Wednesday, October 31, 2012

storm update

While I've answered most of you individually after you commented or emailed me, I might have missed a few of you.  So, here is the latest.

NJ is a disaster area unlike anything this state has ever experienced. The shore has been decimated and homes destroyed - and vast sections in other parts of the state are under water if they are near rivers. The biggest problem is the lack of gasoline for generators and emergency vehicles. Stations that have power, also have lines literally miles long waiting, and those without power can't pump what they have.
 
Because of the power loss all over the state, I have seen no tv, no Internet, and no newspaper until today.  I'm at my son's tonight and will stay till morning.  I came over this afternoon (his house, miraculously, escaped the power outage in his town) to get Internet and was able to download over 300 messages that had been waiting on the server.  I was going to go home after dinner but a) there were too many traffic lights out to risk driving in the dark, and b) West Orange has a curfew - nobody on the streets or sidewalks from 6:pm tonight to 8:am tomorrow.  They are afraid of people tripping over downed wires or having an accident because of a).

I must say that people have been exceedingly cautious and polite at intersections and highway entrances.  Too bad that will not continue after the lights go back on.  Disasters seem to bring out the best in people.

I made dinner at my son's tonight and they requested pies, so after dinner I baked an apple/cranberry pie and a mixed berry pie.  They were both yummy but the berry pie was sensational, I must say.


Filling

* 4 cups berries (thawed if frozen)
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch (I used flour)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 dash salt


 Topping

* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
                         * 1/2 cup flour
                       * 1/2 cup oats
                                       * 1/4 cup butter, melted

Mix filling ingredients together, put into unbaked pie shell.  Mix topping ingredients till crumbly and put on top of fruit filling. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes.  Great with vanilla ice cream!

BREAKING NEWS!!
As I was writing this, my next door neighbor called to tell me the power is back on at home. It was on again-off again but has now been on for several hours and he went over to close my electric garage door.  Hooray - tomorrow, when I go home I will be able to run the dishwasher, finish packing, and invite a friend without power to come and stay over.  Play it forward.
'nite

10 comments:

Cate Rose said...

Glad to hear you've got power back. I'm so sorry about all the devastation in NJ and elsewhere. It's such a tragedy. You've been on my mind even though I haven't piped up until now. Be well. My thoughts and prayers to everyone back east. xoxo

Gerrie said...

What good news - power to the people. I am so sad for the devastation in the tri-state area. I have family in all 3 states. Every one is fine and minimal mess to clean up. We went without power for over a week when we lived in NC, following a hurricane - humid and 98 in the shade. The horrible part of this storm is hitting such a highly populated area. Really sad to see the mess that has to be righted. Have a great time in Tahoe.

Mostly Turquoise said...

Rayna,
Have been thinking of you and all people in your country who are hit by this hurricane, such a disaster...Your remark about people getting closer to each other only seems too true., I have even heard people 'longing' for this effect every now and then! Wishing you a getting back to normal life soon and a real good time in Tahoe,
Love from us in Spain!

Cathy Bargar said...

Warm hugs and love to you, Rayna - what else is there to say? Sad, scary, all those things and so many more. Now pack your stuff and get out of town! (Where are you flying from? Are the airports ooen & working?)

Unknown said...

I'm glad that you stayed safe during the storm and that you have power now. I hope that the recovery goes well in that area of the country. That pie looks delicious, I'll have to make that one for my family. Have fun in Tahoe.

Anonymous said...

Happy to read you came through relatively unscathed. Good news! There are so many dire stories out there.
Diane

Judy Sall Fiber Art said...

I'm glad to get your update, and so sad for all who are having to go through this first-hand! I do hope you have a safe trip to Tahoe, and a wonderful class! Maybe by the time you get back to NJ, things will be a little better. I get the feeling it will be a long time before life goes back to 'normal' in the East...

Judy said...

Rayna,
So glad and relieved to hear that you are ok!
Thanks for the recipe.
Leave it to you to:
a) share recipes when you've recently been in harm's way
b) pay it forward to a friend.

You are the best!

xo

patty a. said...

I am glad to hear you have your electric back on. With reading about the east coast there are still so many challenges! Here is Ohio there are some communities in the Cleveland area without power still. And then there was the news that a 12 year old girl touch a downed line and was electrocuted in the Cleveland area. She is in bad shape. Take care and paying it forward is wonderful!

lulu said...

Dear Rayna,
Glad to hear U got the Juice back on at your place!
& thanks for those pie recipes!!
Hope your trip is a success.
Peace,
Anny

soup weather in June and a little more

DISCLAIMER: Blogger is giving me grief tonight, which you will see by the varying sizes of the type. Ye p, soup weather and it's ...