Gratitude today

I couldn't let this morning pass without saying how grateful I am for getting through this past week - with its many challenges.  First we had a 5.9 earthquake to deal with and although I didn't actually feel it, it definitely scared me!  And before we had a chance to process that unusual occurrence, we had a serious hurricane bearing down on us.

I would say that the entire east coast deserves a break.  This morning is so beautiful, bright blue skies and cool temperatures, it's a perfect day to be grateful for having survived a very intense week.  

I have to admit, I was a bit scared about the hurricane and I definitely went stir crazy waiting - but I did quite a bit of de-cluttering and ate well (thanks to Nate, Abigail's son) and I read and went to the gym.  I'm sorry that the storm caused so many problems, but hopefully we won't face anything like this past week again for another seventy or so years. 

Sunday morning - Hurricane Irene aftermath

New York and all the states seems to have really learned from Hurricane Katrina and their emergency plans were in place.  Also, the hurricane really hasn't been much of a storm, at least not in the city.  Outside of the city, it was terrible. 

I was a little scared, I have to admit, but it was lovely to be here with Abigail and Nate.  Nate cooked us a fantastic dinner, chicken tikka masala and dal.  

We watched a rather odd film called "The Trip."  

Here are some photos from a walk through SoHo this morning.  The scaffolding on top of the Puck Building is leaning over the front of the building and Lafayette Street is blocked off to traffic.  That was really the only damage I could see, other than some tree branches falling.


New York City was very lucky. 

Getting closer

As the hurricane makes its way up the coast, it is eerily quiet in NYC.  All the stores in SoHo have signs saying, "Due to inclement weather, we will be closed Saturday and Sunday."  

I think we're all trying to just stay calm and trust that the city has made the right emergency plans.  It definitely feels today like the calm before the storm.

It's a good time to remember the Serenity Prayer, to read a good book, and to not watch the Weather Channel.  I also hope to get motivated tomorrow to de-clutter and keep busy.  How I will walk Lucy is going to be a challenge. 

As my friend Nelle from Capetown, South Africa said this morning, "We'll just have to take it in our stride."  
 

Hurricane watch

A hurricane is making its way up the eastern seaboard.  Abigail and I went grocery shopping today and we have more food in the loft than we've had in the two years I've lived here.  I just made a delicious pasta with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil.  We have plenty of water, and ice cream.  Hopefully we won't lose power.

It seems that the hurricane is being downgraded and probably won't be that bad - but I think it's great that the city has been preparing for it.  I thought of my mother because she would have had to have been evacuated.  I missed her - those feelings come up without warning, I just feel sad and miss having her to talk to.

All public transportation will be shut down by noon tomorrow.  Soho will be deserted!!   I'm hoping it is not a serious hurricane and it passes through with no damage and no loss of life.