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This has been one hell of a week here on the east coast; wrought with unnerving tension and worry. Truly, I’m emotionally exhausted because I spent the last four days deeply concerned about the people in my life (many of whom are bloggers) and trying to contact them through emails, phone calls and their blogs, just to see if they were okay. Also, my own family worried about me and called several times a day to find out if I was safe.

There are three blogger friends of mine who I’ve still not been able to contact, one of whom lives in Brooklyn, NY, which is practically underwater.

As I’m sure you’ve heard, the east coast of the U.S. (particularly NY and New Jersey) were hit hard on Monday by Hurricane Sandy; losing not only power but lives as well. The aftermath of Sandy has been devastating.

I sat here all day Monday watching the Weather Channel online, as the culmination of a hurricane and nor’easter chewed up and spit out everything in its path.

Having lived in Florida for 20 years, I’ve been through four hurricanes, but none of them made me as uneasy as Sandy.

You have no idea how utterly blessed I feel to have not been directly affected by this hurricane because at one point as I watched the radar report on TV, it appeared to be heading DIRECTLY into Pennsylvania.


We experienced severe, icy cold winds and some rain from about 2 PM on Monday, until 10 PM that night. And because I am on a high-upper floor, the wind was blowing so hard against my windows, they shook. Luckily we never lost electrical power, but I’m amazed that we didn’t.

There are many things I learned from this experience.

It’s an odd feeling being cooped up inside by yourself, not able to go anywhere for over 24 hours because it forces you to focus on the moments at hand; realizing you have no control over a situation, so you just have to be still and wait it out.

As you know, I believe in the power of Universal energy (or call it prayer if you wish) and that it can be used to help not only ourselves, but others as well. I spent several hours throughout Monday, sending positive energy to those who were being severely affected by this hurricane in faith that it would do some good.

Also, I became acutely aware of how UNaware I take so many things for granted.

I wonder why it takes something like Hurricane Sandy to snap you into consciousness of the many things in your life to be grateful for?

And not only things like a roof over our head, electricity, running water, Internet and telephone service, but more so that we have family, friendships, good health, and are safe and alive.

I think because of what I’m experiencing with my beloved mother right now, in addition to Hurricane Sandy, I’ve been even more sensitive to gratitude.

We live in a world that relies so much on technology, that whenever it’s taken away it makes us feel extremely vulnerable because it seems as though we’ve lost everything. Yet, it’s ironic how in feeling vulnerable it brings us closer together in human contact because we see how much we need one another for support.

It changes our whole perspective on things.

Tuesday, as I walked around the deserted city of Philadelphia, watching shop owners and residents repairing the damage from Sandy, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

Gratitude.

I ask through this post, that you each share energy, prayer, positive thoughts, and love with those who have been seriously affected by this hurricane because it’s going to take weeks and possibly months for these people to repair.

And please take a moment to reflect on all the things in your life to be grateful for.

Have a peaceful weekend everyone!

X

53 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post, Ron. So true!! I am very glad that you weren't impacted directly by the hurricane! We had alot of water (came through my front windows...and yes, we could see them shaking). It was unnerving!! As you said though...many people are in such worse shape!! I finally was able to contact a friend of mine who lives in the city and he doesn't have power, but he is ok...thankfully!! I sure do hope you can find your friend. My heart breaks watching these stories on the news. It kind of makes me wonder...where are the responders...who should be taking care of all that gas leaking??? Freaks me out. I am positive that it freaks out the people who are stranded there with nowhere to go!! Let's all send positive energy their way!! xo
    Jeanne

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  2. I have been praying all along, Ron. I heard that it would be rough in Philadelphia as well so you might have picked up on my prayer sessions. A friend of mine in Rochester went quiet for three days.... you can imagine how I felt. Helpless, is one way to describe it. I knew there was a generator installed in the house so power would have been okay... I didn't think about phones and internet use. Anyway my friend is now back on line and I am breathing normally again. I am still waiting to see how other bloggers fared... the ones who have gone quiet. It is all very worrying.

    Still sending positive vibes to your mother. Have a great weekend yourself.

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  3. We all need to reflect on what is really important in our lives - not the material things we all take for granted but our family, friends and neighbours being safe. I hope the people who may have lost all their possessions but not their lives or family and friends will be grateful and realise that possessions can be replaced, people can't. I'm so glad you are safe Ron and I'm praying for those affected by Sandy. x

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  4. Many people are saying that the feeling in NYC and surrounding areas is similar to that after 9/11. It is at least encouraging to hear the stories of people pulling together and helping each other out. I am praying for all affected.

    Glad that you have power and are safe!

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  5. There are times when God and the universe grabs a hold of us by the short hairs to remind us that in all of the wonder of the world we DO need to be grateful for the things we have. For it is in the lack that we know abundance. I thank you for your kind words and your warm healing thougths. I thank all of the other people out there who have shared the same wonderful energy that brings comfort.
    To the others who are still complaining and seeking revenge I YELL "Learn a lesson" and spread love. Then all the negativity will dissapate and the feeling of your own divinity takes over and you walk a little lighter.
    Ron ~ Your gentle reminder is what keeps us on the path of kindness.

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  6. I do this sort of reflection frequently, to keep myself grounded. It's so important. Last year we were in the path of three big tornados sweeping through, one after the other, and my younger son and I spent much of the night in the basement, waiting it out. We were very lucky, but other communities around here were flattened. I can't imagine.

    And a note about the video. It makes sense to me that people would be angry about resources going to the NY marathon instead of re-building. But the people who were yelling at the police for protecting them and were angry that the clean-up crews that have come from all over to help weren't fixing things fast enough? That really saddened me. There's no magic wand for clearing up the aftermath of a natural disaster and people are trying to help. That's also something to be grateful for.

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  7. Sandy was definitely a big nasty one. I pray for those who have suffered damages. I'm glad you're ok. We were fortunate here to only have some fallen tree limbs and debris...and we're grateful our friend was one of the survivors of the horrible experience on the Bounty.

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  8. Good morning Jeanne~

    Thank you, dear lady, and I'm soooo glad to hear that you weren't directly impacted by the hurricane and are safe too.

    Yes, I had some rain water come through my windows as well. My apartment faces NORTH, so I always get a lot wind whenever there's a storm.

    "I sure do hope you can find your friend."

    Me too! I still haven't heard from him and I'm REALLY worried because he's not doing well physically right now, so having to deal with this hurricane PLUS his health issues is really a concern.

    "It kind of makes me wonder...where are the responders...who should be taking care of all that gas leaking??? Freaks me out. "

    I know, it freaks me out too!

    It breaks my heart to see these people stranded with NO home to go back to.

    " Let's all send positive energy their way!!"

    You said it!

    Thank so much for stopping by, Jeanne. Wishing you and the girlz a peaceful weekend!

    ((((( You )))))

    X

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  9. Good morning Valerie~

    "I have been praying all along, Ron. I heard that it would be rough in Philadelphia as well so you might have picked up on my prayer sessions."

    Aw...thank you, dear lady. And yes, I DID pick up on your prayer session and it helped because Philadelphia was not nearly as affected as I thought it would be.

    "Anyway my friend is now back on line and I am breathing normally again. I am still waiting to see how other bloggers fared... the ones who have gone quiet. It is all very worrying."

    So glad to hear that your friend is not only back online, but safe as well. Yes....VERY worrying indeed!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your positive vibes to my mother.

    ((((( You )))))

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  10. Good morning Pearl~

    "I hope the people who may have lost all their possessions but not their lives or family and friends will be grateful and realise that possessions can be replaced, people can't."

    Me too. I know it's devastating to lose possessions (like your home, car, etc.), but as you shared...possessions can be eventually be replaced, people can't.

    "I'm so glad you are safe Ron and I'm praying for those affected by Sandy. "

    (((( You ))))

    Thank you, m'dear. Thank you!

    Have a wonderful weekend......X

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  11. Hey there Bijoux~

    "Many people are saying that the feeling in NYC and surrounding areas is similar to that after 9/11."

    Yes, I know. In the past 10 years, NYC has been slammed with so many tragedies, it amazes me how they bounced back. I think that's why I love and admire the city and people of NY.

    "It is at least encouraging to hear the stories of people pulling together and helping each other out."

    Amen. Isn't wonderful to see how people come together and help each other when the going gets rough?

    Thank you for stopping by, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  12. Hey there Suzi~

    Thank you, my friend. I was very concerned for Philly because we are so close to NY, that it really appeared to be heading our way. It's was the states close to water (like Jersey and NYC) that were the most severely affected.

    I was also VERY concerned for you because when I first started watching the news, it looked like VA was going to get SLAMMED.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And I'm soooo happy to hear that you and your family are safe.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

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  13. Hey there Mr. Dave~

    "For it is in the lack that we know abundance."

    I totally agree with you!

    "I thank all of the other people out there who have shared the same wonderful energy that brings comfort."

    It's been so wonderful to read and see just how many people have reached out in the way of prayer and actual physical support to so many others who have been severely affected by this hurricane.

    Thank you for stopping by, buddy, and for sharing your words and energy!

    Glad to here you and your family are safe and sound!

    X

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  14. Hey there Secret Agent Woman~

    "I do this sort of reflection frequently, to keep myself grounded. It's so important."

    So glad to hear that, my friend. And you are soooooooooo right...it's so important to keep us grounded.

    " Last year we were in the path of three big tornados sweeping through, one after the other, and my younger son and I spent much of the night in the basement, waiting it out. We were very lucky, but other communities around here were flattened. I can't imagine."

    WOW! That must have be very scary. I've never been through a tornado, but I know how destructive they can be.

    About the video. That video updates continually, so I don't think I saw the part you're referring to, but I agree.

    "It makes sense to me that people would be angry about resources going to the NY marathon instead of re-building."

    Absolutely. The resources SHOULD to go to re-building rather than the marathon because that should take TOP priority.

    "There's no magic wand for clearing up the aftermath of a natural disaster and people are trying to help. That's also something to be grateful for."

    Amen! I think these people are just so wrapped up in their fear of having lost everything, that they're reacting in anger because of being afraid.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, and for sharing your support.

    Have a wonderful weekend....X

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  15. Beautifully written post, Ron. My heart aches for the many people who have been directly affected by this hurricane. I've been watching all week and tremendously overwrought with concern and sadness. I can't believe how severe this storm was. Like you, living in Florida, I've been through several hurricanes, but none of them had the impact that this one did, other than perhaps the last one. So I know how these people feel.

    I will send much prayer and energy their way.

    Very glad and relieved to hear that you're safe and well in Philadelphia.

    Have a peaceful weekend, Ron.

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  16. Hola Denise~

    Like you, I was watching the news via the Internet all day on Monday and couldn't believe HOW severe this hurricane was. I finally had to take a break and remove myself because I was getting more and more upset; thinking about all destruction. That's when I just sat down and sent 'energy' to those people in the hopes that it would help in some way.

    "Like you, living in Florida, I've been through several hurricanes, but none of them had the impact that this one did, other than perhaps the last one. So I know how these people feel."

    Yes, the last one you guys had in Florida was horrendous. My family was without power for TWO weeks!

    Thank you so much for stopping by, girl. And thank you for your concern and support for those severely affected by this hurricane.

    ((( You )))

    Have a great weekend!

    X

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  17. Ron, I am so glad to hear that all is well in the PA area because as I watched the news reports on Sandy, it shook me to see how close it was. You guys were so lucky!

    I can't even imagine how long this will take to regroup, especially along the Jersey coast and New York City. Devastating!

    Sending prayer and good thoughts their way.

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  18. I was thinking of you and hoping you were weathering the storm, Ron. Glad to hear other than a few shaky windows you weren't too deeply affected by Sandy. I have family in Trenton and other parts of New Jersey, as you know, and some of them are still without power this morning. My heart goes out to them. I cannot imagine what they are going through.

    Hope you have a nice weekend!

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  19. Hiya Matt~

    Thank you for your concern, buddy. YES! We were BEYOND lucky!

    "I can't even imagine how long this will take to regroup, especially along the Jersey coast and New York City. Devastating!"

    They say weeks or even months! When I look at all the photos online of the damage, I can't imagine how long it will take to repair. I feel so sad for those who's homes have been wiped out.

    Much thanks for stopping by, Matt! Have a great weekend, bud!

    X

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  20. Hey there Mark~

    "Glad to hear other than a few shaky windows you weren't too deeply affected by Sandy."

    You said it! And it TOTALLY freaks me out that we didn't lose power?!?! Thank god.

    "I have family in Trenton and other parts of New Jersey, as you know, and some of them are still without power this morning. My heart goes out to them. I cannot imagine what they are going through."

    Yes, Jersey was hit HARD and SEVERE. Glad to hear that at least your family is safe and didn't lose their homes. Hopefully, they'll get their power back on soon!

    Much thanks for stopping by, buddy! Have a super weekend!

    X to you and Tara!

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  21. "I ask through this post, that you each share energy, prayer, positive thoughts, and love with those who have been seriously affected by this hurricane because it’s going to take weeks and possibly months for these people to repair."

    Thank you, Ron.

    My neighborhood is still without power. Many people are starving and freezing and miserable. This is truly the worst storm we've ever had. And it's going to take a very long time to rebuild the shoreline. My whole heart goes out to those who've lost everything. I can't even wrap my head around that.

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  22. Hi Ronnie,
    So beautiful feelings and energy behind your post, my dear.
    My deep felt thoughts and compassion to all who have been/ still are touched.
    I hope that you will be catching up with all your loved ones, hearing their voice or getting that long awaited e-mail. I can relate. I had two of my "peeps" that didn't contact my e-mails; My cousin in Montgomery Co had 2 days of power outages and a second friend is still silent (she lives across the Bronx, in NJ). Yes, a lot of power outages are ongoing over on the NJ side).

    Yes, gratitude is important to living a meaningful life. I don't care how small a thing you are grateful for; a cup of coffee, a phone call from a friend, etc. Give thanks daily.. You are so right.

    I am already grateful that I have you as a friend
    (((((( Ron))))))

    Take care my friend.

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  23. Bonjour Barb~

    "My deep felt thoughts and compassion to all who have been/ still are touched."

    Thank you, my friend. I have a feeling it's going to take WEEKS or even MONTHS to regroup and repair many areas of NJ and NY. Many of the people I work with who live in Jersery still don't have power, so they're living with family members in PA.

    "I hope that you will be catching up with all your loved ones, hearing their voice or getting that long awaited e-mail. I can relate."

    Tonight I finally heard from the blogging friend in Brooklyn and he's safe and sound thank god, because Brooklyn was hit REALLY bad.

    " I don't care how small a thing you are grateful for; a cup of coffee, a phone call from a friend, etc. Give thanks daily."

    You are so right!

    "I am already grateful that I have you as a friend."

    Ditto to you, Barb!

    ((((( You ))))))

    Thanks so much for stopping and have a super weekend!

    X

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  24. Hey there Meleah~

    "My neighborhood is still without power. Many people are starving and freezing and miserable. This is truly the worst storm we've ever had. And it's going to take a very long time to rebuild the shoreline."

    When I see just how hard Jersey was hit, I thank heavens you were able to get out of there and stay with your brother in PA. Thank god you're safe!

    (((( You )))))

    " My whole heart goes out to those who've lost everything. I can't even wrap my head around that."

    Me too!

    Sending much good energy your way for a speedy recovery.

    Have a peaceful weekend, girl!

    X

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  25. Wasn't this hurricane a beast? Like you, I feel so damn fortunate to not have been severely affected. Our lights dimmed off and on and few times during the day, but we didn't lose power. The odd thing about this hurricane is that it was like a hit or miss. Some areas were wiped out while other areas barely got touched.

    The destruction in New Jersey and New York is just heartbreaking. I just hope and pray that they can at least get their power restored within the next couple of days so that they can work on repairing.

    Glad to hear you're safe, Ron. Have a peaceful weekend!

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  26. Hey there Robert~

    Whew! So glad hear that you survived this hurricane without losing power or had any destruction in your area.

    "The odd thing about this hurricane is that it was like a hit or miss. Some areas were wiped out while other areas barely got touched."

    Yes, I was thinking the same thing!!! It seems that people who were on the outside band of the hurricane got hit the hardest, where in the eye not so much.

    "I just hope and pray that they can at least get their power restored within the next couple of days so that they can work on repairing."

    Meeeeeeee too!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know you're safe and sound, buddy. Have a peaceful weekend!

    X

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  27. Ron, knowing the helpless and terrifying feelings that come as you watch an unstoppable force of nature head directly towards you, make me so frightened for the people of NY, NJ, PA, CT, etc. It is one of the worst feelings EVER! The not knowing what will happen is awful and then the aftermath is heartbreaking. I hope that all your loved ones and friends are okay. I said "prayers" for everyone I could think of. Happily, my family in NY were not too badly effected and are doing well.

    I'm glad you're okay, too. I was worried.

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  28. You got it Buddy, first off I am happy you were not directly in the path of the storm and that you are safe, our prayers are lifted for those who are struggling with this, and also for your Mom Ron.

    I am thankful for my Family and Friends and also for the time spent with those who are no longer with me.

    Excellent Post Ron, you my friend are a good man.

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  29. Hey there Lady Nitebyrd~

    " It is one of the worst feelings EVER! The not knowing what will happen is awful and then the aftermath is heartbreaking."

    You said it, dear lady. And I feel unbelievably blessed in PA to have avoided this nasty hurricane because it was DOOZY!

    I finally heard from my friend in Brooklyn tonight and he's safe and well; staying at his sister's house. The only thing he's still waiting for is his Internet and phone service to be restored. But other than that, he's okay. I also heard from Dianne, she left a message on my voice mail saying that she is safe, but there's a lot of damage where she lives in Jersey and has no power or Internet service.

    Sooooooooo glad to hear that your family in NY were not too badly affected and doing well because NY was SLAMMED.

    Thanks a lot for stopping by and for your concern, Sis!

    You're the BEST!

    ((((( You ))))

    X ya bunches!

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  30. Hey there Jimmy!

    " I am happy you were not directly in the path of the storm and that you are safe, our prayers are lifted for those who are struggling with this, and also for your Mom Ron."

    Thank you. Thank you so much!

    I feel enormously grateful to have gotten through this nasty storm unscathed, because parts of the east coast were slammed BIG TIME!

    "I am thankful for my Family and Friends and also for the time spent with those who are no longer with me."

    Amen, brother!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy, and for loyal and caring support!

    Have a faaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X to you and Miss Cindy!

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  31. an excellent and timely reminder - this storm took a huge toll on property, infrastructure and human lives. The news coverage is shocking and sobering. thank you Ron for sharing this message of maintaining mindfulness in our daily lives and accepting all the gifts in our lives with humble gratitude. xo

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  32. I feel very lucky too !
    Several parts of our city were in the dark on Monday. Neighbourhoods surrounding mine had also lost power and I was amazed when waking up wednesday morning, we did not loose any electricity even once.

    I was very thankful too that I had the internet and my phone was working.
    I was also very poorly prepared. I expected the storm to weaken and be like any other storm by the time it arrive here.

    I had gone to the store and bought just enough food. But I hadn't done any thing for incase of power failure or water shortage.

    I am lucky and grateful

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  33. I don't like worry--and I don't do it well.
    And I don't like the anxiety that comes along with watching what's coming.
    I'm grateful for the knowledge and preparation time. I've no doubt that made a huge difference for the good.
    But 'worry' isn't one of my favorite things to do.
    So, I turn things over and pray and send a bazillion positive thoughts.
    LOL And then I worry a tad more, as you well know.

    I am SO grateful that your friends were able to connect with you--silence can be horribly deafening sometimes.
    And I'm grateful that the part of the storm that found you was manageable.
    And, like you, I can find myself getting a bit 'complacent' in the gratitude department. I get 'comfy' I guess, and I start to just assume/take things for granted and as a given. Sometimes I think I even dabble in 'entitlement'......(ya know--'I work hard, I'm tired, I'm old..... yadda yadda'...LOL) And then I get another 'nudge', another 'awakening'--and I hang my head, count my blessings and get back to what's true. BOY am I graced. Plain and simple.

    I loved the post. And I love that you and yours are safe.
    And yup--still praying! It's just what I do.
    ((((((((((( you ))))))))))))))

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  34. It has been a stressful time for so many people. I'm so glad you're in one piece. I was watching the television to make sure all my PA people were okay. Thanks for such a wonderful post. We all need to be more grateful every day.

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  35. Hey there Jaffer~

    "Several parts of our city were in the dark on Monday. Neighbourhoods surrounding mine had also lost power and I was amazed when waking up Tuesday morning, we did not loose any electricity even once."

    So glad to hear that all is well in Canada because as I was watching the radar report at one point, it looked as though this hurricane could possibly be heading your way. I couldn't believe how LARGE an area this storm had expanded.

    "I was also very poorly prepared. I expected the storm to weaken and be like any other storm by the time it arrive here.

    I had gone to the store and bought just enough food. But I hadn't done any thing for in case of power failure or water shortage."

    I think because I had been through hurricanes in the past in Florida, I knew what to get in the way of supplies, but I didn't have anything like a generator in case we lost power. I had the bare minimum (food, candles, batteries, etc.).

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Glad to hear you're safe and sound and didn't lose power or experience any damage. :)

    Have a grrrrrreat weekend!

    X

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  36. Good morning Diane~

    "this storm took a huge toll on property, infrastructure and human lives. The news coverage is shocking and sobering."

    As the days have past, I've been watching the updates online and cannot believe how much damage this hurricane caused. The Atlantic City Boardwalk was so torn up it looks like a box of stick matches. And NYC is just a total mess, especially the lower part of Manhattan.

    Isn't it freaky how the weather within the past couple of years has gone completely haywire? And not only here on the east coast, but EVERYWHERE in the world. I know you've had some challenges in Texas as well.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Hope you're enjoying a super weekend!

    Much X to you and Cristybella!

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  37. Hiya Jen~

    You're so right, it's been a stressful time for so MANY people.

    " I'm so glad you're in one piece. I was watching the television to make sure all my PA people were okay."

    ((((( You )))))

    Aw...thanks, girl. The city of Philly had minimal damage, but parts of Bucks County (like where my boss lives) had a bit more damage and power outages. NJ and NY got the hit the hardest.

    Thank you so much for stopping by, Jen. Hope you're enjoying a super weekend!

    X

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  38. Hellooooooooo Mel~

    "And I don't like the anxiety that comes along with watching what's coming.
    I'm grateful for the knowledge and preparation time. I've no doubt that made a huge difference for the good."

    That's the one good thing about a hurricane, you at least have a warning and time to prepare, yet it still causes anxiety because you never know HOW it will move. At one point I had to stop watching the weather report because it was making me very anxious.

    "So, I turn things over and pray and send a bazillion positive thoughts.
    LOL And then I worry a tad more, as you well know."

    I do the same thing, dear lady, so I understand. I think it's human nature to turn things over, yet at the same time...worry a bit.

    "I am SO grateful that your friends were able to connect with you--silence can be horribly deafening sometimes."

    Meeeee too! At least I was able to communicate with my family and friends to keep connected and updated.

    "And then I get another 'nudge', another 'awakening'--and I hang my head, count my blessings and get back to what's true. BOY am I graced. Plain and simple."

    Ditto for me!

    MUCHO thanks for stopping by, Mel! And thanks for concern this past week and checking up on me. You're a sweetheart!

    (((((( You ))))))

    X to you and the Bug!

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  39. This is so sweet Ron. Truly touching in every way. It is ironic how the absence of technology brings us closer. And frightening how quickly lives can change. Glad you were okay and I'm definitely sending out positive vibes.

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  40. This is so sweet Ron. Truly touching in every way. It is ironic how the absence of technology brings us closer. And frightening how quickly lives can change. Glad you were okay and I'm definitely sending out positive vibes

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  41. Hiya Angelia~

    " It is ironic how the absence of technology brings us closer. And frightening how quickly lives can change."

    You said it. And I feel truly blessed to have been spared what many others have gone through this week.

    Thanks so much for stopping and for your "positive vibes."

    You ROCK!

    Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

    X

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  42. Ron, I do pray you have heard from the blogger friends... ALL OF THEM! And "And please take a moment to reflect on all the things in your life to be grateful for." WOW. You are amazing. Thank you for making me stop to think. I am grateful my children were not in the car when I was hit. I am grateful I have a job. I am grateful for my mother. I am grateful I had a father that was so incredible. I am grateful I can see, hear, speak and write. I am grateful for so much Ron. Thank you for helping me to remember. XXXOOO

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  43. Helloooooooooo Katherine!

    "Ron, I do pray you have heard from the blogger friends... ALL OF THEM!"

    Thank you. Yes, I've heard from ALL of them. Many of them still don't have power yet, but at least I know they're safe and sound. I was especially concerned about, Rob, who lives in Brooklyn, where there was A LOT of damage. But he's okay - whew!

    "I am grateful my children were not in the car when I was hit. I am grateful I have a job. I am grateful for my mother. I am grateful I had a father that was so incredible. I am grateful I can see, hear, speak and write. I am grateful for so much Ron."

    You GO, girl! And that's a lot of wonderful things to be grateful for!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you're enjoying a fun and peaceful weekend!

    X

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  44. I'm glad to hear that you're OK. I've been through several hurricanes in Florida and Texas and they are never fun, but as you said, Sandy was something special. What a mess. We lived in West Chester for about four years and I worked in Germantown (I may have told you that!). But I think I'll stay here in Florida now! :-)

    I read this morning a nor'easter is headed up that way. Can't believe it. Hopefully, you'll miss that!

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  45. Hey there Lowell~

    Thank you, buddy. I am sooooo grateful we didn't lose power or experience more damage here in PA. But my heart breaks for those in NJ and NY because they got it bad.

    " I've been through several hurricanes in Florida and Texas and they are never fun, but as you said, Sandy was something special."

    You said it!

    "We lived in West Chester for about four years and I worked in Germantown (I may have told you that!)."

    Wow, I had no idea you lived in West Chester, PA at one time. My stepmother was actually born in Germantown. Unfortunately, parts of Germantown have really gone downhill, but it use to be beautiful.

    "I read this morning a nor'easter is headed up that way."

    Yes, can you believe that? It should be here by Weds. or Thurs. Hopefully, it will only bring colder weather and not anything like last week.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Lowell. Hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend!

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  46. It's funny how quickly we realize how lucky we are go live in a land where everything can be had in an instant once the lines of supply are interrupted. Hurricane, earthquakes, fires, power outages, etc...all can bring life as we know it to a halt. Believe me, having lived through similar experiences, I have nothing but positive energy going out to the East Coast. And having lived through a disaster before, I quickly learned what was required when everything grinds to a halt. That's when I became a "prepper". It's nice knowing hat I have a stockpile of food, bullets, water, and fuel ready for me when the SHTF. I'm not a back-woods conspiracy type...just an IT professional who's ready for the worst.

    But then again, I guess that really doesn't help those whose homes burned down :-( That, my friend, is a cruel fate I don't wish upon anybody.

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  47. Hey there Herman~

    Thanks for sending out positive energy, buddy!

    Greatly appreciated!

    "It's funny how quickly we realize how lucky we are go live in a land where everything can be had in an instant once the lines of supply are interrupted."

    It SURE does, doesn't it? And I know that you, living on the west coast and experiencing earthquakes and other natural disasters understands completely. Like you, having lived in Florida with all the hurricanes they get, I too became a "prepper" - you have to.

    "But then again, I guess that really doesn't help those whose homes burned down :-( That, my friend, is a cruel fate I don't wish upon anybody."

    Amen!

    Thanks for stopping by, Herman. Hope you had an awesome weekend and an enjoyable Halloween with the family!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  48. I have indeed been thinking prayerfully of those affected by Sandy, because through blogging and using forums, I now know quite a number of people in that part of the world. I can't imagine how hard it must have been, and must still be, for those affected.

    I was reading on a greyhound forum about a few people who've been affected - but not washed out, so they were relatively lucky. But they've been without power for days and the temperatures have been wickedly low, and they've had to do things like thaw buckets of snow out in front of the woodburner for their horses (one guy has five, plus a large number of dogs and small animals) and the barns are never that close to the house, are they? Imagine having to carry 10-gallon buckets of water in freezing temperatures, needing several trips at least twice a day, along 500 yards of frozen driveway? And that's without the other loss-of-power inconveniences.

    One family has an elderly greyhound (13 yrs) who is almost blind and won't go down the steps to the yard without light. And he's disoriented and anxiety-ridden because his world has suddenly All Gone Wrong. I know about the big things, but sometimes it's the little things that touch my heart.

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  49. Hey there Jay~

    Thank you!

    (((((( You ))))))

    What really concerns me now is that the east coast is getting ready to be hit by another nor'easter this week! It will not be as harsh as Hurricane Sandy, but my worry is for those people who don't have power, thus not having any heat because it's going to get VERY cold here.

    "And he's disoriented and anxiety-ridden because his world has suddenly All Gone Wrong. I know about the big things, but sometimes it's the little things that touch my heart."

    OMG, that breaks my heart. And you brought up a VERY good point and concern - all the animals who have also been affected by this hurricane - especially the elderly animals, and the ones who are physically challenged. They must be so anxiety-ridden and frightened.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my Libra friend, and for sharing your support and prayers!

    Have a great week....X

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  50. Hang on to your hat, Ron. We're getting another nor'easter this week, can you believe it? Not nearly as severe as Sandy, but it's supposed to get cold and gusty!

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  51. Hey Robert!

    YIKES, yes, I know...another nor'easter this week. It's supposed come in around Wednesday and stay until Thursday. The north east is getting slammed this year! Hopefully, it won't be as bad a Sandy.

    *fingers crossed*

    Stay safe, buddy!

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  52. i am back online via a real computer and grateful for it! i know sometimes we forgot how privileged we are until we no longer have something as simple as heat and light. i read a book, did some cleaning in the meantime. i am okay without internet, and tv, but i probably would have lost it having to move around in the dark and with no heat. we're spoiled.

    i guess it's like breathing, we don't appreciate it or even think about it until we no longer aren't

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  53. Hey there V Girl~

    Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!! I am soooooooooo glad to hear you're back online. I have been thinking and thinking about you all last week and hoping you were okay.

    OMG...parts of Jersey and NY got hit hard. One of my other blogging friends from Jersey just got her power turned on today.

    "i guess it's like breathing, we don't appreciate it or even think about it until we no longer aren't."

    You said it, girl!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know you're back online. I missed ya!

    Have a SUPER week!

    X

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