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| LIAM WEARING HEADLAMP AROUND HIS NECK |
The last week in August brings a bazaar/feast/fair to New Hyde Park. It is held on the town park grounds across the street and has the creaky rides, mixed grill smells, and awful stuffed animal prizes. People love it. The weekend fireworks are a highlight for many. The fireworks have been the source of increasing terror for Liam and a fear for us that his shaking body will one year cause severe damage to his heart.
Hurricane Irene stopped the festivities and closed the party down. No fireworks. Though Irene did not hit NY as a hurricane, I will never downgrade her to a tropical storm, as the damage will put her up in the top storms of all time.
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| CAUSE OF OUR POWER LOSS |
The winds came early in the morning Sunday, August 28. That is when the trees started falling. Long Island's sandy soil so saturated with rain from recent storms can no longer hold onto its trees. They fell steadily all over New Hyde Park as well as other Long Island towns Two on our block fell together at 9:20AM Sunday -looking like a mirror image of each other as they landed in the exact same position 10 feet apart. The trees fell all day, smashing houses. cutting wires, pulling up foundations, crushing cars.
That began a week of no power. Routines were upended.
That began a week of no power. Routines were upended.
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| BOOK DOES NOT NEED A CHARGE, BOOK LIGHT ABOVE |
I fully charged all my devices on Saturday. Nevertheless, power ebbs I made my first trip to the car to charge my blackberry on Sunday afternoon, risking my life under an oak. I brought a flashlight and a book. IPAD was at 90%, so no fear there yet.
Monday I knew the libraries would be packed with folks charging so I looked for alternative locations. Starbucks had more devices charging than lattes being drunk; no outlets available on Monday. I did use the North Shore LIJ waiting room, unplugging a lamp. IPAD at 75%.
We were able to use a restaurant gift card for dinner Monday night. Refugees from the storm made it a packed house with sort of disaster camaraderie all around.
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| WINE AND HEAD LAMP |
On Monday night, I wine texted a group of friends to call me at 7AM to get us up for Paul's appt. Four called. Nice. We made it. Thanks folks. As a result, I figured how to set the alarm on my blackberry. Something learned from Irene.
Tuesday dinner we have our first whole pizza since 1986. The uneaten slices go in the cooler. Yuck. The congealed cheese on ice is so appealing the next day.
IPAD down to an alarming 32%. I am using it when I am out.
IPAD at 10% by Wednesday afternoon, I charge it at the gym while rowing, get it back up to 57%. I would have had to exercise for 2 more hours to reach 100%.
Wednesday dinner we have our first Chinese takeout since 1991.
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| STORM EQUIPMENT |
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| STORM CENTRAL |
By this time I have purchased headlamps, book lights, and better flashlights. Eating while wearing my head lamp proves very efficient.
In every place I frequent, I know where every outlet is. I feel a buzz, a charge, whenever I see an unused, unguarded one. I wonder if this new found excitement will last when/if the power returns.
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| LIAM LOOKING AT WHAT REMAINS IN FRIDGE-4 SAM ADAMS |
Our food is thrown out and the fridge cleaned. Wow, It looks good. Only survivors are some Sam Adams.
By Wednesday, August 31 we are into day 4. This date is the anniversary of Hurricane Carol, 8/31/54. http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/hurricane/hurricaneCarol.shtml
I remember it, I was recently four years old, as tall as the window ledge, and was tasked with the job of mopping up the gushing water streaming through the windows of our apartment. My mother somehow put the idea in my head that I was responsible for Carol's ruthless fury. It was so fierce a storm that the name "Carol" was retired from hurricane names forever.
I remember it, I was recently four years old, as tall as the window ledge, and was tasked with the job of mopping up the gushing water streaming through the windows of our apartment. My mother somehow put the idea in my head that I was responsible for Carol's ruthless fury. It was so fierce a storm that the name "Carol" was retired from hurricane names forever.
At 8:11PM, the lights come on. I feel such joy. I also feel sad for those who have had so much to deal with and will continue to struggle in the coming weeks and months.
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| NIGHT OF AUGUST 28, IRENE MOVING ON |
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| MONDAY AUGUST 29, SAME SCENE |
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| LIAM RESTING ON NEWLY DRY LAWN LAST WEEK |
What is next? rain, rain, and more rain, water where it should not be. The wettest August in history.
Woof, Woof
Woof, Woof
