The Laughing Wolf

Storm Blogging

Haven't done this in a while, but we have just had two super-cell thunderstorms pop up, along with some rotation. So far, no sign of the rotation reaching ground, but some serious hooks in the radar -- no relation to a certain sgt. Big problem seems to be large hail, but nothing so far. Def. thunder, no sustained rumble, but the sky is a bit weird. Sirens have gone off, but nothing showing up close by. More later.
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2010 hours. No offense to the Lafayette television station, but I miss the stations in Huntsville right now. Trying to pull up NEXRAD or whatever I can find...
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2019 hours. Continuous rumble from almost continuous lightning. Got dark real quick. Report of a rotation north of Lafayette, no sign out near me. Ooops, too quick, confirmed report of a touchdown near Ambia(sp?)
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2022 hours. Do wish I could zoom in on some of the online radars, as the Lafayette guy tends to get fixated on things, to the point of ignorning others IMO.
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2035 hours. Rain, not too bad so far, but thankfully no hail or such so far. Lots of cloud-to-cloud lightning, or what appears to be such, no sign of cloud-to-ground near me. Wish this guy would scan back right just for a minute. I understand the really interesting stuff is to the east of Lafayette, but do wish he would show north and west a bit too. About bleeping time... well, not so much. Seems to yo-yo between super micro and micro... Finally, a brief area view. So far, not too bad except for what is coming across strongly as babling.
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2045 hours. Interesting formation up around Kankakee, IL, hope sunset takes the energy out of it. Getting it off NWS radar. Really would help if the local TV station radar on the web was not slaved to what he was showing on TV at the moment, make it easier for people in other areas to monitor. Feh. Really am tired of hearing baby talk about going to your safe spot -- take freaking shelter is what he means, if we could get him to quit with the damned baby talk. Feh. Bah Humbug even.
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2052 hours. So far, so good, looks like most/worst is missing me. Am watching back up towards Kankakee and Rennselaer just to be safe using NEXRAD, sort of, to get some better info. Lafayette is closest to me, FYI, in terms of television. Indy seems to be better, but they also seem to ignore Lafayette and above apparently figuring that Lafayette or South Bend will cover.
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2100 hours. Worst seems to be by, unless the cell out of Kankakee holds together and tracks my way. Super cells are by, and seem to be doing some damage down towards Indy and Kokomo, moving SE. May start tuning in to Indy more for weather, kept waiting for the Lafayette guy to offer a lolipop for being good. Indy, much better, much more towards the type of coverage, info, and such I am used to. No baby talk, no babble, and educated talk. Don't understand it, since Lafayette has Purdue and should have a fairly educated audience that is clearly not being addressed.

LW

UPDATE: See why Indy has the A-teams for weather -- That area is getting hammered, possible multiple tornadoes in a range from Crawfordsville across towards Lebanon and headed to Indy. Be safe down there. We seem to be clear now.

Looking Out My Back Door, Take Two

This is what greeted me yesterday morning, somewhere around seven inches of snow. It in and of itself was not too bad, but all but one car door was frozen shut. Well, that and the snow plows had raised a wall where my road comes out to a main road... That was where I pulled out the line from Animal House, down shifted, and went went "ramming speed!" Actually had to do that a couple of times around town. I love all-wheel drive...

The drive home Thursday night was long and interesting, and convinced me that as long as I live up north I will NOT be getting a new Ford Mustang. Every one of them that I saw was in trouble or headed that way, with the only one making any progress was doing so was crabbing (headed almost sideways) to try and move forward.

More later, as I am still on vacation. :)

LW

Looking Out My Back Door

With apologies, no Buck Owens (more a Flat & Scruggs type myself) but just thought I would share the view out my back door with you today.

LW

Hurricane Wilma: The Morning After

I can't begin to do this justice, so will settle for just a quick tour of friends and those I know:

VW and family came through okay, minor damage, and power is back up.

Bou and family took roof damage, all (?) trees down, and had their well-head damaged when a neighbor failed to secure a slide set.

While she hasn't posted, word is that Lee Ann and family are okay.

Val and his beautiful wife are okay, but took major roof damage and lots of downed trees. He is back up courtesy of a generator, but will be tied up cleaning up for a while.

Amanda and family are reported by Val to be okay.

George L. Moneo is also reported by Val to be okay.

Steve, well, what can I say...

SarahK and Frank are okay, though word is that Frank has turned into a cat...

Kathy at On The Third Hand is okay, no word on her abode.

Rand is in California, but Patricia is at home without power. No further information yet available.

Velociman appears to be just fine.

Key West does not look good from reports. Quick search does not show any new posts from Key West bloggers, I hope someone proves me wrong.

I've also "met" a number of new Florida bloggers this weekend, and hope they are all okay. Consider this an invitation to post a comment or link back to let us all know how you are doing.

Meantime, hyku blog is doing some good round ups.

Let's keep all of them in our thoughts and prayers today, and be prepared to dig in and provide what help we can in the days ahead.

LW

Hurricane Wilma: The Monday Take

This will be updated as I can Sunday night, Monday morning, and Monday day. If you have news, need to post to let someone know you are okay (or not), or have other info to share, please leave a comment and/or a trackback.

For those interested in seeing what is going on, Linda at Something... and Half of Something has a post with several good webcam links -- for as long as they last.

I'm also finding that hyku blog is also providing a lot of good info and links.

If Bou updates the map again, I will post a new version as soon as possible. My thanks to her and to Dave of The Glittering Eye for the help he has given her. This map is a great service to the blogosphere and to anyone wanting to cover this story/storm and future events.

UPDATE 0500 Central: Landfall, Marco Island, eyewall coming ashore. Right-Wing of the Gods appears to be off air but is promising to return ASAP. Boudicca has updated the map and signed off for the night.

Of the bloggers I know to be near the landfall according to the map, there are no new hurricane posts from American Future, nothing new from Ancient Mariner who did the evac to the mainland, and nothing new from Kathy of On The Third Hand since she boogied. Of the Key bloggers, nothing new from Mary Stella and nothing since last night from Bump and Grind though I love his comment "This is getting old." On the SW coast, the Snook Inn webcam appears to be down, as is the one at the Brooks Beach Club. In the Keys, not showing anything on the Schooner Wharf webcam or the Hog's Breath cam, nor is anything showing up on the Sunset Cam.

hyku blog continues to update, and hope his son is feeling better.

UPDATE: 0815 Central: Boudicca has lost her voice with the loss of her server. The day is saved, as always, by TGOO who is mercifully being spared this time and is also posting sitreps for her. Keep all the people down that way in your thoughts!

Florida Bloggers:
A Cool Change
alachuapolitix
American Drumslinger NSFW
American Future
Ancient Mariner
Babalu Blog
Bark Bark Woof Woof
Becky's Bizzaro
Blue Boobs
Boudicca's Voice
Brandon's Puppy
Bump and grind
Charming, Just Charming
Critical Miami
DaveDorm
Discourse.net
Eric Norlin
Flablog
Florida Cracker
From Chaos to Serendipity
Hog On Ice
hyku blog
I Called It
IMAO
Interstate4jamming
Irish Wake
Last Day of My Life
Least Loved Bedtime Stories
Lee Ann's View
Mary Stella's Postcards from Paradise
Mountaineer Musings
My Little Corner of the World
On The Third Hand
One Happy Dog Speaks
Pamibe
PC Free Zone
Pensacola Beach Blog
Pure Florida
Red Coyote
Right-Wing of the Gods
Sarahintampa
Side Salad
Some Cranky Guy
Something... and Half of Something
Somewhere on A1A
Sticks of Fire
Swamp Musings
Tampa Bay Media
The Florida Masochist
The Happy Carpenter
The Origin of Soul
The Smarter Cop
Transterrestrial Musings
Velociworld
Vitamin Sea

Hurricane Related Links:
Crown Weather
Dr. Jeff Masters
National Hurricane Center
NOAA Hurricane Sectors
NWS Miami
Navy hurricanes
Pinellas County Disaster Preparedness
Weather.Com
Weather Underground

Other Blog Roundups
hyku blog roundup
Right-Wing of the Gods liveblogging/blog roundup
Something... and Half of Something (includes WEBCAM links)
The Florida Masochist's liveblogging/blog roundup

Previous stories are here and here.

Be smart, be safe, and be careful out there!

LW

Trackback test

Hurricane Wilma: Bou's Blogger Map And Links -- Updated

Bou has been busy updating the map, and working with Dave of The Glittering Eye to provide quite a service to the blogging community. Thanks also go to VW for an additional weather/hurricane link.

UPDATE: Linda at Something... and Half of Something has a post with several good webcam links.

Post additions, suggestions, and such in the comments and I will update this as I can during the day.

Florida Bloggers:
A Cool Change
alachuapolitix
American Future
Ancient Mariner
Babalu Blog
Bark Bark Woof Woof
Blue Boobs
Brandon's Puppy
Charming, Just Charming
Critical Miami
DaveDorm
Discourse.net
Eric Norlin
Flablog
Florida Cracker
From Chaos to Serendipity
Hog On Ice
hyku blog
IMAO
Interstate4jamming
Least Loved Bedtime Stories
Lee Ann's View
Mountaineer Musings
My Little Corner of the World
On The Third Hand
One Happy Dog Speaks
Pamibe
Pensacola Beach Blog
Pure Florida
Red Coyote
Right-Wing of the Gods
Sarahintampa
Side Salad
Some Cranky Guy
Something... and Half of Something
Somewhere on A1A
Sticks of Fire
Swamp Musings
Tampa Bay Media
The Florida Masochist
The Happy Carpenter
The Smarter Cop
Transterrestrial Musings
Velociworld
Vitamin Sea

Hurricane Related Links:
Crown Weather
Dr. Jeff Masters
National Hurricane Center
NOAA Hurricane Sectors
NWS Miami
Navy hurricanes
Pinellas County Disaster Preparedness
Weather.Com
Weather Underground

Other Blog Roundups
hyku blog roundup
Right-Wing of the Gods liveblogging/blog roundup
Something... and Half of Something (includes WEBCAM links)
The Florida Masochist's liveblogging/blog roundup

If you live in Pinellas County, you need to read this and follow the links as evacuation zones have changed!

Be smart, be safe, and be careful out there!

LW

Hurricane Wilma: Florida Bloggers & Hurricane Links

Bou continues to go above and beyond with her Florida Blogger Map. I've put it up here to try and save her some bandwidth, and echo her call to keep the bloggers on the west coast in your thoughts as they will get the worst hit as things now stand. To give everyone a one-stop shop for bloggers, here is a list (thanks to Bou and to Dave for links/info):

A Cool Change
American Future
Ancient Mariner
Babalu Blog
Bark Bark Woof Woof
Brandon's Puppy
Charming, Just Charming
Discourse.net
Flablog
Florida Cracker
Hog On Ice
IMAO
Interstate4jamming
Lee Ann's View
Mountaineer Musings
My Little Corner of the World
On The Third Hand
One Happy Dog Speaks
Pamibe
Pensacola Beach Blog
Red Coyote
Somewhere on A1A
Sticks of Fire
The Smarter Cop
Velociworld

Here are some hurricane related links:

Dr. Jeff Masters
National Hurricane Center
NOAA Hurricane Sectors
NWS Miami
Navy hurricanes
Pinellas County Disaster Preparedness
Weather.Com
Weather Underground

If you live in Pinellas County, you need to read this and follow the links as evacuation zones have changed!

Okay, if you want to be added or have a hurricane related link or three to add, drop them in the comments and I will update this as needed over the next couple of days.

Meantime, be smart, be safe, and be careful out there!

LW

Hurricane Wilma: Florida Blogger Map

Bou at Boudicca's Voice has developed a map of Florida Bloggers. This is a great way to see who is in the path (and who we hope have evacuated as needed) and track down reliable coverage of events. Thanks Bou!

LW

Hurricane Rita

Others are covering and saying all that needs to be said, which is mostly "Get Out Of There!" to the people in the likely path. All we can do is hope and pray, and be prepared to help in the aftermath. Also, I will note that some lessons have obviously been learned on the local level, as shown by Generation Why (with a hat tip to Michelle Malkin once again).

LW

Hurricane Katrina: The Price Of A Nurse

Being in the medical profession is a calling that few can understand, and make demands above and beyond. Go Read This Story Of The Price Of Being A Nurse. The rest of the story is yet to come.

LW

Hurricane Katrina: Disaster Recover Info For Victims

We are in the midst of a disaster on a scale never seen before: the complete evacuation of a major metropolitan area, and that is but one part of a much larger disaster that has seen cities, towns, and areas effectively wiped from the face of the Earth. Any single part of this would tax the resources of a normal response.

A common question that is coming up from the hundreds of thousands of people effected is "What do I do?" Michele of Letters From NYC has posted a guide to help. Please help spread this information via blogs, e-mail, old-fashioned push-pin bulletin boards, and any other means. The more information people have, the better for all.

Meantime, please continue to give in any way you can. With the media focused on New Orleans, the full scale of the devastation has yet to be seen.

LW

Hurricane Katrina: New Orleans Flooding

According to reports by both Brendan Loy and Josh Britton one of the worst-case scenarios is taking place: a major levee has given way. According to reports, a 200-foot section of Lake Pontchartrain levee has given way, at 17th and Canal. Go to them for the latest, though Brendan has not updated since about 0130 hours and Josh since 0348. MINI-UPDATE: Both are taking breaks for now.

Fox is now reporting multiple levee breaks/overflows, apparently three breeches and multiple overflows. They are also reporting deaths in the SuperDome, and bodies seen floating in canals. Unsure if those are bodies from recent burials (NO has above ground burial) or people who stayed behind. One report of 50 people killed at one building in Mississippi. MINI-UPDATE: Figure is now given as 30 (or so).

Add this to the hammering given Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, and things are bad. It may well be weeks before we know the full extent of damage and deaths.

As bad as they are, however, it could have been much worse. Had the storm not dropped in strength as much and as fast as it did, had it not jogged in course...

More later...

Hurricane Katrina: Good News For The Morning

At least from a relative point-of-view... The storm has dropped to a Category IV, and there are other bits of good news. Not sure I completely believe the reports on Fox that 80 percent of the population of New Orleans evacuated, but it does sound as if they got a good chunk out. Now we can only hope the surrounding communities did as well. The track may shift, and the results of that wait to be seen. Keep all the people affected in your thoughts and prayers, as the next few hours will tell the tale. I won't be able to blog, but see this previous post for some good links.

LW

Hurricane Katrina: Keeping Up

Well, keeping up as much as possible at any rate...

Kathy Kinsley has a very good list...

Boudicca does too, go down the left side...

Both of them recommend this gentleman, and that is impressive, and good enough for me.

Anyone have a good list of New Orleans/LA bloggers?

LW

Hurricane Katrina: Preparing For The Aftermath

There is no way that this is going to be good, and there is nothing any of us can do (other than thoughts and prayers) to make it otherwise. That is a given. We can sit around, pontificate, moan, bitch, and generally do nothing constructive what-so-ever.

Or, we can do something constructive to help in the aftermath.

Go check right now with your local Red Cross, to find out their plans and what supplies they want to be able to send down there. Check with religious organizations that send teams down to help rebuild homes, provide medical help, and more, and find out what they need. Check with the group of your choice, and go buy some of those supplies right now and drop them off today.

Give blood today if you can, it is always needed locally as well as when disaster strikes. If you don't like how the Red Cross does things, there are other blood banks and organizations out there.

Volunteer some labor to help load trucks or containers so that they can roll as soon as possible after this strikes.

No, we can't do a damned thing to prevent what is to come. We bloody well can do something now, however, to provide something constructive afterwards. Go now and do so.

LW

Hurricane Katrina: Some Thoughts On Preparedness

Following up on some e-mail and phone calls, some thoughts to throw out to the wind:

1. They waited way too late to order the evacuation of New Orleans. Yesterday probably would have been too late. Even with converting most inbound lanes into outbound; surging all available rolling rail stock (passenger cars and freight cars, as you can get a LOT of people out as freight); using river craft; and, surging all possible aircraft, there is no way to move even what I consider a reasonable fraction of the population out. At a minimum, if you want to get anywhere near half out, they should have started yesterday if not the day before. If the evacuation is any indication of the rest of their plans, they have indeed squandered the year...

2. Politicians rarely do realistic or effective disaster preparedness planning, unless their feet are held to the fire. In areas where things are once very ten years or so, there are far more pressing needs, like funding things that will keep them in power rather than things that might keep those same constituents alive in an emergency. Far better to fund something frivolous and expensive that provides some feel-good now, than to pour money into something that might or might not be useful during any given term in office. Feh. Not saying that is the case here, just noting a fact of life that you might want to keep in mind and discuss (forcefully even) with your local politicians/civil-master-wannabes...

3. Yes, the Dome was built to withstand Cat 5: around 1970. The plans were drawn up then, ground breaking was on Aug. 11, 1971, and it formally opened on August 3, 1975. At the best, 30 years ago, but more likely the design was done to codes and knowledge 35-plus years ago. We know a lot more now about the forces in a storm, materials have changed, and more importantly methods have changed. Given those changes, and the wear and tear on the structure, I agree with a friend who said that if they were in NO right now, they might just go home rather than into the Dome as they would rather die there than trapped in what remains of the Dome. I would be concerned, but feel a lot better, if this were a category IV instead of a V. It is also something of a bowl within a bowl, which could make flooding really interesting. At this point, any reasonably significant breach in the structure that provides an opening for wind and water could have catastrophic results.

4. The best-case scenario I can see right now is for a direct hit by the eye. It will keep the worst of the winds off the city, and give at least some opportunity to deal with things. The super-best-case is for the storm to weaken significantly before landfall, and hit at low tide, and then have the eye go directly over.

5. The worst case is for things to go as anticipated and to have a near miss, with the absolute worst case is to have the eye pass just to one side so that the city and the lake get that worst quadrant fun. Worst and strongest winds, no respite, massive rain -- the recipe for disaster on a scale not seen in the U.S. in modern times.

6. As previously stated in a comment, I will be very happy if things remain as currently projected and we get out with less than 20,000 dead. If we get towards 1,000 dead, I will do a happy dance at so few being killed. Again, if all remains as projected and there is no significant weakening, extreme rough-order-calculations give me a range of 20,000 to 100,000 casualties, with a plus or minus in excess of 50 percent. Fact is, I have insufficient data and too much depends on fate. If the Dome goes, high-end is a given. Water over the dike is bad, but not nearly as bad as if one or more dikes go -- and the order in which things go, and where they go first, is going to be a critical factor. Extra pumps, emergency dikes, emergency diversions, and more could make a difference in the totals. Right now, the odds are that the totals will be high no matter what, but when something like this happens you take whatever silver linings and breaks come your way, and even as you mourn your losses you count your blessings that it was not worse, for it can always be worse.

7. All the stay-and-survive preparations you could possibly make are useless in these circumstances. This is the time to use the emergency bug-out plans and preparations; actually, yesterday was the better time for that.

8. Pray, meditate, think, cast spells, whatever you do -- just do it. Let that which is right be, and please oh please let it be so much better than things look to be now.

LW

That's More Like It

The drought still be with us, but the last two nights have been wonderful. Last night, it was cool enough that I cut off the AC and opened windows, with the result that the lair is quite nice this morning. Hope it stays this way for a while...

LW

Dennis Update

Dennis has hit, and it is bad. In that regard, the good news is that the bloggers I know are safe and in good shape. A lot of people are not. Tammi has an excellent suggestion for helping. For some very good blog coverage of the storm, go read this at Bou's and just scroll up. Thank you Bou and TGOO for the posts! Congratulations to both Bou and Tammi on the MSNBC coverage!

Do what you can folks; people are hurting and need the help.

LW

Rain

Last night was a great show. We are really in a drought here, and the farmers are feeling it. Yards are turning brown and grass dying. Last week, when it looked like we might get rain one night, I ran around like a madman putting out weed and feed on the yard -- only to see the skies clear. Could have sworn I heard a "Ha Ha Fooled You" from on high...

I wasn't expecting anything last night, but a front clearly came through with rain and one heck of a lightning show. Power went out for an hour or two, but I just lay in bed and watched the light show. Some hit close, others didn't. Didn't matter -- it was still beautiful to watch. Can't wait to do that in the new lair...

LW
who hopes for enough rain to nurture lawn and finally activate the weed and feed...

Did Everyone But Me

Know that it was supposed to snow again last night? Don't remember that in the forecast, but was awakened early this morning by the snow plow guys at work on the three or so inches we seem to have gotten. Looks pretty though, on top of all that ice. I really do need to find the crampons...

LW

Tsunami Update

The toll keeps climbing, and it would not be surprising for it to clear 175,000 before all is said and done. Right now, it stands in excess of 134,000 and there are a number of areas where surveys of death and destruction have yet to occur.

Please continue to do what you can. Go here, here, here, here, and here to donate or to choose ways to help.

Or, Kathy has the latest, including regional ways to help here. She has also said she will try to get information from friends on local ways to provide direct assistance. Stay tuned, do what you can, and keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

LW

Tsunami Update

The news is only going to keep getting worse in many ways, but out of the devastation come some good news. If you peruse the blogs and the local sources, you will find stories of families reunited, of babies and toddlers found, and other bits of good news. Look for them, for they too are a part of the face of this disaster.

Look for the latest that Kathy has up, and see what others have to say, such as Val.

Then, go do something. Go here, here, here, here, and here to donate or to choose ways to help.

LW

Putting A Face On Disaster

While some of Kathy's friends have so far checked in, one never will again in this life. Check the news on 28 December for the story. From all reports, no one is surprised that she died trying to help others, that she gave her life in an effort to save the lives of others. Trite, yet true: No Greater Love, No Greater Gift. Look at the news story, look at the face.

That is the face of the tragedy unfolding. Multiply that face by what will likely be in excess of 100,000. Picture a child running out to pick up fish left suddenly stranded by the waters pulled out to form the wave. Picture the face of your child on that body as they run out to harvest, to explore with childish delight, not knowing that in mere seconds the water will return with a crash to end their lives. That is the face of the tragedy unfolding. Think of your family in everyday situations, and have that situation end with a hammer of water smashing the scene, and that is the face of the tragedy.

The numbers are staggering, numbing, impossible to grasp in many respects. They are a statistic. Stop. Think. Look. Look at the individual faces, so that the tragedy remains real and has some hope of comprehension.

Then do what you can. Keep those affected in your thoughts, prayers, or whatever you do. Go here, here, here, here, and here to donate or to choose ways to help. Something some will never understand, such as one frelling large asshat at the UN, is that the American government does not have to send the large amounts of money it routinely sends overseas, because American Citizens are already doing more. We are not subjects and do not depend on any government, but upon ourselves and the private organizations secular and religious devoted to helping to go do what governments often cannot.

So, think about the enormity of the tragedy by focusing on a few faces. Then, go do whatever you can. That is all we can do, and it is the least we can do.

LW

NOTE: While others have referenced the larger blogs, who have done an excellent job of coverage, I have referenced Kathy's posts for several reasons. Prime among them is that she had a personal stake in this, that she knew people there. A subtle thing, but important. All the more because it helps put a personal face on what is fast becoming an impersonal tragedy just from sheer scale.

Tsunami Coverage Continues

Kathy at On The Third Hand continues to provide coverage and a link to donate directly to Red Cross Relief Efforts through the Australian Red Cross. You can see previous coverage She has more coverage here and here. Glad to know at least one more friend has checked in Kathy!

LW

UPDATE: Logic & Sanity has up a map that helps in understanding the scale of the disaster.

Tidal Waves In Asia

Kathy has the story about tidal waves in Asia. She also has friends in some of the known affected areas. Stay tuned to her site for more info as it becomes available, and keep all in your thoughts and prayers.

LW

Bleep It’s Cold!

I had intended to post a bit more yesterday, if for no other reason than to take some breaks from unpacking. Instead, however, I spent the day making the apartment even tighter than it already was weather-wise because we were/are scheduled to go well below zero on regular temperature, and reach –20 or more on wind chill. Not sure what it is right now, as my remote sensor got buried in the snow and is not giving an accurate temperature reading.

There is now plastic in the windows, and every light switch and outlet I can reach is insulated. There are insulated plugs in every outlet not in use, and the patio door now has plastic across it as well. I don’t care how good a sliding glass door you get, they are major energy loss areas due to sheer size if nothing else. In this case, there were more leaks there than I had thought, and I plan to add another layer of plastic outside when it gets warmer next week, relatively speaking.

TIP: Many of the outlet insulation packages no longer come with any/enough plug pieces. Go buy a package of the childproofing safety plugs, and put the punch-outs from the outlet protectors on them. Then you have a nice and efficient plug to cut down on air transfer.

I have already noticed a difference, the main one being that the furnace is running less. Well, I may post more later, but for now I need to get to work baking shortbread and starting some of the cooking for tomorrow. More soon, I hope.

LW

Snow

Well, we did get some, but thankfully not as much as central and southern Indiana. They changed the forecast last night at six, so I went ahead and moved the grocery shopping I had planned for today to last night. There were a lot of people out buying for the holidays, getting it in ahead of the snow. None of the panic that I am used to in Huntsville when a snowflake is seen, however.

I plan to stay in as much as possible, especially since we are headed down to –10 here in the next day or so. This is one heck of a welcome back to this part of the country, but at least I will get the White Christmas.

LW
wishing for a load of good southern firewood

Hurricane Jeanne Blogging Starts

Well, for those tracking Jeanne, Boudicca has posts here, here, and here. Tammi is blogging a bit too, and Kathy has up a list of Florida bloggers and hurricane resources. I must confess, I love Val's message to Jeanne.

More Later.

LW

UPDATE 1: Rand Simburg has some posts here and here. VW at One Happy Dog Speaks is without power per Boudicca, who's own power was flickering. UPDATE: We appear to have LOS there, so figure power and/or internet access are gone, not unexpected. Tammi has made coffee and is hunkered down, and I have laid a bet on her. No, it has nothing to do with her proposed career switch. Kathy has up both a good update and some neat ASCII art.

UPDATE 2, 0525 hours Eastern. Tammi hasn't posted in a while, and looked to be losing power. Before that, she had posted some updates from various news sites and such, as well as what the change in landfall means for her and those previously hit. Note the new name for her site... Boudicca is still LOS which is not good since there were warnings that she could be without power for four weeks if it did go out. VW is also still LOS. Rand is also LOS and has been since early last evening. Kathy, awakened by the winds, has links and updates. Noble Pundit has been all over this. Just posted an interesting radar image and a lot of good posts you just need to go read. Florida Cracker continues to post and those pictures! And I agree, what is it with people and bridges in hurricanes??? Just keep scrolling down for updates. Debwire is finally getting some sleep, I hope. Val and Maynard have not posted in a while, but were well to the south with no problems reported last we heard from them. Figure Val is snuggled in with wife and Maynard is dealing with that messy pet of his. Hard to tell about Lee Ann since she hasn't posted since last Thursday. My Little Corner is another one since there are no new posts since early Saturday. Ocean Guy reports he is/was going to miss the worst of it. That's it for the early AM edition, more later. OH: You really also need to go read WeatherBlog for updates, good info, and more. No updates in a while, hope they are sleeping and not LOS.

UPDATE 3, 0720 hours: Val is up and has a short take on Jeanne. Snort. Sekimori has a fun drinking game up in regards idiotic media folk.

UPDATE 4, 0840 hours: DebWire is back up and posting. Am on the phone with Tammi, who has power but no cable and no internet. Level 2 winds, waterfront property, garbage all over courtesy of a neighbor, something hit the house but all appears okay. Tammi did sleep in her saferoom, and could hear all despite all the bulkheads. She does have coffee. All is good according to her. :) Huge amounts of rain (S***load), shrubbery has taken a pounding, but worst is allegedly behind them. She is taking that with a grain of salt, notes that south Orlando took a pounding. The people who lost everything in Charley and Frances are getting slammed again. Tampa is indeed going to wake up to a real surprise, and the tracks she is getting shows that it is going to go up through Pensacola and then on. No freightrains so far, but keeping an ear out. She is very worried about Tampa and what will happen there. Reports that the rain is a fine rain, but so much and so fast that it is hard to see anything. She had to run, but will be calling back soon.

UPDATE, 0918 hours: On the phone with Tammi again. Top of palm has come bouncing across, caught the screen of the pool cage, and is now busy pulling down the pool cage. Dead bird hit window and stayed there a bit, but now gone, not a good sign. She heard from a friend that West Palm got hit hard. She is very worried about Tampa, as people there are not prepared. Another tree just bounced by and the windows are leaking. She really is better prepared for no power than for no cable. Thank goodness it is a new complex, as the plants are all young, not brittle. Street in front is a river, back is lakefront, and with the southern track the ***** is taking it is going to be interesting. Seals are shot on windows, but at least windows are still in. Roofs holding up well, but lots of palm trees down, tops bouncing around. May try dial up later, very frustrated. Something keeps hitting the house, but still not going out into the garage in case Mr. Snake is still there. All internal doors are closed, just in case. Ooops. Rain is driving through seals and into the wall between windows. Discussion of local station who will no longer show Scarborough because he was such an idiot in his local report. "All he can tell us is that it is windy and he knows a Senator from W. Palm Beach. We will not be showing him again." LOL Tammi is estimating current winds at app. 100 mph right now. Really misses having her news fix, attempting to supply. "It's going to be a long flippin day" More treetops have gone by. Still waiting for the winds to start coming from the other direction, meaning that the eye has gone past her. News coverage I can get is really honking her off because it is not very good. Agree with her assessment.

UPDATE, 1000 hours: Water is up at least two feet further in the backyard, making it up three feet total in the last three hours. And "I don't live near the water!" Windows leaking again. "oooh someone's losing their mailbox. Oooh. There's another tree, just a little one." The wind is gusting badly, as I heard it over the phone as she was trying to deal with one or more of the windows. Neighbor's pool cage is gone, apparently another trash can from tourist neighbors came to visit. Tammi has to run, another phone call and a call to make to check on people. More later.

Tammi is back on dial-up and posting. I am taking a break and trying to work the Olympic Airline story. Hoping it is a false alarm of one type or another. LW

UPDATE 1520 hours: Guest blogger Morrigan says that Bou is okay just without power, some roof tiles, and a couple of the storm shutters. Glad to know they are okay.

Prayers And Thoughts Needed

Folks, I don't care what your beliefs may be. What I do ask is that you pray, meditate, cast spells, or whatever for the people in Florida, and all those already hit in Grenada, Cuba, and elsewhere by the hurricanes that have already come to visit. They need your thoughts and prayers more than ever, as yet another storm is on the way. There has been little chance to begin to repair the damage done, physical or psychological. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare yet again. As for me, I hope that Ivan gives Florida a break and a lot of good people a chance to recover. On a separate note, Denita could use some for her Mom too.

LW

Tropical Depression Frances Update

Well, I still think the most depressing thing is Ivan, but that is just me. TD Frances began arriving in the Atlanta area earlier today, bringing down trees and power lines, and providing some local flooding. Power flickered here a couple of times around 0330 hours (love that audible on the UPS) but other than that not too bad where I am located. Schools are closing, so check the local television stations for updates -- or go to the only station with good online this morning. Stay tuned, this is going to be a rolling update.

Some of the Metro Atlanta schools have cut the delays or closings awfully close to my mind. It is not unusual for some people and families to start their commute as early as 0500, so waiting until the last minute is not a good customer service idea. As I said, check the television or the link above before heading out.

There is new information on Boudicca. Things are passable there, but they are already starting to hunker down for Ivan. Think it a good idea because while he is on the southern track for now, who knows where he will go?

Slatibartfast has not posted anything after this but he is okay. That IR loop he has is not for the faint of heart.

Tammi has not posted anything since this but a comment at Boudicca's indicates she is having trouble posting. She is very worried about her home, so keep some good thoughts going for her. UPDATE: She is home and things are okay overall. As she puts it, nothing she can't handle esp. since there are no critters in the house. :)

Nothing new from Val since this but he also has had more important things to take care of, such as his wife's birthday. A very happy one to her! UPDATE: New post here. LOL!

Kathy let me know earlier, but it is now posted that Rand is okay. Still think it is not power, but that good card game that has him away from the keyboard.

Still no word from Chris. Hope Jan and Sam have not hurt him too bad.

Stacy is back up, though in dial-up hades, and even has PICTURES! Today is also her third blogaversary, so go wish her a happy one.

Lee Ann is still being quite remiss in not posting anything since this, but Tammi has heard from her and she and hers are okay. UPDATE: FINALLY! *G*

Kathy and Company are back to regular posting and she has some good ones here, here, and here. Her roundups of other Florida bloggers and such are here, here, and here. Take a good look at all the links in those, as those sites will have lots of news, information, and even photos.

As for me, having already been out on the road once today, I plan to stay in. If the larder is low, I am going to go for delivery rather than go out again. It really is not too bad right now, but it will be an interesting day and the drivers around here are interesting enough when the roads are dry. Hope all of you will be safe too.

LW

Here is a local radar picture you can check to see how thing are in the Atlanta area. Here is one NOAA radar image, and here is the current local Atlanta radar image. Here is the latest false colour image of Frances.

WSB is reporting around 200,000 people without power in the Metro Atlanta area, and 11 Alive is reporting 400,000 plus without power in Georgia. Hartsfield Airport is reporting one hour delays, but that things are returning to normal. Roads are very iffy, and that includes interstates as well as "local" streets. Lots of traffic lights are out -- remember, treat them as a 4-way stop. Lots of wrecks. More than normal even. Check before you head out.

Hurricane Frances Update

Well, Frances is out in the Gulf and may be picking up some steam again. Panhandle, watch out. Meanwhile, back at the stud farm, Ivan has come come out to play as well and may also decide to visit Florida. Joy. Well, they did say it was going to be an interesting hurricane season. UPDATE: Latest advisory on Frances is here.

On the good news front, we have heard from Slatibartfast and he is okay and hunkered down. Good luck with that generator, but be sure to keep it as I think you may need it again! UPDATE: He is posting some thoughts on Ivan and the season.

I talked with Tammi (still on emergency backup site) last night as Frances was hitting. Things were okay and she plans as soon as it is clear to go check on other family in the area, and hopes she may be able to get home as early as Tuesday or Wednesday to check on the house. I have not been able to reach her this morning, and think the cell towers may be out. UPDATE: She has posted and is okay but good thoughts are needed for her house. UPDATE: Am playing phone tag with her, lots of problems with the cell phones but it is even worse with land lines. From what she can see, Tampa is underwater and there is a good bit of wind damage as she is making her way. Power lines down, one location was "hard hit" but not quite sure where that was. We dropped out about then, hope to hear back from her soon. UPDATE: She is back. St. Pete looks like s**t. Lots of egrets in the traffic pattern. Trees down, houses with trees on them. Not going to be able to get home tonight it looks like (but knowing her she may try anyway). UPDATE: Tammi is with family, and they have power, air conditioning, and good coffee. She can smoke. Think she is close to being in heaven right now. She has tried to get some pictures, but is not sure how well they turned out. Is going to try to get home tomorrow, if the roads are open/passable.

Boudicca is without power, some apparently minor roof damage, trees gone, and taking this whole MaryAnn and Gilligan's Island thing way too far with flooding turning her property into an island. This report is old, and I hope nothing has changed. UPDATE: Still no word, suspect cell towers are down as well as land lines.

Val has a problem with his pussy being dry, and I can tell him that Spaghetti-Os are NOT the answer -- to anything. UPDATE: No new posting, but hope they are still celebrating his better half's birthday and enjoying things as much as possible.

Been a while since Rand Simburg has posted, so presume the poker game in the undisclosed location with Cheney, Osama, and others finally got serious. UPDATE: No new posting, game must be really good.

Still no word from Chris. Hope all is well, and that he is just taking a deserved if unscheduled vacation, and has not been put in the hospital by Sam and Jan. UPDATE: Hmmmmm. Forgot about his back, now the question is if they hurt it and how.

No recent word from Stacy at Sekimori, but she may be without power. Either that, or the super secure server location wasn't so secure. Thanks to Steve for the easy link. UPDATE: No new posting, not even a growl in response to my comments about her poor taste in college football. Two words for you Stacy: War Eagle! (that ought to bring her out).

Lee Ann still has not posted. E-Lee, phone home. UPDATE: Phone home E-Lee, just not collect please. UPDATE: Tammi has heard from her, things appear to be okay. More later.

Between power outages, the occasional tornado, and such, Kathy is continuing to provide the best roundup around. UPDATE: Continuing to blog the hurricane, and other.

If I have missed anyone (not covered by the outstanding Kathy), let me know and I will try to get the info up ASAP.

LW

PREVIOUS POSTS are located here and here. 9/7 Update is HERE.

Hurricane Frances Update

Well, Frances is being quite the thing. Yes, it is down in strength, but it is slow and therefore dumping lots and lots of water. Many of the trees and such in Florida have shallow root systems, all the better for getting water in the normal clime, and as the water comes down, guess what gets unstable? Guess what even light breezes can knock over then? Add to it all the piles of debris already in place, and...

Well, I have spoken with Tammi (still on emergency backup site) and she is okay. In fact, they are having a very good time, loads of liquid refreshment, and hoping for the best. There are difficulties, however, with posting so it may be light for a bit.

Boudicca has also had communications difficulties, but has had someone posting for her. Two trees are down and she is concerned about another that could hit the house. As of the update, all is well and the rolling balls of noise (kids) were at (temp.) asleep.

Val is ready for it to be gone, and takes a sly dig at Steve in the process.

Slatibartfast has not updated in a while, hoped he bugged out.

From his undisclosed location with Dick Cheney, Rand Simburg is continuing to post on the hurricane and other topics of interest. Note to self: If I get him mad at me, make sure there is no sandpaper around. Ouch.

No word from Chris, figure the bum has sent Damon and Zed out for supplies and is shacked up somewhere with Jan and Sam.

Aside from wanting to play Leonard and watch her losers, Stacy at Sekimori appears to be fine.

Lee Ann has not posted today, but all was last reported well at her place (aside from the waiting).

Kathy is okay, and is posting updates and links here and here.

If I have missed anyone (not covered by the outstanding Kathy), let me know and I will try to get the info up ASAP.

LW

END
Pevious post is here, and update(s) can be found here. 9/7 Update is HERE

Hurricane Frances Update

Well it seems Chris Muir is having to evacuate now. I think he would be well advised to go hook up with Boudicca or Tammi (still in her old/temporary blog digs) when he pulls out. I wish they would all join up with Val and come up to Atlanta or even to Chattanooga for an unofficial bash to ride things out. Then, we could link up with other bloggers and interested parties, and go down and help dig them out as needed. I will be posting updates and more links as I can today. Be safe all of you, and my thoughts and best wishes are with you.

LW

Update: Rand Simburg is bugging out too.

Update: Slatibartfast continues to post good images and tracks despite having to batten down and look at possible evac.

Good luck to all in Florida, especially those on the East Coast as this storm looks to be a real mother. Some are expecting that it could end up a Cat V, and that would make Andrew look like a summer thunderstorm.

END
Updates can be found here and here. 9/7 Update is HERE

Hurricane Frances Update

Go to Boudicca's Voice and to Road Warrior for updates. Also, I suspect we may see some posting at On The Third Hand as well. Pay attention folks, as this storm is only getting stronger and worse, and its course and other things may change rapidly.

LW

A bit more graphic depiction of the problem is here along with a public notation of something a friend discussed with me on the phone earlier: all the debris that is piled up from Charlie can and will become projectiles when this hits. Nope, not good at all.

Good Charley News For The Day

Tammi's cousin is okay. Understand his sister gave him a verbal colostomy for not letting the family know sooner, but -- amidst laughter -- am just glad that he and his wife are okay.

LW

Kathy Is Back

Sort Of. Go read this now and then go hit the tip jar or give her some work. This is a chance to help one of our own, so go do it! Kathy, glad you are okay and all best wishes for things to get much better, and fast.

LW

Skip Me Today

Go read Road Warrior Survival, for the emphasis over there right now is survival. It is discussing what happened, what is going on, and how YOU can help. It has links to things that will help you understand just what the area, and its people, have gone through. It has a VERY important story on economics, one missed by most of the Old Media so far, and what it means to you. Tammi is also posting at The Command Post. She is headed out today to check on her customers, or as many as she can, but she has left a huge amount for you to read. Go thou, and do so.

LW