Saturday, August 14, 2004

A moment of levity

While looking for more information on the effects of the hurricane on Sanibel Island, I went to the website of the largest of the island's three weekly papers, the Island Reporter. Well, it appears that the website is not being updated any more, because the latest story is from March, discussing the plans for a new bridge to the mainland. (The current bridge is deteriorating, and repair may not be feasible). What is amusing is the photograph on the right side column, and the caption that accompanies it. Go take a look if you need a laugh.

As an interesting total irrelevancy, the Island Reporter was founded by Representative Porter Goss (R-Sanibel) who coincidentally happens to be President Bush's nominee to head the CIA.

posted at 06:27 PM | permalink | Comments (2)

Transfixed

Sorry for the lack of posts, but between my vacation (during which I only logged onto the 'net twice) and the events afterwards, I've been a bit distracted.

I left Sanibel Island on Wednesday (when my leave ended); the island (and the neighboring islands) were evacuated the following day. Sanibel apparently was not hit all that hard, but the island immediately northward (Captiva) was devastated, with over 70 million-dollar-plus homes totally destroyed. That was unnerving enough. What was worse was my concern for my mother. When the storm turned, it appeared as though the eye of the storm was going to pass right over my mom's house in Central Florida. The hurricane resumed its northeasterly track, however, and Sebring was spared the full effect of the storm. Although she lost power (and some plants) she is okay. Highlands County was not affected nearly as bad as Lee, Charlotte, and Hardee counties, and my thoughts are with those who live in that area.

I am also thinking of those in the Carolinas who are still cleaning up from Hurricane Alex (and the rain dumped by the remnants of Bonnie). The SE US is certainly getting hit hard; we're three for three for storms so far, with another one possibly on the way. At least Danielle may stay away from land.

posted at 04:24 PM | permalink | Comments (0)

Helping hand

Kathy Kinsley (over at On The Third Hand) lives right iwhere Hurricane Charley made landfall, and Charley did a number on her truck. If you can, hit her tip jar to help her out. She's okay, but offline for a few days; SW Florida was VERY hard hit by the storm.

posted at 04:11 PM | permalink | Comments (0)