Frances & IVAN......

[Lois R]

Hi....hope its ok If I vent....first, I want to say I hope all those sailing this weekend are able to go.....and my best wishes for smooth sailing......
I know sometimes it takes people a year to save for a vacation, for whatever the reason, time, $$, whatever it may be.....and I really hope all the 9-4/9-5 cruisers are able to go....I don't want anything to think I am taking "someone else's vacation lightly"...I am not meaning that at all...

But for all those others....that would include ALL OF US who live on the East Coast of Florida, Georgia, and wherever else the outerbands may hit....I just want to send all good thoughts and hope everyone will be ok....this looks like it could be a BIG HURRICANE....
We moved here in 1965 and Dora had hit the first coast area in 1964....heard she was UNBELIEVABLE.......
We have been very lucky over the last 40 years.......my family has yet to be part of a "direct hit". Now, I know she could change course just like that....(snap your fingers)....and maybe she will decide to go back out into the Atlantic...but it looks like land will be part of her course...and the land looks like Northeast FLorida.......
Anyway......I just want to send out GOOD POSITIVE THOUGHTS to everyone.....and remember, personal items can be replaced...but lives can't....IF you live in an area where they tell you to evacuate...please listen....and follow those instructions.........

All my best to everyone...........

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have also been watching Frances track - weather channel does make it sound like your area will get hit.

Hope you ge through this one as well.

We will be thinking about you this weekend.

[Lois R]

Thank you:).

[wowzo]

Well, down here in West Palm Beach, we're getting ready, too. Looks like not everyone will miss the storm but I hope it's especially gentle to the folks still affected by Charley.


I know people on the Gulf Coast have more experience with back to back hurricanes-but it looks like the rest of FL might get 'experienced' real fast.

I'm as ready as I'll ever be (just hope I don't eat up my supplies before the 'cane gets here!) just kidding-still eating stuff from my freezer-cut down on the waste when the power goes out.

For those cruisers-'gentle seas 'and for the landlubbers-'batten down the hatches' ! MaryAnn

[Spot]

Lois,
You and your family, neighbors, and friends will be in my prayers.
Deb

[Lois R]

MaryAnn....looks like the entire East Coast of FLorida is in her range:eek: ...from West Palm all the way up to us......they keep saying...."Cape Canaveral"....but that would just be a start........I think tomorrow and Thursday we will know ALOT more......

[jhannah]

IF this storm hits the way they are forecasting, it will be interesting to see how the cruise lines handle things. Once their pax are on their way to FLL or MIA, what can they do? How will they get word to the pax enroute? Surely they won't let them on the ship until the brunt of the storm is passed. Where will the pax go once they get into town? It should be a scary and interesting weekend if this dude doesn't deflect and head away. But even if it does, it's doubtful it would deflect far enough and quickly enough to avoid lots of problems. All our prayers are with those who will be affected.

[gliles]

Lois - You are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel badly for cruisers heading out this weekend but more so for those who are living there.

[OCruisers]

LoisR .... Thought of you and your "14 Days to Go" Thread this morning when some new information was released on Frances! Glad you had 14 Days and not 7 when you posted it!

Hate it for ALL who will miss cruises/vacations and MOSTLY for the many who will be in harms way! :(

We were "born & bred" in South Carolina so we have a VERY healthy respect for hurricanes! Any who don't ... should!

OCruisers :confused: (WORRIED)

[ASM]

Lois,we are also watching closely. My daughter and her family live in Mount Pleasant ( suburb of Charleston) and they have been told to expect to evacuate Fri am instead of Sat as they were told earlier. She is 10 min inland from the beach and is expecting the worse. There are still power outages and damage from Gaston and they are being warned this one will likely equal Hugo. She and her 2 little ones ( 2 yrs & 6 mos), 3 cats, best friend and her 1 yr old will leave Thurs am and head here. The husbands will follow Fri pm or earlier if possible. She is packing and crying right now but at least she has somewhere to go. Our prayers are with everyone in Frances' path.

[Lois R]

Hi Gretchen, thanks:)

O'cruisers.....yes, folks in SC have had their share of storms too.....Mother Nature has a way about herself.......
I am not sure how this affects anyone who is cruising this weekend......I am guessing as long as the port is not "hit" they will not cancel anything?...How does it work? I go on 9-11........I guess its a "WAIT AND SEE" thing.....:eek:

I went to the store after work today......Got myself a bunch of water...in gallon jugs.....think I got 6 Gallons......
I have a flashlight and batteries too........maybe someone upstairs will be looking down on us and decide to shift this storm EAST back out into the Atlantic!

[cruisingangel]

We just survived Charley, just got our power back on and now Frances is coming at us. I hope it turns back out into the ocean as being without power for a week and the clean up was just so depressing. Most of it is still not cleaned up, hope we don't get any more.:(

Michele

[FlorenceItaly]

It sure has been an active hurricane season this year. I hope and pray you are not affected Lois. I still think of the devastation in Punta Gorda...stay safe my friend, and know many people are praying for you.

Marie

[Roboat]

Hi Lois and other East Coasters,

I'm doing my voodoo to push Frances out to sea. We are in Orlando so we wouldn't get it as much as you guys on the coast. Charley passed right over us and, while we had no significant damage, it certainly got my attention. I'm trying to plan, within reason, for a 1 week power outage and no water. I'm sure that's overkill - well, pretty sure, anyway.

Anyway, FWIW, here's what I'm doing. Any other ideas are quite welcome!

We just bought a corded phone from Target, since our cell-phones didn't get good service after Charley. If you are using a cell-phone, remember, if you have an adapter, you can recharge them off your car battery while you're driving, or if you need to make an emergency call. Also can use the radio in the car to catch weather updates. Top off your gas tank while you can, and your boat if you have one.

We thought about looking for a generator, but decided it will be cheaper to replace the food in the fridge and freezer several times. We have a pool (currently screened in - but who knows, after Frances?) so that will help us stay cool if the power goes out.

I'll check my prescriptions and make sure I have at least enough for a week.
I also got extra propane for the grill, and I need to dig out my old camping coffee pot.

I'll fill a couple of Walmart plastic tubs with water and add bleach (8 drops/gallon), plus I'll fill a (clean) plastic gargage can with water for flushing the toilet.

Plus all the standard stuff - flashlights, batteries, paper products, mosquito repellent, canned goods, restock first-aid kit, extra garbage bags, and, of course, duct tape - that I bought 2 weeks ago.

Then, hopefully, I can feel quite silly when Francis makes a U-turn and heads for Sweden before getting anywhere near the coast. :p

[ASM]

My DD is also taking photos of everything purchased since their last evacuation for insurance purposes-and crying while she does it.

[Lois R]

Hi...I have an adapter for my cell phone:) bought it when I got the phone...its for the car!
And Roboat...I will gladly join you in that VOODOO DANCE.......
Even the weathermen around here are really serious about this one......in preparation.....
you know she is staying a category 4........
I heard Home Depot sold out of their generators.......
I must say, I think everyone is preparing instead of panicing and waiting until the last minute.....which is a good thing!

[WindyCity]

My prayers are with everyone in the path of the hurricane. Seven hurricanes in as many weeks is a bit much and looks like Frances will be the third? one making landfall.

Stay safe.

[anngie]

Lois, our local weatherman here in Savannah tonight seemed very nervous. He said a landfall in Jacksonville would be devastating to us. We are going to head to upstate SC if we have to evacuate. I am still hoping and praying that Frances will turn to the north and go out to sea.

[sail7seas]

Sending out my prayers for everyone possibly facing this horrible storm. I am happy to read you are taking it seriously and are making practical preparations. Who knows......Frances could make her way up the coast to Boston. Doesn't seem likely and hope not but it certainly would not be the first.

Please take no silly risks. Listen to the authorities and do as they instruct. You are all too precious to risk injury.

[Roboat]

My DD is also taking photos of everything purchased since their last evacuation for insurance purposes-and crying while she does it.
Oh geez. That's so sad. Thanks for the idea; I guess I better add that to my list.
Best wishes for your daughter. Tell her to come to Orlando if it looks like it will be OK here. She and her family can stay with Suz and me.

[letsgonow]

Hello Roboat & all-

Just a couple more things to prepare for the hurricane:

pool chlorine - the stores will run out

tarps - just in case you have roof damage

water - twice as much as you think you need (we were without power and drinking water for five days after Charley)

Remember to store all your important documents in a water-tight containers. The stores will be out of everything - canned goods, bread, etc, so plan accordingly. I hope everyone in the hurricanes path will evacuate - it is not something we would want to "ride out" a second time.

[Melianne]

Lois, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers this week as Frances draws nearer. Here in Savannah, we are starting to get a little scared, and I find myself watching the weather channel more and more. Today I made hotel reservations in Dublin, GA, just in case we have to evacuate. The cats can hardly wait!

To all of you that are cruising this weekend, I hope and pray things work out for you. Keep the faith and stay safe.

[stillfrantic]

11 am update.....Look out Palm Beach.

[elmorejj]

Well one thing, you all sound as though you are prepared for whatever Mother nature sends you. Don`t take any risks, get the H out of there in plenty of time. Lois and Roboat, Every time I turn on the weather channel I send up a silent prayer that He will keep you safe. Please, Frances go away!!....jean :cool:

[iluvcruzin]

Hope you are safe and secure Lois - and everyone else in the south east!

[anngie]

Melianne, I hope that Dublin is far enough away. At least you would not get the storm surge there. We are close to the water here on Whitemarsh Island.
Prayers and lots of luck for everyone in the potential path. Most importantly, start out early and stay safe.

[CINCY40]

I sure hope Dublin is far enough as well. We are just forty miles east of there in Macon and I have asked my sister in Hernando, FL to come here to escape Frances. I have family in Titusville, Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, as well, so I am concerned.

Just read on the Carnival board that someone sailing Saturday on the Disney Magic from Port Canaveral had been contacted by DCL about a possible change of ports to Ft Lauderdale.

Nancy

[stillfrantic]

Yes, Disney is calling all their passengers to ask for contact information, cell phone numbers, hotel and air arrangements so that they may be in contact with their guests and answer question, offer ressurance and be able to call with update. Holland America, on the other hand, chooses to tell the booked guests nothing, won't contact us and won' tmake a decision until sometime on Saturday.:confused:

[Sage]

We are down the road from you in Gainesville, so we are keeping a close eye out as well. Stay safe everyone.

[elmorejj]

Kudos to Disney, Raspberries to HAL if they are not contacting their pax with some sort of reports....jean :cool:

[Slinkiecat]

Watching it from afar, we're still in Ohio until October. We have family on the east coast of Florida and hope they stay safe. Our place in Naples was untouched by Charley and I think our luck will hold.

We all hope Frances loses her power quickly and that everyone takes shelter during the danger period.

slinkie

[stillfrantic]

Kudos to Disney, Raspberries to HAL if they are not contacting their pax with some sort of reports....jean :cool: The woman I spoke with at HAL was down right nasty yesterday and informed me if they changed ports at the last minute, the only ones HAL would help were those who purchased HAL air. I asked her check with a supervisor on that and she came back a lot nicer and said that yes, HAL would transport to an alternate port, if necessary. It isn't just that they aren't contacting us, they aren't even being sympathetic or nice when we contact them.

At least for show, ask me for a cell phone number!:o

[ASM]

Thnkas, roboat. My DD is feeling better today. Their local forecasters have downgraded them from probable to possible. She is still prepared to evacuate but feels a bit less threatened. Apparently a high pressure ridge is keeping Frances south but a change is likely to send her to the SC coast. All of you in Fla and Ga are in our prayers. Stay safe, everyone. DD is still planning to come upstate to us with family and neighbors and to bring some things for safekeeping until this active hurricane season is over. Bless you all.

[ilovhywd]

If Frances comes ashore near us, we will be in our walk-in closet with the cat and my mother-in-law who is allergic to the cat.

This should be interesting......

[elmorejj]

stillfrantic, I totally agree with you. They could at least show some kind of interest. I guess Seattle is so far from Florida, they could care less. Sad.......jean :cool:

[Melianne]

. . . so we're worried too about storm surge. I know Dublin isn't way far away, but I think we'll be far enough from the storm surge. I just don't know if we could drive a whole lot further than that with TWO SCREAMING CATS. Besides, some of the current models are taking the storm across FL and into the SW part of the state. I almost made reservations in Valdosta!!

Along with everyone else, I'm praying Frances soon makes a hard right, but not too hard that it goes toward Bermuda.

[ekerr19]

I just read on the Princess boards that evacuations are beginning - they are asking 300,000 people to leave the Orlando area...

[HeatherInFlorida]

Yes, we're in real trouble this time. I'm hoping, praying for a miracle. but this storm is 360 miles wide. The hurricane force winds go out 80 miles in each direction. It's supposed to hit Vero so we're in that 80 mile circle. I'm more afraid than I've ever been.

I really don't see how there is any avoiding this one. So thanks all for your prayers.

[ekerr19]

Heather -

Take care and keep us posted if you can... we will be praying for all of you. I can't even imagine something of this magnitude... :(

[HeatherInFlorida]

Thank you, ekerr .... neither can I. We have friends without shutters and they asked if they could ride the storm out with us. That would be okay, but it's the couple, their son, their dog and her crazy mother!!! What could I say? Of course I said yes. :eek:

[Orcrone]

Praying for your safety. My mother is in Boynton Beach. I'm going to speak to her tonight about leaving. But you know how parents are, they never listen. It's so hard raising them these days.:D

[jazzsea]

We are about half way between lake Okeechobee and Palm City (Stuart), Florida. There are no hotels or motels with vacancies in Southwest Florida. All the homeless victims of Hurricane Charley are living in them. Our latest input says the storm will make landfall around Ft. Pierce, Florida. We would be a little bit south and west of the storm center but would still experience hurricane force winds. We've decided to stay and get our house in order and spend Friday evening and Saturday at a local shelter. We aren't silly enough to stay home even if we are 50 miles away from a direct hit.

Blessings to all of you and thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.

[taszmom]

If Frances comes ashore near us, we will be in our walk-in closet with the cat and my mother-in-law who is allergic to the cat.

This should be interesting......

I'm sorry but that made me laugh so hard! ROFLMAO! I could use a good laugh about now and that was a good one! Go to Publix and get her some Benadryl otherwise she'll drive you nuts and you just might consider going outside to face the hurricane to avoid that torture! Just kidding!

My MIL is actually driving over from Tampa at this very moment for a visit. (long story). She was planning on staying for only 2 days, driving back on Friday. I warned her not to come with the impending hurricane, but she insisted. My DH and I we're just talking and there is NO WAY we are going to let her leave here on drive on the roads Friday. She is much safer staying here. Guess we'll have MIL for the entire Labor Day Weekend.

They are closing schools at 11am tomorrow her in Palm Beach County shelters are opening at 2pm. This storm is just huge, no matter where she comes on land, half of Florida is gonna feel this one! Getting bunkered down.

[dakrewser]

Thank you, ekerr .... neither can I. We have friends without shutters and they asked if they could ride the storm out with us. That would be okay, but it's the couple, their son, their dog and her crazy mother!!! What could I say? Of course I said yes. :eek:
Well at least you'll have something to take your mind off the wind and rain! :rolleyes:

May all your nights have red skies.....

-dave

[CruisinNana]

We moved here in 1965 and Dora had hit the first coast area in 1964....heard she was UNBELIEVABLE.......

We were in Miami in 1964 on our HONEYMOON when the eye of Dora came through, and we slept in the hallway with all the other guests. It was unbelievable, but I was too young (20 year old bride!) to know to be afraid. I thought it was an adventure, but when I think back, it was terrifying.

We have just returned from a Canada/New England cruise to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, and reading about this monster of a hurricane possibly coming through Miami again certainly brought back those memories.

I got out our pictures of the Doral Hotel the day after....what a mess....and there were yachts sitting in the street in front of the hotel. Unbelievable!!

Good luck to all in her path. Go to safety. Don't take a chance. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dee

[cruznon]

Lois,

I feel as if I know you after being on these boards for the past couple of months. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these next few days. Take care and be safe. Hoping the storm turns and that you'll enjoy your cruise afterwards.

Hope all of you in Florida and the east coast keep safe.

Peggy

[jetfixer03]

I'm in Lake Worth (West Palm area)...I don't usually get excited about storms, but this baby has got me very scared. Thankfully we have a safe place to ride it out, I just hope I have a house to come back to. You keep thinking it's going to make that turn and miss like always, but as of the last few hours it's pretty much certain that any one of the projected paths will deliver hurricane force winds here...just a matter of how bad. This should be the last thing to worry about right now....but to be honest with you guys I'm gonna be really bummed if this screws up plans for my cruise on the 11th. Stupid to even care about that right now..but it's just icing on the cake.

Good luck to all of you down here this weekend.

(And thanks for letting me vent a little!)

Chris J

[Kami's pal]

That old adage has always stuck with me. I don't worry about Hurricanes, but on the prairies, loss of power could mean loss of heat and water. I keep empty gallon jugs from bleach, vinegar, laundry detergent filled always. Previous contents keep water safe for washing, drinking, cooking. But I keep them frozen in my chest freezer, which is insulated with bats of pink fiberglass. Thus, I extend life of food in a power outage. For flushing, I keep tubs full.
And I keep "get away" kit, in trunk with snow shovel, friction aide (for driving on ice), candles, sleeping bags, show suits, gloves, boots, energy bars and drink powers.

First aide meds are always in house and car.

I guess, I'm hoping that you all are prepared for your challenges, and ready to go to safety. Seems with global warming, we are all going to have to deal with more frequent extraordinary weather events.

Wonder if these new solar panels advertised to recharge car battery and other vacation goodies might be a good item to buy?

Bless you as you prepare.

[Sage]

I think that everyone in Florida is scared. I know that I am, and even though I am further north, you never know what this will bring. My prayers and good thoughts are with everyone.

[Lois R]

Sage, we are all under her "eye":eek: .....

I work today as usual, will find out this afternoon if we are going to close tomorrow.

Please keep ya'lls good thoughts going.......going back out into the Atlantic would be really nice....maybe she will become fickle and do just that...(move away)!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Heather, Lois, Sage, Jazzsea, and all you other Floridians - our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

[HeatherInFlorida]

We'll be toughing it out here in West Palm. We have what some Floridians will know is a very strong house ... a DiVosta built home ... poured concrete. Still, it has a roof:eek: and we expect our screen cage will be ruined. We're working hard today getting everything off the patio, storm shutters up. It's very scarey and very hot:) .

At this point I just want it to stay put coming in at the Jupiter Inlet (about 24 miles away). For us anything further North will be a miracle and anything further South will make it worse. They tell us anyone within 200 miles of this storm are going to experience it. So.....

It's a very strange feeling to look around on this beautiful sunny day and know that with 2 days our entire lives could be turned upside down.

Even coming to these cruiseboards which is usually so much fun for me has lost its allure. I know we'll get through this, in the end, down the road somewhere all will be okay again.

And if I'm going to measure terror, I'll choose Mother Nature's.

[Lithium]

good luck with everything, you are in many peoples prayers!

[Sage]

Heather in Florida you hang in there. As you said, you have a very well built house and please know that my prayers are with you and your family. Lois, Jazzsea, you are in my thoughts and prayers as well. We will all get through this, and soon it will be a great story we can tell on our next cruise.

[Lois R]

Heather......You might want to re-think things.....I am looking at the 11:00a.m. update......

Frances has moved......and it looks like she is taking dead aim at West Palm:( ..........

Please Be Safe

[sail7seas]

My heart feels so heavy for all of you. You are our friends....we care that you and all you care about are safe. That your homes remain intact.

Please know that you have the prayers of many .....many you may never meet.

Please take NO silly risks. This is a very serious storm as I am well aware you know.

[sail7seas]

After the storm has passed......PLEASE....ALL of you.....

Check in with us as soon as you are able to let us know you are safe and your homes stood up well.

We will worry about you all until we hear from you.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Although I haven't met a lot of you who are now bracing for another storm, I do feel like I know you.

Usually I didn't get this nervous about a storm in another state because I didn't know anyone there, but since these boards came into existence and now that I do know so many of you, I am a wreck worrying about you all. (Guess I am showing my age as well.)

Our prayers are with you all.

[elmorejj]

Talked this morning to a friend here who is from WPB, she said her mother and family evacuated last night. My thoughts and prayers are with them and all of my friends here on CC. PLEASE stay safe, no silly things!!! With the Grace of God, you will weather this storm.....jean :cool:

[LAFFNVEGAS]

KK, It is not your age. We have become a Interent Family here. I too feel like I peronally know many of you. A few years ago I would not paid any attention since we are so far removed from Florida but will now, with so many friends from this board and so many in the West Palm Beach area. My prayers are going out to all of you. Please think safety first, homes can be replaces but your lives our precious.

Heather, Lois, Sage, Jazzsea, and Joe, my prayers are with you please keep yourself safe.If you need to go to a shelter please go. Hopefully there is a way once this passes you can all find a way to check in.

[DFD1]

To all of our CC Friends in Florida, We are praying our most positive prayers for each of you, that you will be safe and that you will be watched over in the best possible way. Be careful and cautious. Don't take risks with your lives just to protect something that can be replaced. Nothing is nearly as important as you and your families. Try and look after yourselves and those around you who might need your help. Good Luck and please check in when this is past. DFD

[HeatherInFlorida]

Taking a quick cooling off break and DH is having some lunch. I can't eat. We have 4 windows to go. We're leaving the front door til tomorrow. It's glass so at least we see some light. But other than that the house is very dark.

People are lined up at Home Depot, lined up at gas stations most of which have run out of gas. There's an eery scared feeling everywhere you turn. People are talking to neighbors they have never met. That's the good part.

We listen endlessly to the weather which is all that's on. The track has taken an ever so slight move to the North ... just north of Jupiter. A new track will come at 5:00.

For me there is a thread of hope. There is a "High" that they believe is going to weaken. IF IT DOES (a big "if"), then it will continue to move to the North. So that may be good news for me, but of course not for others, so no one wins this time.

But they have told us that at this late date, no matter what happens, no one on the entire east coast of Florida, and inland, is safe.

I did see that Carnival has cancelled it's cruise out of Miami. I believe it was to leave tomorrow. I'm sure there will be many more, but that one was on the news.

This is the only thread I'm following so sorry if I'm repeating. And you all will be one of the first to know once I can get online after the storm. You have all been so sweet, so supportive. I thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers from the bottom of my heart.

[Vicar]

Heather and Lois

We were just wondering about you (and everyone down that way) on another thread

It must be an eerie feeling,

Please know that you are in all our thoughts and prayers

Stay safe

[ekerr19]

Stay safe - our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep us updated if you can, I know you have much more on your minds and more important things to attend to - but check in as soon as you possibly can.

We appreciate your updates.

[Leslieswiger]

Hello Lois, We are still in Switzerland and watching the CNN Intl. Look after yourself and our prayers are with you and yours. Will be thinking of you. Leslie

[Sage]

Thank you everyone for your prayers and concerns. It is a comfort to know that so many prayers and good thoughts are coming our way. We need each one that we can get. As it seems that this hurricane is not going out to sea, please everyone pray that it weakens before coming ashore. HeatherInFlorida, don't get a heat stroke putting up the boards.

[xsnowman99]

To all of you in the path (or outskirts) of Frances. HEED THE WARNINGS and move to higher ground. Though I KNOW it is difficult to leave behind what you love and have no idea if it will survive, the MOST IMPORTANT thing to save is yourself. The storm will land where it will land and do what it will do. There are some things in life we cannot control no matter how hard we try (this is a new life lesson for me!!). DH and I went through hurricane at Outer Banks last year (we did not stay during storm). We were just lucky our place was still standing with little damage. However, the most difficult part was during the storm and immediately afterwards not knowing. Please, ALL STAY SAFE AND BE SAFE. Prayers and good wishes are with you all. Lynn

[HeatherInFlorida]

Lynn, they have asked those of us are in solid houses, away from the shoreline (we are 10 miles in) to PLEASE stay in our homes. Because we have shutters, and our house was built since Andrew, our house (at least) will probably come through without too much damage.

They want us to leave the roads open for those who must evacuate, those along the shore, those in mobile homes, etc. If we all left, there would be no way to get out. So we stay.

All shutters are up except on on the BR window so we get a peek of light at least 'til morning. Our lanai shutters are accordian so that's a blessing. It is so unbelievably hot out there. We still have a ton of patio stuff to bring under cover.

But I must tell you good people something I'm sure you know just from being on these boards. I live in a community where the houses are very close together, but while we wave at our neighbors, they are mostly not our friends. Yet today we are all one about to confront an unimagineable horror. We've been standing out in the middle of the street talking, laughing, trying to make it thru in as positive way as possible. I never see my next door neighbor who only moved in a few months ago, but the poor guy just found out that his sellers did not leave the nuts and bolts required for the shutters. So until I could reach her (and the happy end of the story is she found them at her new home), we were going door to door trying to find nuts and bolts:)

I'm sure this is long and boring for you, but it shows what I have always believed (and what we know Anne Frank believed) that people really are good down deep in their hearts.

Keep a kind thought:) and thank you so much.

[Nasmas]

Bless you, Heather, Stay safe

[sail7seas]

Sage, Heather, Jazzsea, Joe.....everyone. Prayers for your safety.

[pennstategal]

Just in case anyone is flying...Fort Lauderdale Airport is closing 9/3 at 10am. Just announced on local news.
Pennstategal

[Vistadeck]

Be safe guys, but if you have a mandatory evacuation, please do obey it. Nothing is more important than lives, and we all want to have many more happy cruises to share with you all.

Tina.

[Sage]

Heather, it looks as though it is moving up the coast from you. I will continue to pray that the storm weakens and that everyone stays safe. Check in when you can everyone to let us know that you are safe.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather, it looks as though it is moving up the coast from you. I will continue to pray that the storm weakens and that everyone stays safe. Check in when you can everyone to let us know that you are safe.
I have not worked this hard in one day in my entire life. And it is a pretty long one so far;) . And we're not done yet!! But I told DH this is the best darn diet. I'll probably lose 5 to 10 lbs by the time its all over. When I'm this crazed, eating is not even close to my thoughts.

Sail, no, not even a chocolate volcano cake on your Maasdam:D .

There is a teeny ray of hope, but they said no matter what happens we'll be getting hurricane force winds....it's that big.

But I'm still thinking there's always the possibility it will continue it's northerly track and breeze by. Trouble is that puts it in GA and those people are just as important as I am.

Still:o , I'm embarrassed to say I still wish it.

[sail7seas]

Heather....I feel so horrible to hear what a hard time you are having trying to be as prepared as possible. Of course you wish the storm away from you. Don't apologize for that IMO By wishing it not hit where you live, you are NOT wishing it on someone else.

When this is over and you ride it out safely, the next chocolate volcano dinner on "MY" Maasdam is on me. All you Florida CC'ers.......just keep thinking sweet "chocolate" thoughts.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Sail:) , you're an angel! Guess what. I've decided we can finish up in the a.m. I'm tired. I'm into the shower, make some dinner, and watch the weather, the convention, whatever's on is fine with me.

And I won't hold you to that cake unless you're on your ship with us:D

You don't know what a wonderful outlet this is!

[Lois R]

Hi Folks:) Heather, everyone from South Florida is on there way here;) ...I-95 is PACKED....
And sort of good news......Frances looks like she moved just a little bit west...and maybe Jacksonville will be spared~but you never know...you know how fickle us women can be sometimes (just kidding)...trying to laugh...or else I might cry....
Sadly though......she looks like she is going to cross the state:( ....and Orlando may take a BIG HIT............Sage...you need to be safe too...Gainesville is in the middle!

You would never know she is out there......it was sunny and about 85 here today:eek: ...with a slight breeze.......

Will keep ya'll posted and again, THANK EVERYONE FOR THE GOOD THOUGHTS:D
Leslie, good to see you! Thanks for your good wishes too!

[Krazy Kruizers]

DH's former boss lives in Orlando - they were here when Charley hit. Had to cut their vacation short and get back down to Florida. Their home had only minor damage. They have decided not to stay in their home and are going to a hotel for the weekend.

Haven't heard what Ruth and Jim are going to do.

Heather and everyone else - if they tell you to evacuate - do it. Lives are more important than homes, etc. They can be replaced - but lives can't.

[sail7seas]

Lois....You have such a beautiful spirit. Always seeing the glass half full. I respect and salute you for that.

Take very good care; don't do any silly things; PLEASE keep checking in with us as much as you are able. We'll be worried about how you are doing. (I know you travel solo....I hope you will have friends/family/neighbors near you through this.)


Prayers to you all.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Lois, hi! Gosh I hope you'll be okay. They just said on the Weather Channel that Jacksonville hasn't seen a hurricane since men were wearing loin cloths or some such thing:) .

We were not told to evacuate because we're not in a flood zone, have poured concrete construction and too many people had to hit the highways who really need to. I'm confident we'll be fine. It won't be fun and I'm more worried about the aftermath than anything else, but I do think we'll be fine.

Lois, Sage, hope you don't get it either. I'm blowing toward the east as hard as I can and maybe if we all do it we'll get it out to sea.

Showered and fresh as a daisy, I'm going to cook our dinner. For the moment, all's right with the world. There's a reason for everything and we may know sooner than later what that reason is.

To all my neighbors in the path, take good care and be safe.

[bepsf]

Heather--

Bless your heart for taking in your neighbor's family - surely you will all be safer staying together.

Lois, Heather, Sage and all of our Florida friends --

We're thinking of you here in SF and pray for your well-being. Please take good care of yourselves and those around you.

[Lois R]

Hi:) yes I sail solo.......but I have my Dad and Clara here....(Clara is his other 1/2).
I can go to their house if need be this weekend.....it is an old, VERY WELL BUILT Brick home......
We are going to work tomorrow.....Dad volunteers at the hospital every Friday and he is going to do that as well.......it really looks as if this thing will arrive in North Fl on Saturday......depending on where...maybe not North Florida?

[sail7seas]

I'm so glad you have your Dad and Clara nearby. No one should have to struggle though something like this alone....unless that is how they wish it.

[Lois R]

Thanks 7:)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Thanks, Brian:) . Lois, that won't be the storm you're getting on Sunday ... it will be me, DH, my doggie and kitty knocking on your front door:D . It really looks good for you ... headed due west it appears:( .

If I'd known Jacksonville hadn't had a hurricane in 400 years, I would have moved there!.

Thanks again, everyone ... g'night;)

[ekerr19]

Oh, Heather, Lois, Sage, Carol, Joe... and all the rest of you in Florida - you are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep the faith, I'm glad to hear you are doing all you can to deal with this potential horror.

Please keep us updated when (if) possible - let us know if there is anything we can possibly (even remotely) do to help any of you, your friends or family.

We are all praying that Frances decides to turn course, out to sea.

[Sage]

Heather, I know that you are exhausted from all your preparations, but have you seen the weather report this morning? It says the storm has weakened, and it appears it will be heading ashore some where around Melbourne. I too have felt bad wishing it would be further from us, so instead I have been praying that it would weaken. I think that we have been joined by so many others prayers, that for now, Frances is down to a category 3. So thank you everyone for your prayers for us here in Florida; we appreciate them more than you will ever know. Heather, hang in there. You have done such a good job, and it sounds like you have made some new friends in your neighborhood.

Lois, I hope that you are safe there in Jacksonville as well. I admire your spirit, and I hope that we get to meet someday.

Too all my other Florida friends, we will make it through this, and just keep hoping that she continues to weaken. Please everyone, when you get the chance, check in so we will know eveyone is all right.

Thank you again everyone for your prayers and good thoughts.

[Lois R]

Good morning, Hi Sage, yes she has weakened abit..but not enough to let our guards down...she could also move the other way again (get stronger).......
She is a 3 now but is still going in the same direction.....and Central Florida is still looking bad:(
This morning she is in the Bahamas and they are being hit:eek: ........(right now)

Please keep those good, positive thoughts for us.......

[Sage]

Good morning Lois. No we can't let our guard down yet, but we can hope that she doesn't get too much stronger, and for me hope is wonderful thing. I worry about our neighbors in the Bahamas, as I know they are in for a very long day. Stay safe everyone.

[Nasmas]

Good morning, Hi Sage, yes she has weakened abit..but not enough to let our guards down...she could also move the other way again (get stronger).......
She is a 3 now but is still going in the same direction.....and Central Florida is still looking bad:(
This morning she is in the Bahamas and they are being hit:eek: ........(right now)

Please keep those good, positive thoughts for us.......Good morning, Lois. I hope you are safe. HAL came thru for us. Hopefully things will be better Sunday and ole Frances will be well off shore still in the ocean. Everyone we've connected with this week has been so nice. The airlines, thank goodness. Northwest is the only one still on my good list. They were wonderful about changing our trip until Sunday. We were to fly out at 7:00 this morning and were booked in the Pier 66 for tonight. We called to cancel and they said we were already cancelled. We hadn't checked our e-mail but there it was telling us they were under an evacuation order. We in Arkansas don't get the hurricanes, we have to deal with tornadoes, so we know somewhat what you're feeling. We dont' get a lot of warning, though. They like to blow thru in the middle of the night. I am praying for everyone in the path that this thing blows out to sea and doesn't bother anymore than it already has. I will keep the Z warm for you. You'll be leaving before I get back but I will try to give my angle on this beautiful ship. I know this is going to turn out to be our best ever because we'll be celebrating that no one is harmed. My DH tells me I'm too optimistic but it keeps me sane. Just good thoughts. I am thinking of all of you.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Good morning everyone:) . Yes, I am encouraged about the weakening. Also for us the improvement is that we are on the south side (probably) which will not be as bad as the north side.

Now we won't be getting it until tomorrow afternoon because it has slowed down. But we are told we will experience squalls and winds of 40 to 50 mph within the next 3 hours. We've still got quite a bit to do, but that didn't stop us from lounging for awhile in bed having our coffee and just enjoying the sunny morning! However, right now it's pouring rain under the sunny skies! So we can't get to work until it lets up.

Molly got something caught in her throat last night and still can't seem to get rid of it so I was walking her and trying to find something to dislodge whatever's stuck at 2 in the morning. No rest for the weery:rolleyes: . It just made me laugh because this is how things go ... you can smooth sail for years and than whack!!!!!:D

When I took Molly out earlier it was so strange and eery. All the homes shuttered tight. Very little sound in the air ... not the usual rush of traffic you can hear a mile away up on the main road. No one getting in their cars to head for work. So very calm, so very quiet.

So maybe this won't be quite as bad as anticipated, and it definitely will come later than planned (thought they did tell us we could be losing power today from the squalls). But on top of that, hot on the heels of Frances is IVAN (I call him Ivan the Terrible) coming across the Atlantic!!!! :eek: So they told us after this is over, don't take those shutters down!

Thank you all again for all your prayers ... I'm feeling it work:) .

[Krazy Kruizers]

Good morning to all you Floridians.

Don't let your guard down.

Remember that women (Frances in this case) can have terrible tempers. She just might be slowing down to get a good breath before she lets loose again.

[sail7seas]

Good Mornin, Everyone.

Glad you all seem to be in good spirits with great attitudes. A little humor goes a long way in stressful times like these.

We'll try to keep some silliness going here to distract you from your true concerns.

We haven't heard from Jazzsea so I imagine she and her family are busy either evacuating or making preparations. I think she mentioned she had a hotel booking for her family????

[HeatherInFlorida]

Taking a cool off break:D ! I knew there was a lot to do, but it seems endless. Luckily we got a few extra hours handed to us.

I'm wondering about Jazzsea. I think I know the area she lives and if I'm right she is in the path of the center, but hopefully I'm wrong about that.

The news for us is somewhat good in that it is now moving on a NW track. The further north it goes, the better. And it has weakened a bit but they warn us it can just as easily strengthen. So all day it becomes a good news/bad news kind of thing and you're up and then you're down.

More good news: Since Wednesday a.m. I have lost almost 3 pounds!!! My metabolism is probably racing and I don't eat under stress so good always comes out of bad:D .

Hope everyone who doesn't live in Florida is having a wonderful day. Other than watching some tv last night, all I know is weather;) .

[Sage]

Heather,

Please don't wish it too far north. As it is now, we have moved back into the eye of the storm here in Gainesville, so we are praying that it will not gather too much more strength. This morning at the 5am, we were in good shape as far as path, and now at the 11am, we are in harm's way. Please help us pray that it doesn't increase in strength. Stay safe eveyone, and I hope that Jazzsea is safely tucked out of harm's way now.

[Lois R]

hi....its pouring here......so the start of the outer bands are here?......

Tonite she is supposed to hit.....from what I have heard late this evening into tomorrow...or until Sunday.........Near Titusville.......

If I told you I was at work...well, we all worked today.....still here at the office.......

[FlorenceItaly]

Lois and ALL FLA. Friends - Take care and stay safe. Many are praying for you and yours.

Lois - I can NOT believe they made you all come into work....argh...look forward to JAN 1.

Marie

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm going to shut down at least for now. Our first bands just starting to roar in with winds 50-60 mph massive rains and thunder. So no time to have my little computer on!:o Earlier good news smashed with the likelihood again that it will come right over us. At least I had a few relieved hours:) .

[Host Walt]

For current news, click here: Hurricane Frances News (http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=1164)

[imsulin]

Host Walt - that link was a few days ago, and is outdated. Do you have anything current? Thanks!

[imsulin]

HeatherInFlorida - Good Luck to you, and may you and your family be safe!!

[Edited thread title only.]

[ekerr19]

Heather, Lois, Sage.. Carol, Joe - any and all of you, please post if/when you can... we get so little detail here in Colorado, and I'm so worried about all of you!

Again, our constant prayers and thoughts are with you - I almost hate seeing what little updates we get on the news, but I worry so much about all of you -

I hope you and your loved ones come out of this unscathed...

[Lois R]

Hi...update....Frances has slowed down her movement....to only about 5 mph....which is NOT GOOD~she is going to bring MUCH MORE RAIN AND WINDS....
Sustained winds are like 30 mph....(all the time) and the gusts are MUCH MORE....and even the weather folks are not allowed to show the beach....(too dangerous for them to be there). She looks like she is going to miss us here in Jax (THANKFULLY)........but...BIG BUT......the WINDS and RAIN are going to effect the entire coast. There is supposed to be TONS OF FLOODING.

Most people are wanting her to do what she is going to do and LEAVE:eek: but she is going sooooo slow now!

Keep sending good wishes!

[Sage]

Good morning Lois, I'm glad to hear for the time being that Jacksonville is out of danger. Until she finally comes ashore, we won't know for sure where she is headed. We are expecting tropical force winds beginning in here tonight and tomorrow into Monday depending on the track she decides to take. Right now, it is a beautiful day, I guess the calm before the storm. Stay safe everyone. It's a matter of waiting now.

[Lois R]

Sage........hmmmm.....now they are saying tomorrow will be the day she gets up to this area....remember, the storm hasn't even reached land yet...people seem to think its "lightened up" a bit...I would rather be safe than sorry.....
Prepare for the worst....hope for the best.

You have to wonder about people sometimes....2 million people evacuated (THE SMART ONES)....then I see people down on the beach (on the news).....its like they are from another planet..:confused:
You know she is going to hit....they need to get off the f**** beach:eek:

[RevNeal]

I had a great aunt named Frances. She was also VERY VERY S L O W. And, when she finally arrived, there wasn't much to do or say. Let's pray that, in the end, this Frances weakens to a category 1 and then sprints to her death. But ... I wouldn't count on it.

My prayers for all of you under her.

[Sage]

Lois, I'm sorry to have mixed up my times. You are right; we are expecting her sometime tomorrow. I guess I rather confused, anxious and tired about now. It feels very sticky and humid. We have had clouds move in but no rain as yet, but the breeze is beginning to pick up. Stay safe everyone, and don't let your guard down.

Revneal, thanks for the prayers. We can use them.

[Lois R]

Sage...its ok...we are all under stress right now......
It looks nice outside here........but I think it is definitely the calm before the storm....:eek:
I have FOX News on now.........this is getting really bad.....they seem to think she is going to gain strength again:confused: .........They are showing FLL...Hollywood.....down in south Florida....the ocean looks BAD........no wonder the cruise ships cannot dock.....I really wonder if they are going to be able to come back tomorrow..she is moving so slowly......
I have lived here since 1965....I do NOT remember anything like this!.....

I don't believe this........New update...Frances has STOPPED...she was moving about 5 mph.....now it is just came on the news that she is just swirling in the same spot....BAD BAD NEWS......she can only gain strength this way....:mad: she needs to MOVE!

[Vicar]

My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Please keep us posted when you can and just be safe

[elmorejj]

I too do not see how the ships will get in tomorrow am. they must be running low on supplies now also. Hope they were able to pick up some at their last port. Pax may be glad of meat loaf and hot dogs pretty soon!! Lois and all of our CC friends, keep thinking good thoughts and praying that this will soon be over. Our prayers are for you all .....jean :cool:

[Lois R]

Jean, you and I are thinking the same thing:eek: .....500,000 people are without power....and she hasn't EVEN HIT LAND YET:( ..... I am thinking the same thing you are...to be totally honest...I don't know how the Z is going to come back into port either........I know tonite the storm is supposed to hit land...(Jupiter, Melbourne) and maybe by tomorrow afternoon the ships can come back...but in the morning? NO WAY:confused:

[Sage]

Lois, how are you doing there in Jacksonville? We are beginning to see the rain bands coming in now. They say the strongest winds are due in here tomorrow afternoon if Frances begins to move. I wish you the best, and lets hope this storm is over soon. Stay safe.

[Southbound]

[QUOTE=ekerr19]Heather, Lois, Sage.. Carol, Joe - any and all of you, please post if/when you can... we get so little detail here in Colorado

If you have cable, the Fox News Channel has had almost non-stop coverage on Frances for the past two days.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We watched Fox all day - went out for dinner - and came home to find the news even worse for Florida.

Will be saying a few extra prayers for all you Floridians.

[Lois R]

Hi..yes, FOX has had coverage, CNN as well...and we have a local station here...Sage, you get Channel 4 in Gainesville don't you?

Ya know, Frances is going to be very INFAMOUS in the scheme of things.....she is taking her sweet time~and doesn't care who she hurts or how long it takes:eek:

Sage...nothing here yet.....except tornado warnings/watches have been put up...all up and down the coast~.

Frances is twice the size as Charley was:( ...........if any of you have watched...there was a powerline in FLL that went down..it was happening as the cameras were rolling.....it looks like fireworks...yikes:confused: ......it was between 2 buildings......

Frances...ENOUGH....ENOUGH!

[elmorejj]

I was just thinking as I watched CNN/FOX/WEather chanel, if the ships do get in, what about the trucks that are used to replenish all of the supplies/food/drinks etc. Have they been able to get supplies in S Florida? have the warehouses been able to restock? who knows what they will be eating aboard ship if and when it sails. Pax, better bring a supply of chips etc!!....jean :cool:

[Sage]

It's 10am here, and for the moment, we have power. I don't know what the afternoon will bring, as that is when we are suppose to have our strongest winds in here. We had a nasty squall come through around 7am, and I thought that the trees were coming down, as I could hear all kinds of things falling on the roof. For now, the trees are standing as well. We are hoping that she looses strength soon, as she seems to have taken a northerly turn for the time being, and that would put us at risk for higher winds. Lois, I hope that you are doing well in Jacksonville, and I hope all the other CC in Florida are safe as well.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Sage and Lois - thanks for reporting in. Hope Frances startes to lose more of her power.

Stay safe.

[Lois R]

Hi:) we have power too......it is windy and rainy outside.......I live in a condo....as I look outside (I have sliding glass doors in my living room attached to a patio)....as I look at the Courtyard the trees are blowing in the wind:eek: ....
Looks like this will be an UGLY DAY (as they say here in the south)...its UGLY outside:(

[imsulin]

Just heard that the Miami airport is scheduled to re-open late today...not sure when, though. This whole thing kind of makes me re-think the 9/17/05 Princess cruise I booked, but I also have Travelguard (Cruise, Tour, and Travel), so of course, am still planning to go next year. I think that HAL's offer during Frances of a 100% refund is wonderful..considering what the other lines are offering! Guess that's why I booked the 4/9/05 Zui yesterday...that plus the fact that I have always enjoyed my HAL cruises! Best of luck to my Floridian neighbors...looks like Frances will be visiting Alabama within the next couple of days, so going out to fill the car with gas,, get the bottled water, stock up on cat food and litter, and buy a raincoat. Good luck, everyone!

[ilovhywd]

Thanks for all your good wishes!

Luckily, we did not lose our electricity, so I have taken the computer out of the closet and hooked it up again. This is our 4th straight day in the house, so we are getting cabin fever.

Our area is on the south side of the eye of the storm, so we did not get hit too badly. There are a lot of trees down on the golf course and a lot of debris, but no structural damage to houses in our community. (Our home is between I-95 and the Turnpike, so we are not near the ocean.)

Good luck to our friends in Northern Florida and on the Gulf Coast of the USA. Hope you do not get hit too hard.

Ilene

[Roboat]

Hi Lois and Sage and other Floridians!

Here in Orlando it has been a breeze. :D I haven't seen any cows flying by yet.

So far, anyway. Winds are 40-50, and are supposed to rise within a couple of hours, but not like they were forecasting earlier. Good thing, since I was too late to get plywood, so I have benches and a ladder lashed in front of my picture window. People probably think the wind blew them there! I wish I'd thought to buy one of those halloween witches riding a broomstick, where she looks like she has smacked into the side of the house. That'd be cool for the cows to look at.

We are franctically eating our way through our hurricane supplies. Wouldn't want the peanut brittle to spoil, you know.;) Actually, I decided to defrost all the meat in the freezer and grilled it yesterday, so we still have lots of animals we have to eat. I consider it part of my training regimen for the 2004 Zuiderdam Power-gorging Finals, to be held next month.

revneal - that line about your Aunt Frances being s l o w w cracked me up.

Thanks to everyone for the kind thoughts and prayers. Back atcha.

[elmorejj]

I just love your attitude Roboat, keep munching on the peanut brittle, got to keep your strength up!!!......jean :cool:

[Sage]

Roboat,

We have decided to follow your lead, as we are now getting some of our strongest winds. We have sustained winds of 38 with gusts to 53 now. DH and dog have decided that it is time to break out the cookies since they may be hard to find later if power goes out. I hope all my fellow Floridians are doing well and won't we be glad to see Frances leave?

Lois,

How are you doing there in Jacksonville?

[Lois R]

Hi Sage:) ....it is windy and rainy...and getting more wind by the minute...they said it would get this way here....and they hit it on the head...it was supposed to be this afternoon!

Channel 4 has reporters all over...Clay County (BLACK CREEK) is going to crest...overflow is more like it tonite:eek: ......and you know they are saying....Frances is going to cross the state...go into the gulf and possibly get more strength before she hits the panhandle:( .......

Mother Nature is not being very nice to us:mad:

Stay safe everyone!

[Sage]

Lois, are you out there, and are you alright? We have made it through the night with power, but we are expecting more wind gusts today, so who knows how long this gift will last. There has been a lot of heavy rain and even more gusty wind. Stay safe everyone in the path of Frances. She is now headed to visit my brother in the Panhandle. :(

[Lois R]

Sage, good morning:) yes, I am here.....and thankfully I didn't lose power either (Surprise, surprise), as I usually lose it for one of those "normal summertime afternoon thunderstorms".....but in this case......I had it all weekend!
But it is still raining and the winds are still here too.......lots of debris in the courtyard. At least we have the day off...no work ....for Labor Day.

And Jax Airport is CLOSED today........(due to the winds)..they better open back up by Friday!...(or I am going to be driving to FLL):rolleyes: ..........

I think I will have to do a NEKKED RAIN DANCE to SCARE IVAN AWAY:mad:

[Krazy Kruizers]

Lois - Sage

Good morning - glad to hear that you all are safe and got through the storm.

[jhannah]

Absolutely! Now if we could just hear from Jazzsea. BTW, Lois, things don't look real good for Southern Florida with Ivan approaching. Mercy! I would say "when it rains, it pours," but that would be an unfortunate analogy!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Also haven't heard from Heather in West Palm Beach.

[Lois R]

KK...Palm Beach County still has thousands and thousands of folks without power....I am guessing Heather and Hubby are in that group...:eek: ....hoping they are ok!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Lois - I figured that Heather and husband were still without power since their area was very hard hit.

We haven't heard from friends in Largo - tried to call them by phone also - no luck.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

KK...Palm Beach County still has thousands and thousands of folks without power....I am guessing Heather and Hubby are in that group...:eek: ....hoping they are ok!
I have been awaiting an email from Joe, he last emailed me at 4 his time Saturday afternoon. At that time he said that his DSL had gone down and he was using Dial Up but would be in touch as soon as he had power again. Unfortuately it could be a few days till they get power to everyone in the West Palm Beach area.

[LoveLifeAtSea]

I have been away from my computer for the past week staying at my mother's home, but have been thinking of you the whole time I was there. I was able to go online on her computer and read CruiseCritic, however, her server is giving her problems and I was unable to post anything.

While I couldn't say anything prior to now, you have all been in my thoughts and prayers. I, for one, do KNOW what you have been going through. I have lived in South Louisiana all of my life and have faced many hurricanes myself.

Before, during and after a hurricane is such a difficult time, mentally, physically and emotionally. God bless all of you!

[Krazy Kruizers]

LoveLifeAtSea

won't your mother be getting a lot of rain from Frances?

[LoveLifeAtSea]

Krazy Kruizers ...

No, my mother lives right outside of New Orleans and the rain should stay further east. But, thanks for asking!

However, we are all watching very carefully at Hurricane Ivan! I currently live in SW Louisiana, while most of my family lives in SE Louisiana. I'm already praying that it stays away from all of us.

[RevNeal]

Good news for Florida but not so good news for the Gulf Coast states -- Ivan is now tracking into the Gulf of Mexico and appears to be shooting for Houston. :)

[Lois R]

Hi Rev....but and its a NICE BUT....they say he has gotten weaker too...:D
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! Go Away IVAN:eek:

[Sage]

I don't wish to burst any bubbles here, but according to the models and the 5am discussion from the hurricane center, Ivan is probably headed for Florida again, as it stands now. They said a high would be blocking the Gulf, which I would imagine Revneal will be praying hard for, and turning north into the Atlantic doesn't appear an option either, so that leaves Florida. The truth is that they can make good educated guesses, but until it heads for land, we won't know where it is headed. Revneal, do you have a miracle up your sleeve to turn it out to sea and keep it away from us here in Florida? Maybe you know "someone" that could help us out here.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We were watching the weather channel this morning as well - and right now it doesn't look good for Florida.

Hopefully things will change in a couple of days.

[RevNeal]

They said a high would be blocking the Gulf, which I would imagine Revneal will be praying hard for, and turning north into the Atlantic doesn't appear an option either, so that leaves Florida. The truth is that they can make good educated guesses, but until it heads for land, we won't know where it is headed. Revneal, do you have a miracle up your sleeve to turn it out to sea and keep it away from us here in Florida? Maybe you know "someone" that could help us out here.

Actually, I'd rather have it blow itself out against the shores of Texas. We've got a lot higher land here for people to evacuate too ... and we can absorb a LOT of water. :)

As for some miracle up my sleeve ... well, if it were up to me I'd have it make a sharp right turn and head straight across the Atlantic and have it hit France. :D

[ilovhywd]

I heard on the radio that CHARLEY was a warning and FRANCES was a practice...

Still a lot of power out here in Palm Beach County. Grocery stores are open, but since they don't have electricity, there is no meat, dairy products, deli, etc. We are staying alive on pretzels, potato chips, nuts, a few apples, canned tuna and bread. I deliberately didn't walk down the candy or cookie aisles !!

Long, long lines at the few gas stations that are open. Traffic lights at most major intersections are now working, but people are still barreling through the other ones without hardly slowing down. I dread the drive home from the office.

Now that we've hooked up the computer network again, I hope we don't have to take it all down again on Friday!

[Sage]

Revneal, thanks for the smile you always bring to my face. I know that you would do anything you could within your power to help all of us. We can only hope a lot of shear from somewhere makes Ivan's life so miserable that he blows himself out. We are in good shape from the storm. We have a tree that looks like it shed nearly all of its branches and leaves and flung them all over the yard. We have three small trees down, but we have power. Two thirds of the people here in Gainesville are without power or land line phone service. Trees are down everywhere, and people that you talk to are some what in shock, as they all say this was the longest hurricane they have ever been through. I think that the last feeder band has finally passsed us, so now that the rain has stopped cleanup can begin. Our grocery store across the street from us had power during the entire storm, and yesterday, when things had calmed down a bit, they opened. They could only find seven employees to come in to work, but they did a wonderful job, and people were so patient and polite to one another. Funny isn't it how the worst conditions can bring out the best in people. Thanks everyone for your good wishes and prayers.

[RevNeal]

God bless you, Sage ... and everyone else there in Florida.

[Spot]

We cannot absorb the heavy rains in San Antonio as San Antonio sits in a bowl and floods everytime it rains anything more than 2 inches.
I don't think Texas wants Ivan or anything with a name to come knockin!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Hi Everyone! We're fine. I posted our story on the thread Sail started saying "Jazzsea...Heather...Joe". Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. You are all sincerely the best.

And right now all's right with the world. Ivan is NOT coming:eek: !!!

[Lois R]

Heather...so glad to see you again:D ......thank goodness you, hubby and the "2 kids" are ok!:)

[Sage]

Heather, I too am so glad to hear that you and your family are safe. I have worried about you this whole storm. I guess I will feel better when each and everyone is accounted for. We are beginning to worry here again along the west coast of Florida, as they say it is headed for us again. Please not again. I think that I'm beginning to develope a twitch.

[Roboat]

Port Canaveral is closed until at least Saturday while they clear debris and dredge.

I finally got plywood this morning, so there is a 98% chance that neither Ivan nor any other hurricane will ever hit central Florida again.

[serendipity1499]

Sure hope you are right roboat!..Have been in many Hurricanes berfore, (on Long Island & here) but really getting nervous now!

The way it looks , "Ivan" is headed right for us..Our house is 40 years old & stood up well for Charlie & Frances, but wonder if our sliders can take another beating (wish we had storm shutters)..The storm surge is very worrysome too!..During Charlie & Frances the water rose about a foot over the bulkhead, washed out part of our dock & Frances was only a tropical storm on our side of FLa....Can't wait till this is all over & can concentrate on our Nov. "Westerdam" Cruise...After all its only 53 days till we leave, have to start Packing!

Keep praying for us everyone, & especially pray for those that lost so much in the last two storms.. Keep smiling fellow Floridian's!

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm very hopeful for over here where I am. Serendipity, I sure hope it doesn't hit you either! But we've sure as heck had our share with Frances almost dead on. There are still 250,000 in Palm Beach County alone without power. We still have no phone, but that's not a big deal ... just annoying. I just can't imagine how these people and those in St. Lucie County could take another hit just a week after Frances when they haven't even had time to recover. It would be devastating. So hopefully Ivan will go a little further to the west which is a distinct possibility given the high pressure that is very stubborn to our east.

There was a man on TV today who said Florida doesn't deserve any federal assistance. He said it just encourages people to build where they shouldn't. I wanted to shoot him .