Good luck to all of you in the South East.......

[Scoops]

.....I'll be thinking of you, and praying for your safety over the next couple of days.

Monica, Savhlaney, and all our other friends in the area (not sure where everyone lives)... stay safe... hey, even MsP may get swiped this time around......looks like it's heading straight in.

Bet you poor Virginia gals are glad it isn't projected as headed up the coast. What a mess you all received this week.

Keeping fingers crossed for minimal damage.

[monicauf]

Thanks Scoop! I was about to respond to MissP's message on another thread, hopefully she will read it here. The last I heard a few minutes ago is that they are not exactly sure where it will make landfall exactly but it appears to be on the east coast and then it is supposed to make a northwest turn, which would have it coming my way! They are saying that it is too wide and much larger than Charley to make an accurate projection- but from what they are saying my area will be affected sometime Saturday and Sunday. Right now it is a category 4 and could change to a 5 but not sure about the 5.

Everything here seems to be closing starting tomorrow, NASA is closing, schools, colleges etc...I am betting that I will still be working since I am in the northwest and it is supposed to come in from the east and then come my way. I feel horrible for the Orlando residents- some are still without power! There are not enough shelters since many people from Punta Gorda and Orlando area are still in shelters from Hurricane Charley. I am nervous but prepared with supplies, hoping that by the time it gets to me that it wont be that bad and also hoping that Savhlaney and Miss P do not get any of it.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, I am praying that the ones that were already affected by Charley do not have anymore damage done by Frances.

[SavhLaney]

Thank you Scoops and Monica. As of now, we are just watching the projections for the path and waiting to see what we should do.

If it stays on the course they show now, it should cross more in to the western part of GA as opposed to the coast, but we have all seen paths change at the last minute.

It has been a rough hurricane season so far this year.

[DKLA]

It just missed a friend of mine in the British V.I.

Be safe!!

[MsPiggie]

As a first week observer of what Hurricane Andrew did, I can tell you, it doesn't begin to translate over our TV screens. I just hope you both are safe and sound!!!!

I can handle the heavy rain from it (if it comes up through here), but what scares me are the tornados that can be spawned from it.

Be careful!!!

[Danielle]

thinking of all of you also.
be safe!
Dani~

[Cindyloo]

I'm thinking of you all to. Please stay safe!

[Judithr]

Thanks Scoops and all! I sure hope everyone here on the east coast stays safe.I am hoping that it doesn't come up through NC either.I lived through Hugo where us personally didn't receive any damage,but lots of folks did,including my parents.Hope Frances doesn't come here at all.I too think about the folks who got hit by Charley and Gaston are spared this hurricane.Stay safe everyone!

[Mia]

MsP, I lived in Miami during Andrew. I agree with you, regardless of how much devastation is shown on TV.....nothing compares to seeing it in person.

I just spoke with my daughter and she said that Brian Norcross(meteorologist during Andrew who is credited with saving lives based on his advice) predicts that due to it's size, Frances, will do more damage than Charley and Andrew. It's moving very slow and he's predicting at least 12 hours of hurricane force winds. It's bigger than the state of Texas!

All those in it's path, prepare as best you can and be safe.

[Jules]

That is so scary. All I really have to deal with here in Oklahoma are tornados. I hate them! I read online today that Frances is thought to be the worst hurricane to hit the state of Florida in over a decade. Be safe!

[Skeeter]

Be safe, everyone.....

We will be praying for your safety....

Skeeter

[Paco]

I'm down here in Miami and there is a shortage of gas, and ply wood. The streets are a bit crazy right now. This storm is said to bring flooding and destruction to the areas anywhere near the eye. I remember Hurricane Andrew very well and this storm does not seem to be far behind.

[ledhead]

Oh my goodness!! All of you down there, PLEASE BE CAREFUL!! I sure hope it loses at least some of its power. I can't imagine what it would be like to have something like that coming toward us!!

[Jules]

Yeah, it would be scary. Ledhead, you and I just have to deal with the tornados.

[Mia]

In the 25 years I lived in Miami, never saw anything like Frances. And, there's Ivan brewing in the Atlantic.

Monica, how are you and your family? I hope all of you are safe and that the damage wasn't great.

My thoughts and prayers are with all.

[monicauf]

Hurricane Frances update:


My area has had down trees, uprooted trees, a roof taken off a business,down power lines, cars turned over. Just now on the local news they said a woman in her 60's died due to a tree crashing into her home- the tree came into the bedroom and killed her instantly while she was sleeping. Since yesterday afternoon I have had pounding rain, and the trees in my yard were thrashing around like they were twigs. I am not sure yet what my neighborhood looks like since it is pouring still and I will wait until the sun comes up. I do know that I have a few limbs down, branches but it does not seem that bad compared to what other people in this town has gotten. I cannot imagine what the other areas of Florida are like, obviously much worse than my area since they are on the coast.

So thankfully the dogs and I are fine- and my sister, brother in law
and nephew are still in Colorado, they are supposed to come home
tomorrow- the airport will be running- no structural damage. I hope
their home is in good shape, not sure if they will be able to go home
or if they will be coming to stay with me.

There are about 6 million people in Florida without power- I just got
my power on 30 minutes ago. I lost power for almost two hours
yesterday morning and then about 3pm it got very bad outside. I lost
power again and it came on about 30 minutes ago. So I lost power for
over 14 hours if I count the morning and afternoon/evening. Not sure about the food in my refrigerator....


You could hear the trees thrashing yesterday/last night, you could
hear the limbs breaking off, but the dogs slept right throught it!
Normally Saba and Haley ( my dog and my sister's dog) are scared to
death of storms but there was no thunder or lightening, just pounding
rain. It was very scary but for me, not the dogs. I have been in a
Tornado watch all weekend, will be in one until 6pm tonight.

Hey maybe I wont have to work tomorrow? I am sure I do but I can
hope.

I am sick of this weather, and I really hope Ivan the terrible does
not come here! From what I just saw on the news, he is headed the
same direction as Frances!!


Intersting information- Frances was the name of my grandfather's
common law wife- they were together for 23 years and passed away 3
weeks ago.

Anyways way too wordy- the bottom line is that I am fine and the dogs are fine.

I am so glad they cancelled the College football games- our opening game was against Middle Tennessee State- it was rescheduled for October 16th.

The newscasters are saying that every county in Central Florida has been affected by Hurricane Frances- Miss P I hope your friend in Tampa is doing well.

[monicauf]

I forgot to mention, thank you everyone for the thoughts and prayers! This has been an interesting weekend.

[Cindyloo]

I'm so glad that you and your family are okay Monicauf. What a terrible thing to have to endure. Lord, I hope that Ivan doesn't act like Francis did.

Glad the doggies slept through it. Hope you don't have to work tomorrow either, heaven knows, you probably need a day off..lol

Thank you for the update. I will keep everyone there in my thoughts and prayers.

[Monicauf]

Thanks Cindy-Just wanted to add that yesterday the winds in my area were about 70 mph and today they will be 60mph- the weatherforcasters just said that I have a few more hours of this horrible weather, there is a 100 percent chance of rain for today- I need tomorrow just to relax LOL

I took the dogs out just in time this morning since now it is starting up again. I want some sun!! Off to have some coffee, have a great morning.

[ledhead]

Thanks for the update, Monica. I was wondering how you were faring down there. Glad you're okay. It must be scary to sit in it all alone. Do you know your neighbors? Did many people from your area evacuate?

I'm not sure I understand about evacuation. I can certainly see why people would want to, and yet some will sit it out no matter what. And where would you evacuate to? Who knows what evil lurks in the eye of a hurricane? Or exactly where the worst of it will be?

Our local news station sent a reporter down to Cocoa Beach. Behind him was the pier near where we stayed the last couple of days the first time we came down to FL. I don't think they could pay me enough to stand out there in the wind and pounding rain and report how bad it is in a hurricane. The reporter said the rain felt like sand & gravel hitting him.

They talked to some people who had pooled all their resources together, food, beer, water, snacks, flashlights, and whatever else you might need or want in that kind of weather and were having a Hurricane Party. If you have to stay there and stay inside, I would think it'd be more comfortable with other people.

Anyway, I'm glad you're okay for now. Hope nothing else happens with Frances anyway. You need to catch your breath and brace yourself for the next one coming in.

[Monicauf]

I am sure that many if not all Floridians were scared, this was/is a very scary storm. Yes, a single person is probably a little more scared than being with others, and I had a chance to stay with friends but could not bring the dogs so I decided to stay home with them, I would never leave them alone.

Yes I know my neighbors, and many of us have been checking on each other to make sure everyone was fine. Thank you for your concern, but had no problem staying by myself.

I am not sure how many people evacuated in my town, it was not under a mandatory evacuation- there are 6 shelters and not all are full- plus you need to know if you are in a flood zone or not and I am on high ground.

The purpose of an evacuation is so you can live. If they know for sure that the storm is going to hit that area such as Cocoa Beach, many of those towns in that area were under mandatory evacuations- then you have a chance of going to a safe place such as another town away from the storm- to a school ( schools are built to withstand strong winds, homes are not). Plus with a mandatory evacuation, if you need help, they are not going to come to you.

Yes you are taking a chance that the storm will come near you after you have evacuated, but at least you have a better chance that the roof wont cave in on you, that you wont be in a home that is flooded- better to take a chance in evacuating if they tell you to, then to take a chance that you might or might not live. They showed a home in Daytona Beach, where the whole second floor is gone, if the people had stayed there then they would have been gone too.

[ledhead]

Thanks for explaining Monica, I really do not understand. I think I will stay up here (living anyway) and deal with tornadoes and blizzards. At least we have basements to go into during a tornado. They're not a 100% safe either, but at least safer than being at ground level.

Well my Orange Brownies (recipe I got from Home Cooking with Paula Deen) are about done, and I have to get my roast in the oven. I'm dying to see how they turn out!! They sure smell good! Our middle son is moving into his house today, and I thought I'd provide some food for his friends helping him. I'm going to cook a huge rump roast and have french dip sandwiches.

He decided he was tired of paying rent and getting nothing out of it, so he bought a house. He had to buy a refrigerator, washer and dryer.

[monicauf]

Basically if they can predict that the storm is going directly towards your town, they want you to leave- especially if you are near a body of water, such as the people on Cocoa Beach. Yes we have Hurricanes, but not all the time- this is unusual to have had this many this year. Your area has Tornadoes, no area is 100 percent safe.

I am thinking of making Shepherds Pie later, gotta check to see how my food in the ref fared. The roast sounds good!

That is great that your son purchased a home, I bought my home a few years ago- much better than rent and if he decides to ever move to another home he can rent out this one to make some extra income.

[Jinh]

So relieved to know that you and Saba fared well, Monica...Cute that Saba and her 'cousin' slept through it!

All I can say when I look at the news footage is, "what a mess!"

Oh, I saw the funniest thing on CNN a little while ago...A guy pulling a small boat with two Basset hounds across a flooded road - they looked like they were taking the whole thing in 'stride' lol

Jinh

[monicauf]

Hey Jinh- yes both dogs have been very good troopers- and they both get along great!

That is very cute about the Basset Hounds, too bad I missed it, sounds adorable.

All I know is that I want this rain to stop!! My area has gotten rain the majority of the day, we are under a Tornado watch- well at least I don't have to work tomorrow.

[SavhLaney]

We are still getting rain here too, and have been under a tornado watch all day. Tomorrow doesn't look much better.

[monicauf]

Good to hear from you SavhLaney, I was thinking about you today, wondering how your weather was- be safe!

[Mia]

Monica, thanks for the update. Good to hear it wasn't that bad.

[SavhLaney]

Thank you Monica. We have been fortunate here, compared to the devastation in your state.

I guess we have to keep an eye on "Ivan" now.

[monicauf]

Yes it has been horrible all over the state, my area did not get it as bad as others and already my area has gotten 12 inches of rain and it is still raining :( I am in a Tornado watch until 5am- glad I am off work tomorrow- hoping it is nice enough to take the dogs for a walk and to get the yard cleared of the numerous limbs and branches.

I am glad you are doing ok- I don't even want to think of Ivan- my newsasters are calling him Ivan the terrible....I cannot imagine what the people who experienced Charley and Frances are feeling- I am lucky that Charley did not affect my area. They interviewed a woman who lost her home with Hurricane Charley, then had to evacuate her apartment due to Hurricane Frances....anyways glad that you are doing well weather wise

[MsPiggie]

Glad you are doing good Monica. Saw a huge tornado in Savannah...

What terrible weather in such a short period of time.

[Judithr]

Glad you are safe too Monica! We are getting rain here and supposed to get really heavy later on today and also lots of rain for tomorrow also.We are under flood watches here for the next few days.Although right now where I am it is not raining much,but the weatherman keeps saying it is coming.Our rain is coming from Frances also.Glad everyone is safe.I emailed my nephew last night and had an answer from him this morning,that they haven't had but about 30 minutes of rain from Frances,so they are very lucky.Have a good day all!

[Scoops]

Good to see you posting Monica, and that all the rest of you Southern gals are doing ok.

I was away for the weekend but was thinking of you. Looked absolutely awful. I saw all the people evacuating as well, and how there are shelters for the animals in some cities, but yikes, what if there is no room? Monica, do you have a place to go with Saba, if you ever had to get out, or would you just drive to another state? Nice that Saba had her doggie cousing for company, and that your sister didn't have to worry about her dog in a kennel somewhere.

I saw a storm footage of this one hunting dog running around alone, in the middle of the storm, (very sad) and I know what happened to some pets during Charley (also very sad)...... this storm seemed neverending...how could people leave their pets that long?

Now comes the big clean-up for all of you...looks overwhelming on the news....the lines, the loss of electricity...I hope and pray that Ivan gives you a break.

Did you make the shepherd's pie...I love that!! My Nana used to make it on Thursday nights.......fish on Fridays...hot dogs, beans and brown bread Saturday night, and a big old Sunday dinner every week.

That brought back a nice memory...haven't had it in a good while.
MMM.

[monicauf]

Hi guys, also glad to see that everyone else is doing well, hope the storm does not hit the other ladies here too hard.

Scoops I would have to leave to either go to another city or state- each city has their own rules on animals in shelters- what they do in my town is a two step process 1) bring your animal in a crate only, well Saba has never been in a crate, plus I would not be able to lift her and the crate 2) If you do bring your dog in a crate to a shelter, they then then bring the animals to stay at the Humane Society for safe keeping. Well the location of where the Humane Society is where the most damage occured, alot of low areas. Saba's health is not good and I think her being separated in a storm would be too much for her.

I know what you mean about the pets, I know some people could do it, since many shelters do not allow animals, I know I just could not do it.

Anita and Tim were very glad that they had me watching Haley- they are coming home today from Colorado but I will probably watch their dog until the weekend or after...the great news is that their home is fine, they live close to NASA, and that whole area was in a mandatory evacuation area- they lost power and some shingles.

I did not make the Shepherd's Pie, lost power again for a couple hours, I did not want to take a chance with the meat since my power was off more than it was on. But I am craving it, I love brown bread!! I don't know of many people that know what it is, you are talking about the brown bread in a can right? We used to have the beans and brownbread every Sunday for dinner, my grandmother used to make it all the time, she would put a hamhock in with the beans, oh the memories- this is the perfect day for that and I should go to the store later.

Not sure if I will be able to watch our shows tonight, my CBS station has been off the air since Sunday morning. I hope it will be back on today-

[Scoops]

Yes! the brownbread in a can! I would sit down with my grandfather and watch Wide World of Sports in their living room, on a tv tray (so cool for me, cause it was only allowed on Saturdays at my Grandparents) and eat my hotdogs, beans, and brownbread.

Now I am really dating myself. lol

Funny, the things they got me to eat when I was little...I guarantee my son wouldn't go near the beans or the brownbread!


My cat could never handle going to a shelter either. Guess we would ride it out together somewhere.

Glad to hear your sister's home is intact. Good luck to all of you.

[Cindyloo]

Gosh Monica, you sure have been through it. I'm still thinking of everyone there, and so sad about peoples pets. I'm glad Saba is okay.

I forget what Sheperds pie is. I kind of remember it though, my mother may have made that.

[monicauf]

Scoops you are funny- if you are dating yourself so am I LOL

Your son might like the brown bread, my brother in law had it for the first time when he met my sister and he loves it!

Cindy- I am very lucky- my town got hit, and many are still without power but the people in South Florida have it so much worse. I had to throw some food away but that is no biggie considering...

Shepherds Pie can be made numerous ways, the way I was taught was to have hamburger, onions salt, pepper, and wistershire sauce, fry all together, pour in the bottom of the pan, add mashed potatoes, then shredded cheese, bake at 350 for approximately 30-40 minutues- extremely yummy!!

[Scoops]

It is the beef pie Cindyloo, with the mashed potato topping that gets nice and slightly crisped in the oven.

Usually it is ground beef and various vegetables, with a gravy of some sort that constitute the ingredients. Some people use bigger chunks of beef, my grandmother always used ground beef or lamb.

[Scoops]

ahhh that was it, the secret ingredient...the worcestershire sauce! forgot about that. We sometimes got green beans or corn with the onions Monica.

[Monicauf]

Goodness I am not with it, just realized that I forgot the corn, so Cindy it is the meat, corn, mashed potatoes, and then the shredded cheese. I have always used ground beef, never had it with gravy.

[Jules]

You guys are making me hungry.

[Monicauf]

Thanks for your help Scoops- I am doing a crappy job with the recipe LOL Never heard of making it with green beans, think I will stick with corn in mine.

[Cindyloo]

Thanks guys!
YES! I DO remember it. My mom made it sometimes. I'm gonna try it. It sounds delicious! Especially the cheddar cheese on top. I'm a "cheese" nut, the more the better..lol

And I DO remember the brown bread that comes in a can. I haven't had that in years! I love it!

[Cindyloo]

Me is hungry to Jules. Think I'll fix me a bowl cheerios...lol

[Jules]

I'm imagining the smell of my roast that is cooking right now in the crockpot at home. Let me tell ya.....I love going home after work and smelling a roast aroma!

[Cindyloo]

Nothin' no better than a roast cooking all day.

Stop it! My stomach is growling...lol

I need to look in the freezer and see if I have a roast. Probably not...lol

[Scoops]

I am eating a Stella doro "S" cookie, and dipping it in a big glass of milk right now. First day of school, so I didn't have breakfast....happy to just have gotten him out the door with all the requested supplies!!...looking forward to going back to my out to eat routine.
My Mother is away down the Cape for the week.

I will relate a little story........

..all Summer my 7 year old son has stuck to this story that there is no school for boys, and besides, according to him... he won't start up again until college...when he can pick what he wants to learn about.....(also found out another tidbit... he will be living at home while at college) lol.......anyhoo, he has not budged from that story for two months, even when reasoned with, and even when asked by strangers if he was ready for school yet. Three weeks ago we ran into his first grade teacher, who he really liked, and after she left he burst into tears....guess he didn't like the visual reminder.....

Last night When I asked him if he wanted me to drive him today or take the bus, he answered, "If I was going anywhere near there, I would take the bus, but since I am staying home, don't worry about it."
Last night he reminded me that I needn't wake him up early...he would be "sleeping in".....an expression I didn't think he knew.......little wise guy.

His persistance and stubborness although good humored.. had started to make me a bit nervous for the big send off.

....he got up, and even had a few laughs with us this AM...no more talk about "no school for boys", etc...his cousins, and my sister called to wish him well, cause I am telling you...I was worried I would have to drag him to school....he chatted away....no problem....but no call from Nana and Papa (who live around the corner), who are on vacation, so I told them not to get up...they could call after school....and besides we just visited them over the weekend!!

Then we are out in the driveway waiting for the bus, he is abnormally quiet... and he turns to me and whispers...."Does Nana and Papa know about this injustice?" ......ok, he didn't say injustice, but it was implied!!!

Guess he was a bit put out that he had'nt heard from all fronts.

Then he asked me if one of his buddies who goes to another school in town was at school yet....I said yes, Matthew is probably already in class......( I don't know if he was, but misery loves company).....more silence while he pondered his poor friend already slaving away at his desk in the torture chambers.

...then the bus came, and off he went...I saw him plop down next to another equally thrilled friend........just waiting here for a call from the school. lol Keep your fingers crossed he makes it through the day!!




Monica...don't let me throw you off with the gravy...I think I was thinking of the worcestershire sauce, and the taste, coloring, that come with it when mixed with the juices.

[Jules]

Scoops, that was a great story. And you are saying he is only 7? Wow.

[Cindyloo]

Oh, what a cute story Scoops!

He sure does sound like a smart little guy. I bet you WERE wondering if you'd have to drag him off to school...haha

Crossing fingers he makes it through the day. I'm sure he will. He'll have stories galore for you this evening of how much fun he had at school.

Cookies and milk huh? Now, I KNOW I got to find me something eat...lol

[MsPiggie]

Re: the animals in the storm...

I saw a horse running through the streets also on some coverage they were showing. Gosh, it just broke/breaks my heart.. If I had to evacuate, I would have a hell of a time, but I would get all 24 of them!!!

[MsPiggie]

Just watched the news a bit ago and there was a couple from Florida that had come here to stay and she had a baby!

This rain is relentless.

[Cindyloo]

Awe, how sweet about the baby.

24 horses? Wow! I just love horses. I'm not a rider, but love to groom them, but haven't done THAT in years.

We're getting some rain now here in Ohio. Nothing too major, but could get heavy at times later this afternoon.

I'm the type that has to have sunshine, but I suppose I'll make it through this dreary day....lol

[Monicauf]

What a sweet story Scoops- he sounds very intelligent and adorable. How was his first day of school? I love hearing stories of my nephew, he is 16 months old. So please feel free to share. Does he have to have alot of supplies? There is a bus stop a couple houses down from me in my neighborhood and I think the children's backpacks are bigger than the actual child- seems like too much stuff.

That is a great story about the woman giving birth- thank goodness her and her baby are safe.

I am off work today- the area in town that I work in ( downtown) is still without power, they are going to try to get it working today but there is no guarantee. I am very lucky that my area where I live is not bad, but there are areas here that had alot of damage.

So now that I am home today I can get to the grocery store, I am gonna either make Shepherds Pie or the brown bread and something to go with it, Scoops you have me craving brown bread! LOL

[Scoops]

He had a really good day Monica.......thanks for asking, and Cindyloo, you were right about the fun stories....he was actually singing Shrek tunes all afternoon, he was so relieved!......me too.
This past Labor Day, he walked around all day like he was on his way to the gallows. lol

I think he likes the teacher a lot..and he got a "special certificate" for being the best at listening and following instructions. I picked him up from school, and he made me stop and cover my eyes on the way to the car, so he could get it out of his backpack. He was very excited. Who would have guessed?

He even said that second grade is soooooo much easier than first. He will probably be amending that statement soon.

One day at a time.

and yes Monica...they do have to bring a bunch of supplies the first day....the teacher sends a letter out in August with a list of things.
They even plug Staples as the place to purchase everything, and you kind of feel committed to that since they are so specific in brand and measurements of the items.....I went off the board to Wal-Mart for the pencil box and markers though. Shhhhh.

[Skeeter]

glad he had a great day, Scoops!! I love the first day of school. Everyone hops out of bed without prodding, gets dressed, and is actually early for school!!! We are now in our third week of school, and let me tell ya, I had to get out the cattle prod this morning!!! :)

Hope he has a blast in second grade!!!

:)

Skeeter

[MsPiggie]

<<< 24 horses? Wow! I just love horses. I'm not a rider, but love to groom them, but haven't done THAT in years. >>>



Oh, no.. just 4 horses, but 20 more other 4 legged children!! lol

Sweet kiddie stories. :)

[Cindyloo]

Oh okay....MsPiggie, how wonderful though, to have all those animals.

If it was up to me, I'd have every animal there was, here. Don't think hubby would go for it though...lol

[MsPiggie]

<<<< If it was up to me, I'd have every animal there was, here. >>>>


Hey, we are getting there! The next thing I want to rescue is a Llama. When I get more mobile, I am going to do it! :)

My animals bring me such joy. It is hard to describe.

:)

[Jules]

Why don't we all chip in and build you two an ark? It could work.

[MsPiggie]

lolol

The problem is, I have more than 2 of some things. lol

I am so worried about Ivan now.

Monica, our friends in Tampa had minor flooding in their business. Home is fine.

[Jules]

Yeah, Ivan worries me, too. It beat the crap out of Grenada. How far (or close) is it now?

[MsPiggie]

I think they are saying Sunday. I am telling you, if it hits the tail end of Florida, we got problems...

[Jules]

Maybe I'm too young to remember (dodging tomatoes being thrown), but this year has had the worst hurricane season, in my opinion. I mean, 3 in a row? One right after the other? Geez.

[Scoops]

Jules, I remember one year.......maybe about 10 years back that they got up to the letter "M" for naming storms very early in the season, ...but as for big ones, and direct hits, so close together...I agree...nothing recent comes to mind.


They predicted 8 major storms for hurrican season earlier this year...first they said 10 or 11, and then amended it. I always follow the hurricane forecasts since the trees around our home are like skyscrapers. I pray for cool September weather to chill down the waters. We haven't had a big one up here for a while...rap rap..(Scoops knocking on wood)

[Jules]

Hurricanes terrify me. That's why (the only reason) I would never live on the East Coast. Yes, we get tornados here, but those are hit and miss. They "hop-scotch", so to speak. They will fall out of the sky, move along the ground for two minutes and pull themselves back into the sky. The ones that I worry about are the mile-wide tornados. Still, those don't compare to storms that are the size of Texas, for Pete's sake. No way, Jose. Not me. Not happening.



*shuddering*

[ledhead]

Out here in the plains states shuddering with ya Jules. I'll take hit and miss tornadoes anytime over hurricanes that can affect the whole eastern seaboard. Can't imagine it, don't want to have to imagine it.

That movie they show on ABC Family called The NIght of the Twisters (happened in the Grand Island area in 1980) really DID happen, but not in Oct/Nov as implied in the movie. It was June 1st, or maybe June 10th. I know it was in early June. It was the same year that Mt St Helen erupted.

One of Hubby's sisters lives in Washington state and they got ashes on their land from it. I don't think they were living there yet at the time, it was just a place they vacationed at.

[ledhead]

Just got around to mentioning it now Scoops, but I loved reading about your little boy!! He must be quite a *colorful character*. I really laughed about the "no school for boys"!! Life with him around the house must be so much fun!! I gotta say, I really miss those years of my kids' first day of school.












*colorful character* ----- My definition of someone who's not only intelligent and/or smart, a parent's favorite adjective concerning their child, but someone who displays their intelligence in an interesting and colorful way.

[Monicauf]

Glad to hear that your friends Miss P are ok and survived the storm- I have lived here for 26 years and this is the first time that it has been this bad with the Hurricanes, one right after the other.

There is no perfect state, by the end of September/early October this will be over, we will have great weather until next summer. But saying that, I agree with you Jules, they terrify me too and Ivan is looking like he is headed our way again- I feel horrible for the people in Orlando, they experienced so much devestation already with Charley, then Frances, and a good chance with Ivan. If he comes near Orlando my area will be in trouble :(

Miss P, the latest that we have heard at the office is Monday night but who knows..... I am just praying that it will not hit Fl, and thank God for homeowners SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM.

[PK...]

This season is completely brutal to you Florida folks... I just looked at the 5 day tracking forecast on Weather Underground, and I am really xxing fingers that Ivan takes a different track.

Seems only fair, since the weather guys seem to always be wrong, that he does not go where expected...

And we are drying up here! Go figure...

PK

[Jinh]

ledhead, Mt. Saint Helens erupted May 18, 1980...I'll never forget it. Hubby and I had been going out about two-weeks; that evening we were at his apartment listening to music. At about 10pm or so, we walked outside (he was taking me home) and the sky was filled with "stuff"...we had no idea what was going on - very eerie!!! It wasn't until we got to my house that we found out what was happening...
We ended up with over an inch of ash here in Helena - some 800+ miles away!

Sorry, I got off the subject, didn't I? lol

Anyway, I'm SOOO praying that Ivan dies out before it gets near the U.S...you all just don't need anymore of this stuff...

Take care!

Jinh

[Cindyloo]

Oh dear, I hope Ivan piddles out. My heart goes out to all that live in Florida.

Crossing my fingers, that he just piddles out! Florida doesn't NEED this!

[Cindyloo]

You know, my grammar sucks sometimes...lol

I should have said, my heart goes out to all "who" live in Florida.

[Scoops]

I agree Cindy...how much can they take?....good luck again and stay safe! I will be praying for you all.



Thanks LH....he is a colorful character...that fits him!
His teacher last year would always tell me how he would say the darndest things... she couldn't believe some of the concepts and retorts/explanations he could come up with...she said she found herself looking around to see if any other adults heard what she heard half the time, since it usually seemed so beyond his years.