Seeking Asylum In The Greater Lehigh

Surviving Sandy: Day Two

The blanket fort actually gave us that extra layer of warmth, recirculating our hot breath that first chilly morning to warm our toes and fingers worked like a charm. And it was fun to boot.

First thing on our minds was some warm breakfast and hot coffee. We weren't on the road long til we saw this doozy.

Wandered the wasteland til we found out the Lehigh Valley Mall was to open to the public at 1pm. Called the Trunks and rendezvoused accordingly.

The girls took advantage of the section cordoned off for the coming of Santa, til the big mean mall security guard scolded them and told them they'd get coal in their stockings.

The inevitable return to the icebox we call home happened a little early this night, as we intended to heat up our blanket enclosure by a little aerobic activity, creating a game where Laura pushes Yuula onto a pile of pillows and she rolls down into my lap and I throw her back to her mother. This went on for about 3 hours.

and dancing...

I thought, what better time to teach Laura the rules of backgammon

It didn't take long for her to start cheating with the help of her child. Have she no shame?

Some storm inspired arts & crafts took place

then she passed out

The Days That Get Away

Everyone looks forward to their off day. Laura's traditional Wednesday off has given us many a joyous afternoon's exploring the local markets or simply touring the mountain passes. Yesterday was not one of those days. We found a moment or two to relax and enjoy the sub 80 temperature, but mostly it was work. These storms have done a number on our once peaceful neighborhood. Last I counted there were 17 trees down within eyesight of our backyard. Yesterday I dragged six or seven of them out and started to trim them down. I have mad firewood, some would say. Laura spent most of the day trying to once again transplant a few things here or there. It has been the summer of relocation. Let's hope the deer relocate somewhere else for lunch. And then around 2 I started mowing the lawn. I realized that I may be the only person to step foot on every square inch of this property. Plus I'm using a lawnmower that is exceedingly more proficient when being pulled as opposed to pushed. So technically I kind of mowed the yard twice. But I didn't finish and I barely raked so... there's still more to do. Laura made a delicious lamb for dinner, and then we had to run some very small and cheap errands. I think we set a new record. Went out to three stores and only spent $7.34. Looking forward to her week off. As long as we don't let those days get away.