They’re saying now it will be around 3am this morning before Earl is supposed to be off of Cape Hatteras so it’s going to be a very long night! :( Just now the wind is beginning to pick up here. This is one of the tiring parts of going through these things, the waiting. It’s nerve wracking at times just sitting and wondering. Guess we have things at the ready, food and supplies, over 100 gallons of water stored up and all the hatches battened down so its just the wait. With it being night when it hits I wont be able to see or record any video. Probably could get some audio but who wants to hear that! Anyway we’re safe and just sitting around, going to get a shower soon and afterwards fill up the tub with water as well. Then I think its time for a gin and tonic! ;) even went back to the store to get the lemon!!

This morning our county decalred a state of emergency when it began to issue evacuation orders for visitors in the outer banks part of the county. This state of emergency also suspends the sale of alcohol in the county, much to the dismay of many! lol well lucky we made our purchases yesterday!!

I suppose its a good thing they do this, I’m sure alcohol causes some stupid decisions/actions when it comes to hurricanes, but I’m sure many already have stocked up as we did!

Will have more pics and things on in a bit as we have a few more preparations to do before the weather gets bad, and Alison once again got an interview with BBC newcastle radio this morning! She’s a star now! They prerecorded an interview which will be braodcast in the morning on BBC  Newcastle radio tomorrow morning about 7:20 am UK time. Heres the link to the program for anyone interested to hear it!

Water storage in preparation

 Seriously though we are getting prepared, beginning to clear the yard and deck, storing water for the inevitable power outage that usually follows these things. I’ve learned from experience that having PLENTY of water on hand is the most important thing, After Isabel we had 8 days with no power, temps in the high 90′s and unberable high humidity. Believe me it was wonderful to be able to even wash up in a basin of water during those days, not to mention having a “flush” supply on hand! That year I did the normal “filling the bathtub” before the storm which I had never done and it was the best decision i made. But we cut it very close as the last day of no power we were down to the bottom of the tub! So this time in addition to the tub we have filled a few plastic totes with water in preparation. We’ve got about 50 gallons on hand so far and will fill some more tomorrow. I expect tomorrow will find evacuation orders issued for all the beach areas and probably Currituck as well, at least the Outer Banks portion of the county. We will monitor the track and strength and decide tomorrow if we are going to stay. As it stands now we will stay and hunker down. As is ususal today was a clear beautiful day, calm and hot. Calm befor the storm… check out our commentary if you’d like :)

Calm before the storm and More Calm before the Storm

6 years ago this month

Neat little iframe containing feeds and links to various pages concerning the swine flu outbreak.

From FunPhotoBox, thanks to Mike from  Top of Texas Gazette for the link! Cool site.

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The Lilac – First emotions of love.. I BELIEVE :)
Two years ago this photo was taken. As you can see from the blooms its a purple lilac. April 2006 was the very first time since it was planted that it bloomed. To be honest at the time it was planted I had no idea of what type of bush it even was. (more…)

by Marguerite Schrader

They are two people drawn together by an unseen power. A bond from a distance, only they know the reason.
Love has an intensity as still as a calm night or as savage as a raging storm.
That is the need.
Together they are one, alone no more.
A light comes into their hearts to make them alive.
Aware of life and living again in a complacent world. Strangers for a time, until their souls reach out and touch one another.
The knowledge of a lifetime is passed between them.
Sharing the joys, the tribulations, the expectations is a new experience.
Strangers no more, caring begins.
With familiarity comes laughter to brighten the spirit and lighten the heart.
An understanding, that words cannot express, spreads across the miles and friendship commences.
They wonder at this new found level of love.
They revel at the very thought of hands caressing and lips touching from ocean to ocean.
The beauty of love is seen as an oasis in the desert of loneliness.
They know where to look and what to say.
They understand the workings of the mind to protect from pain.
It is all so new and yet so easy.
Heaven on earth can be love.
It can be friendship.
It can be understanding and compassion.
Most of all it is giving.
They gave of each other for each other’s happiness.
And together they found everything.