Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Duchess And The Hurricane

Hurricane Sandy has made its way through New York City. My-Mother-The-Dowager-Duchess lives in Evacuation Zone A. Right near the water (well, I suppose everywhere is right near the water now). Evacuation Zone A is low-lying. Mandatory evacuation; the mayor of New York said residents of Zone A were required to go to shelters. But The Duchess and most of her high-rise neighbors stayed put. I haven't heard from her since yesterday morning. I'm sure all is well. Her co-op has its own power plant. So, even if they're without power, it could be only as a precaution and it shouldn't be for too long. The Duchess had stocked up before the storm.

SAND BERM FRONTING THE BOARDWALK IN ANTICIPATION OF HURRICANE SANDY.
(THAT'S NOT THE ORIGINAL NATHAN'S. THAT'S THE BOARDWALK STORE.)

(PHOTO FROM THE WEB.)

I've read that streets in The Duchess's neighborhood are flooded. The photos and stories I've found are very disturbing. There was a car on fire at the hospital three blocks away last night and it took emergency vehicles an hour to get there through three to four feet of water. No injuries. Initially, it was reported that the main building of the hospital was on fire. I'm glad that wasn't the case.

A VIEW OF CONEY ISLAND PIER YESTERDAY AFTERNOON BEFORE SANDY (AND HIGH TIDE) HIT.
(PHOTO FROM THE WEB.)

I'm about to try and reach The Duchess by phone (first home phone, then mobile). I waited just on the odd chance she actually slept late this morning. I don't know if I'll get through. I'll also try calling Kid Brother. He lives above 5 miles from the beach and he's smart enough to know when to come in from the rain (and falling trees). Besides, the organization that watches out for him, AHRC, does a great job.

CONEY ISLAND STREETS UNDER WATER (PHOTO TAKEN DURING THE NIGHT).
("A" IS WHERE CHUCK AND I PLAYED SKEEBALL.)
(PHOTO FROM THE WEB.)

When the Duchess emailed yesterday morning, she didn't seem much concerned. More than anything else, I think she was disappointed she couldn't go to school for her square dance/folk dance class. I sure hope things are cleared up by tomorrow, but that's a lot to hope for. The Duchess sure won't be pleased when she has to also miss her painting class this week.



I hope those of you in the path of the storm remain safe... and careful.

16 comments:

  1. Hello Mitch:
    How dreadful all of this is and, even more worrying for those, like you, with friends and family so closely involved and from whom news is urgently awaited. We too hope that all will be well with the Duchess and all who have been caught up in this disaster.Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

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    Replies
    1. Jane and Lance:
      Thanks so much. I did just get through to my brother. He's fine. No flooding in his neighborhood. Unfortunately, I can't get a line through to my mother's home phone and she doesn't answer her cell phone (but the cell phone problem is par for the course)!

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  2. I'll be sending positive thoughts that your mom has weathered this monster storm in high fashion. Your brother too.

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    1. Stephen:
      I really appreciate it and I'm sure they do, too. I know now that he's absolutely fine and never lost power. I'm sure my mother's fine, too. Just haven't been able to reach her yet.

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  3. I've been wondering, and hoping you would post! The DD will be fine - but please update to confirm that she isn't stuck in the day before the week after the month in which the day before yesterday was due, or something ...

    It's quite astounding (and sock-filling) to think that a mere storm can stop the Hooman Race in its tracks. In control not we are.

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    Replies
    1. Owl Wood:
      Thanks so much for your kind concern. I'm glad to have spoken with my brother and to know that my mother is fine. But I look forward to connecting with her directly.

      Astounding it is!

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  4. Maybe the Dowager Duchess, [hello Ma'm], can start with aquarel painting istead of her usual acrylics.

    Let's hope everything turns out right. On the 6th floor you don't need life-jackets unless the water gets too high. *wink*

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    Replies
    1. Peter:
      No transition needed. She already works in watercolor! On the 17th floor, a life-jacket wouldn't be of much use either.

      Delete
  5. Hopefully the Dowager Duchess is just sitting in an easy chair, sipping tea and wondering what all the fuss is about!

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    Replies
    1. Bob:
      That sounds a bit like her... except that she'll be going stir-crazy when it gets too dark to read, knit, stitch, or paint!

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  6. I hope all is well with the Dowager Duchess and your brother. xxx

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  7. I know you must be a little uneasy about how your mom is, but it sounds like she is secure and safe. She's likely much better off than if she was evacuated to a emergency shelter where she would have to just sit around and wait to go back home!

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  8. Your mother has a lot of determination and spirit! (Your brother too!) I've already read the next post so am glad she is OK so far.
    My daughter and her family insisted on being at the water's edge in Maryland, but they are ok, too, and didn't even lose power.

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    Replies
    1. Kristi:
      So glad your daughter and family are fine. Some of those "water's edge" houses really took a hit.

      As for my mother's determination and spirit, my father would have probably called it "balls." (But don't tell my mother I said that!)

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