Hurricane Frances

Summer Sojourn

So I have a friend who just drove cross country from Colorado to Florida. I got to meet her (in person) for the first time last Sunday, when she drove through Misery and I put her up for the night. We had an awesome visit. She has such an incredibly vibrant personality, and we both love to laugh. It did not surprise me at all that we got along as well in person as we have online. Poor thing was pushin herself way too hard on this trip, though, and got sick. I totally spoiled her... made sure she had good homemade meals, medicine as needed, and lots and lots of kleenexes. I may be perfectly happy living on my own, but that nurturing/hostessing gene is still in full working order.

Amway, I met this friend several years ago on a message board, and we've stayed friends through m/b, chat, phone, and christmas cards. Actually, I've met many people through that board (and various re-incarnations) that I consider friends. Some, I've met in person, many I still have not. I'm sure I'll write about any or all of them at one point or another.

Dangerous Business

But this time around I'm talkin about my friend, The Wanderer. She's at a cross-roads in her life, and headin to Florida for an opportunity to give her financial affairs a make-over in Insurance Claims. Which, unfortunately, is havin a lotta business lately thanks to Hurricane Charley... who hit about 2 weeks ago.

Equally unfortunately, it looks there's gonna be even more business, with Hurricane Frances bearing towards Florida and forecast to present herself tonight. Everything I read says that no state has suffered such a devastating 1-2 natural disaster punch in a hundred years. Both storms were/are at least a Level 4 (out of 5). I could wish my friend was not heading to that particular location at the moment. I hope she stays safe. I hope everybody does.

Crisis for More Than People

Including pets. It may not be big news, but the crisis to the pets that frequently have to be left behind during evacuation because shelters have limited pet policies, is equally tragic. Or the peeps who refuse to leave their pets alone, and stay behind to face the danger with them. *shakin head*

*mental note* Check Florida off the list of potential places to move.

Ways to Help

I've heard notices on the radio asking peeps to give blood for the impending emergency. Honestly, I'd love to... but the last several times I've tried, my iron was too low and my blood wasn't good enough for em. *snort* I'm sure there'll be a fund to contribute to, though. I've felt a li'l guilty in the last few years for living in an area that's remained relatively safe. I'm sure that guilt will be assuaged when the next tornado hits, though.

I'm not a religious person, but I do believe prayer has power... whoever or whatever it invokes. Stay safe, peeps.