And We're Off...

Several hours from now, the Atlantic Basin hurricane season will officially commence. Last year, TS Arlene arrived on June 9. This year the media, as usual, has ushered in the season with hurricane preparedness advisories and prognostications from local weathermen. We are nearing the end of a 2 week sales tax waiver on hurricane supplies. Storm preparation has devolved into a media circus. I await the first NOAA NHC email advisory warning of the first tropical wave that organizes and starts spinning. That first TD (tropical depression) indeed leaves me feeling depressed. Here's a photo I snapped from the back yard as TS Arlene approached last year. Even today, nearly 2 years after Charley, that shredded blue tarp covering the roof across the canal continues to flap in the wind. I hope they tear that house down soon. It's uninhabitable and a real eyesore (but a lovely shelter for rats).



Top 10 Reasons Hurricane Season Is Like Christmas

10. Decorating the house (boarding up windows)
9. Dragging out boxes that haven't been used since last season (camping gear, flashlights)
8. Last minute shopping in crowded stores
7. Regular TV shows pre-empted for "specials"
6. Family coming to stay with you
5. Family and friends from out-of-state calling
4. Buying food you don't normally buy ... and in large quantities
3. Days off from work
2. Candles

And... the number one reason Hurricane Season is like Christmas ...

1. At some point you know you're going to have a tree in your house!


Words of Wisdom: If you live in a low lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. To determine whether you live in a low lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says "Florida," you live in a low lying area.

If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it. -Bill Cosby