Saturday, September 9, 2017

Hurricane Irma, Saturday

Irma and Harvey Schluter of Spokane, Washington, ages 92 and 104 have hurricanes that bear their names.
We have been watching television updates about Hurricane Irma, except for taking time to: clear furniture from the lanai and put it in the garage; bake Hogan cookies; make homemade yogurt; cook chicken; fill water bottles and refrigerate them; make extra ice; and do laundry and vacuum, the latter two in case we lose power for a few days.

Traffic going north on Friday looked like this at the Wildwood/The Villages interchange. It's been especially dense in this area because the Florida Turnpike and I-75 juncture right here.

Friday morning, it looked like Irma would make a turn near Miami and then arc straight up through Central Florida, with The Villages being smack in the middle. By Friday night, Irma's track was a turn along the southwest tip of Florida and then followed a more westerly arc, about 50 miles to the west of us.

Early this morning, this message sounded on our cell phones. 

Now the latest tracking has Irma smacking the west coast of Florida that includes Fort Myers, Captiva, Sanibel (a beloved family vacation spot when our children were young), and Tampa.

To document our hurricane experience on this pleasant Saturday morning I'm posting photos from The Weather Channel. We anticipate losing power, so this may be all I am able to share for several days. 

Irma is on the coast of Cuba right now.

This is what is anticipated. I inserted the little yellow star to indicate where we live. Close enough! Though given the huge size of Irma, there's no part of Florida that won't be touched by her.

Here's when it's all expected to play out. We're in the same time band as Tampa, so by Sunday morning at 9-10 am, we may be in full-blown (literally) hurricane mode. We've heard wind predictions of anywhere from 55 to 75 mph, and gusts of up to 100 mph. This is when we'd have the greatest likelihood of losing power, or being caught in a tornado.

But for now, our region...

... and our front yard are calm.

In anticipation of being without power, last evening I machine-sewed binding to the Picket Fence quilt. It's gonna finish at around 98" X 109". I should have many hours of hand sewing ahead of me.

I also have a few books from the library, and have started reading "News of the World" by Paulette Jiles. I just don't know if it will be distracting enough for what's going on around us. At least there's one family member who doesn't seem too concerned. 

Praying is also part of waiting time. Prayers not only for us, but for all Floridians.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. - Psalm 46:1
Linda

15 comments:

  1. Praying for your safety and that of everyone in the path of this monster storm. Sounds like you are well prepared.

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  2. Thanks, Linda for this update. Yes, praying for everyone in FL, TX and NW where there are fires. Have family and former church members in FL. Having lived in IA where we have tornadoes you know how to be prepared.

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  3. As I woke this morning, I turned my thoughts to prayer for you and your family and State! I had never read your explanation of the palm tree and it really blessed me. I went thru breast cancer in 2012 and this October I finish taking my pill - anastazol( which I took for 5 years) God has been very good to me and I praise and give thanks every day! Blessings!

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  4. Linda, We are praying for you and your state. You are so inspiring in how you are preparing and trusting - you are also am amazing quilter. We look forward to hearing how you are doing after the storm has passed.

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    1. You are a no-reply commenter, so I am responding here.

      Thank you for your prayers! Irma is gradually moving into our area and as of 1:30 pm Sunday, we’re beginning to experience rain and occasional 40 mph wind gusts. Our house seems alternately to be in two wind zones: the red (high) and orange (tropical). Overnight tonight night will likely find me trying to sleep in our master bedroom closet.

      And thank you for your kind words about my quiltmaking. I really do appreciate all your encouragement and support! Linda

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  5. Keep all of Florida in my prayers.

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  6. You are so well organised Linda. An inspiration to us all....or me anyway! 😀Stay safe my friend. XX

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  7. I have family members in Florida and Texas and many friends in the path of Irma. I will be praying for all of you and the others in the state that lives will be spared. Thank goodness you know how to be prepared. Hand tacking the binding to your quilt is a great idea as long as there is enough light to see well. When we hear from you after Sunday, hope to hear that everything is under control.

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  8. You know you are in my thoughts and prayers...

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  9. Stay safe. We are watching footage of Hurricane Irma on the news here in Brisbane, Australia

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    1. Margaret, you are a no-reply commenter, so I am responding here.

      We continue to wait while Irma is gradually moving into our area. We’re beginning to experience rain and occasional 40 mph wind gusts (at 1:30 pm Sunday). Looking at Irma’s path, we find our house is alternately in two areas - the red (high) and orange (tropical) wind areas. Overnight Sunday night will definitely be the most nerve-wracking. Linda

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  10. Keep safe. Sending good wishes from Sydney Australia

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