Tropical Storm Fay

Well, we're under threat of our first hurricane. Tropical Storm Fay is currently near Haiti and Cuba, and is predicted to become a hurricane when it comes out the other side of those islands. The current 5-day forecast track has the center moving north through the peninsula, splitting the distance between us and the Gulf Coast. That puts our area on the northeast side, generally the strongest part of the storm.

It's hard to say what we'll get here. First of all, we're still 3-4 days away from any effects, so there's a lot of uncertainty about exactly where the storm will end up going. Secondly, we're not exactly a coastal city, so there's a lot of land between us and a storm's source of strength. At the very least, we won't face the storm surge that causes a lot of a hurricane's damage. We'll see wind and rain -- how much of it is the question.

I've spoken to a few people who were here during other hurricanes, and they advised that we want to be ready to stay in the house for a day or so. Stock up on food and supplies, bring in the patio furniture, and prune any loose branches.

So JJ and I will make a circuit of the house and get outdoor items squared away, maybe prune the live oak near the master bath a bit more. I'll do my weekly grocery shopping a couple of days early, and I'll probably try to get some new library books and maybe a new toy for A. My biggest concern is that A. and I will be stuck in the house on Tuesday, when JJ normally sleeps and we clear out to give him quiet. I'm not really sure how it's going to be, trying to keep her from crying "Dad-dee!", and pushing her way into the bedroom.