Hurricane Milton

1. 68

   IslandBitesposted 7 months ago

   My thoughts are with all of you in Florida. Credence and the other HP members that live in Florida be safe!
   
   
   I have family there too.
   
   My heart goes out to you.

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      Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the support, we are batoning down all the hatches here, the worse is expected for wed and thurs, this week. I live a little way south of the main thrust of the storm, that might ameliorate things a bit.

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         Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

         Best thoughts coming your way...

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            Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

            Thanks for those thoughts and consideration.

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               MizBejabbersposted 7 months agoin reply to this

               I have family in Florida, too. Credence, all of you be safe. Praying for your safety.

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                  Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                  I can only hope that your  relations came out OK, we made it. I have some fencing I have to repair as a result of the storm, but it could have been worse. The inconvieniece of not having the electric power not available for almost 24 hours had me thinking about the fridge and its contents. Deaf, blind and dumb, no Phone, internet nor TV. I have learned that it might be a good idea to invest in a portable generator.

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                     Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                     I think that is indeed a good idea.  Glad you made it through OK.
                     
                     Heading into my tenth year in Florida this month, most likely it will be the last, as the itch to move along with changing interests and obligations make it almost a certainty.
                     
                     It was a good run, unlike our time in NY, which was crushing economically and infringed on our liberties... Florida was a breath of fresh air all the way around.
                     
                     I won't miss the summers, the heat (humidity) can be tough to deal with, not as bad as Lake Effect Winters in NY... but difficult.
                     
                     Ah well, no matter where you go there is always some part of the year that is difficult to deal with... in Florida it is the Summer ending in Hurrican Season.

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                        Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                        Hi, Ken
                        
                        I am glad that you made it through as well.
                        
                        Funny that you mention that you have been here around 10 years, that is the same for me. If it weren’t for the rooting and nesting reflex that  living with a spouse requires, I would have moved earlier. She is from Hawaii. She has lived throughout the Caribbean islands and has been spoiled by the tropical climate.   
                        
                        I have began to realize that having a subtropical climate is not always desirable. I miss the West with its dryer climate and fewer mosquitoes and I hate mosquitos. My native Colorado is too cold with too much snow and ice. But a climate in between this one and that would be ideal. I was looking at Sierra Vista, Arizona. It is outside of the “valley of fire”,  Tucson and Phoenix. Yet on the Eastern side of the state at over 4000 ft elevation, I can beat most of the worse heat and humidity and the damn bugs in the Summer yet have winters with temps going down only to around 30-32F. That is colder than it is here, but I could live with it. There are even a few little stubby palms. And a  little frost will never hurt, while many Colorado winter day temps can be in the single digits and teens. What about the fairy tale regarding the ‘three bears”.
                        
                        Out of curiosity, Ken, where would be your next desired relocation?
                        
                        I appreciate you, thanks for asking about my welfare as the result of Milton.

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                           Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                           Interesting about the urge to pick up and relocate, I have that as well, and I have yet to be able to keep it in check more than a decade...
                           
                           Possibly has to do with being uprooted as a child, moving three times by age 12.  Or it might have to do with 12 years in the military where I was never settled in one place for more than a year... and those years were deployments overseas.
                           
                           Or all of the above...
                           
                           I am familiar with the part of Arizona you are considering, I considered it as well.  I was 9 months away from getting out of the Army and joining the Border Patrol, a former team leader of mine was from AZ and he had just gotten out, he was well off and had the ability to house me for a while as I transitioned.
                           
                           Then 9/11 happened and those plans went bye-bye...
                           
                           Anyways... focusing in on Central MA, my older son is autistic and needs family to keep him from withdrawing from the world... my dad is in his 80s, my wife's mom is in her 80s, we both have sisters in that area, we would be 2.5 hours from her mom in NY and 1.5 hours away from her sister in Boston, my friends and family are in central MA and the Cape.
                           
                           Buy a large duplex, two family, set up a Group Home along the way for when our oldest son no longer has us around...
                           
                           That's my blessing and curse, always projecting out, seeing what is ahead, preparing for it... creating a plan with contingencies and putting all the intel together to see what is there before it occurs.

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                              Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                              Yeah, it all comes down to family, ultimately. Sierra Vista has a prominent Army base located there. But I can spend my time delighting in seeing young people in uniform and sharing war stories. Massachusetts is a sea change from Florida both in climate and politically. But being used to resettlement, I am certain that you would adjust.
                              
                              Both my parents are dead now, as I lost my Mom last week at the age of 91. Add that to this hurricane mess and October starts out with a bang. If it were not for my wife, I would simply cut it all loose now and go to Greenland or other far flung, exotic places just for the hell of it and simply for the reason of curiosity as to what they are like.
                              
                              Life has been full of “curve balls” oftentimes outside of your ability to anticipate. But, I rely on the adage: “hope for the best, but prepare for the worse’
                              
                              Good luck on your next phase….

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                                 Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                                 Cred,   I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Losing one's mom is a profound experience that leaves a lasting impact, as she is often the cornerstone of our lives. The void left behind is deeply felt, but her love and the memories you shared will always remain a source of comfort and strength. My thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
                                 
                                 Shar

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                                 1. 81

                                    Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                                    Thanks,
                                    
                                    It was a profound experience and she was the cornerstone, bringing my bickering siblings to a point of common reference and cooperation. We will have to find the will to pull together on our own now. While circumstances were difficult, I am glad to have attended her birthday party on the other side of the country last July, having the intuitive sense that it may well be good bye and thank you. I have made peace with my conscience.

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                                       tsmogposted 7 months agoin reply to this

                                       I offer prayers and thoughts to you and your family, Cred, about your mom. I hope you discover resolve from the experience both spiritually and practically. I remember when you shared you came to San Diego to see her. How very wise of you to make the journey!! I am happy you did!!

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                                       1. 81

                                          Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                                          I couldn’t think of more gracious and inviting place for our last rendevous than San Diego. She passed with a smile on her face, I believe that the events of our last gathering help put it there.
                                          
                                          Thanks….

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                                       Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                                       I’m truly sorry for your loss. It sounds like your mother played a crucial role in bringing your family together, and it's heartwarming to hear that you had the chance to share a meaningful moment at her birthday party. Grief can be a long and complex journey, but finding ways to honor her memory can be a powerful step toward healing.
                                       
                                       As you navigate this process, remember that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions. Sharing stories and keeping her spirit alive through traditions or family gatherings can help create that common reference you mentioned. Reflecting on those moments of connection and love can provide comfort and help foster a sense of unity among your siblings.
                                       
                                       Take things one day at a time, allowing yourself to grieve while also cherishing the memories you've shared. The journey through grief may seem daunting, but there is light on the other side, and you will emerge stronger.
                                       
                                       When I lost my mom, I found a meaningful way to honor her memory. Mornings were the toughest for me, filled with the weight of her absence. I remembered her teaching me about the importance of being grateful for the little things, which can help navigate the bigger challenges in life. Each morning, I began listing what I was grateful for from the day before, including specific moments that reminded me of her.
                                       
                                       This practice allowed me to reflect on memories I hadn’t fully appreciated during my life with her. I discovered moments of joy and wisdom that she had imparted, and this routine became a source of comfort during some difficult times. It helped me stave off feelings of grief and instead focus on gratitude, reinforcing the positive impact she had on my life.

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                                       1. 81

                                          Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

                                          The pangs of grief come and go. While we were all expecting it, it is not quite the same when it actually happens. I have watched an entire generation pass on, with no survivors. We all begin thinking that we are invincible until we are not. Time changes space, and a simple and glorious moment or period  cannot be held on to for very long.
                                          
                                          Mom could find a silver lining even among the worst of our siblings, emphasizing that the things we shared in common were more important than our differences. She quietly suffered and endured things that we had no idea about and she kept it all positive for our sakes. For that we must remain eternally grateful.
                                          
                                          Your condolences are most appreciated.

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      tsmogposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Prayers are and will be said to all the areas that will be affected by Milton and the people.

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      Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      I’m truly sorry for interrupting the conversation that stemmed from your thoughtful post on your thread. I completely understand your frustration with my comment, and I sincerely apologize. My poor manners were uncalled for, and I have no excuse for it. Very sorry..,

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   abwilliamsposted 7 months ago

   Thank you IB! Milton is a beast, and we are directly in his path.
   Godspeed my fellow Floridians!

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      Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Sending my thoughts and prayers...  Be safe

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   Sharlee01posted 7 months ago

   Ken--- Please stay safe... I am sending prayers your way.

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      Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Thank you, and I wish everyone the best.
      
      I am highly discouraged by our government letting Americans suffer from TN to SC to NC etc. after Helene... yet they have money to send to Ukraine and Israel and Lebanon to fund wars so that more people can die and suffer.
      
      I have no respect for this Administration or anyone in it, and I'll leave it at that.
      
      Be Safe all.

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         Sharlee01posted 7 months agoin reply to this

         Ken --- First and foremost stay safe.
         
         I repeat your sentiment----- I have no respect for this Administration or anyone in it.
         
         I completely agree with your frustration. It's disheartening to see our own people struggling after disasters like Helene, while the government seems more focused on sending money overseas. Prioritizing foreign conflicts over the well-being of Americans feels like a huge disconnect. We should be investing in rebuilding and helping our own citizens first, especially in places like TN, SC, and NC where communities are still recovering. It's hard to have any respect for leaders who don't seem to have their priorities straight.
         
         In my view, the current administration has all but ruined the country. It's unbelievable to witness so many bad decisions that have led us into this mess. With a pending disaster like Milton, I can only imagine that FEMA won’t have sufficient funds to support those in need, even though it has been well-funded over the past three years.
         
         Yet programs like FEMA's SSP appear to have money to cater to the needs of illegal migrants. FEMA’s budget has been massive, but somehow, it’s always broke. It’s time for a closer look at how these resources are being managed.
         
         "FEMA has received around $80-$90 billion over the past three and a half years, primarily through its annual budgets and supplemental funding from Congress. Despite this, concerns about the sufficiency and management of funds during disasters remain a hot topic, especially when compared to other areas of government spending."
         
         2021 Fiscal Year:
         
         The budget for FEMA in FY 2021 was approximately $28.7 billion. This included allocations for the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which is used to support federal disaster response and recovery efforts, including major hurricanes and wildfires.
         2022 Fiscal Year:
         
         In FY 2022, FEMA's budget was around $24.9 billion. This continued funding for the DRF and other key programs, including hazard mitigation and preparedness efforts. A large portion was directed toward COVID-19 response as well.
         2023 Fiscal Year:
         
         FEMA's budget for FY 2023 increased to around $25.8 billion, with substantial funding again going to the DRF, hazard mitigation grants, and other disaster-related initiatives. Additional funds were allocated due to major disasters like hurricanes Ian and Fiona.
         COVID-19 Related Funding:

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4. 91

   Venkatachari Mposted 7 months ago

   Just two minutes ago I was looking at the news of this deadly cyclone on Washington Post. They were alerting people to safeguard themselves.
   I feel worried for those living there. May all be well.

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5. 68

   IslandBitesposted 7 months ago

   This is so sick. Even in a thoughts and prayers thread. SMH
   
   
   
   Stay safe, people. Bye.

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      Kathryn L Hillposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      I guess "sick" doesn't mean good or great anymore.
      
      Oh, okay "sick" was slang from the 20's.
      
      "So in slang sick is an adjective describing something that is cool or excellent. To describe something being sick is to give a compliment. For example:
      
      - Whoa, your new car is sick!
      
      This word stems from the US and its early uses have been traced to jazz slang popular in the 1920s onwards. It began to find popularly and was frequently used in the UK from the early 2000s.
      
      So if someone from the UK comments that you look sick, don’t worry, you don’t need to rush home and check your temperature. You look great!"
      https://www.iheart.com/podcast/966-the- … -63275917/
      
      Sorry I was not obedient to the feel of the thread.

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         MizBejabbersposted 7 months agoin reply to this

         Never heard of that, and I'm 99.99999% positive that I'm considerably older than you. My mother was born in the 1920s. My dad was older than she was, and he never mentioned it.

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      MizBejabbersposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Yes, it is. They seem to be drinking Trump's koolaid. He has spouted so much conspiracy theory lately so it was bound to heppen.

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   abwilliamsposted 7 months ago

   We are still without power and water, some property damage & we have a lot of clean-up, but we are safe!! We do have a generator; it's a wise investment.

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      Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Have you got any of it, power and water, back yet? Have someone given you an estimated time for restoration?

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   Venkatachari Mposted 7 months ago

   The latest report shows its landfall at Tampa, Florida with a speed of 100kmph causing at least 12 deaths and millions of people left without power. The reports are incomplete as per CNN.com
   Let's pray for them.

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   IslandBitesposted 7 months ago

   Im so sorry about your mom! Mi más sentido pésame!

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      Credence2posted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Thank you, I could see death close up as she lost 40 pounds in the last 18 months without explanation. It seems like the body prepares itself for it.

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