Tuesday afternoon as I sat on an exam table waiting for the doctor, I watched and felt the room and everything in it shake and move as we experienced an earthquake. I grabbed my cell phone to call Abbey as I knew she was home alone. The message did not go through, apparently because the system was overloaded with people trying to make calls and text.
I stepped into the hall thinking I would get better reception there and the doctor was coming by to see if I was okay. He said everyone had headed outside the building but since I was only half dressed (and not too concerned) I waited there. His office was right across the hall from my room and he let me use the office phone to call Abbey. She was fine and had been trying to call me but even the house phone had no dial tone briefly.
I also called John and he said his office building shook and shook and that the building and those around it were all evacuated. The earthquake lasted just 30-45 seconds, but very unusual for New Jersey.
~*~
Today we are awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Irene
She is big and although currently a category 1 our biggest concern is the amount of rain and the ensuing flooding. August has been the wettest ever August in reported history with more than 16-inches of rain so far this month.
Forecaster are saying we could have 12-13 (some places as much as 15) more inches in the next 18 hours from Irene.
While clearing the porch and the patio of furniture, pots and anything that isn’t secured I enjoyed watching the hummingbirds.
This little lady did less drinking than watching the other hummers that zoomed about her apparently annoyed that they weren’t perched on the feeder.
Wow ~ are they giving each other the evil eye!
Look out! Incoming at 11 o’clock
These two tried to dine together
briefly
You would think they would just drink from another available port but they are far too territorial to share.
~*~
We are expecting to be throttled by Hurricane Irene the most from 2-8am Sunday morning.
The possibility of power outrages is the biggest concern for John.
Our home sits on a four foot crawl space.
We have a sump pump and French drain but without electricity the pump won’t work.
John tried everywhere to get a generator or back-up system for a couple of days, but everything was sold out. I think he will be sleeping lite tonight and listening intently for the happy sound of the sump pump!
Praying and trusting that you're safe and dry.
Now that the storm is over, how did you fare? I could relate to everything you wrote. There is certainly an apprehensive feeling when newscasts like this take place. How rare for us, an earthquake and hurricane in the same week.
Your hummingbird pictures and captions are so well done.
Praying you stay safe and sound.
I hope you're all safe & don't have damage. I've seen that it wasn't as bad as expected. I hope that's the case in your area.
After Hurricane Katrina & Gustave, the big ones for our areas, the hummingbirds were out in droves. It was the strangest thing.
Have been thinking about you today. Our news has been reporting that it has not been as bad as expected, so hope that is true for you.
Lorraine~ Your pictures of the hummingbirds make me smile! I saw one buzz up to my red birdfeeder the other day- decide that wasn't for him and fly away.:)
Hoping and praying that all is well in your area and at your home today- dry and power on. God bless.
Hugs,
Linda
hope you and your family stay safe lorraine! nature is def causing a lot of problems lately! hope there will be no power outage for you guys!
Good luck with the storm. I do hope everyone is okay.
As usual, your hummingbird photos are just gorgeous.
Hope you stay safe and dry!
Wade's son lives in Portsmouth Virginia and he's been checking in with him regularly to see if everything was ok.
Stay safe, I'll be thinking of you
Be safe….we're right there in the "extreme pink" area too! I'll be praying for your sump pump at the same time I'm praying for ours! : )
Your photos from the hummingbirds are precious 🙂
We will be praying for all you in the North that will be facing Irene. I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible and not many damages.
cheers from Brasil
Here in CT, we are getting it right after you… stay safe and may your power stay ON.
We are waiting too here on Long Island. The ocean was already rough this afternoon!
Good luck!
We have just finished with Irene's visit in our town , we were so blessed, the coast was hit pretty hard, but not as much as was expected. Praying for you all tonight.
Hugs,
Sue
Adding my prayers for the sound of the pump. I'm all settled in and praying for a quiet night.
Stay dry…you are in my prayers.
We too are battening down the hatches!!
Stay safe and I hope that you do not sustain any damage or flooding!!
hugs,
Debbie
We are in the mountains of NC so
we probably won't get anything but
some rain, possibly wind. Praying
for safety though for all those
who are directly in Irene's
path. Glad you all are safe and
will be praying for your sound
sleep tonight as you rest in His
care.
Praying that you all will be safe and that you won't lose electricity. I enjoyed the precious pics of your hummers. Update us as you are able.
M. Lane
What a crazy week! Best of luck to you – we are "over the river" in Chester County, PA and are hoping the rivers don't flood…too much. Stay dry!
I'm praying that all go well for you and your. and for everyone in her way. my God Bless.(Hugs)
We are waiting here too. Maine is expected to have flash flooding and high winds. Hopefully we have prepared and we shall just wait….
Stay safe.
Carol