Tuesday, September 24, 2024


Well, here's where we are at this point. Helene is now officially a tropical storm. There are quite definitive criteria for labeling these bitches as to whether there is a defined eye, the speed of the winds, and so forth. What you're seeing here is that it is now a tropical storm and as it passes the Yucatan (my beloved Cozumel!), it is predicted to become a Category 1 storm and then as it travels up the Gulf, it will get stronger and larger over the very warm waters there and by the time it hits Tallahassee area is predicted to be a Category 3.
This is a No-Joke storm.
Every computer model has the storm hitting land directly under Tallahassee whereas usually the different models have forecasted landfalls all over the place. Rob Nucatola looks somber although he keeps stressing that no one can really make an accurate prediction at this point based on the current status but to make our preparations now and Thursday's going to be a long day and, and, and...

And I have to tell you, I'm stressing out. We've got the generator, we have plenty of food, I'm not worried about any of that. We'll probably be without communication abilities for awhile because cell towers always come down as does internet service. I hate that because I won't know if my kids are okay nor will I be able to post here. But this is all part of it. Glen and Vergil are about to put some plywood up on a window that's only got plastic on it upstairs. 

To top it all off, my doctor's office called me today to say that they were cancelling Friday's appointments because there was a good chance that they'd have no power and could I come in tomorrow instead? I said I would and that's got me at least as stressed out as Helene which is ridiculous but there we are. So by this time tomorrow that will be done and we'll have a much more accurate view of what Helene's landfall is going to look like. 
I'm not sure why but that is not very reassuring. 

I've felt a little better today although I slept for two hours this afternoon. I NEVER do that. My stomach has been far more reasonable although I haven't eaten very much to be honest. I did a little looking around on the internet last night and there are various scholarly papers and studies showing that gastric problems can very well occur in long covid. This could explain a lot. My fatigue, my sweating, my continuing brain fog. Or, you know- I could be dying as I always say because I am one to always look on the bright side. 

When these storms come around I always think of how strange it is that one part of the country can be going through something so very, very frightening and potentially deadly while for the rest of the country it's just a blip on the news. We are all designed like this and probably for a good reason. If there are wildfires on the other side of the country and people are being forced to flee as their houses and dreams go up in smoke, I can only think, "Wow. That must be terrible." And then I move on. We do this with natural disasters and with far-away wars and with bloody revolutions. We read about them or watch them on TV and we wonder, "What should I make for supper?" 

Anyway, forget about this time tomorrow. Let's think about this time next week. Will all our trees be standing? Will our roof be intact? Will my children and grandchildren be safe and well? 

As always, I will report in tomorrow. There may be some days coming up that I can't but don't worry. We live in a house that has survived 165 years of hurricanes. 
Knock wood, knock wood, knock wood. 

Love...Ms. Moon

55 comments:

  1. Gather the fam into one substantial house- that way no worries about them being scattered to the winds! The internet being down is disabling- we have come to depend on it for all things. Our intuition and "feels" have been eroded! As always, I have fingers crossed for you- Weather will do what it does, hunker down and eat a chocolate bar or whatever brings you peace...All are holding you in thought and wishes and love.

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    1. Fourteen people in one house would be pushing it. Also three dogs, and four cats, one of them Maurice. We'll see what we're thinking tomorrow.

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  2. glad you're feeling a bit better.....now...to weather out what is coming, weather wise. Thinking of all of you.....and see you safely on the other *side* with hopeful good news
    Susan M

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  3. I've got to believe you and Glen have all the makings for a great martini.
    Add your great meals and everything looks better.
    I love that your house has experienced 165 years of storms. She did it before and she'll do it again...

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    1. We have plenty of vodka.
      And that is our theory about the house.

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  4. Why do they sometimes give hurricanes sophisticated names like Helene (with a third "e"") or Katrina? They should have horrid names like Melania or Marjorie. Hurricane Mary would be very benign, wafting through the trees and rocking babies to sleep. Maybe Helene will be a little like that. Good luck!

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    1. One of my favorite people in this world has the name Anne-Helene so I associate that name with goodness. I wish it worked like that.

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  5. I’m sending the very best wishes for the safety of you and your family! As well as for your beautiful home❤️So scared for you all! Big hugs from Rigmor❤️

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  6. It's comforting that your house has stood up all these years against all manner of storms. I hear your stress, and wish you calm. Or as near as you can get right now.

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    1. Everyone with any sense at all in North Florida is stressed out. I don't think anyone's taking this lightly.

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  7. hunker down. I hope you get some rest before it all starts xxalainaxx

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    1. I have been known to sleep through hurricanes.

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  8. You are prepared. Take care of yourself.

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  9. Thinking aof you and hoping it won't be too bad.
    We were surprised on the coast of Lake Erie with a To

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  10. Sorry, early click - a Tornado! I guess it went over us and did touch ground a few miles east. No word on damage yet, it is mostly farm fields out that way.

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  11. Good luck to you and all of your family. Damn hurricanes!

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    1. It is hard not to anthropomorphize them and see them as sentient, evil bitches.

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  12. 37paddington:
    Of course you’re stressing. I wish, as Linda Sue says, you could all be under one roof together, but then your kids would be worried about what was going on at their places. But you are prepared. And your children will be too. Profound what you say about our parallel realities, unless we have loved ones in danger’s way. Which all of us here do. Be safe.

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    1. Thanks, darling. We could fit everyone into this house but it would be utter chaos.

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  13. I think you'll be fine and your family too. Maybe lose power and connections for a bit, possibly some trees will come down and the winds will howl and swirl, but you will be fine. If I'm wrong feel free to come downunder and smack me.

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  14. I’ll be thinking of you all (all y’all) and hope Helene is not as awful as her reputation. Sending love and calm from here! (What ARE you making for supper?)

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    1. How did I miss you, darling Mitchell? I made field peas and ham and cornbread with cheese and jalapeños. Southern comfort food.

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  15. I will be worrying about you and the family. Just had a look at the hurricane map and looks like you are smack in the way!! Be safe all of you.

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    1. Yes. We seem to be in the direct line of the eye of the storm.

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  16. Knock on wood here too for you all.

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  17. News on the other side of the country is not something we have any control over and it doesn't usually affect us, unless we know someone who lives there. I know you and care about you. I hope everything will be okay, with both the doctor and the hurricane. Sending hugs and love.

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    1. Yes. It would do us no good at all to deeply worry about what's happening in places we have no control over at all.

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  18. I keep looking at the projections for the storm and thinking about you. I know you'll be as prepared as you can be. Please take care and let us know you're safe as soon as possible when it's over!

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  19. New in Virginia does continually show updates on weather and preparations in your area. Our Emergency Task Force One is on their way to assist. We hold you often in our thoughts. Looking forward to your updates.
    Patricia (really lives in WV but gets VA news too)

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    1. I am certain the state is putting together supplies and transportation for helping after the storm. I have seen power trucks heading this way on the interstate.

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  20. I'm glad you are getting in to see the doctor before the storm. Hope you get some solutions to your troubles and feel better soon.
    You sure have made it through lots of storms in your life and hope this one passes you by, Mary. Stay safe!

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    1. Yes. It was good to get that out of the way.
      I don't think this one is going to pass us by but hopefully we'll make it through.

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  21. damn damn damn. no one should get two hurricanes in one year. stay safe. I know your hard as a rock built with first cut timber shiplapped walls old house will protect you.

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    1. Oh god. Some years we've had so many storms it got to be ludicrous. They were lined up in the Atlantic, just waiting for their turns.

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  22. Thinking of you. I know you'll be fine, but it can be harrowing for sure.

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  23. It may be scary but I have faith that you will all come through fine. (And with the doctor's appointment, too.) It's good to get the doctor thing out of the way before you have to deal with the storm!

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  24. Shit shit shit. They’re saying it’s going to be a 4 with the 5pm update. I’m so sorry, I know all too well the unrelenting stress these storms bring. If you want to try coming south, we’re only getting the outer bands and we have an extra room. Maurice is welcome too. Please stay safe. I’ll be lighting candles for y’all.
    Xoxo
    Barbara

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    1. Well, some are saying that but I don't think anyone really knows. It's going to be a big storm in all ways. That is just the truth. Thanks for the sweet invite, Barbara. I think we'll just be staying right here.

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  25. Stressed here too and poor Mercy does not know what to make of the thunder. Thinking of you all...

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  26. I'm hoping you are not on the east side of the eye. You are in my thoughts. Ive not followed you for long but already feel I know you a little. I'm hoping for the best for you and families and friends.

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Tell me, sweeties. Tell me what you think.