Sunset last night.

Was it really just one week ago today that we got our power restored? It seems like such a long time ago. If not for the closed gas stations, all the downed trees and all the leftovers from Sandy it might seem like just a bad dream. It certainly has been a strange couple of weeks here in New Jersey.

We finally have someone lined up to take care of our clogged-with-trees driveway. After getting three different estimates we finally narrowed it down to this: the cheapest! Our insurance company will pay $500 towards the clean up, but with estimates coming in anywhere from $1500 to $3500, we can’t go with our normal tree service people.

Strangely enough, the insurance will also reimburse us for the gas we used in our generator if we give them a tally of all the food items in our fridge and freezer that was saved by running the generator. I think that’s weird. And, they have suspended the deductible which is kind of nice.

“My” turkeys heading out of the yard.

Temperatures today were in the 50’s and most of the snow has disappeared. The weekend promises to be lovely with temps in the 60’s! From snow boots to nearly sandals in one fell swoop. I think we just might have to have a day trip in Mia.

Junco in the snow.

Love the sunset photo! And I’m glad to see “your” turkeys weathered the storm.

I think insurance companies just make it difficult to make a claim, in the hopes that people will drop it rather than follow through. Tallying the value of everything in the fridge sounds like a chore! (Unless your fridge is like our fridge, in which case the value is approximately $1.47.)

The money from the food will help pay (a little) for the tree clean-up.  The snow is all gone here too.

I am jealous of your junco. I haven’t seen one yet this year:(  So pretty.

Steve, I have always wondered where birds (and the turkeys) go during a storm. I’d love to know how they manage. Hah! $1.47 worth of groceries in your fridge!

C, I doubt we’d get much, but maybe a couple of hundred?

Bigsis, Give them some time. They only just arrived here for the winter so I’m sure you’‘l see them maybe within a month?

You are sure getting a variety of weather - I hope you have a lovely sunny weekend to enjoy Mia.  (What a lovely bird.)

All this ‘Sandy stuff’ makes me feel like I’m in some kind of dream state.  Took a walk around town today (on a day off from work) and realized how many buildings are condemned and saw how many people are still without electricity and still pumping out basements.  The ‘tree guys’ are notorious…your trees are probably already down or half way there.  I had one cut down about 2 yrs. ago and that was $2,500.  Unbelievable!  Hang in there!

Hi Joyce! I’ve been meaning to reply to your email and just haven’t done it yet. Glad to see you back. The weekend (mostly Sunday) was very nice and warm. Juncos are pretty birds, aren’t they?

Helene, I didn’t realize you lived close to the water?