When we came back from having dinner at a friend's house tonight, our house was ablaze with lights. And not the candles that have lit up the living room for the past six days. Real lights. That meant the heat was on and the phones worked and civilization had returned. 

It was extremely tough out here in New Jersey for the past week. The waters never rose up like we feared. Unlike our compatriots in Staten Island and Queens, we were spared flood waters. And unlike our compatriots all around us, a tree didn't fall through our roof. But we lost power. And it was very cold. 

We made due with fire in the fireplaces. If we kept the fires stoked, we were okay in the living room, but it was bone cold in the bedrooms. Getting out of bed in a 30 degree room and without a warm coffee pot in the kitchen wasn't easy. I'm not even sure what day of the week it is. 

My extended family who we usually turn to for support in trying times were also without power. My brother and sister and their families are still cold. 

I have no idea what's been going on in the world beyond the one block radius of my house. My only contact with the world has been 1010 Wins radio and the rude tweets that I sent Governor Christie  about the status of life around here. The gas situation is still horrific, and we're days away from that problem being solved. 

The boys have held up under this extreme stress like champions. Even Ian who needs his routines handled everything swell. But when we walked into our house tonight with the lights on, he started hysterically crying with pent up frustration. We'll let him play video games for twelve hours straight tomorrow. 

Thanks all for checking on us. We're fine. A little dirty and weary, but fine. More tomorrow.