Well. We are just sick of hurricanes, aren't we. With the Gulf and Atlantic temperatures warmer by just one degree, we can expect more of this to come in the next decade. Just one degree. Doesn't sound like much, does it? It's like adding one tablespoon of fuel to a fire. Sure doesn't take much to create a Cat 5 anymore. Just add warm swirling waters from the gulf and let it rip.
We should add wading boots, life vests (life preservers), and cans of mace to our hurricane prep kits. Unfortunately, I'm not kidding. Keep a 30 day supply of food and water instead of two weeks. Put a tire plug in all of your cars and learn how to change your own tires. Streets will be littered with debris when you try to get back home again. You can't pick up a non working cell phone and call the out of commission gas station to rescue you. We need to rely on ourselves, just as our ancestors did when they built the good old USA. In this age of technology, low tech sometimes rules. If your house blows away completely and all of your stuff is gone, it's a different story. When shock sets in, we don't think straight. That's when the rest of us need to move in, and move in fast.
I'll be watching our government closely in the next few days. I just hope they don't disappoint us this time around.
Back at home, the girls have a scheduled yard sale on Saturday to raise money for Katrina, but now we'll probably extend that to Rita victims. They have decided to donate to the SPCA which is helping out animal resucers in the storm zones.
Let's turn the mean season into the giving season. The best way to fight stress is to roll up your shirt sleeves and get to work. Go through your closets again, and look for things you can send or donate. Join a group that is actively working to raise money or which needs help. Let's not rely on the government, point fingers or throw up our hands in exasperation at CNN. It's time to work and get off the pot.
You're very thoughtful, Sea Lady.
Posted by: Old Horsetail Snake | September 22, 2005 at 02:38 PM
The angry hurricanes seem to be female lately: Katrina & Rita.
These ladies aren't being very lady-like.
I agree that we have to face these terrible storms and their aftermaths, and work to help those who need it.
I guess for some, they need to have a bulldozer in their emergency supplies. Very sad indeed.
Posted by: Jamie Dawn | September 22, 2005 at 03:56 PM
Makes ya wonder what a five degree swing would bring.. oh, yeah... glaciers receding, and all that stuff. Them polar bears is got to live somewhere.. wonder how polar bears like 'gator?
Posted by: steelcowboy | September 22, 2005 at 04:11 PM
they're all on PMS, Jamie ;)
Posted by: Laura | September 22, 2005 at 04:11 PM
I've heard Polar Bears can be real nasty. Especially the one on "Lost". whoa.
Posted by: Laura | September 22, 2005 at 04:13 PM
I remember when ALL hurricanes were ladies.
...and your post is right on!
Posted by: FloridaCracker | September 22, 2005 at 04:22 PM
You are so right; we all need to foster self-reliance, just as we need to find and use alternative sources of energy!
Posted by: kenju | September 22, 2005 at 10:33 PM
Speaking of Lost, was that not a shocker?
Excellent thoughts, my friend. :)
Posted by: FTS | September 23, 2005 at 08:37 AM
Laura, you are so right - self, family, local, state and lastly federal resources. I'm so proud of Texas ... there have been bumps and every issue has been addressed and responded to as soon as possible. Surprise, it's not the perfect/risk free world that some are entitled to.
.... self, family, local, state and lastly federal resources. Kenju was right we need a new breed of the self-reliant.
Posted by: Mike | September 23, 2005 at 09:20 PM