Ironweed Entrained: Catchin' & Hopin'

Hurricane Ian made landfall at 15:03 as a Cat 4. The 5th most powerful storm to hit the US. The weather Channel says you could fit hurricane Charley into the eye of Ian! It’s quite some storm!

It’s been an interesting afternoon. I’m on the ground floor of a 3-story building. Before the storm really got started, I watched parts of the roof sail past the window. There’s quite a debris field in front of my window now. A persistent banging lured me into the hallway where I discovered the hallway door opening and slamming shut with the whims of the wind. I did my best to secure it with bungee cords, but I don’t hold out much hope. At time of writing, some 3 hours later, it’s still clinging on! But there’s another door banging somewhere else on the upper floors of the building, and the occasional clatter of metal rolling around! Unfortunately, these are things I cannot take care of. But I think Bjork might appreciate the ‘orchestra.’

Power and internet remain intermittent, but, thankfully, mainly on.

My clients have been in contact with me throughout the day and, to my complete surprise, the State Floodplain Manager also checked in. Oh, he didn’t check in with you? There I was thinking this was a new state policy, personal outreach to every citizen! I used to work with Conn in the State Floodplain Management Office, when Steve Martin was the State Floodplain Manager. It was very kind, and thoughtful, for Conn to take time out of an exceptionally busy day to check on me. Between Conn and my clients, I feel much loved.

I have made 2 ‘nests’ for when the storm becomes really bad. But so far, I have not needed to use them - although I think that time is coming close.

My laughter for the day came from correspondence with a Canadian co-worker of sorts:

I ventured out in the hallway to help a neighbour about an hour ago and discovered a little over 2 inches of standing water in the hallway. I then returned to find my bathroom ceiling leaking. I texted Frank and he told me to catch the drips and hope the leak doesn’t become more widespread. So, here I am, catchin’ and hopin’ and, so far, staying safe and dry

Now I think it's time for some of that roast duck and jackfruit salsa.

I often share pics of the beautiful blue skies and beaches in Fl.