Day 305: Halloween

Recovery in the storm zone is going to take years.  NYC is up and running a bit more today with busses and cabs operating, but some of the subway stations are under thirty feet of water.  None of the kids could  go to work today, but they are safe and have power, which is more than most.

I called my aunt to get a report on the New Jersey contingent of the family.  None of them have power.  She spent the night of the storm in her house very frightened.  A tree fell in the yard and the roof is damaged, but otherwise, she's ok.  The same is true for all my cousins.  My uncle on Staten Island stayed with his house and it did not flood when all of his neighbors' houses did because his is on a very slight hill.  His grandson lost his house on the Jersey shore.

We feel immensely grateful for our many blessings. Most of our family was in the storm's path and no one was injured.

Day 304: Post Sandy

Sandy was a storm of historic proportions and we were blessed that we were just sideswiped by it.  More rain from the residue of the storm is due over the next two days, but that's nothing compared to the assault on NJ and NYC.

Our guys are doing fine, although they are going stir crazy and can't get to work yet.  The subways are flooded with corrosive salt water so getting them back on line will take days.  The worst part of the disaster in Queens was that 80 houses burned to the ground due to exploding transformers.  Much of the NJ coast is still under water.  Lots of people are homeless and displaced tonight, yet we are snug and warm.

Canadaway Creek rose several feet last night, but calmed down toward morning.  Very few schools in the state were open today, even though it was a lovely mild day here.  

Looking north from the bridge

Looking north from Forest Place

Day 303: Sandy hits

The superstorm has struck and the east coast and NYC are a mess.  All of our sons are safely tucked into their apartments with plenty of supplies, but many other people are in trouble.  Most of Atlantic City, NJ is underwater.  The tunnels and and subways are taking on water, electricity is out below 34th St. and the lower east side is flooded.

At home the winds are strong and the rain has not stopped all day.  Fortunately, our sump pump continues to run, we have electricity and there's no damage to the house so far.

Blue Heron in Canadaway Creek

Canadaway Creek on Forest Place

Russell Joy Park

We went out for a walk this morning in the rain cause I couldn't stand to be inside anymore.  I put my camera in a plastic bag around my neck, hoping to get a few pictures.   As we approached Canadaway Creek, we noticed the milkweed pods had not popped open yet.  It was raining so I didn't have the camera out and there suddenly in the creek was the great blue heron!  It was fishing along the shore even though the water was raging.   It took off quickly and flew downstream.  They are such impressive birds with their long necks and skinny legs.  The wing span is about 4 feet and I missed the close up shot of it flying again.  It landed about fifty feet away and began its quest for a meal again.

Day 302: Housebound

Steve was at meetings at the county Office of Emergency Services most of the day and he will return for more updates tomorrow.  They are making plans for dealing with effects of the coming storm.  I occupied myself by finishing the painting of the blue bedroom in a shade called glacier blue.  My selection was definitely influenced by our visits to glaciers in Iceland and Alaska.

Meanwhile, Molly and Paddy hunkered down for naps, although Paddy made several trips outside during the day.  He actually enjoys the rain.

Day 301: Argo

Argo is a powerful true story of a bold plan to get six embassy workers out of Iran in 1979.  We were gripped by the tale from the moment it started.  Unfortunately, in the last few minutes, the film broke and spoiled the intensity of the ending.

We began the day at school with the first rehearsal of the first ever middle school musical!  It's very exciting to see a new program developed to meet the needs of the children and to encourage their participation.  Ben's energy and enthusiasm is already transforming the school.  We hope that the MS program will act as a feeder for the HS musical.

Rain fell all day and is predicted for the next five days, so I don't want to take the camera outside.   I will have to get more inventive in the next 65 days till the end of the year.

Day 300: Bare trees

On our trip to Olean today, we could see that autumn is nearly over.  Most of the trees were bare and the corn fields are brown.  Even with the recent rain, grass was growing in the Allegheny reservoir.

After a meeting with STEMS, the NYS EMS bureau, we feasted on freshly carved roast beef on weck and German potato salad at the Beef and Barrel.  It was absolutely delicious.  Next stop was the county XC championships.  Unfortunately, the results weren't as great as last year, but the kids worked hard and gave it their all.

When we left Olean at 2:00 it was 76 degrees, but when we arrived at Long Point State Park an hour later, the temp had dropped to 56 degrees.  Hurricane Sandy is on its way toward us and is set to collide with a winter storm front.  The governor's conference he was supposed to attend is postponed so the emergency services personnel can prepare for the storm.

We went to see SUNY Fredonia's presentation of  Chicago tonight and it was really impressive.  The turn table was powered by hydraulics, unlike the one we built for Les Mis.  That was powered by two guys we called gerbils who moved it with their feet while lying on their backs.  Our FHS alumna, Hilda, did the lighting design.  Fellow alum, Raleigh, was a publicity intern.  It's great to see that our students are so successful at the college.

Day 299: Summer in October

Another fabulous 80 degree day, in October?  It felt like summer again, but a huge hurricane is heading north along the coast and depending on the path it takes, threatens us with a ferocious storm for Halloween.  When it collides with the cold front coming in from the west, we could have heavy snow.  So, I made the best of this incredible day and got lots done.

Day 298: Laura

It's been many years since I've seen my good friend Laura.  We both spent our teen years on Berry Rd. and rode the bus together every day.  Both of our mothers grew up on Staten Island.  Her wedding was one of the main events that drew Steve and me together. When we were reunited tonight, we picked up as usual, as if 45 years had not passed since high school.

Day 297: Paint Prep

Pouring rain all day kept me inside, but it was very productive time.  I stripped Colin's old bedroom in preparation for fresh paint and redecoration.  The room was first painted pale blue in 1988 when we built the house and he was four years old.  Then, after he enlisted in the army in 2003, I packed away all the remnants of his childhood and painted the room cobalt blue.  He has spent little time in that room over the last nine years, so it's time to turn it into a retreat for him and April when they come home for the holidays.

I cooked a huge meal today, too.  Roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, and peas.  Just some of the delights of a rainy day.

Day 296: Burning DVDs

We had to make a run to Best Buy to buy a new DVD burner since we ruined the one built into the iMac.  After Steve had burned thirty disks, it began grinding and then refused to work.  Probably we should not have been using it for such large quantities the past two years.  Anyway, it's up and working very efficiently.  And the research and trip to Buffalo helped keep me occupied while I waited for the debate.  The President was incredibly effective!  

In this exceptionally beautiful October, the brilliant colors take my breath away. The warm temperatures and blue skies create the best backdrop for enjoying changing seasons.  

Day 295: Sumac

Day 294: Friends

Everything that happened today reminded me of the importance of good friends.  Each day is enriched by the presence of friends and when we lose one, it is so sad.  Our day began with the funeral of our dear friend Mary Jo.  She was so eager to retire in a few months so she could spend more time with her children and grandchildren.  During the service I couldn't help but think how fortunate we have been to retire in relatively good health with opportunities to travel and have fun.  She didn't have those years of leisure.  And it all happened so fast, under three months from diagnosis to funeral.  Each day is so precious.

Her family decided to have a party to celebrate her life after the service.  It was a chance to talk and remember MJ.  Everyone felt the same need to to be together.  Afterward, our friend Don stopped over to catch up for a bit.  Then we went to the Harvest Dinner at the Tri-parish church in Brocton and visited with more friends.  One that I always enjoy seeing is a former student from 25 years ago.  Then this evening, Sean, another former student who happened to be home from college, knocked at our door.  He helped us finish up the Quest video and then we watched it together!

 Ham, squash, applesauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, rolls, zucchini bread and pies!

Friends and neighbors

Molly and Friend!

Day 293: Color Explosion

Day 292: Rendering

My laptop will be occupied for the next twelve hours by the rendering of the Quest video.  Hopefully, in the next few days, I can put that project to bed.  Tomorrow I will post the photos from today when we checked out the project at Dods Hall.  About eight years ago, they filled in the swimming pool and they've been using the space as a workout area.  Now, it will become a state of the art fitness center.  We ran into Greg Prechtl who filled us in on the details of the construction.  He's a Quest veteran too.

Dods Hall

Day 291: Ohio for Obama

What a remarkable couple of days!  Rachel and I did lit drops and talked with folks in over 150 households.  The streets that we were assigned to were populated largely by people of Greek heritage.  Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches were sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods.   Although many were not home, the people we visited with were very considerate and encouraging.  I met only one lady today who politely said, "Sorry, I'm for Romney," and that was it.  

One older gentleman who was out on his lawnmower stopped to tell me that he had already voted for the President.  He was so proud because his grandson, who just turned 18, voted for the first time.  Another very elderly lady wearing an oxygen tube hobbled to her door.  She didn't understand everything we said, but when we asked her if she was supporting the President, she said, "Yes, Democratia!"  

Last evening we spent a couple hours calling people who had said they would be willing to volunteer.  We were trying to get them to commit to a two hour slot on one of six days.  It was a tough job and very few made any commitment to help.  We were so sorry that we had to leave after three days, but Cheri was very grateful.  

Day 290: Canvassing

I am so very tired tonight after hours of canvassing and phoning.  Tomorrow, I'll spend some time discussing all I've learned through this experience.  

A lovely tree on Blossom Street where we spoke with lots of voters.

The President was awesome tonight so I can sleep peacefully!

Day 289: Youngstown, Ohio

It was a productive, happy day.  I made a couple hundred phone calls and knocked on about fifty doors before the rain hit.  Tomorrow, it's back on the trail for President Obama.  Of all the people I spoke to, only two said they were supporting Mr. Romney.  Unfortunately, the polls tell a different story and we are hopeful that the debate tomorrow night will reverse Romney's momentum.

Day 288: Women's Rights National Historical Park

Tomorrow morning I'm leaving for Ohio to work on President Obama's campaign for a few days.  It seems appropriate that we visited the Women's Rights National Historical Park today because this election is so important for preserving the rights of women today.  Gov. Romney still opposes the Lily Ledbetter Equal Pay Act and of course the Republicans wish to limit women's ability to make decisions about our own bodies.  I think the social issues are so very important this year and I don't want to see the US slip any farther into the past.  

Sojourner Truth

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Frederick Douglass