What am I feeling? I don't know. The elation of knowing I wouldn't need to go into the office today or tomorrow, the cosy feeling of shacking up away from the world, turned in a moment, and I didn't even notice it was happening. It was ridiculous in its suddenness, the way the darkness outside, the storm clouds hovering over the city seemed to seep inside me, and I can't even figure out why. Maybe I miss my children being here in my house, where I can keep them safe. Or maybe I just feel cranky, certainly the word of the week.
The city is empty, waiting for Hurricane Sandy to make landfall. The subways have closed down, the buses are parked, the supermarket shelves are empty, after the near hysteria of yesterday. The checkout lines snaked to the back of the store, up and down aisles, and the batteries were sold out, but the birthday candles I needed were right there for the taking, and bottled water was being replenished continuously. I didn't pick up enough canned food, according to my brother in Jamaica, who called to share tips on hurricane preparedness.
He warned that it wasn't the storm, it was the aftermath that might be tricky. The power outages for days. The loss of water that is delivered to our high rise apartments via electric pumps. I'm thinking of venturing outside to see if the 24 hour bodega on the corner of my street is still open, and if they have canned things I might buy.
This is how the streets look right now. The city is silent, except for the rustling of trees, and at the shoreline, the sound of the tides, rising.
Please be careful. Leave if that is best. These storms will surprise you. Stay safe and dry :-)
ReplyDeleteWatching developments from the UK - must be frightening for you - best wishes to you and your family. Michele.
ReplyDeleteOh, Angela -- stay safe and warm and cosy and dry. And perhaps less cranky!
ReplyDeleteAre your kids in the storm's path? The hardest part must be to be without them. I'm thinking of you. My family, siblings and parents are all hunkered down as well. And we on the west coast are ridiculously safe from harm. I can only hope from here. Be safe.
ReplyDeletelove d
ReplyDeletewaiting must make it harder. I hope you have a way to cook all the canned goods. And that your mood turns again.
So eerie how a city like New York empties so suddenly. I have friends there as well. I'm praying for you and for them. Strange how I've moved and am now a bystander watching the news so far removed. Be safe, dear Angella. Thinking of you. xo
ReplyDeleteHolding you and yours in my heart as the news gets ever more scarey. I like to know exactly where my little chicks are ESPECIALLY at times like this!
ReplyDeletexoxo
p.s. Let the cranky mood flourish! We need to blow off steam every now and then
I am breathing a wish of safety for you with every breath. I swear.
ReplyDeleteBe well and safe. It will pass. All will, at some point, be normal again. I know.
I'm worried about you and we haven't even met ... I'm sure you'll check in and let us know you're safe if you can when it's over. Sending you and your family warm wishes for a safe storm watch.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are home and dry. Stay that way until this storm passes. x0 N2
ReplyDeleteHolding your hand and thinking dry, well lit thoughts of you.
ReplyDeleteAngella, you can still fill any containers with water, and remember that any food that's not refrigerated counts, even if it's just crackers or potato chips.
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't lose power at all. Just in case, make sure all your electronic stuff (Kindle, phone, etc) is charged fully.
Wow, look at me giving orders... I sound like a Floridian ;)
Try to avoid worrying and just enjoy the hunkering, everybody needs a good hunker down moment every now and then.