Clean up Begins

The crews have been out today clearing the roads and now the electric workers are doing something with the lines on our road. Hoping to get electricity soon. School and work are both cancelled for the rest of the week. Internet right now but will go off soon. Phones, still intermittent. Contractor and insurance adjuster have both been by the house today, so maybe we can get the repairs started soon. Lunch/supper was fried fish, bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms and fried bread. Mmm Mmm! Thank goodness for the gas stove. And the fireplace, as it has gotten cold today.

No Way Out

Hubby couldn't find an open road out of town this morning. Landlord has mobilized a crew to sort out the situation. Just hoping they find a way in! Town crews are out clearing the trees from the roads. Maybe the electric company can come in and restore power soon. Hope so!

Back on Line

The girl did such a great job in my absence. I think I should just let her do the blog all the time!!
Still no electricity but the cell phones are back and hubby has some wires from the basement hooked to the generator to get the internet working. As soon as the generator goes off, we'll probably be incommunicado again.
Until then, here are some photos:

storm update: 30 october

Girl again:

I've just gotten a call from the family in NJ from one of their friend's cellphones that still works. They are completely out of electricity, AT&T is down so they have no phones or internet either. I didn't get to talk to them for long, but it doesn't seem like any other significant damage has been done. 

Please keep them in your thoughts, and know that they cannot currently respond to your messages, but are okay nonetheless!

Storm Update: 9 pm

Girl here, filling in for mom, who has been out of electricity for a couple hours (since about 7 pm).

A large tree hit the side of the house around 8 pm, slamming near the boy's bedroom and the dining area of the kitchen near to the bay window; luckily no windows were broken. She promises to post photos after it gets daylight.

There's also a large tree in the road in front of the house.

Hopefully things die down a bit overnight!

Here is a picture of the tree on the back of the house:

5pm

Not to be outdone by the tv weather people who have been on ALL day bringing us coverage, by standing out in the rain and wind, I put on my windbreaker and stood outside just a few minutes ago. My bangs did sort of blow aside just a bit, but it wasn't raining and I didn't need my hood.

4:30pm

Its now 4:30. The lights flickered once or twice today, but have not gone off. Its a little windier but is still only sprinkling rain off and on. A couple of smallish limbs have blown down into the yard. No reason to cancel school and work and close the library if you ask me. Note in the photos that not much has changed. I made Gil wear his Japanese hurricane suit outside, but he didn't really need it. I just think he looks cute in it. There was a squirrel out running around looking for nuts. He obviously didn't think it was such a big storm. At least not yet. The boy and I got our jack-o-lanterns carved. Now we're ready, in case trick or treat doesn't get cancelled.

Noon

At noon, its barely raining here right now. Hub and boy both at home.

The Rain Begins

8am Monday, Oct. 29, 2012. The rain has begun. It is pretty windy. Rain, leaves and small bits of things pelt the windows.
Electricity is on, shelves are full of food and drink. Generator is in place. Bathtub is full of water. School is cancelled. We think we are ready.

Storm Prep

  You may have heard of the super storm that is heading our way. The news reports are whipping everyone into a frenzy. The governor has had 2 news conferences already today. We have filled up the gas tanks of the cars and gas cans for the generator. The generator has been moved in to place on the porch, in case we need it. The bath tub is soon to be filled with water. We have plenty of food, water and wine to get through at least 3 days. The bag is packed in case we need to have an emergency evacuation of the house. Went to get in my car this morning and discovered a dead battery. Bought some jumper cables( since ours disappeared before or during our move to Japan) and got it going. And have spent the rest of the day baking.

Will let you know if it turns out to be as bad as they are predicting.

Hudson River Walk

Went with some friends in to New York to do the Hudson River Walk. Its an old railway that
has been turned into a park and walkway across the Hudson River. Quite pretty this time of year.

The boy took the car last night for his first drive, all by himself. He drove to school for an activity and apparently it went well. He and the car came back in one piece!

Cheese

At my cooking lesson we learned about a type of cheese that I had never heard of. We ate it on crostini with some tomato and arugula. I found the cheese yesterday at my local grocery.

Its called Burrata. Its like a ball of fresh mozzerella but with creamy cheese inside. If you haven't tried it before, you should look for it. Its really quite delicious! 

Cooking Class

Went to Pennsylvania for a cooking class with the IFC. Around the World in a lot of appetizers. Had lots of fun. Found a few good recipes.

New Driver

We have a new licensed driver in the house! He took the test today and passed.
After faxing in the school transcript to the DMV at the last minute he was able to 
take the picture and get the probationary license. Woo Hoo!

Hiking

Photos from a recent trip with the hiking group.