The Eye of the Sturm: A Continuation of Irresponsible and Lackluster Irene Reportage

So we went to bed around 4:00 a.m. and got up about 45 minutes ago. I, of course, as the dedicated reporter I am, walked all the way outside (after having my first coffee), and ventured all of 100 yards from my front door. The things I do for you.

As near as I can tell, we're in the eye of what's left of Irene.  It's been downgraded to a Tropical Storm with 60 mph winds.  The news guys are out desperately looking for flooding over their ankles. (OK, I did just see a shot from somewhere out on Long Island with a largish boat floating down a street near a church.)

Here? Not so much.

However,  there is one bit of devastation I must report to you. Y'know that picture I've been using for a while now for my banner? Here, I'll put it up again, so it stays on this post after the banner changes eventually.

Well the background for that is a plywood construction wall around a church down the block from me.  And it's a little bit of a goner.

 That green is the color it really is.  It' brown on my banner because I own a computer and I'm an Ahtist.

Truth be told, a few months ago we had a wind storm and the whole thing blew down in that one, so Irene's a bit of a fizzle.  At least on my block.

As you may have noted in the first of those two pictures, the front door of the church is wide open.  Come back a little later for some interior shots.  I risked my life for you people!

Update 11:00 a.m.  Argggghhhhh!  THE SUN IS OUT!  IT BURNS! IT BURNS, MY PRECIOUS!
(Actually, it's kinda nice to see, but how fun is that to say?)

Update 11:12 a.m. We pause now for a brief impression of Hurricane Irene (disguised as a knight on a castle wall).



Apropos of nothing, here's the inside of that church.  There were about 10 people wandering around taking pictures.