May in Jersey

Received a PM from Dotty in NYC asking me how we were as we live in NJ. Didn't realize I hadn't posted here but things have been a bit crazy since Sandy swept by.

We're OK and so are our family who live in Jersey, we all had minor damage to our homes, trees, phones and power was out for a weekor so. Without power freezer foods defrosted and had to be thrown away. National Guard was giving out big bags of ice so we were able to keep a few items fresh in coolers. We live more inland but towns across the highway are close to the bay and they were hit pretty badly with homes completely gone or flooded. Local police, volunteer firemen & utility companys as well as community groups were first responders and then big agencys like Red Cross and National Guard arrived. We've been donating stuff to RAINE, a local community group that has set up in a large empty store to distribute food, clothes, etc. and they will continue doing that even after the big guys are gone. Trailer trucks of supplies from all over the country have been arriving daily. So many people reaching out helping.

Really haven't seen the distruction because access to those towns is blocked by the Guard. Scene on our side of the highway and beyond is back to normal, stores open, gas available schools open and most people back to work. I have friends who work at a local church's Food Pantry and I'm making a few large quilts that will be needed when homeless Sandy victims are given more permanent lodgings. Hope all in Sandy's path made out as well as we did, May in Jersey