Cappy's Corner

HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS

A slow season so far, but looming below Cuba is a Tropical Storm, named Fay. I walked outside my home this morning and I felt that strange calm air that often signifies the onset of a storm. You have heard the expression "the calm before the storm", its something that is very true. I have been living here all my life and haven't miss many of the storms that have passed my way. Between 1851-2006 Southeast Florida has had 41 Hurricanes, 15 were Category 3 or higher. That doesn't seem really bad in the grand scheme of things, of course we are number one in North America, second is Texas.
I don't get panicky, but I have a full tank of gas in my truck and enough filtered water for a few weeks. I am lucky to have a gas stove and hot water heater, so at least I am able to cook and get clean. Well if the power goes out, which it does constantly in my area I pretend I am camping.
I would say the worst part of the Hurricane is being stuck indoors and listening to the sounds outside, really not able to see what is blowing around, but you can feel the pressure and hear the house creek and moans under the wind conditions. The power always going out, which makes things worst, now you feel alone in the dark. My house is the craziest place, because I have to bring all the animals indoors, it sure gets crowded, they all remain pretty calm, like they know what is happening and the fact that there is nothing they can do but sit it out. The good thing is that Hurricanes don't last very long, the horror begins when you walk outside and see your precious landscape that you nurtured all year in shreds. Trees knocked down or leaning, but its the time the neighborhood comes together and starts helping clear the roads and helping each other get back to normal life.
Nothing can compare to Hurricane Andrew, which can never be put completely out of my mind, there was so much damage, that tears were rolling down my cheeks as I drove around, the city had turned to piles of rubble, my family displaced and devastated. Animals that were left out and survived were traumatized and homeless. The image of that Hurricane remains as a reminder of what could happen. I am lucky that I can make my home secure in just a matter of minutes, always being prepared for "Tis the season". A happy note to this is there is always a Hurricane Party somewhere.

6 comments | Posted in » Adventures, Family Matters, Fun or Disfunction