Well, I’ve survived two weeks in the hospital after my orthopedic surgeon put a plate and box full of screws into my femur! We came home to my house in Croton and the beginning of healing has begun. I am so lucky to be alive and have loving people to care for me. I greatly appreciate all the cards, flowers and gifts that have made me smile. Those of you who know me, understand that I’m only happy when being productive. So don’t be surprised if I answer the phone when you call!
Tom Morrissey, our new innkeeper, has turned out to be a wonderful presence here. He started just before Valentine’s weekend and has barely had a few hours off all month. Now that I’m home and able to answer the phone, I’m insisting that he take some time to pack up his home for the move to the inn where he will be in residence. Thanks to Tom, the Alexander Hamilton House was truly a warm port in the three day storm that left more than 60% of Crotonites without power for days! When we received the call from the town that they were setting up a shelter at the train station, we knew we were all in for a rough weekend. We knew that we would be getting calls from those with infants and pets who didn’t want to huddle in a shelter or try to tough it out with candles and a fireplace at home.
We had a great weekend, accommodating locals who never thought they would be guests at the inn in their own hometown. One family brought their newborn straight from the hospital, another very pregnant woman arrived fearing that she would go into labor and not be able to call for help. This year we made certain rooms at the inn pet friendly. This weekend our policy was taken to the limit as we became a home for a number of dogs, a cat and a snake which was in its tank, and a large plastic box and confined to the stall shower in the owner’s private bathroom. Under ordinary circumstances we won’t accept more than dogs, but in a crisis like this one, we’ve even been known to accept a parrot.
This storm reminded me of a hurricane we had years ago. When I arrived in the kitchen to make breakfast, I heard snoring coming from the sun porch. When I tracked down the sounds, I found three strangers sleeping on the couches out there. It turned out that they were three IBMers from the Watson Research Center who came home with one of our guests when the roads to their homes were cut off by the flooding. Needless to say we fed everyone breakfast and arranged hot showers.
I am very happy to have been here for all who needed us and want to thank Tom for making all our guests so comfortable.
