Post-Sandy

November has had its moments.  We are writing a tad sooner than we may have, but are responding to our many friends inquiring how we've made out following the storm.  Turns out, save for a few 120' trees that barely missed our home, we are among the most fortunate. Kids stayed here for a short time until power was restored. Lesly and Lenny fared the worst, losing much of their belongings in a rental home they're occupying having sold their home and awaiting the outcome of Len's election to the State Supreme Court.

Grandkids are getting bigger by the day it seems. Ethan is thrilled to have made the local basketball travel team. First grade is a piece of cake for Emmy.  Jolie is talking  in sentences (almost) at nineteen months. Happily we get to see each of them most days and life is returning to normal.  Define normal:

Thank you for your condolences. Corinne (left, with cousin Millie and Mom) passed away just before our trip. Phyllis, as usual, handled everything with her usual grace.  Our sister was a warm, lovely, talented person who did not deserve what her final years and months brought.  Nobody does. She is in a better place and is missed.

The cruise, Athens to Rome, was a delight. We recommend a Windstar sail without reservation --120 passengers treated royally, beautiful stops in smaller, picturesque, tranquil ports. Time in Amalfi--Ravello was our favorite village. In between we toured Athens, Rome, Pompeii.

Our return, fortunately, was just before Sandy struck.  For those of you not local, the devastation in many places is incredible. South Merrick was flooded; friends' homes destroyed or nearly-so. Alan's business (Steph's father) was under six feet of water. I visited yesterday--heartbreaking to see a vibrant community reduced to piles of rubbish, homes vacated, entire communities decimated.  The media has covered the storm, but no footage does justice to its force. Photo, Breezy Point, nearby Alan's store.

The good news is that we are all healthy and enjoying life post-cleanup. Wishing the same for each of you and your families.  No matter how great the travel experience, it is always great to return home to be with family and friends.

And then there is the re-election of Barack Obama.  Alice and I set our alarms for 3 a.m. in Athens and Rome to watch the presidential debates. The Yes We Can! Long Island Call Center in Valley Stream proved highly productive with volunteers making the second greatest number of GOTV phone calls on Long Island (not all YWC!LI members--many local club members and walk-ins).  Extremely happy with the outcome after much agita.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and a new year that brings only good things,

Love, Alice and Marvin