Grim weather reports, but I'm OK (right now)
I looked out my window this morning and the scene was calm. The leaves on the willow tree, whose branches reach within 10 yards of my bedroom window, were barely moving. It had rained slightly overnight and the deck was wet. The sky is very grey and the stillness of everything outside is foreboding. The birds are quite noisy though and the feral cats that come to my yard everyday are up on my deck now staring into the window.
We have been inundated with news of this Frankenstorm (as it is called) for a few days now. Stores are now out of generators, batteries, flashlights, radios and anything else that they think necessary to protect them and their property from the ravages of Hurricane Sandy. I imagine the grocery stores have sold more bread and milk in this past week than they have since last year's October surprise.
Hubby and I have been working since Friday trying to get ready for what's to come. What we could not put away, we have tied down. Fresh batteries have been put in all that need them and we have candles on every table. We have even made some shelters for those outside cats, because we have learned to care about them and hope no harm comes their way.
Sitting here waiting for the inevitable is not easy. Most people are frightened and it is hard to imagine what will be the outcome of this hurricane. Yes, I have been around for many of these in my life, but for the most part, they start further south and subside to a tropical storm before they get here. This one is different and will plow into the middle Atlantic states with all it's power. As it moves across our landscape it will meet up with other storms coming from the west to give us a double whammy. Winds of up to 80 mph are expected to bring down trees and power lines and the predictions are that it will affect 50 million people.
I haven't given up hope that this storm will turn east and continue out to sea, but that is not being realistic. However, with all the warnings we have been given and the preparations made, we will come out this, possibly battered down some, but ready to pick up and carry on. I am just hoping not to wake up tomorrow morning and find that branch from the willow, or perhaps a larger part of the tree, laying in the bed next to me.
I saw some geese flying south earlier today. How easy it is for them to just pick up and leave.
I looked out my window this morning and the scene was calm. The leaves on the willow tree, whose branches reach within 10 yards of my bedroom window, were barely moving. It had rained slightly overnight and the deck was wet. The sky is very grey and the stillness of everything outside is foreboding. The birds are quite noisy though and the feral cats that come to my yard everyday are up on my deck now staring into the window.
We have been inundated with news of this Frankenstorm (as it is called) for a few days now. Stores are now out of generators, batteries, flashlights, radios and anything else that they think necessary to protect them and their property from the ravages of Hurricane Sandy. I imagine the grocery stores have sold more bread and milk in this past week than they have since last year's October surprise.
Hubby and I have been working since Friday trying to get ready for what's to come. What we could not put away, we have tied down. Fresh batteries have been put in all that need them and we have candles on every table. We have even made some shelters for those outside cats, because we have learned to care about them and hope no harm comes their way.
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| The clouds are gathering |
I haven't given up hope that this storm will turn east and continue out to sea, but that is not being realistic. However, with all the warnings we have been given and the preparations made, we will come out this, possibly battered down some, but ready to pick up and carry on. I am just hoping not to wake up tomorrow morning and find that branch from the willow, or perhaps a larger part of the tree, laying in the bed next to me.
I saw some geese flying south earlier today. How easy it is for them to just pick up and leave.
just heard about the storm on the news...
ReplyDeletekeep safe dear one
I've been following the news of Sandy too. It sounds scary. Arleen my thoughts and prayers are with you all - Keep safe
ReplyDeleteWishing you and everyone south of us a safe and dry week. So far My family and friends in NJ are all okay, and my brother said it's much ado about nothing, but that's what I thought last Summer. So.
ReplyDeleteStill holding the thought that miraculously Sandy will turn out to the ocean. There's a chill to the air here, and it has that smell of an icy edge.
Be safe, dear Arleen.
Thank you for your good thoughts John, Molly and Laura. I am making some comfort food right now to keep my mind off of what will come our way.
ReplyDeleteThis does, indeed, seem like it will be a monster storm. We deal with tornadoes more in my neck of the woods although some hurricanes have moved up into our area. But that is rare. I wish for you safe and secure times during this storm. I am thankful you have fixed a shelter for the outside kitties. Here's hoping the willow tree weathers Sandy and comes out just fine.
ReplyDeleteTake care and be safe.
Coleen...litlmarysunshine
Hold on tight......we'll weather it together.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you and your well being in my thoughts. Candles, wine and a good book. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteStay safe and warm, my friend, and I like that you made some shelter for the feral cats. That gray one is pretty; we have a feral black cat who likes to look in our house through the patio doors.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that the storm will turn out to be another catastrophe that doesn't happen. Wishing you a safe paassage in the storm.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I see happening to south New Jersey, it is everything that was predicted. The winds are revving up here now.
DeleteI really, really hope you guys will be okay. Just remember if using a generator not to put it in your garage or basement, or anywhere where you'll be staying inside. The fumes are very dangerous.
ReplyDeleteTake care.xxxx
I do not have a generator, but my daughter does. They know the proper usage of one. I checked after you sent me this comment.
DeleteUgh. I feel awful for you. I'm crossing my fingers that you and all your family will remain safe and dry. Good luck. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWe are doing ok so far and I have made tons of comfort food to get me through. The worst though is coming late afternoon and tonight.
DeleteArleen - you are in my thoughts and prayers. It is on our news as I type.
ReplyDeleteIn a country where you have a high percentage of wooden homes, it must be very worrying. Best, maybe, to just be philosophical about the whole thing; sit back, accept what comes, then clear up later. What else can one do.
ReplyDeleteWe'll all be thinking of all of you. Stay safe, Cro.
Most of us will be safe if we pay attention and take all the precautions told to us. The only people out in this storm now are emergency personnel and news reporters..
DeleteYou are in my heart and mind today too. (and I love the lop eared feral who has wormed his way into your heart. I have everything crossed for you all.
ReplyDeleteThat's our Vanna Gogh (one ear). We fed her and her friends this morning and have not seen them since. Hopefully, they are under our deck in our put together shelters.
DeleteOur son works in NYC, lives in Jersey City, and is in storm's path. We talked with him Fri. night, but don't know what his plans are.
ReplyDeleteKeep dry, keep safe. Take photos.
Love the cat--we had ones like it on the farm, and they were beautiful too.
Any area that is considered prone dangerous is being evacuated. Everything has been put in place to keep people safe. People just have to listen.
ReplyDeletePolitics be damned, government is finally working together on something.
Sandy has sure shocked the country this time! Prayers going out to the Northeast this morning.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being the first follower on my new blog! You made my day :)
Dear Arleen, it's Tuesday morning here and I've read the headlines and some articles in the New York Times, which is my computer default. I'm hoping for you that you did not sustain any damage. This truly is a Frankenstorm. People on the East Coast between North Carolina and Boston must be so frightened. And those in New Jersey must have been terrified. Now comes the clean-up. More importantly, now comes the time to determine if anyone has died. I so hope not. Take care of yourselves. I'm relieved to know that you take care of the feral cats. What a friend you are to them. A St. Francis of Assisi. Peace.
ReplyDeleteIt was a terrible night but we came through it OK. We are one of the lucky ones with electricity. Hubby left for work a little while ago, but only got a little bit down the road before he found roads closed. Against better judgement, he continued on his way trying to find a safe route to work. I doubt if he will find many others in the office as the the powers that be are telling people to stay off the roads. There is debris all around.
DeleteIt seems the worst damage is in New Jersey, especially at the shore area. It is beyond what one could imagine. It is going to be a long recovery.
The sound and the power of the wind last night was a nightmare.
Nice kitty!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see, from the comments, that you've made it through, and with electricity yet.
I cannot imagine the sound and the strength of the wind...
Pearl
Very many people in the UK have close connections with the USA, our closest ally. I have several friends living in and visiting New York at this moment and cousins safely out of the storms path in Lexington KY, Atlanta GA, Naples FLA and Toronto.
ReplyDeleteSo we are all feeling anxious for your safety and hoping for the best possible outcome. As the President said, you will get over it!
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I'm so glad that you and your husband are doing well. I'm sure that there will be many after effects, but hopefully this is the worst of it. It's devastating seeing how many families lost their homes, and their livelihoods from the Frankenstorm. Julie
ReplyDeleteHi Arleen,
ReplyDeleteAnd my comment is during the aftermath of such devastation from such a havoc of nature. We are heartened that you have come through such an ordeal relatively okay. Our thoughts go out to our friends on the east coast of America and Canada who have endured so much. Our condolences to those who have lost ones during this wrath of nature.
Take very good care of you and your loved ones.
Gary
glad you are safe. we are safe too. the devastation is incredible and unbelievable! the whole country needs prayers.
ReplyDeleteThey also need flood insurance.
DeleteI'm stopping by to let you know I will be awarding you with the Top Commenter award in my post tomorrow. Thanks so much for following Ocean Advocate
ReplyDelete