9/11 America forever changed

 September 11, 2001 changed the lives of thousands 

and America itself forever.

(Crosses cut from World Trade Center beams taken in NYC)

In honor of those who perished and

exhibited amazing courage in America's darkest hours.

After Hurricane Irene.

After Hurricane Irene had breezed on in and out in a furious whirlwind she left behind quite a mess.

Huge beloved trees uprooted.  This home had a pair go down

taking the top of an electrical pole with them.

Boarded up homes and hardly anyone in sight.

Boardwalks torn to shreds like paper.

Closed up shops looked like something from a movie set.

It was hard to tell where the ground ended and the bay began.

We were without power for three days. Thankful the weather wasn't hot.

We were more then willing to drive for a hot cup of coffee.  Knowing I had no

internet connection still didn't stop me from hitting the space bar to see,

and half expect, by some miracle the screen would go from dull gray to

vivid color, but, it didn't.  I also couldn't understand why I kept doing it.

Once I knew all loved ones were safe I could handle the no power,
boring dry food,  standing in lines, closed roads,

 needing a flashlight to navigate the house,

 debris in the yard and more, but, no internet?  

While my sweetie obsessed over enough flashlight and
lanterns to light up a barn. I worried about upset Etsy clients.

I mean really who isn't going to understand sweetie said.

Low on cel phone power, I did my best to send short cryptic
messages to customers.I had never used my phone for that before.  I am not
the "texting" type, but in a pinch glad I had it.

 

Hurricane Irene forced me to think. I can choose my work
to be a passion in my life
 instead of my life.

 A more realistic approach is I simply can't do custom
everything for everyone.
I may want to, and maybe I can but the time table needs to be longer.

Handmade is different then manufacturing.

Yep, Hurricane Irene taught me

that I need to relax, take a deep breath and get out and enjoy views like this more.

The first of Hurricane Irene arrives.

Irene makes her way and of course batteries that had an expiration date of 2012 do not work.

Off to find some and top off the fuel tank in my car I grabbed the camera. Due to closed roads I had to head north.  Gas stations low on fuel allowed me $25.00.  It didn't top the tank but since diesel isn't sold everywhere I was happy to find any at all. 

This restaurant had a sense of humor with a "Good Night Irene" sign.

Rite Aid looked serious

Boarded windows or not the fishery touted fresh seafood.

Sears was pretty empty. So were their supplies of
flashlights, batteries, duct tape or generators.

One thing they did have was particle masks.

Target had no tape

No flashlights and I think I got one of the
last three packs of AA batteries

I picked up some of these microfiber towels.
These are great to have on hand since they dry so fast.
(Later when the boat was being backed in the driveway I used them as traffic flags)

I've never seen so few people at Target's check out lines before.

Across the highway Home Goods also gave their windows a new look.

Ihop went with tape snowflakes for theirs.

This place was a little more color coordinated.

No money today. ATM or otherwise.

Another place with a sense of humor.

The first drops of rain began just as I began snapping away.

Forty five minutes later a downpour broke out.
You can see the water pouring off the trailer fender.

Small bags of ice have been pushed into any available space.

The living room looks like a direct hit filled with stacks of clothes
and bags of supplies if we have to leave.

So come on Irene please make your stay brief.
Be safe all.

Bracing for Hurricane Irene.

Stay safe everyone! Lots of evacuations going on here at the coastline.