Aftermath

By the time I woke up, I was expecting more dramatic weather. Eight a.m., it was a bit stormy with steady rain, but it didn't seem so bad. I thought it would probably get worse later when the storm passed. On the contrary, rain subsided within two hours. Oh, well. I still opened the bottle of wine I stocked up yesterday. "Come on Eileen" 1982-hit by Dexys Midnight Runners was ringing in my head all morning. It was my brother's favorite song. But yes, I was singing "Come on, Irene." So really, come on, but nothing happened, at least around here. By 11am rain stopped and sky brightened up even. That was it? But Taiyo happily indulged on Dora over and over, now that he know to hit the play button on remote. I did some cleaning, while feeling like an underachiever. I thought I could've done a lot more during the storm- we were supposed to be locked in until later in the afternoon. It was already over.

At one o'clock we finally got out of the house. When I pointed at the stroller Taiyo said, "Walk!" and marched out swinging his little arms. On the sidewalk, he immediately picked up a fallen tree branch and happily swang it around. Maybe some fallen branches and extra leaves, but the storm seemed to have left no damage in the neighborhood. Within two blocks, Taiyo got his feet wet, so he decided to climb up in the stroller so he could go barefoot. He hates to get his feet wet! The air was pleasant, a bit windy but at comfortable level, and people are wondering around the streets not knowing where to go. Not everything was of course back in business, and a few places open were pretty busy everywhere. Bars were packed, and the pizzeria on Rivington was already serving full tables. I was happy to see the pet shop was open on Avenue A, since I was almost out of Coco's food. We continued up on Avenue A, but Thomkins Square Park was still closed. Some businesses had tapes across their windows, and one place was even boarded up. I guess it was better to expect the worst, but wasn't it just kind of disappointing that nothing happened?

We wondered around some more and by the time I found a crowd taking pictures in front of a garden on Avenue B, Taiyo was asleep. I looked over, and there was a big fallen tree in the garden! Well, this was the most exciting damage Irene has caused that I saw in the neighborhood. There was smaller tree knocked over by the synagogue on Clinton Street.
I succeeded to lay him down when we got back, and after two-hour nap, he woke up in a rotten mood. So we went to visit Kathy down the street and there he happily went through her stuff, which she has many. Then another favorite aunt of his, Lynne came across town to join us for dinner at Cibao on Clinton and Rivington.

This is small neighborhood family-run Dominican joint, casual and reliable with good food and value. Entry is easy with a stroller, and spanish people are very kid-friendly, someone always talks to Taiyo here and there around the floor. Waitress acted indifferently in the beginning, but brought him a paper cup and plastic utencils, and later she was charmed with the jumping toddler. When the big plate of rice and beans arrived, Taiyo immediately drew it close to him and started feasting. Broiled chicken was nice and crispy outside but tender and moist inside. Today he decided ketchup on rice and beans was the thing to die for. He kept asking me for more ketchup on his rice. I like the low-key atmosphere of the place that reminds me of the good-old Lower East Side, and this is one of the place that hasn't changed all these years since I moved in the neighbhood 17-years ago. Baby pictures by the cash register prove that they don't mind a presence of one. Recommended.