Monday, November 5, 2012

I Was Worried About the Worrying

First of all, thanks to my friend Jay S from Bailey’s Buddy  for listening to me ramble from a bad cell connection in my running car and getting online so he could publish the previous post for me.

All through the week I had tried to find internet service or call someone with no luck. My cell appears to have been damaged when the power first surged and it doesn't hold a charge for long. And there weren't any resources around.

I was so worried about all of you worrying about me. And Hope.
I don't take our friendship lightly.

So
I have so many stories to tell but my internet and phone service is still dicey so I'm going to post a few pics I got from NJ.com and from the Keyport Boat Club. Pics of places I love that are forever changed.

 The Seaside Heights roller coaster.
 A beautiful home in Union Beach that I have driven past and admired many times.
 Flooded and burned homes in Breezy Point. I have spent many summer weekends there.
 This was a main road near me.
Hot Dog Bobs - I've posted pics from here of the giant inflated hot dog and Fourth of July decorations

 The Inn at the marina. I sat by that window and had brunch many times.

 The corner where the Keyport mosaic stood. The trailer office for the boat ramp was pushed all the way up the street by the force of the wind and water.


These last few shots are all of my beloved marina. The spot where I had early morn coffee with the "old guys", where I fed the birds and watched the sky and waves and boats.





I have learned a new term - "disaster tourism"
People drive about looking for devastation to point at and take photos of.
I have not ventured around much, after 3 hours on a gas line you don't feel like driving.
I leave my camera at home. I saw a woman screaming at a car full of people who had stopped to take photos of her home. She was crying and telling them "this is my home, this is my home".

I love youse guys

25 comments:

LL Cool Joe said...

Damn I've missed your last few posts. I was in Arizona last week, and watching the news and seeing all the terrible devastation the storm has done. I can't think of anything worse, well after losing people of course, than ones home being destroyed. Your home is your refuge.

Thinking of you at this time.

Sylvia K said...

Oh, Dianne, this is so heartbreaking!! So much devastation! Those of us who live in a different part of the country can scarcely comprehend just how bad it is! I do hurt for all of you!! I think of you every day and hope that you and Hope and the kitties are ok!!

Mike said...

It's going to take years to recover from this. And some things will never be the same.

Cherie said...

I glad that you're safe even if you're frazzled. The pictures that get me the most are the ones with sand on the main roads. Mother Nature packs a powerful punch.

Frank Baron said...

So much sadness, destruction.. devastation. Heartbreaking to see but I'm so relieved that you did not suffer a similar fate. Hugs to you.

Ron said...

I am soooo glad to see that you were able to post, Dianne! You have been in my thoughts continually, this past week.

These photos are heartbreaking.

"She was crying and telling them "this is my home, this is my home".

That brought tears to my eyes.

The photo of the main road near you gives a very strong image of the severity in damage this hurricane caused.

I am so happy and relieved to know that you and your family and home are safe.

I got your email sent by Jay this morning with concerns about my mother. Thank you, dear lady. Hopefully, we can talk on the phone soon and I'll give you an update.

Sending LOTS of love and 'good energy' your way...

((((( You ))))))

X ya bunches! Missed you!

Hilary said...

Oops.. that was me with Frank's sign in. :)

nitebyrd said...

Dianne, those pictures break my heart. I'm so happy y'all are safe, even if your world has been turned upside down.

Living in FL, we know all about disaster tourism - people are twisted.

Love you right back!

Rambling Woods said...

Oh Dianne..I am so sorry for everyone there and everything that has been taken..I don't like change, I got upset when they tore down my elementary school and made it into a strip mall...thank goodness for your photos and memories...and what is wrong with people taking photos of this...it is like a second insult.. love to you and your family..I hate all this....

Lisa (Mountain Photog) said...

What sad, sad sights. Lives and memories washed away in just a few hours. . .

I know what you mean about wanting to leave the camera at home. Scenes like those you posted should not be for looky-loos, or, as you called them, "disaster tourists." What an indignity to have to suffer for those who have lost so much.

Where, I wonder, are those folks when there is clean-up to be done? If you're going to stop to take photos, you should at least offer to help in any way you can.

I'm sorry for everyone in the area. Even those, like you, who did not lose everything, still lost a lot of themselves.

You, your family and all those affected on the East Coast are in my thoughts.

Take care.

jaycoles@gmail.com said...

I am just so thankful that you and yours came through all of this. Seeing the pictures makes it so real, Especially when I know it is places near you. It is like a war zone. And I hear there is another storm coming your way.

I am thankful that I was able to help you out, and that you were able to get back on line. Hugs for you and Hope. I love you both.

HermanTurnip said...

I'm blown away by that picture of the roller coaster! That's amazing. And to think that there's more weather on the way for the East Coast? Yikes. Will it never end?

Linda Reeder said...

Having you show and describe those places that are so meaningful to you really brings the devastation home in a personal way.
Thank you for this post.

Cloudia said...

We love YOU!!!!
Thanks for letting us know you are hunkered down.


Bless you, and all there!!!!!

Aloha from Waikiki, Pal
Comfort Spiral

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Kay L. Davies said...

"Disaster tourism" — what a horrible idea. Some people are absolute ghouls.
I'm so glad you are well.
Hugs to Hope and all your family, including yourownself.
K

OldLady Of The Hills said...

It is so absolutely devistating, my dear....So many places--just GONE!!! The damage everywhere stuns one--Truly! I am so sorry you and yours are living through this nightmare! And now, a 'nor-easter'??? OY OY OY!
Hugs to you and HOPE,
((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) and to all the rest of your loved ones, as well....!

Happy Elf Mom (Christine) said...

Well... it *was* her home. So many prayers to all affected. One of my very best high school buddies is a single mom and still does not have electric. It is hard for so many people.

You didn't mention, but I am assuming you are still well.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Love you too Di! I'm sad seeing those pictures, many of which I remember you posting (esp. the one where you hung with the old guys)...but I am so glad you are OK (I trusted your friend was giving us the right message of course, and was grateful, but it is even better to hear your own unique voice.)

Daryl said...

hearing from you, from you yourself is making me feel less anxious but then i look at the devastation and i cry .. really i do ... my heart breaks for those who lost everything and for those who still have homes but no heat/electricity ... love you, you crazy wonderful broad ... give Hope a hug .. xox

DJan said...

Now you've got me crying. I gasped at those pictures, they are places I've visited with you in the past. Oh Lord, these shots took me right there with you. My heart goes out to all those who are suffering.

And I am also very glad that you are all safe.

Akelamalu said...

Oh my the devastation! I'm glad you were able to get back on line to let us know you're OK Dianne. It must be so terrible to lose your home/business and everything you've worked for but the most important thing is for people to have survived the devastation. You're all in my prayers. x

Lowell said...

Aw, crap! This just bring tears to my eyes. What a mess. But I am glad you made it through safely and that your home didn't get blown away.

it's just hard to imagine such devastation in your area. South Florida - we've seen it. But...

Thanks for the comment! It was so good to get verification that you were up and about!

You remain in our thoughts!

Country Girl said...

OMG. This is so sad. My son wrote me about Union Beach - his friend's parents live there and I was heartbroken over the photos. Disaster tourism . . . like the train wreck you can't stop looking at. Geez. Good luck to you in the weeks to come.

Ivanhoe said...

I'm so glad you are alright. This can all be replaced but people can not.
Love & hugs from Ohio,
I.

Ivanhoe said...

I'm so glad you are alright. This can all be replaced but people can not.
Love & hugs from Ohio,
I.