Cyclone. Typhoon. Hurricane. Each of these words conjure up an image of destruction and despair. Rarely if ever, do you find the words Hurricane and New York in the same sentence. However, just like our wacky weather of late, anything is possible and Irene came to visit us.
Growing up in New York State, you are used to extreme climate changes. We're weather obsessed some might say. We can have days that are in the 80s (27C) to below freezing within 24 hours. We are resilient and nothing stops us. Snow up to our knees is a regular occurrence, but when you tell me a Tropical Storm is coming... it gets me a tiny bit worried (or interested, rather).
The funny thing about these storms is the hype that the media loves to instill into the American public--FEAR EVERYTHING! The rapture is never more than a day or two away, and it sells newspapers! So being an American citizen, at times, I am as gullible as the rest of the people (on rare occasions). So therefore, my expectations were raised to a higher level and I like most, became interested in the rapture.
The storm itself was very rough, in all fairness to Irene. The flooding, high winds, and damage that I witnessed are to be respected. Mother Nature was pissed and she lashed out at us, big time. At the time I am writing this, it is expected that Schenectady, NY (a city west of Albany) will experience it's greatest flood on record, not an issue to be taken lightly! The Catskills down in Southern NY State had over a foot of rain fall in some spots. Each of these towns were virtually washed away. To add to the fear, the area around the Schoharie Reservoir (A NYC water source) was evacuated due to fear that the 120 foot dam would collapse (and it still could at the time I am writing this), as the water was coming over the top of the dam. Damn! :)
Thankfully, aside from a broken gutter and some fallen trees, we're fine here. However, the folks along the coast will be picking up the pieces for a week or two. That being said, NYC seemed to be hard nosed as ever and show the true spirit of New York. Some hate our breed, others like our honesty/in-you-face attitude. Either way, I don't care. :) We will carry on. I believe that we won't really know how we all got through this until after tomorrow.
What I've learned from this experience:
For one, don't underestimate nature. We are tiny, weak creatures which can be crushed at the drop of a dime. Secondly, when you are being warned by authorities, LISTEN! Being a sheep at times is just as good as being a shepherd at others...we need to look out for one another. As bad as Irene was, Irene didn't force us to be without power for five days. So, I'll let you decide as the reader. Winter Storm v. Tropical Storm. Who's the winner? I know who I'm voting for and it's not that Caribbean Bitch.
Next time, back to some food reviews. :) Take care folks!
TT/FF
* The picture above is taken of the Mohawk River in Cohoes, NY.
Growing up in New York State, you are used to extreme climate changes. We're weather obsessed some might say. We can have days that are in the 80s (27C) to below freezing within 24 hours. We are resilient and nothing stops us. Snow up to our knees is a regular occurrence, but when you tell me a Tropical Storm is coming... it gets me a tiny bit worried (or interested, rather).
The funny thing about these storms is the hype that the media loves to instill into the American public--FEAR EVERYTHING! The rapture is never more than a day or two away, and it sells newspapers! So being an American citizen, at times, I am as gullible as the rest of the people (on rare occasions). So therefore, my expectations were raised to a higher level and I like most, became interested in the rapture.
The storm itself was very rough, in all fairness to Irene. The flooding, high winds, and damage that I witnessed are to be respected. Mother Nature was pissed and she lashed out at us, big time. At the time I am writing this, it is expected that Schenectady, NY (a city west of Albany) will experience it's greatest flood on record, not an issue to be taken lightly! The Catskills down in Southern NY State had over a foot of rain fall in some spots. Each of these towns were virtually washed away. To add to the fear, the area around the Schoharie Reservoir (A NYC water source) was evacuated due to fear that the 120 foot dam would collapse (and it still could at the time I am writing this), as the water was coming over the top of the dam. Damn! :)
Thankfully, aside from a broken gutter and some fallen trees, we're fine here. However, the folks along the coast will be picking up the pieces for a week or two. That being said, NYC seemed to be hard nosed as ever and show the true spirit of New York. Some hate our breed, others like our honesty/in-you-face attitude. Either way, I don't care. :) We will carry on. I believe that we won't really know how we all got through this until after tomorrow.
What I've learned from this experience:
For one, don't underestimate nature. We are tiny, weak creatures which can be crushed at the drop of a dime. Secondly, when you are being warned by authorities, LISTEN! Being a sheep at times is just as good as being a shepherd at others...we need to look out for one another. As bad as Irene was, Irene didn't force us to be without power for five days. So, I'll let you decide as the reader. Winter Storm v. Tropical Storm. Who's the winner? I know who I'm voting for and it's not that Caribbean Bitch.
Next time, back to some food reviews. :) Take care folks!
TT/FF
* The picture above is taken of the Mohawk River in Cohoes, NY.
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