Stranded
My online friend, Kelly of Vancouver, was traveling through the southeast, so we decided to meet up at my condo on Topsail Island for a couple of days. That was the plan, anyway. We knew it was going to rain a bit. No sweat. We didn’t know–I guess no one did–that the rain would turn into a monsoon. This morning we went to the bakery and coming back had to drive through the sort of flooded street they warn you not to drive through, but with the dogs and everything we owned at the condo, we had little choice. Once back here, we heard we’d had eight inches before noon and there was no end in sight. We knew there was no way to get off the island and we wouldn’t be going anywhere for a long time.
The rain hasn’t let up all day and depending on what meteorologist we listen to, may not let up tomorrow either. I might be able to make it through a flooded road in my van, but Kelly’s got a little rental car, so forget it. We’d expected to eat our meals out, so we had cheese and crackers and pickles for dinner, and it looks like that will be breakfast too. We’re hoping we can get out Friday (maybe tomorrow evening if it stops raining and the flooding goes down? Trying to be optimistic, here!). Except for the uncertainty, lack of food, and needing to walk the dogs in the downpour, it’s been a fun way to get to know Kelly who is a good sport and helped me brainstorm my new book this afternoon. If we can’t get out tomorrow, though, I may not be feeling so positive. Plus, by then we’ll be verrry hungry.
Pickles for breakfast, anyone?
This sounds like a plot from one of your books, Diane. One lesson I’ll bet you won’t forget — don’t go ANYWHERE without food!!
LOL. And to think when I first saw you met up with one of your online friends, I was a little envious……grins. Not so much after reading your whole story.
Straight out of one of your novels, Diane!…this might sound strange but I think it would be exciting to be holed up in your beach condo while watching the storm do it’s magic on the sea…the only bad part is not having much food…hoping you can get out and at least buy some groceries today…don’t forget the peanut m&m’s!
the weather finally broke about 7 tonight. Roads still impassable, but we ordered from an Italian restaurant and an intrepid young man drove through the rain and flooded roads to bring it to us. he said the water came in through his car doors! But unless the rain comes back AGAIN, we’re on track to get outta here tomorrow. we’d better because the dog food will be gone by then.
by the way, final total for this never-ending storm: a record breaking 20+ inches!
Goodness… Glad you are okay
Hi Ms. Chamberlain: I have rented your condo starting Oct. 9th for a week. I can’t wait, and I thought it was so neat to read your blog that speaks of the very condo I will be staying in, and also see a view from the balcony that I will be able to view!!!! I am so excited about coming to the area, as I have been in the Ohio Valley all my life and am thinking of relocating to the area. (glad it has stopped raining)
Take care,
Lisa
Lisa, how cool! You’re going to love it. I’m sure you’ll have calm and beautiful blue water with dolphins romping through the waves! That’s what it’s usually like. We’ll be coming back the week after you leave and I can’t wait. Have fun!
How exciting for you Lisa!…someday my wish is to travel to TopSail and rent Diane’s Condo too!…she has blogged in the past showing photos of the interior and its exactly everything I would love in a beachfront dwelling…and John’s artistic photos are stunning above the sofa…hope you’ll blog about your experience at Diane’s place!
Diane, hope all is well…I’ve been reading about the rains and floods in your area…be safe.
Diane: Watching the dolphins is my favorite part of visits to the beach, and of course waking up and going to sleep to the sound of ocean waves, my next favorite thing!!! I am leaving town on the 16th, when are you coming back to town? Can I interest you into Breakfast? Lunch? Coffee? or Tea?
And Margo: Oh, yes, fantastic idea, I will do a journal blog of my week there! And lots of photos, as I dabble in photography as well. So I hope to get some closeup shots of those dolphins.
Lisa
By the way, Diane, what nearby restaurants can you recommend?
Lisa
Lisa, we’ll miss each other, since I won’t be getting there till late afterenoon or evening. As for restaurants, there’s a scrapbook we made in the condo that lists our favorites. A new one is Englese’s that delivers — and delivered to us through flooded streets, so I definitely want to support them! Our favorite, though, is Sears Landing. Simply prepared casual fresh fish. The fish of the day is always excellent.
Diane and Lisa, you are making me long for the sea…like Lisa, I love to watch the sea life, especially dolphins and whales…Lisa, you will love the art photos that John created and are hanging in the condo…they are absolutely stunning…and what a perfect place to read Diane’s 2 books that take place at Topsail…BEFORE THE STORM and SECRETS SHE LEFT BEHIND…
Diane
My friend said to say thanks
They used the list u sent me of restaurants while on topsail
Lisa. Enjoy
Just returned from a quick trip to my daughter in Indy
Celebrated my bday the little ones r so sweet
Happy Birthday, Brenda!
Diane, I have just “discovered” you. I absolutely love your books! I force myself to slow down because I so enjoy every page of your books. I have been a big reader most of my life and can’t believe I have just now found you! I have read 3 of your books and SO look forward to reading all the rest. I absolutely LOVE them! Please keep writing!
A new fan!
Bev
bev-you are in for a real real treat. I remember when I discovered Diane-I ordered every book she wrote.
Don’t miss the series of Annie…
[…] been absolutely perfect here this week, unlike the last time I was here with a friend and we were stranded in The Storm that had No End. I’m working on my next book (due in April. Yikes!) tentatively […]
[…] back in September when my online friend, Kelly, and I were stranded on Topsail Island for several days, cut off from the mainland (and food!) by flooded roads? Well, I […]
[…] with a jar of pickles and a dwindling supply of our necessary medications (you can read about that here). Needless to say, I’m a bit worried what a hurricane like Irene can do to to my place at the […]