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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

update from VT


sunset the night before irene...
...reflected on the birches.
We are still in VT. Property is soggy, but fine overall. Still no power, phone or water. Some damage to roads in the neighborhood..."undercutting", where rushing water in the ditches erodes under the surface, and edges collapse. Standing on the bridge over the branch of the White River that runs through town and looking down is staggering. The power of raging water is scary. 

Power back on down in town this AM...having hot tea and pastry and Wi-Fi at the local coffee joint.

Towns all around us are in big trouble, some are completely cut off. Helicopters are coming today to bring in help. Lots of chatter about how "you can't get there from here". 

Peter's missing work, but is checking in w/ cell phone a few times a day. He may head back to CT this afternoon. I'm thinking about finding a place to volunteer up here.

We know we are really lucky to have escaped harm and damage, but it's tough to see our beloved Vermont in such a state of emergency. The environmental impact of propane and fuel oil in the rivers and fields is staggering. The loss of iconic and sentimental covered bridges is sad. Homes and businesses were lost, folks died...

Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts.
Please send good vibes to everyone impacted by this bizzarre storm.
xoxoK-
at

21 comments:

  1. JamieAugust 30, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Sending hope and healing to you and all Vermonters.

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  2. debbi d-wAugust 30, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    You all are in our hearts and our thoughts, Karen. Keeping you in my UU prayers.

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  3. UnknownAugust 30, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    Sending those good vibes your way. My heart hurts for your beloved Vermont. Nature is "natural" but when humans get in the way with things like propane and oil, it's so awful.

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  4. SuzAugust 30, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    So sorry for your precious vermont

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  5. LynAugust 30, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    We are thinking of you and you are in our prayers.
    take care
    xxx

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  6. Judy HartmanAugust 30, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    I've been seeing all the disastrous news videos about the damage in Vermont. So sorry, and I hope and pray that people can put their lives back together, although some things will never be the same.
    Sending you big hugs.

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  7. PomonaAugust 31, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    It must be dreadful for all of you, wherever you are - I am so sorry. Other trials seem to dwarf in comparison.

    With very best wishes
    Pomona x

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  8. gillyflowerAugust 31, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    Hi, just found you via Pomonas blog.
    Reading your post brings it home to us what you are all suffering out there and how terrible it has been and what you are now facing.
    So sorry to hear all this, it must be heart breaking seeing the loss and devastation.

    All best wishes
    Gill xx

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  9. Marigold JamAugust 31, 2011 at 4:28 AM

    Just popped over from Pomona's blog - how sorry I am for all of those of you affected by Irene and my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Hope that in time things will be repaired and life will get back to normal but what a sad loss those iconic bridges will be and some things will not be so easily fixed I know.

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  10. VintageVickiAugust 31, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    Have just come over from Pomonas too. I am so sorry to hear about everyone who has been affected by the might of Irene. Hoping some sense of normality returns very soon xx.

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  11. Used-to-BeesAugust 31, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    Another Pomona link...So sorry to read about the devastation to lives and property. Hope everyone is soon able to enjoy calm sunsets again...x

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  12. NickyAugust 31, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    From Pomona too and though I do not know you on the other side of the pond my thoughts are with you as are many others and we care and hope things come back to 'normal' as soon as possible.

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  13. Little Blue MouseAugust 31, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    I've also come over from Pomona's and am sorry to see the affect the storm has had.
    Sending good vibes to you all.

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  14. AnnieAugust 31, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Hello, and good wishes from the UK. I'm another commenter via Pomona :D
    I find it sad that when there is so much damage and loss the news here reports so little of it ... if there isn't some sound bite story with frightening pictures of trees blowing over or some such we hear nothing.
    All those who are struggling to put things back together post-storm are in my thoughts x

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  15. earthmotherwithinAugust 31, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    Good wishes from Australia, where many of our country towns were awash in floods only earlier this year. May you all find the way through.

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  16. AnonymousAugust 31, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Hi, just come over from Pomona's!
    So sad to hear of the loss of life and the devastation of your homeland.
    Thinking of you and hoping that some sort of normality returns soon.

    Vivienne x

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  17. sharonAugust 31, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    It seems I've been holding my breath for you in the face of this storm and then I read your post about your breath being your center. Thank you for that. I forget to breathe all too often.
    Sorry for the losses around you but deeply happy to know you and yours are well.
    Nothing like this tiny weather distraction to take your mind off the wrenching departure of your daughter! Sending healing energy your way.

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  18. JudyCinNCAugust 31, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Good to know you are okay but my heart is heavy in the knowledge of the damage that all have endured from something you had no power over. Please know our hearts and prayers are leaping your way. Judy C in (inland) NC

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  19. TwiggyAugust 31, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I'm over from Pomona's blog too. Sending lots of best wishes from over the pond. Take care.
    twiggy xx

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  20. SueAugust 31, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    Popped over from Pomona's blog just to let you know that we are thinking about you all.

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  21. BarbaraSeptember 1, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    Came over from Pomona's and was surprised to see that there was this much damage as far north as Vermont from Irene. Certainly many over here on this side of the pond have been praying for you all over there that have been affected by the hurricane.

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