Cheri and Ron

Jon and Sharon · 02-02-2007, 09:04 AM

Has anyone heard if Cheri and Ron are okay?

Jon and Sharon · 02-02-2007, 09:04 AM

Has anyone heard if Cheri and Ron are okay?

Half Dimes · 02-02-2007, 10:05 AM

Just contacted Cheri and they are ok. No damage in their neighborhood. She will log on later.

Cookestwo · 02-02-2007, 10:28 AM

Dear Boomers:

Praise the Lord, we are fine. We received a phone call from friends in VA this morning around 7:00, asking how we were doing. We didn't have a clue what she was talking about. When I looked outside, the only thing I saw were wet streets. No leaves, branches or debris. However, when I turned on the TV, HOLY COW!

We took a drive to the newest area of The Villages, and couldn't believe the devastation. These homes are less than 2 years old. Typical of tornadoes, one house was badly damaged, while the house next door was fine.

We didn't drive into the heavily damaged area, because they were only allowing people who had business there, and of course, we did not.

At last count, the damaged homes totaled over 1,000. This is a 30,000 home retirement community, so the numbers are significant. I was thinking the worst part was that there is not an alarm system in place, but according to David Nichols "Half Dimes", there was only an 8-minute warning before the first of 7 tornadoes touched down. Three out of the seven were a category F-3. Needless to say, we are buying a Weatherband Radio.

Thankfully, there were no fatalities in The Villages and about a dozen or so folks were transported to local hospitals. The fatality tragedy was in the Lake County area, not far from Lake Griffin State Park where many of you camped back in the fall. In two of the mobile home parks there, I believe there were at least 17 deaths. While we are thankful for our safety and well-being, our hearts are breaking for those less fortunate. It seems at times it's those who can afford it the least, who get hit the hardest.

Thank you so much, for your phone calls and emails of concern. We appreciate them and you!

Love,

Half Dimes · 02-02-2007, 10:55 AM

Cheri,
We sent you an iRV2 PM about the make and model of our weather radio.

Vectrola · 02-02-2007, 11:07 AM

Cheri,
Glad to hear you and Ron are OK.
Carolyn And JIm

Xeroid · 02-02-2007, 01:46 PM

Cheri and Ron, Glad to hear that everything is OK with you = you have been in our thoughts all day. We not only keep a weather radio at home we also travel with one in the motorhome. And last year, when we traveled in "Tornado Alley" we always asked about the tornado shelter. Bill and Jan

Jon and Sharon · 02-02-2007, 05:12 PM

Cheri and Ron,

Jon and I are happy to hear that both of you are safe and sound.

Take care,
Sharon and Jon

JAXFL · 02-03-2007, 11:43 AM

Yes glad to here that Cheri and Ron are OK and that your home made it without damage. Hope that no one you know was hurt and that the Villages are rebuilt again.

Cookestwo · 02-03-2007, 12:14 PM

When we first moved here we heard all the time that THE VILLAGES is "America's Friendliest Hometown". I think they should change that to "America's Most Compassionate Hometown".

Ron and I offered our home to anyone who needed a place to stay for as long as they needed. We figured we'd have a lot of takers right away. WRONG! Everyone who needed a home to stay in has already been placed YESTERDAY! The Emergency Service here has a list of over 500 names of folks who are offering their homes and just waiting for company. Additionally, they have an abundance of clothing available still, as well as non-perishable food items. Even the needs of their four-legged families have been taken care of. There was a list of people who offered medical assistance if needed as well as any type of home aid. I was so blessed to hear that, and it just takes my breath away.

There are utility trucks from all over Florida, assisting in the restoration of electricity, gas and water. One of the contractors who builds homes for The Villages has donated over $10,000 worth of tarps for roofs as has Home Depot. The areas hardest hit still resemble a war zone, but help is on the way. When we went to sign up about sharing our home, we saw an abundance of Homeowners Insurance trailers and motorhomes set up with their satellite dishes in the air, so that people could file their claims expeditiously. Amazing. Everywhere we turn, we see God's hand in the restoration process.

Again, thank you so much, for your phone calls and emails of concern. We appreciate them and all of you!

Love,

Beaver 08 · 02-03-2007, 03:41 PM

Cheri and Ron glad to see you are OK. Hard to believe the damage that was done .we were away and just got back to hear about all the damage. We look forward to seeing you in April. we are also trying to get to go to the St patrick outing.

**RV Wizard** · 02-04-2007, 03:04 AM

Cheri & Ron, we are glad to see that you are ok and no damage was done to your home. We feel so bad for those that did loose everything and even worse for those that have lost loved ones. Take care.

Cookestwo · 02-04-2007, 02:45 PM

You're right, Mike. It was very sad.

Today, however was a major blessing and testimony. A church about 10 miles from the Villages was totally raised to the ground. This morning, the Pastor stood on top of the pile of rubble and they had church.

Yesterday, Katy Couric was interviewing him asking how he could have a service when they didn't have a church. The Pastor told her, "We don't have a BUILDING, but we definitely have a church. The people are the CHURCH." Wasn't that awesome?

Thanks to all for your concern. We are doing great!