What was left of the pool cage that towered over our lanai and pool.
When the tornado ripped through and shredded the back of my house, I was stunned. Total disbelief! We hadn’t even braced for a storm that night—there was no warning, no time to prepare. But Hurricane Milton had plans of its own. First came the tornado, fast and furious, and then the wind and water of the hurricane slammed into us. It hit hard, and it hit fast. The wreckage was disorienting. Parts of my roof were gone. The pool cage was a twisted pile of metal and screen, I could see the wooden roof structure above where the ceilings had been sucked out and the back of my living room was blown into the house with glass strewn everywhere (the back of my house was a series of glass sliding doors leading to the patio). But as the dust settled and the clean-up began, I found strange comfort in the small things I chose to replace first, the little signs that life was moving forward and things would be okay.
One of the first was a New Mailbox. It might seem insignificant, but the Post Office wouldn’t deliver our mail without one, and ours was in a pile in a neighbor’s yard along with 5 or 6 others. I’d had the same Step2 mailbox that came with the house when it was built in the early 1990s. It was still in one piece, but the back was open. I was impressed that of all the things that were outside, this somehow survived, war-torn, but in one piece. I knew that I had to replace it with another one, a bigger, better model. One that said I’m still here. Mail still comes. Life still rolls on.
Step2 Atherton Mail Post & XL Mailbox
The Atherton XL Mailbox & Post delivers a seamless blend of elegance, function, and durability, all in one thoughtfully designed package. With its classic look (it looks like it belongs in Southern Charm, New England, or the Heartland) and featuring recessed panels, crown molding, and crisp wood-like corners, it adds timeless curb appeal. I had noticed that one of my neighbors had one, and knew that it would look GREAT in front of ANY style of house.
My mailwoman has thanked me MULTIPLE times for getting the large version!!
It’s built to accommodate more than just your daily mail, its extra-large capacity easily fits small to medium-sized packages. My mail carrier doesn’t have to bring everything to my door anymore (unless it’s a large box). It’s got a dedicated newspaper holder that keeps papers and magazines clean and off the ground, while the magnetic front-door closure keeps everything secure inside. This mailbox is built to last, it’s crafted from weather-resistant resin (just like our last one) that won’t require painting, sanding, or staining. The sturdy stainless steel support plate ensures your mailbox stays stable and sag-free, while the post is designed for quick installation over a standard 4×4 wooden post (I picked mine up at Home Depot). It’s convenience, style, and durability—all in one.
- Available at Step2
The floor looked like sandpiles of glass where Baby used to sleep.
Baby, the bull terrier, poor thing, had been a bundle of nerves ever since the storm. It was bad. She was sitting by my husband when the glass blew in around them. But, I found out when I went outside that my neighbor lost their ENTIRE HOME! They ran across the street with their dog to stay at another neighbor’s house after all that was left was the shell of a garage. I ran down and gave them Baby’s bed, so their dog would have a place to sleep. My dog could sleep in my bed with me for a few nights, but they didn’t have the luxury of even having a bed (or a bedroom for that matter). It was time to get her a cozy Dog Bed. One that would be good on her arthritic joints, with bolstered sides that she could feel safe in. She curls into it like she’s trying to forget what happened.
Impact Orthopedic Dog Bed
The Impact Orthopedic Dog Bed is the ultimate blend of comfort, durability, and thoughtful design—crafted to support your dog’s health while looking great in your home. Made with high-density memory foam, it cushions joints and relieves pressure points, making it an ideal retreat for older dogs, pups with arthritis, or any furry friend who loves a plush place to snooze. The water-resistant suede exterior not only looks luxurious but stands up to stains and odors, keeping things fresh. When it’s time to clean, the removable, machine-washable cover makes the process effortless. Designed in multiple sizes to suit every breed, this bed doesn’t just provide comfort—it promotes better sleep, healthier joints, and happier pups.
As you can see…someone LOVES her new Impact Orthopedic Bed.
Whether you’re upgrading from a flat old mat or looking for recovery support for your senior dog, the Impact Orthopedic Dog Bed is a cozy, long-lasting investment in your pet’s well-being.
- Available at Impact Dog Crates
The backyard became my healing space. Unfortunately, there was not a lot left. I still have my hammock stand as I keep it in the garage off-season. So, I pulled it out, slid the bars into place, and I strung up a Hammock by the Pool, where I could rock gently and listen to the breeze instead of sirens.
Yellow Leaf Hammocks
I wanted something that was classic and comforting at the same time, and if you’re not here for the very first time, you know that my signature look is stripes. As a New Englander (I’m from Rhode Island) now in Florida, it was a no-brainer that the Vineyard Haven Hammock would be the one that I would feel a sense of peace in.
The Vineyard Haven Hammock from Yellow Leaf Hammocks is your personal slice of paradise—expertly handcrafted for those who take relaxation seriously. Woven with over 150,000 ultra-soft loops using their signature Weightless Weave™, this hammock wraps you in a light-as-air cocoon that feels like floating on a cloud. Whether you choose the Classic (10′ L x 6′ W, supports up to 400 lbs) or the roomy Family size (11′ L x 9′ W, supports up to 550 lbs), there’s plenty of space to stretch out solo or snuggle up with the crew.
My backyard retreat.
Made from weather-safe Performance Yarn™, it resists fading in the sun and stands strong against rain, humidity, rot, mold, and mildew—so it’s perfect for year-round lounging outdoors. Weighing just 1.7 lbs (Classic) or 2.3 lbs (Family), it’s easy to hang and even easier to love. Handwoven by skilled artisans in rural Thailand, every hammock directly supports sustainable jobs and community empowerment. The crisp navy blue and bright white colorway adds a nautical, breezy vibe to your backyard, porch, or poolside. If you’re looking to elevate your chill time with comfort, beauty, and purpose, the Vineyard Haven Hammock checks all the boxes.
- Available at Yellow Leaf Hammocks
I’m a coffee addict, and I’m pretty particular about what I drink, so when there’s no power in the house and all you have is a grill to heat a pot of water on, it’s not instant coffee that I want; it’s a big mug of French pressed coffee. It’s the purest way to make coffee, as the only 2 things needed are the coffee and water (no paper, etc.). It also just happens to be one of my go-tos anyway, so having a French Press for coffee after the storm gave me a sense of normalcy.
Barista & Co
The Core Coffee Press from Barista & Co is a sleek, eco-conscious cafetière designed for coffee lovers who appreciate both form and function. Crafted from high-quality borosilicate glass and premium stainless steel, this 100% plastic-free press offers a durable and stylish brewing experience.
Perfect for my mid-afternoon coffee now that we have the calm after the storm
Its medium-strength design is perfect for those who enjoy a balanced cup, and it’s available in two sizes: 350ml and 1L, catering to both solo sippers and coffee-sharing households. The Core Coffee Press not only delivers rich, velvety coffee but also aligns with sustainable living, making it a standout choice for the environmentally conscious. For me, it’s an absolute must-have, not only for situations like we had, but for that afternoon coffee EVERY day.
- Available from Barista & Co
My pool, my retreat from when I’ve worked a long, hard day, my quick plunge, feel better, need a 10-minute vacation place that I stare at as I write every day. Filled with screens and cage, furniture and pillows, trash and grill parts, branches and leaves….lots and lots of leaves and NO POOL CAGE. It turns out that the cage was NOT covered by insurance because of the age, so as we clean (and clean and clean) we decided to screen in the lanai and leave the pool uncovered. But, there would be leaves as we still have trees in the yard (although fewer branches than we did before the storm). The Pool Cleaner seems like an odd thing to cherish, maybe, but watching it sweep away the last muddy reminders of the storm brought a peace I didn’t expect.
SMONET SR5 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
The SR5 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner from SMONET is a cutting-edge solution designed to effortlessly maintain your pool’s surface, removing everything from pet hair and pollen to leaves and stubborn bugs. Say goodbye to manual skimming—this sleek, solar-powered device works autonomously with dual charging options: eco-friendly solar power and a backup power adapter for cloudy days, with a quick 2.5-hour charge time to keep things running smoothly.
Yes, this is the same pool – CLEAN and ready to swim in.
Built for durability, it features a UV-resistant coating and smart ultrasonic radar sensors that detect and avoid obstacles in real time, preventing collisions or getting stuck near walls or steps. Whether your pool is saltwater or freshwater, round or rectangular, the SR5 adapts seamlessly to any shape and environment. With dual-speed modes, you can choose between a longer runtime or quicker cleaning, and the large, easy-access debris basket means less emptying and more relaxing. Backed by a 1-year replacement policy and a 2-year repair warranty, plus responsive tech support, this pool cleaner takes the hassle out of pool maintenance so you can get back to enjoying your swim.
- Available on Amazon
What I’ve learned? The things you replace say a lot about what you value. And sometimes, the smallest comforts are the ones that hold you together. We still have a lot to do on the house (our back slider needs to be put in and we’ve got ceilings & insulation to do), but it’s starting to feel like home again. They say it’s the little things that count, and I have to agree 100%
