Irene

From Hopalong's mom in Williamsburg, VA on Tuesday, August 30th:

I have new respect for Abe Lincoln so often pictured in his log cabin reading by a single flickering candle. Our trinity this Irene were the flashlights from Baleen and Hopalong's wedding, a gas grill, and a good book on the iPad. Grizzly would add a chain saw with a good sharp blade to that group.

Power is finally back (on Tuesday) and the good news is that the refrig is totally empty except for a few bottles of beer. The freezer too. Both are cloroxed and cleaned and sparkling. It feels great to throw away almost every single food or drink item with the excuse that I am doing the right thing. Remember the kafirr lime leaves that Margarine used in his Thai soup three years ago? Purged. Ever useful, they are creating a nice kitchen aroma simmering in a pot of lemon water. Helps balance the rotten refrig smell.

There seem to be some major water problems in New Jersey so Griz wants to travel asap. Next door, the Beach house has fearless tree climbers up and cutting with a big log moving vehicle taking up most of the cul de sac. Southall Road must have had 8 huge hardwood trees fall directly across the road. Four or five crews are cleaning up every few miles along the road. Back to work, but I wanted to say we are so lucky to only have a little damage and to live in modern times. 

The Friday night calm before the storm

108 after Irene: better than expected and better than Isabel