Goodbye Irene!

We are safe!

Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and concern

 for my family, friends and all the folks up and down the east coast.

There are many people dealing with picking up the pieces...

flooding, downed trees, etc.

My Dad and I, up in the Adirondack mountains,

 survived 24 hours of harrowing wind and rain.

Branches and debris hit the roof and rain pelted the windows from all directions.

 It was scary!

 We watched 3 huge pine trees fall and crash down at the edge of the property...and are so grateful that they fell into the woods and not toward our homes.  

We do not have any electric power up here now and don't expect it to be restored for several days.

 There are numerous trees hanging on the power lines.

But despite laying awake last night, listening to the giant pines cracking...intermittent sleep and lots of prayers...

this morning the sky was bright blue and everything was calm.

Mr. Flea is back home  dealing with

 more downed trees in the yard there and a flooded basement.

Kate, after being evacuated, is hoping to get back to her apartment in Brooklyn and then to Manhattan to work sometime later today.

Here is a snapshot of the outlet for the lake....

notice the water is flowing into the lake!

The forecast is for sunny skies the rest of the week.

We are thankful for that as we clean up the mess

 Irene has left behind.

Our hearts go out to those who have suffered more damage

 in other areas that were hit even harder.

It may be a while before we have power restored...

...until then, thank you again for your prayers!

Take care my friends,

Laura and family