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