Autumn Update

 

We're pent up here during our "hurrication"--(day 2 of no school today).   Zoe and I took a quick trip to Michigan to visit my grandmother, and made it back on the last flight in before the storm.  We've been lucky- still have power, with the only complaint being that our poor little tree in the backyard of our building looks like the leaves were squeezed off!  We haven't done any exploring but it is safe to say that fall has come to an abrupt end with the stripping of leaves off the trees!

As we wait to see how the city will fare, and what will become of our subway system over the next couple days, I thought it was a good time for a brief update!

So... the highlights:

From a broken elbow, to croup, to whatever it is that is making her cranky as can be during our cabin fever stay in the apartment right now, this has been a rough month for Zoe!  But luckily, baby's broken bones heal quickly, and she was hanging from the playground equipment the very day she got her cast removed, so she is on the mend!

We've had a lovely fall, with great weather and fun filled weekends.  I've been enjoying my new job, working hard but liking the change-- and of course, the commute.  Zoe actually loves visiting me down the street at work- the only down side is I can't get her to leave the building!  We did a little bit of light traveling (and speaking of ailments, we learned that Zoe officially gets carsick!  Really, truly, with intensity!).  Here are some highlights from our trip with friends to the Jersey Shore (hoping the lovely businesses and hotels there are doing okay this morning):

Over my school's October break, we took a trip to Vermont for some real crisp and beautiful fall!  We stayed in Aaron's cousin Jon's house, which is a converted birthing barn on a former farm.  Truly beautiful, very rural, complete with a wood burning stove to keep us warm.  Zoe got to put her newly learned animal sounds to very good use, and she "moo'ed" and "baa'ed" with vigor and energy!  We enjoyed day trips to Burlington to see my friend Sarah and her kids, to Shelburne Farms, and to the Ben and Jerry Factory where Aaron insisted we eat a "mini Vermonster".  It is exactly what it sounds like! 

We did some hiking as well, and Aaron went on what he called the best mountain bike trails ever, just outside our back door.  The highlight of the trip for me was playing "what did he just say!?"-- I liked to hear Jon and his roommate exchange stories of their normal everyday-- chopping wood, cutting brush, and staring down porcupines.  Nice to get out of Brooklyn for a change! 

I'm feeling quite lucky today, as I hear about the ordeal that so may are going through in New Jersey, NYC, and other areas that were hit hard by Sandy.  I know my city is going to work hard and carry on-- looks like there is some work to do!  Sending my best to all of you, with love and gratitude.