Irene and New England


I walked outside my home in Massachusetts the day before Irene was to arrive.  It was eerie how calm it was, not a leaf was moving and the sky was completely white.

Even before Irene arrived we had torrential rains.  We had flood warnings many hours before Irene was here.

We lost power, but only for the day.  We are one of the lucky ones.  Irene has left 4 Million without power.

After the storm, I took a ride, and many of the roads were impassable due to down trees.  One block was lined with trees lying on power lines.  All the stores were dark, and there were no traffic lights.  I only found one block that had power.

The roads are covered with branches, limbs from trees and leaves.  It will take so long for them to clean everything up now.  I saw huge old trees with enormous roots lying in front of homes.

The weather had been so beautiful last week, and I remember thinking how in one day a storm can create such havoc.  Things can change overnight.

My sister Lynne lives in North Carolina, my sister Susan lives in Pennsylvania, my friend Judy lives in New Jersey, I have friends where I grew up in Long Island,  and my Mom lives in Vermont.  None of us were spared Irene's wrath.   Here in Massachusetts and all over the Northeast there will be so much sadness about loss.

Tomorrow the cleanup and in some cases rebuilding will start.


It seems that Irene was a very unwelcome visitor.  I kept thinking about the day before the storm and how calm everything had been.

The song for this post is music to the scripture Psalm 91.  The Psalm of comfort.

P.S.  the wind is kicking up again outside tonight.  We might lose power again, so for now stay safe, stay encouraged and I will see you soon.
Draffin Bears said...

Hi Karen,

Glad to hear that you are safe and only had the power off for the day.
Good luck with the clean up and to all the people who have been affected by Irene.
Your photographs are beautiful.

Happy new week
Hugs
Carolyn

Lorrie said...

I'm glad you weathered the storm as well as can be expected. I hope your relatives and friends are safe, too. The power of a storm is tremendous, isn't it?

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest, I was so worried about you ALL. I have a friend in New Jersey who may have lost power because I cannot reach her. I was worried all day yesterday. Peace to you all...Anita

Anonymous said...

Lovely mosaics and I love the last photo stay safe.

Gabriela Delworth - Instructional Designer said...

Hello Karen,

I am glad to see that you and your family are all right.


Gabriela

Snap said...

Karen,

Happy to hear you are well and safe. I went through Hurricane Ike not all that long ago and understand too well the clean-up after the storm. How things can change so suddenly.

Hope all your loved ones are well, safe and dry.

Hugs---

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I hope you are safe today! I know the damage is widespread...my heart goes out to everyone dealing with the destruction today! It makes me sad! ♥

Beverly said...

We never lost power, but many did. I hope you are safe and have no damage from the storm.

My prayers are with the many that experienced loss.

Cindy said...

Karen I am so glad you are okay, I wish that the cleanup is quick. It is unreal how many have been effected by this powerful storm. your hotography and posts are so special. be well my friend. take care.

Kathleen Grace said...

Horrible destruction, but I am so glad you are all right! You are right Karen, things can change overnight and sometimes the detruction looks like more than we know how to clean up. That's when I go to God and find some comfort and strength, and then I pick myself up and go on. The skies will someday be clear again.

Ellen said...

Hi Karen, so happy to hear that Irene didn't cause much damage. I was so scaed when I heard they shut down Atlantic city and New York. I knew Irene meant business then. I was hoping she would downgrade and she did. We only lost power and a dead tree which landed in the woods. Lets hope that was "the" storm of 2011.
Hugs,
Ellen

Dolores said...

You've been in my thoughts and prayers......it's so good to hear you are safe.

Weather proves that we aren't in charge of life, and it sure can be scary....

Big hugs to you sweet friend.

Sarah said...

Karen, I'm happy to hear you are safe and that you are one of the luck ones with power. I've experienced several hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. The destruction a storm leaves in its path can be beyond belief. I still have vivid images of huge trees uprooted and lying on their sides and homes a pile of rubble.
Thinking of all who were in Irene's path.

Suz said...

Us Minnesotans are feeling sad for you, too, Karen
Hugs,
Suz

Cassy said...

I am praying for your safety and your entire family.

Cassy from Learn How To Read Tablature

A Tale of Two Cities said...

I left New Jersey right before the storm hit, so I feel blessed to have gotten out, but I feel so badly for those who are looking at repairs and electrical outages and floods right now. From those of us along the Texas coast, we know what it's like!

Pondside said...

We watched the newscasts with footage of the damage to Quebec and Vermont - so sad to see the destruction of new and old structures and trees, and to read about the loss of life.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Have a wonderful week-end...m..

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