Flower Friday ...

... tears of sadness. 

My fuchsia appears to be crying for all the loss of life and destruction happening in our South last night and today ... caused by Hurricane Helene.  

And even though we don't live in the South ... this has hit me particularly hard as we have ties to one of the areas affected.  In fact, we are/were scheduled to travel to Lake Lure in a week's time for a much needed vacation.  Not sure that's going to happen now ... but there is still hope.

One of the biggest losses (in my opinion) is the loss the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.  We have spent many hours on this lovely bridge ... and enjoyed every minute.  But, unfortunately, most of the bridge was swept away ... along with everything on it.  That would include not only the beautiful plants but many, many creatures ... including butterflies and lizards.  

Right down the road from the Flowering Bridge was the village of Chimney Rock ... which we also loved.  The French Broad River flows next to and through Chimney Rock.  Sadly, there isn't much of Chimney Rock Village left as the river swept through and took a lot of the buildings with it.  I'm still trying to wrap my head around the devastation we have seen on the internet of the area.  

But I know the people of North Carolina are strong and will rebuild as best they can.  But it's going to take some time ... and a whole lot of effort.   

Thanks to Anni (BikerBear) for keeping Friday's Beautiful.   Please have a look full screen.