Hurricane Irene

I have taken so many pictures over the past 4 days, I can't imagine my camera will hold much more, but I have vowed to unload them all at once, when it's all over.

And while the storm came and went in less than a day, her effects are still lingering and likely will, for a very long time.

Some observations:

• Hurricane Gloria was fun.  Because I was 10.
• Hurricane Irene is an adventure for my kids, who are 3 & 5, and have never experienced "no tv" never mind no lights or no cold food.
• People surprise you.  We know when to step up for each other.  We can be reminded of what's important.
• No one should have to live without electricity for 4+ days, not when it's not a planned camping vacation - and even then, you have running water.
• We may have to cancel Jaybor Day.
• My neighborhood is awesome.  I don't know how we wound up in Hebron but you can't pick a better town to raise a family.  Especially if you're lucky enough to live in The Heights.
• Q is one of the toughest cookies out there.  I saw her broken bones moving around under her skin and she was holding it together like a soldier.
• My husband's life of luxurious hotel rooms and restaurant meals is not nearly as luxurious as I once thought it was.
• Looking forward to planning our 1st Annual Hurricane Irene Reunion Party for the 'hood - it can't only be when the power's out that we all walk around and mingle.
• Realizing that Jody and her kids are our family, even though we always knew it.
• Mother Nature, in all her glory, is a force to be reckoned with.  And I reckon she kicked our ass.
• Hotels are for vacations...  relaxing, prepared and budgeted-for vacations.
• The pool water is fine for flushing and washing dishes but you can't drink it.
• My husband's preparation for this storm was legendary.
• Cleaning up the yard, smelling the fresh mow and the burning branches, grilling and sitting at night with AM radio by candlelight have never sounded so good.  I can't wait to go home.
• That said, the Hyatt has treated us better than well and I would look for this place on any vacation I planned and looked forward to!

When power returns and the pictures are uploaded, I may return.  But for now, that's all I got.