First, I want to say “THANKYOU” to the many friends, family members and past guests who have reached out to me in the days following Hurricane Ian’s journey across the Sunshine State. I could feel the love pouring in from so many of you, and for that, I’m grateful.
I’m also relieved to say that Anna Maria Island and Ponce Inlet, while affected by the storm, were spared the more devastating effects suffered by communities like Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. My heart goes out to my fellow Floridians who are trying to pull their lives together in the aftermath of Ian’s destructive path through their homes and communities.
I traveled to Ponce Inlet immediately after the storm and worked days with the wonderful staff and owners there to mop up water, pull out soaked rugs and otherwise clean up decks, patios and the common areas. Aside from no electricity, losing a few rugs and some minor water damage, the rental units came through unscathed. I did get my exercise hiking up to the fifth and seventh floor units with no operational elevators! Anna Maria Island staff reported no damage to the newly renovated unit as well. Amazingly the unit never lost electricity during the storm.
Crews are out cleaning up the shoreline, and plans are already underway to repair the East Wind Condo stairs leading to the beach. The dunes are gone – and we will have a planting day to replenish the sand dunes. Here is what the beach looked like in the aftermath:
All I can say is – it could have been much, much worse. Replacing a rug is one thing. But it doesn’t compare to replacing a personal home filled with cherished belongings. Several folks I know are dealing with that aftermath…
I’ve lived through half a dozen “serious” hurricanes over the last 27 years. Like so many, I’ve boarded up windows, huddled in closets and evacuated when instructed. Every hurricane is unique. Each one leaves its mark.
We got lucky this time.
On a happier note, I travelled out to Oklahoma City following the mass hurricane cleanup to attend the Grand National and World Champion Morgan Horse Show.
Before meeting my wife, I knew very little about horses. But it’s been an awesome experience to step into the world of horse competition and get a chance to see Morgan horses from all over the country gather for this event. There’s no other word for it – these horses are just magnificent.
We had a chestnut filly competing and I’m thrilled to say that Gulfwind’s Girl on Fire won the World Championship Western Pleasure 3 year old and Western Pleasure Futurity classes.
Look at this beauty:
Thank you again for all the thoughts, prayers and well wishes.
Sandy