Yesterday was the day we 'remembered' Katrina here in South Florida.
We were all surpised as the storm made landfall on the east coast a little further south than expected in -- and cut a trail SOUTH west (very unexpected) thought metropolitan miami dade county and out thru the keys.
Too bad we weren't able to lessen the punch enough before she reached the Gulf. Too much warm water to travel over to gather strength again.
A year ago. 7 days with no electricity while it was 105 inside our homes. The tree that came down but fortunately only took out a small portion of our 'overhang'. The impassable roads for 3 days.
Recovery was not too bad. Many of us in hurricane prone South Florida areas know how to prepare and what to expect for 'minor' hits. And know when to count our blessings.
We didn't even know what happened to the gulf for almost a week
We had no real tv (other than our 2" battery operated watchman). Many of us were primarily focused on our emergency situations.
I am still recovering from Wilma. My roof was totally destroyed -- that's finally replaced.
My ceilings are finally being replaced this week from the trees that came into my kitchen and living room.
I don't know when I'll get to the remaining 'non critical' repairs.
3 weeks of no electricity. 5 days of no gasoline. 3 days before they even opened I95 and the Turnpike so that we could drive the 60 miles to try to help my elderly parents.
But still, we count our blessings -- as last year's tragedy in the gulf reminds us how lucky we are.
We were also here in 1992 for Hurricane Andrew
I've tried to block most of that horror from my memory. Helicopters dropping nets with supplies because the road infrastructure was temporarily wiped out.
I too watch the weather channel with anxiety.
As of this morning, it appears the central and western gulf may be spared and that that S Florida, the keys, and the Florida gulf may take the brunt of Hurricane Ernesto.
So be it
Good luck everyone. Take the proper precautions. Know what to do and where to go. Have your supplies ready. I could write a book!
And remember -- you can find just about anything that runs on batteries or propane.
And yes -- we are all crazy for staying in these areas. But it's the price I'm willing to pay to live in paradise
Pray for us all.