Ike Update

Just a quickie ... here in the Dallas area, we are unscathed. It's still raining and windy, but the only tree limbs I've seen downed have been dead branches. We have been fortunate. The eye of Ike got pushed to our east by a trough coming through our area.

I hope we hear from all our blogging friends soon ... both those who have been affected, and those who have families living in the affected area. But our blogging friends who took direct hits may not be back on-line for a while.

It looks like we will be having gorgeous weather starting Monday! Maybe Ike is taking away the summer. I still don't like Ike, but I'm glad for cooler weather.

Oh, and a word to the National Weather Bureau. Next time you issue a warning, watch the words you use! If you haven't already been told by all the English teachers across America, the word "may" in your warning combined with the word "certain" doesn't jive. Either something is certain or it isn't. If it's a matter of "maybe" then there is NO certainty. Statements issued like this make folks ignore you in the future, and that MAY not be a good thing.

I Don't Like Ike

My word, it's HUGE! Like, Texas-size huge.

"Persons not heeding evacuation orders in single family, one- or two-story homes may face certain death."

I don't think I've ever, EVER, heard such a warning. Certain death? Sheesh.

I expect wind and rain tomorrow, but at the moment, they're predicting the storm to track east of us here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. But even with 30 mph sustained wind, I can only hope my fence stays put. I should get the trash bins up against the house.

I'm also anticipating the call for volunteers to head south in the aftermath to take part in what will be a massive clean-up effort. I definitely have a closet full of gently used clothing that can be donated, at the very least.