Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina has wobbled onto shore about 350 miles south of us during the night, dumping rain, blowing off roofs, and causing the deaths of at least 4 people. Media coverage here has been light, since we were only due to get a little rain and some light winds from the storm system as it came ashore, but over the next few days we'll be watching it more - the storm has crossed the state and is picking up steam out in the Gulf. Second landfall should hit the panhandle early next week; we'll not likely see more than rain and winds again, but an early curve in the path could mean much much rain instead of just light rain. So we'll watch.

Outside today there is a steady, light breeze off the ocean, just enough to be keeping the humidity pushed back in towards town. The air smells fresh, and it took me back for just a second to that smell in the air after Hurricane Frances brushed us with her northern tip last September. That storm, we lost power for 36 hours and spent days clearing out the damage to the yard. Of course, landfall was much much closer with Frances. This time there was just enough rainfall (just over an inch) overnight to get the thirsty yard a good wetting, and breeze enough that my unsupported patio umbrella was at a almost-breaking-point slant. Here in NE Florida, we were again lucky to be far from the threat of damage - my thoughts are with those who weren't so lucky.