Let's get to the important stuff first. Has anyone heard from HopeHoops or LynneSin?

[Baitball Blogger]

They were in Sandy's path. Anyone else from DU who was in the way of the Global warming awakening?

Please Check in and let us know you're safe.

[liberal N proud]

1. Checking in

We are still experiencing Sandy's power in Cleveland.

Wind howled all night and is still very strong. We lost power for only 2 hours so far, fingers crossed. We were up all night fighting water in the basement. One of sump pumps failed and the other could not keep up.

My office is closed today, I drove in before I found out. Had to take several detours and traffic lights were out everywhere.

I will work from home and keep an eye on the basement.

[Baitball Blogger]

2. That is one heck of a lot of water and wind to deal with.

Stay safe!

[wendylaroux]

3. Read HopeHoops post last night

Are you alright? LynneSin? worried here.

[HopeHoops]

4. The eye is directly over my house. There's more to come, but at least the dogs can shit now.

The poor things had to do their business in 40mph winds last night and came in drenched. I'll let them out again when the wind picks up enough that I know we're getting the flip side of the storm.

[Baitball Blogger]

7. That is amazing that you still have electricity.

Don't go too far from the house!

[HopeHoops]

8. The high-power wires run through our yard and the substation is at a fairly low elevation.

If we lose power, it's usually because a transformer blew out (and we can hear the explosion from our house). Our local lines are underground but they are fed by a short run of telephone pole wires. We tend to stay up, but when we go down the UPS units keep the lamps, clocks, internet, and phones on. The laptops have their own batteries. We just try not to open the fridge very often and we've got a gas stove so I can light it with a match. We're well stocked on alkaline batteries (except 6v - everyone was out of them) and we're all carrying pocket flashlights. There's plenty of distilled water available, dog and cat food are fine, and we've got booze and wine. We should be fine as long as the house stays standing. The roof is less than a year old so I suspect it will be fine.

The township declared a state of emergency yesterday. No unnecessary travel and pretty much everything except emergency services is shut down, including schools. Although I did hear the mail truck come by. Shit. It's almost noon. I should probably rattle my middle daughter's cage, and my eldest's boyfriend's as well. How'd it get this late? The eldest and youngest daughters are elsewhere.

[Baitball Blogger]

9. Sounds like you all have it under control.

Just like kids to sleep through it all.

[HopeHoops]

10. I'm pretty confident we can ride it out. I do have to run out for brandy.

[wendylaroux]

11. Thank goodness,

very glad you and Lynnsin are okay. Keep safe.

[HopeHoops]

15. Well I still need to make a run out past Carlisle (daughter's boyfriend's workplace) and again at 5.

I have to pick him up then. I'm usually awake about 4 a.m., so that's not a problem. And I can drive in anything.

[bluedigger]

5. LynneSin posted a few minutes before you in GD.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021667188

[Baitball Blogger]

6. Phenomenal!

[bluedigger]

12. She must have got really lost in teh storm.

The Lounge may have to send out a search party for her.

[RedCloud]

13. I have survived but have greater news!

[Baitball Blogger]

16. Which is...?

[Mad_Dem_X]

14. Checking in from Delaware

Northern part of the state...we were lucky; no lost power or anything major.

[Baitball Blogger]

17. You didn't look good on the map.

Glad it was just a two-dimensional problem.