The pirate prepares

For near on a week now, all we've heard about in the news is apocalyptic doom coming our way in the form of Hurricane Florence.

Death by weather.

And for some, Florence's effects will indeed be devastating. They have my prayers, and I mean that.

But since I live in Columbia, South Carolina -- the city smack-dab in the middle of the Palmetto State that now, most models show taking the brunt of the hurricane (or what's left of it) on Sunday morning, I am interested in how the storm may affect me.

And my family, of course, and our property.

So naturally, I've been watching the ongoing weather forecasts, waiting for dire predictions to be issued for my ZIP code.

Let's pull over and park here for a mo.

I would like to say thank you and blow a kiss toward each friend who has called, texted, and/or emailed both TG and me to check on us.

I've heard from folks in Michigan, Indiana, Florida, and Maryland. Most, but not all, are blogging buddies. TG has been contacted by friends from college days, buddies from back in the day, just making sure we're all right and wondering if there's anything they can do.

Likewise we have gotten in touch with a few friends who live in the coastal areas of the Carolinas.

One faraway family member, concerned for our safety, got in touch with Audrey.

It means a lot that so many would think of us, and take their time to let us know. So if you've made an effort, we're sincerely grateful. 

OK so back to the subject of our local forecast.

For a week we've been tapping our apps many times each day to see what's in store.

And for as many days as we've been checking, the outlook hasn't changed much: We are in for a rainy, windy weekend.

And that's all. Although various news outlets are predicting four feet of rain in some areas (and that may indeed happen just as they say), our predictions are for three inches at most.

Sad, that; we've had a dry summer and would welcome more rain.

Even so, Audrey came over and helped me to clear the decks of anything outside the house that can fall, flatten, or fly. The front porch has been denuded of my bistro set and I even took down the American flag lest it be lifted and lofted in a hurricanic wind gust, becoming a patriotic projectile.

Out back, we've removed solar lights that stick up from the large ceramic pots, tossed all of the floaties and noodles and rings and vests and goggles and balls and toys into the pool shed, and brought every tube and bottle of cream and spray, plus extra pairs of sunglasses, into the house.

I folded the umbrella and stored all but the heaviest pieces of outdoor furniture in the garage, together with every cushion and pillow that could end up in Georgia if the aforesaid wind gusts materialize.

I took down wind chimes but left the hummingbird feeder, since last September the littles fed during Hurricane Irma.

And now we wait.

If our power goes out, I'll call the kids and go where there's air conditioning and TV.

Likewise I told them all that if they're left in the dark but our lights are on, they're welcome to sleep and eat here.

At any rate we're prepared to ride it out. Currently, outside it's sunny and breezy, with zero chance of precipitation on this calendar day.

I promise that I will let everyone know what happens, after it's happened.

Maybe even while it's happening.

It all depends on how interesting the whole thing turns out to be.

And that is all for now.

>>>>>>>>++++<<<<<<<<

Happy Thursday

Comments

[Mari]

We've been watching the coverage when we come back at night, and have been praying for the Webers and for Wade too!

[sally]

So glad you all feel relatively safe, but took precautions! I've read that a lot of those in harms way have even come to Jax to stay until they know what's happened in their towns, and homes.

The first one to hit here, that I recall, was in l964; Dora. I was 7 mos pregnant. While the water flooded the house; the people across the lake weren't so lucky as a tree feel right into the middle of their house. (side note) Since I was in a 'delicate' position, I played it to the hilt, sitting back, eating bon-bons as the rest did the clean up. Yeah, it was tough on me. :)

I hope you get enough rain, though, Jenny as you stated y'all need it.

xoxo

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... thanks my friend! xoxo

@Sally ... yep it sounds like you took full advantage of that situation. Well played, Queen Sally! Haaahahaa xoxo

[Judy]

I know, I was a pest with my e-mails, as if I could do anything to save you from the storms wrath!
Hurricanes are scary things to us northeners--the storms are so big and wide and fierce and the winds and all that rain. I couldn't stand all that noise for more than an hour and then I'd be a raving idiot.
It's now Monday and I have a feeling you are still getting rained on and then...guess what?
That nasty scoundrel is going to turn north and come here to visit us with lots of rain. Oh well--we need the rain.

[Jennifer]

@Judy ... I was grateful for your emails and your concern. As it turns out, It's sunny and beautiful outside today. Saturday was a rainy day, nothing more, with the exception of a little more wind than usual. But nothing was damaged or lost. I love rainy days so I was into it. I made comfort food and several of the kids came over. Yesterday it was misty and gray, and the rain diminished by afternoon. So many weren't so fortunate. North Carolina took the brunt. I hope you enjoy the rain you get. xoxo

[Cheryl]

I saw that you wrote this 4 days ago and I hope you are still high and dry. I kept watching the storm and the maps at the same time. I remembered that your house was on a high spot so I was hoping you would be fine. Alan's brother lives near Greenville. I have two great nieces who live near Greenville, SC. I have a blogging friend in Winston-Salem. All are okay so far. We have been glued to the weather channel.....praying for all those in the path of the Monster. Glad that it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

[Jennifer]

@Cheryl ... yes, as I posted today, all is well. It turned out to be practically nothing. Yes we do live on a hill and not near any creeks that may overflow. My folks are in Greenville and everything is okay for them too. Thanks so much for thinking of us. xoxo