[NYer]

I would get out of NY if I were you. An asteroid is undoubtedly inbound even if the one tomorrow misses.

From the outside looking in, I can appreciate your position and advice. From the inside looking out, on the other hand, let me reassure you that what you hear or read in the mainstream media reflects only a small percentage of New Yorkers, mostly those who reside in large cities.

New York is a wonderful state. I was born here and, despite the plethora of suggestions from freepers such as yourself, I have no intention of leaving "home". I have experienced the excitement of work in the bustling metropolis of NYC and the serene calm accompanying the song of loons on Long Lake in the Adirondacks. Nearly 20 years ago, I relocated from the coastal beauty of Long Island to the suburbs of Albany, the state capitol. Residing only 20 minutes from downtown Albany, my yard backs onto a bucolic setting of natural beauty with white tailed deer, red fox and beaver. Only minutes ago, while grilling dinner on the patio, I took in a landscape covered with gold, yellow, red and orange leaves, some still clinging to trees. The rippling sounds of a small creek only served to immortalize the image.

Where else can I go to enjoy the beauty of the four seasons, the architectural splendor of 4 centuries and the 3 hour proximity to NYC, Boston and Montreal?

Part of me is looking forward to the mushroom cloud.

Before it arrives, take some time to enjoy the glorious nature that surrounds you, a veritable gift from God, its creator.

[steve86]

I had forgotten you reside in a more rural area of New York State. You provided a truly travelogue description of your backyard and I don't doubt it in the least. I did travel from NYC to Montreal once on the train and the scenery was exquisite from one end to the other. Sections similar to the foothills of the Cascades here but even more green. I never did get to ski the northeast but used to collect resort brochures and looked forward to it. I am a little different from you in that large cities generally have nothing of interest to me (other than Latin Masses maybe!) and some of the northeast cities would be near the top of that list.

You are a great asset to FR and the religion forum in particular. Stay safe!

[little jeremiah]

Thank you for your pings, sometimes I miss a couple, from being too busy, overloaded or my disorganization, but I appreciate them all.

I loved your description of the NE. I was brought up in the NE and love the countryside.