Dear Friends,
It has been too long since I have last been able to visit with all you, of my dearest friends. My situation is one I had never anticipated.
When Hurricane Sandy swept through the North East, it left many thousands devastated, including myself. I lost the main floor of my home and all its contents. My home is not inhabitable, which is why I have been unable to visit with you all.
However, I am blessed to be safe with my family. It may be a while longer until I can get back to cooking again, but I wanted to let you know that I am safe and well. I miss you all so much!
Experiencing this storm brings many emotions. The kindness of the neighbors and the many strangers who now have found a place in my heart will reinforce the goodness of man. This experience is a whirlwind of emotions but mostly ones that show me the meaning of a smile.
I look forward to being a part of your day soon. I will keep you posted.
Proud Italian Cook says
Catherine, I'm so very sorry, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as all of you start to recover.
Marie
Sandee says
I'm so sorry that you were part of that awful storm. I'm also sorry that you lost the main floor of your home. I'm thrilled that you are okay and doing well. That's the most important part.
It's good to hear from you and I'm hoping you can get back to normal soon. Big hugs. 🙂
Amelia says
Hi my dear Catherine, so so sorry to hear about your current situation. I was worry when you MIA without any message in your blog as you update so regularly.
Anyway glad to hear you and your family are safe. My thoughts are with you. May God bless you and your family. Keep up inform as and when your situation permit.
I will miss you. With lots of love and hugs to you.
Velva says
Catherine, I had no idea that Sandy left your home devastated. I am so sorry to hear that-
Here is sending prayers and best wishes to you and your family.
We will be right here when you return.
Velva
Chatty Crone says
Oh my gosh I never thought about Hurricane Sandy - I was worried about other things. Is there anything you need or I can do. I am sending love and prayers. I am so very sorry. sandie
Anthony says
I'm glad you are safe!
The Mom Chef says
Oh, Catherine, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your home and belongings. While it is a blessing that everyone is safe, I'm sure you're grieving mementos lost. Saying prayers for you and yours.
Joanne says
Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry to hear this!! I'm glad you guys are safe!
Roz P. says
Oh Catherine, I am so sorry!
I KNEW that something was wrong when I did not hear back from my emails to you. My husband, who once taught on Long Island, told me that your hometown is on the southern tip of Long Island and in the eye of the storm!!!!
I told both my husband and my mother, "Catherine has not posted since October 27th and she usually posts more often than that; something is wrong!"
I have been praying for you and your safety. THANK GOD you are safe with family!
I will continue to pray for you, your family, your friends, and your community! Please stay in touch and keep all of us informed and let me know if I can help you in any way!
Baci,
Roz
Kim Garceau says
So sorry for you dear Catherine... this storm was quite aweful in the US... so bad for your house... Hope you will be fine but I'm glad you and your familly are safe!
Grace says
I'm so glad you are all right - Like everyone else I was worried and I too never connected your absence with the storm - as bad as it was and the damage it has done at least YOU are okay - Whew!
Rose says
I am so sorry to hear that, Catherine. You and your family are in my prayers.
Lynda says
I'm so sorry for your ordeal. Thankfully you have family and friends to help you get through this.I'll keep you in my prayers.
mia xara says
So sorry, dear Catherine, to hear that you were so badly affected by the storm, at the same time though,I'm happy that you and your family made it safely..I will keep you and your family and your neighbors in prayer, hoping you'll be back to normal as soon as possible. Lots of hugs 🙂
Sparkle says
I didn't realize you were hit by the storm. I am glad you are safe, even if your home suffered so much damage. And I'm also glad you checked in! The important thing is that you and your family are well. Keep us posted when you can, and take care. Purrs to you.
Emma @ Food, Fork and Good says
I'm so sorry to hear about your house, but equally glad that you're safe and sound. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Stay safe, looking forward to the time you can cook again!
Emma
Dieter Moitzi says
I'm so glad you and you're family are safe and sound and send my luv to all of you! xoxoxo Dieter
allotments4you says
Catherine I am so pleased to find you and your family safe and well. I have been going out of my mind with worry and racking my brains as to how to contact you. Please give Tammy my love. I know I am far away but if you think there is anything I can help out with then don't hesitate to ask.
My thoughts and blessings are with you. xxx
Petra says
I'm sad for you, that you have to go through this, but so very glad that you are safe!!! Know that you are loved and prayed for!
Helen Gr says
Dear Catherine, I am very sorry that you lost thw main floor of your home. I must be very awful storm! But I am thinking that the most important is that you are safe with your family!
Thanks God!
Janet Gardner says
Dearest Catherine, I am so sorry for what you have had to endure, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope things get back to normal for you as soon as possible. I have missed you and was wondering where you have been so Thank you for letting us know what has been going on with you.
{{{Hugs}}}
Janet 🙂
Debbie says
I'm glad that you are ok and hope that things return to "normal" for you soon. So much devastation and loss....it's all just so sad.
Penny says
Catherine, I am so sorry for your loses. I hope that you will be able to weather this storm and come out of it better and stronger. If there is anything we bloggers could do for you, all you have to do is ask. You are in my prayers. Stay stong.
Valentina says
Dear Catherine, I was heartbroken... I'm so sorry... I'm close to you and I pray for you. Not give up, will work out all. We are with you. I am happy to know that you and your family are well and safe. A big hug!
anniebakes says
Thank you for letting us know how you are, I have been worried about your absence! I am so sorry for all that you have lost! take good care, anne
Zimbabwe says
I am so, so sorry to hear the news. I have friends in Delaware who escaped unblemished so I am more that sorry to hear about you. Take care and my thoughts are with you. Hope you soon get back to some normality. Thankfully you are all OK. Take care Diane
manu says
OMG Catherine, I'm so sorry for you, but happy that you all are safe!!!
Take care!
♥♥♥
edvige says
I'm very very sorry but I'm thanks God that you can write this story. I heard on TV all the problem and I are with younwith all my heart.
All the best fn Italya - Trieste
big big hugs.
Edvige
Cassie says
I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending you all my thoughts and prayers for recovery! Thank goodness you and your family are safe.
peps says
I am so sorry Catherine!!!
I am thinking about you!
Walking on Sunshine says
Catherine, I am so sorry! I have been wondering where you have been and I'm so sorry to hear it's because of the storm. We were without power for 5 days and had damage to our roof and back porch but nothing can compare to losing your whole first floor! I hope you're going to be okay and will be able to rebuild and recover! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
María says
Mi querida amiga, te echaba de menos pero jamas pense que te habia pasado esto, lo siento de corazon, pero tambien me alegra mucho saber que no os ha pasado nada, los daños materiales se pueden arreglar, y si tu y tu familia estais todos bien, yo me alegro con toda el alma, ya nos seguiras contando, y espero que todo se solucione pronto. Un abrazo muy grande, y aqui estoy para lo que necesites
Ξανθή says
I am very sorry about what happened!! I hope you get back on track soon!! I'm very happy you are ok! All my thoughts will be with you.
Maria M Triana says
Dear Catherine, I am very sorry for what you have had to endure. I know by personal experience how devastating a storm can be, during all my live in Cuba and now in Miami. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope things get back to normal for you as soon as possible. I have missed you a lot, you are my favorite person to follow, and was wondering where you have been. Thank you for letting us know what has been going on with you.
David says
Catherine, I'm glad that you and yours are safe... That storm destroyed the homes and hopes of so many people. I'm glad to hear that you still have a positive attitude. I'm not so sure that I'd cope as well as you are. Hopefully your home can be repaired and at some point you'll be able to return to a changed but familiar neighborhood. Wishing you and yours the very best! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Janette's Sage/Simply Your Decor says
Oh my goodness..you have put a face on this storm for me...I am praying!! So glad you are fine, so sorry you are going through this...I am lifting you before the Lord right now!
Te de Ternura says
CATALINA... Siento muchísimo el dolor por el que estás pasando; pero demos gracias a la vida porque tu y tu familia estáis fuera de peligro.
TE MANDO TODA MI FUERZA y CARIÑO, y te digo que aunque no escriba comentarios en los blogs amigos por razones totalmente involuntarias, siempre me doy una vuelta por tu blog.
AMIGA UN GRAN GRAN ABRAZO RECIBE TODA MI AMISTAD!, TE ESPERAMOS!!
Conxita
kitchen flavours says
Hi Catherine,
I am so very sorry to hear about the main floor of your house, but so relieved that you and your family are safe. Hope everything will get back in order for you soon. Do take care!
Juliana says
Oh Catherine, I am so sorry to hear about what happen to your house...and glad to know that you and your family are well in spite of the destruction.
My thoughts are with you...
gi-gi says
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you. I can not even imagine how difficult this must be for you and your family. Praying for you all. gigi
Chiara Giglio says
I had no idea that the storm left your home devastated. I am so sorry to hear that !Now I'm glad to hear you and your family are safe,my thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear, and your family,a warm hugs...
sississima says
mi dispiace molto per quello che è successo, bye SILVIA
Arianna says
I'll give you my best wishes and I hope you are well.
sparkle100-havealook.blogspot.com says
I will keep you in my prayers.
You so need it my dear. So sorry to hear of the sadness in your heart and your friends and neighbours.
Thank you for letting us know you are save.
Kathy says
Catherine, I am so very sorry for all that you are going through. Our area was hit with a lot of trees down, but luckily no other damage except loss of power for 8 days. This storm sure has wrecked havoc on our beautiful coastline. My prayers and thoughts will be with you as you move forward.
Phil in the Kitchen says
I'm so sorry to hear such terrible news but very relieved to hear that you are safe. Looking forward to seeing you back to normal as soon as possible. All my best wishes.
What's Baking?? says
So sorry to hear this, Catherine. Most importantly is that you and your family are safe. Take care and hope all will be well again with you.
Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today says
I'm so sorry for your home, but you're right, the most important thing is that you and your family i s safe. Big hug from Berlin, Marta.
Penelope says
I'm so sorry dear Catherine.
I thought you (and the hole situation of the Huriccane, because of some other friend in N.Y.) I wish the very best soon...real soon.
Be brave!
Guru Uru says
My dear friend I am very sorry for your situation - know that we all support you very much!
Hugs
Uru
Couscous & Consciousness says
Oh Catherine, I'm so sorry to hear that you were affected by the storm. Having been through the Christchurch earthquake, a devastating experience, I know that with the support of your loved ones and the kindness and compassion of complete strangers, you will rebuild your life in time.
My thoughts are with you.
Sue xo
EastCoastLife says
Dear Catherine, so sorry to hear of your losses. Glad you and your family are safe. Sending you love and support from Singapore.
Katerina says
I am so very sorry about your home Catherine! I hope you will restore it as soon as possible! I am glad that you are with your family safe and sound. My thoughts are with you!
Sandee says
Considering all I hope you and yours have a very happy Thanksgiving. Hugs. 🙂
Gloria says
oh dear Im so sorry you lost your home, but Im glad you and yours are safe, anyway I send you loads o love and huggs and hope you be OK, blessings Catherine
Roz P. says
THANK GOD that you are safe with your family Catherine! When you are ready, I look forward to your wonderful posts and recipes! I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and am truly grateful for your friendship! I will continue to keep you in my prayers!
Big hugs,
Roz
Nelson says
Have a nice day dear friend! Greetings from Rio de Janeiro/Brasil!
Rita says
Sorry to hear what you are going through; sending good vibes your way!
Rita
Petra says
Thinking about you and all the goodness you share, and hoping you were able to give thanks for all that's good and fair midst the broken of life! God bless you much, especially with Him who is the greatest of all gifts, Christ and His forgiveness!! xoxo
Rosita Vargas says
Lindo y muy bien hecho,abrazos y abrazos.
Pearl says
Catherine! I am so sorry to hear this. I hope that you are now able to restore your home and normal activities. Im glad that you have a positive attitude on this trial.
Hugs and love sending your way.
Pearl
Pearl says
Catherine,
I have nominated your blog for an award. Check it out here whenever you have time. God's blessings to you.
http://windowshopping-pearl.blogspot.com/2012/11/blog-award-nomination-for-window.html
Pearl
Enrica says
Buona fortuna per tutto, di cuore!!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
Catherine,
I'm sorry to hear that you were impacted by the storm. Glad that you are safe though and hopefully things get back to normal for you and others in the area soon!
Te de Ternura says
CATALINA.. Espero que estéis mejorando, te mando un abrazo muy, muy fuerte AMIGA 🙂
Conxita
anniebakes says
dear catherine, many thoughts and hugs are coming your way for a speedy recovery!! I have missed you and glad to hear that you are with your family. Things can be replaced, but your loved ones can't. Take good care, anne
kathy libby says
So glad to gear you are safe. I have been wondering about you - missing your posts and hoping all was well. Hang in there my friend - my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Take care, Kathy
kathy libby says
So glad to gear you are safe. I have been wondering about you - missing your posts and hoping all was well. Hang in there my friend - my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Take care, Kathy
Gloria says
we miss you dear Catherine, hope you are better and take care dear:)
blessings
John Sealander says
I'm so sorry to hear about your house, but equally glad that you are safe. I'll be looking forward to the day when your wonderful recipes return...
Federica says
Oh Catherine, I'm so sorry that the storm has caused all this damage! I never thought anything like this! I'm glad to know that you and your family are ok and I hope everything gets back to normal as soon as possible. A big hug dear
Christine's Pantry says
Oh, no! I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. Thank God, you and your family is safe. I look forward to your return. Take care!
Gina Alfani says
(((HUGS))) sweet Catherine . . . so glad to hear that you and your family are ok, but sad to hear of your losses. Thank God for the kindness of strangers who have helped you.
Correen says
Thinking of you and all touched my "Storm Sandy". Take care.
marie Boutillon says
chère catherine ,je suis très heureuse de savoir que vous et votre famille ont échappés a tous cela et que vous etes saint et sauf,sachez que si vous avez besoin de quoi que ce soit matieres premiere ou tout autre chose vous pouvez comptez sur moi vous n'avez qu'a demandé,
amicalement
mary
marie Boutillon says
chère catherine ,je suis très heureuse de savoir que vous et votre famille ont échappés a tous cela et que vous etes saint et sauf,sachez que si vous avez besoin de quoi que ce soit matieres premiere ou tout autre chose vous pouvez comptez sur moi vous n'avez qu'a demandé,
amicalement
mary
Lizzy Do says
Catherine, I'm so, so sorry to hear about your home...but am relieved to know you are OK. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers and hope repairs come quickly. xo
Mi Ka says
I´m so, so sorry dear Catherine but I´m glad you are save. I wish you all the best and hope to see your recipes as soon as possible!
A lot of hugs to you!!
Ruth Reynoso-Sance says
Deeply sorry about your situation, I know it must be very hard going through this but continue being strong, this shall also pass...very soon it will only be a story worth telling. I send you lots of love to you and your family...
Linda A. Thompson-Ditch says
Oh my goodness! I am so glad to hear you are safe, and hopefully your home will be repaired soon and you can move forward. I'm sending good thoughts your way. Take care!
Jerry E Beuterbaugh says
I had a thought about you maybe being effected by Sandy as being the reason why you had not published anything that I was aware of in a while. I am very sorry for not inquiring about you earlier, and I sure hope your life can get back to at least semblance of normalcy much sooner than later!
Mike Golch says
I am glad that you are ok.property can be replaced.People cannot be.
Maureen says
I wondered if this had happened to you. What a horrible thing to happen and so many were affected. That you are okay is the best news.
Is there anything we can do to help?
Reeni Pisano says
I'm so sorry Catherine! Sending you and your family all my love and hugs! Miss you. oxox
Annmarie Pipa says
I hope things are getting resolved by now. what a powerful storm. I am sorry for you.
Loretta says
My dear Catherine, I have been so behind in blogging...please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I do hope things are getting done to help you and your family. Sending our love! Take very good care. Always, Loretta
Angie's Recipes says
Catherine, I'm so sorry that you lost the main floor of your home, but relieved to know that you are safe with your family.
(((HUG)))
The Café Sucré Farine says
Catherine, wow, that is such sad news, hope restoration is underway in all areas. You're right, all that really matters when it comes down to things on this earth is family and dear friends. Thinking and praying for you.
Carol Szafalowicz says
As always I came to your blog for
a recipe and just heard of your
sad news.
Big hug from Chicago. It will take
time but things will go back to a new normal.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Warmly, Carol from Chicago
Pam says
I've been playing catch-up with reading blogs and wondered why I haven't seen any posts from you and now I know. So sorry to hear this, Catherine, but am glad you and yours are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope to see you posting soon! God bless you all, my friend!
Amelia says
Hi my dear Catherine, drop by again with my warm regards to you and family. My thought are with you. May God bless you and all at home.
With lots of love and hugs.
Amelia
Jane says
Catherine, I am so sorry that you had to experience something so awful. It sounds, though, like you are intent on seeing the silver lining and I admire you greatly for that! I hope things work out well, despite any obstacles that may pop up, and that it doesn't take too long for you to be back in your home again. Sending warm thoughts your way!
Sandee says
I hope all is well Catherine. I think of you often and you are always in my prayers. Big hugs. 🙂
anthony stemke says
Dear Catherine, I hope things get back to normal soon. We know a lot of people in NYC and Long Island and are well aware of the situation.
Best wishes to you.
T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types says
I am so sorry to hear your news. It has been such a difficult time for so many people. Catherine, I wish you the best, and hope that things move forward for you quickly to put this devastation behind. Wishing you and your family blessings and peace.
Ol'Chicago says
Catherine, despite my gratitude that you and yours were not injured or far worse warms my heart.
Your loses make my heart heavy for the challenges you have faced and yet to come, thankfully stuff can be replaced.
Time & our place within it, a rather odd subject, for instance right now, as I write and you read is referred to as "the present" well that’s exactly what every moment is, a great big present, how we share our present with others is the quality of our lives, at least in my perception.
As the holidays approach I wish you and yours the best of health, fortune, wisdom and happiness
My blessings and warmest thoughts are with you.