What Do You Do During a Nor’easter? A Comedic Survival Guide
- Caroline Ranoia
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Ah, the infamous nor’easter! That delightful weather event that makes you consider investing in a flotation device for your living room. As I sit here in the midst of this current tempest over Columbus Day weekend, I can’t help but reflect on my unconventional storm-prepping routine. Grab a snack; this is going to be a wild ride!
Step 1: Close Up Shop
First things first, I had to close my stores. I mean, who in their right mind would venture out for retail therapy during flooding and high winds? “Oh, honey, let’s go buy some soap while the wind tries to carry us to Oz!” Not happening. I could just picture customers flying past my storefront like Dorothy’s house—except instead of a magical adventure, they’d just end up in the bay with a broken umbrella. So, I locked up and decided that was enough excitement for one day.
Step 2: Market Mayhem
Next on my agenda was a trip to the market. Now, you might think this is a mundane task, but let me tell you, shopping during a storm is like participating in an Olympic sport. I’m dodging shopping carts like they’re rogue waves, while also trying to remember if I need more toilet paper or if I can survive on just a few rolls for the next few days. Spoiler alert: I bought enough snacks to feed a small army. Because when the winds howl, you need sustenance!
Step 3: Island Life Challenges
Living on an island has its perks, especially in the summer when our quaint little community swells from 1,500 to over 250,000 visitors. That’s right—250,000! Imagine trying to find a parking spot during that chaos. It’s like playing a game of musical chairs, but with cars and a lot more honking. So, when the storm hits and the tourists scatter, I can breathe a little easier. I can finally park in front of my house without having to negotiate with a minivan for the space. But I can't because it floods badly on my street since I am only a few houses up from the bay, so not only do I have to park my car on higher grounds but I then have to walk home from that and do it all over again with my mother's car - yes, I will be going to heaven.
Step 4: Battling the Elements
But then come the storms! Back in Pennsylvania, a rainstorm was just a rainstorm. On this island, it’s like a horror movie—complete with wind that sounds like a banshee and the coastal flooding that’s out to reclaim my backyard. I’ve learned that no matter how securely I stow my outdoor furniture, it always ends up in the neighbor’s yard, looking as confused as a dog in a cat show. And oh, my potted plants? Let’s just say they’ve become “man down” casualties.
Step 5: Embracing the Calm
Now, here’s the funny twist: storms make me stop. They force me off the merry-go-round of life. Suddenly, I have time to do those things I typically put off, like online shopping or finally organizing my sock drawer. And let’s not forget: I get to take a nap! Yes, that’s right. As the wind howls outside, I’m cozied up on the couch, dreaming of clear skies and a perfectly organized home. It’s the little things, right?
So, what do I do during a nor’easter? I close my stores, stock up on snacks, and embrace the chaos that comes with living on an island. I laugh at the absurdity of it all, and I take a well-deserved nap. After all, who wouldn’t want to catch some Zs while the weather decides to throw a tantrum?
Next time your area is preparing for a storm, remember this: grab your snacks, secure your furniture, and get ready for a cozy adventure. Because sometimes, a little storm is just what you need to hit pause on life and enjoy the whirlwind of it all!
Stay safe,
Always Caroline, Oliver & staff.
PS. A project that I started last week for the Inn at Leola Village and was able to work on them during the storm
- hand painted Nutcrackers. They'll be at all of the various entrances on the property.
Should I make a few for the stores too?
yes
no
they freak me out
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