The Calm After the Storm

Well, we are thankful to be able to get through Hurricane Irene without any injuries or property damage.  There were lots of branches and leaves in the yard, driveway and pool, but nothing we couldn't clean up ourselves after the storm passed.  Our electricity did go out for most of the day yesterday, but it came back on last night around suppertime.  

At our house today, things are pretty well back to normal.  The weather is beautiful, sunny with no humidity. As I'm typing this, my daughter is entertaining some of her friends out on the back deck.

Our friends, Maggie and John, on the other hand, were not as fortunate.  Their house is set back in a wooded area.  A couple of trees came down in their yard during the storm, blocking their driveway, so they couldn't get their cars out.  As of an hour ago, they still do not have electricity. After successfully moving a portion of one of the trees, they were able to get one of their vehicles out of the driveway.  

It's during times like this that I really appreciate having a wonderful church family. Our pastor and a couple of men from church went over to help at Maggie and John's house.  

Also, thankfully, my husband had emptied the freezer in our basement before the storm hit, so Maggie came over earlier today with the contents from her freezer.  I was able to easily fit everything  into our freezer.   

In preparation of the storm, my husband harvested the vegetable garden.  We have given away some of the vegetables, and this is what's left.  I can definitely see some Italian food  in our future, maybe some eggplant parmesan and bruschetta.  

I hope all you east coast bloggers are safe and sound after Hurricane Irene.