After the Storm
There was no calm after the storm!
Irene blasted her way across the eastern coast of America like a scorned woman getting even with a cheating lover. She brought winds that toppled sturdy trees and rainwater that flooded highways that looked underused. She turned the lights off in many single homes and many condominiums, even those with underground wiring.
The name Irene, to me, always represented a peaceful, lovable, capable person who managed to handle all situations with grace and aplomb. Irene Dunne was a wonderful actress who was dignified and friendly. Irene Pappas was an outstanding Greek actress whose life was a bit more turbulent, but she was kind. I am told that Irene means “peace” in Greek.
Goodnight Irene was a ballad sung by The Weavers in the 1950s. The chorus is “Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene, I’ll see you in my dreams.”
The electricity went out and remained out overnight. About 4 p.m. the next day, Lorraine and I took a stroll because we felt cooped up with no television and no air conditioning. The winds of Irene were still blowing, but many groups of residents took to the streets for a walk. We met many neighbors.
A group of eight of us decided to go for supper. We tried six or seven restaurants but either they were closed, or they had no electricity. Bagel Boss in Jericho was open, but we all desired a hot meal, as our stoves were not working. However, the lights were on at Ben’s Delicatessen; they were open. We all stood in line for 25 minutes, but we were seated and all had a delicious meal with great conversation and great sour pickles. When we returned home, our electricity had returned and life was normal again.
Monday morning, the roads were better. All the blocking trees had been removed. However, there were no traffic lights on the LIE. Service Road. Each corner had to be approached cautiously.
Irene had come and was gone. In some communities, there was still flooding, but in time, the memory of Irene will be an adventure that we lived through.
