Nor'easter

Has it ever been wet here! Just heard on the news today that if it would have been cold enough to snow, the equivalent amount of snow that would have fallen on Sunday is 75 inches! No...that isn't a typo. But since it is in the mid 40's, it is rain, and there were over 7 inches of rain measured in Central Park on Sunday. That makes it the 2nd wettest day in recorded history here. There are ponds in places in the park where there weren't any before, you have to wade through puddles to get to the subways and on some street corners. In some surrounding areas there was extensive flooding in basements and backyards, and some people were evacuated by boat from their homes.
The rain didn't affect us all that much, except a couple times Banchi acted like he would prefer to hold it for a couple days rather than venture out in the rain to pee, and we all ended up with soaked-through shoes, socks and pants even if we only had to walk a couple blocks to a subway.
Things seem to be drying up a bit, and we are oh-so-hopeful for sunny skies since our first visitors are arriving on Tuesday from Portland. The kids are SO excited to see Abbie, and we have visits to FAO Schwarz and the American Girl Doll store planned, also some scootering in Central Park and hopefully a visit to the Statue of Liberty. While our visitors are here we plan to stay in the temporary apartment...this place isn't quite ready for habitation yet. We have made progress though, sold a couple very large items, got approval to use the bike room, hooked up Internet and phone and the bedroom and kitchen are nearly functional. Also we have found some towels and been able to shower here, so we are close to being ready to make the move.
Brett has been working very late nights and all weekend on his reports for the bridges he inspected while in Florida. He should be finished (one way or another) by the end of the week, and at that point we will be able to resume moving in activities. We have been unpacking boxes slowly, but there is a limit to how far I can get on my own with the kids (who seem to have endless needs for snacks or help with toys). We have found an IKEA close by, and as soon as we get a chance we will head there and find some storage solutions that will help make stowing our things easier.
Our new building had a Spring Lobby Party on Sunday night--that was fun. We got to meet a bunch of neighbors. One guy brought his stand-up bass and played for the crowd, he plays all over the City, and recently put out a kid's CD. The kids had fun playing with the 3 other kids that were there (ages 2, 4 and 6, all from different families), and there was good food too.
Off to unpack some more boxes!