How To Prepare

How To Prepare for Tropical Storms and Hurricanes.

      As a true Floridian who has experienced 8 Hurricanes and over 30 tropical storms, I am compelled to inform those unfamiliar with this type of weather how to better prepare themselves for impact. First and foremost, you want to know what kind of monster you are dealing with. These storms are categorized by intensity or wind speed. A Tropical storms minimum wind speed is 39 miles per hour and the maximum wind speed is 73 miles per hour. These winds can generate tornadoes, rip trees from the ground, remove roof tiles, and cause a rise in sea level called a storm surge. Once a tropical storm has reached 74 miles per hour it is then classified as a category 1 hurricane. The maximum speed of a category 1 hurricane is 95 miles an hour. These are dangerous winds and can absolutely cause significant damage. You can be sure that the same effects of a tropical storm will occur, but with more risk of flooding and wind damage. A category 2 hurricane has a minimum wind speed of 96 miles per hour and a maximum speed of 110 miles per hour. These hurricanes are extremely dangerous and will most definitely cause extensive damage. A category 3 hurricane has a minimum wind speed of 111 miles per hour and a maximum speed of 130 miles per hour. You can expect devastating damage to occur from these incredible wind speeds. A category 4 hurricane has a minimum speed of 131 miles per hour and a maximum speed of 155 miles per hour and a category 5 hurricane is classified as 156 miles per hour and any wind speed above that. Both category 4 and 5 hurricanes will cause catastrophic damage and the possibility of death becomes much greater.

When/How To Evacuate:

      For categories 4 and 5 I recommend getting the hell out of dodge well before it makes land fall. If you decide not to evacuate for a category 4 and 5 hurricane you can expect your home to be destroyed around you by either flood, wind, and/or debris and you will likely be injured or killed. If you are living within 6 miles of a shoreline or in a mobile home you should evacuate for categories 2 and 3. You might even consider evacuating for a category 1 hurricane if you live in a mobile home. A recommendation would be made by your local weather advisory and in some cases evacuation becomes mandatory.

     Be sure to pay attention to any weather reports to stay updated on the storms intensity. A category 1 can become a category 4 in the matter of a day or two. A good example of this would be Hurricane Katrina. I experienced Katrina as a category 1 in Florida; radar showed the storm covering the entire state. Once Katrina moved over the warm Gulf waters it quickly became a category 4 hurricane before it made land fall in Louisiana and Mississippi. If travel is not possible, seek shelter in local stadiums. These large structures are the next best thing to evacuation if you want to survive mother nature's fury.

     If evacuation is eminent, be sure to map out at least 5 possible routes. Having only 1 or 2 exit strategies increases the risk of being stuck in a grid lock and can make evacuation difficult or a “too late” scenario. If possible have a GPS available and most definitely have road maps. Try to avoid bridges; as winds exceed 40 miles per hour, local authorities tend to close them. In my case, I lived 23 years in a peninsular county and the only routes consisted of 4 bridges, one major highway north out of the county, and various small two lane roads. If bridges closed before evacuating, you were basically screwed.

Make sure to pack enough clothing for up to a 3 weeks, a first aid kit, and all important/perishable documents ( i.e. Identification, birth certificate, social security card, deeds, titles, etc) Pretty much any documents you do not want destroyed. It is a good idea to always have these documents in a locked file folder so they can be easily packed for a situation such as evacuation. Do not by any means board an animal or leave them alone in your home if you your self are evacuating. Always have an animal carrier ready for travel and bring your animal with you. Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Katrina both claimed the lives of hundreds of animals because they were either left behind by their owners or their owners decided to wait out the storm.

How To “Ride out the Storm”:

     If the storm you are facing is a tropical storm or a category 1 through 3 hurricane and you decide not to evacuate, the following preparation tips will ensure your survival, minimize property damage, and decrease the risk of insanity by boredom.

Items To Have in the Home:

     While enduring a storm such as these, it is inevitable at some point the power will go out. Some residential areas could have power out anywhere from a few hours up to a few weeks. It is important be prepared for the long haul. In my neighborhood it was common for power to go out up to 1 full day for tropical storms and up to 4 days after a cat1-3 hurricane. We are all now accustomed to refrigerators, lights, television, microwaves, toasters, electric stoves, etc. When these things fail, you need to have a back up plan and it can not involve starting a camp fire in the living room (not smart). My parents have lived in Florida since the late 60's and over the years have perfected storm preparation.

     It is vital to have at least 10 gallons of bottled/jugged water available in the event the tap source has been contaminated. Luckily my family and I never had to resort to using the bottled water during or right after a storm. Having at least 3 weeks worth of dry foods is most ideal. If the power fails cold foods in refrigerators and freezers could go bad before power is restored. We always had plenty of bread, peanut butter, raisins, cereals, crackers, etc available. Fortunately for us we had plenty of dry foods during these storms. On 4 occasions we had to throw away pounds and pounds of food due to lack of refrigeration and live off of the above mentioned foods for three days. Also, as a child I would make sure to have a stash of candy hidden (nerds and tootsie rolls), just in case. I can't lie, I still keep a stash of candy hidden. Also, It doesn't hurt to keep a cooler with ice on hand for those first few days. I am a milk-o-holic and have to ensure I can get my dairy fix even in the face of disaster. If for some reason you can not get your hands on a cooler or ice, try not to open the fridge or freezer very often as that lets the cold air out.

     During a power outage it can be convenient to have a generator. A portable generator should be stored inside until the storm passes so it does not become dangerous debris. However, it by no means should ever, ever ,ever be used indoors. Using a generator indoors will cause death by carbon monoxide inhalation. Anything that runs on liquid gas produces the deadly odorless gas. A generator is to be used outdoors after the storm has passed as a means of having electricity until power has been restored. Some idiot in the middle of redneck Florida a few years back decided he could not wait the 24 hours for the storm to pass before using his generator and ended up killing his entire family.

     During the storm you will still need a light source, so having a number of flashlights is very handy. I recommend having at least one per person and plenty of batteries. I do not recommend candles because they are hazardous and rescue response time will be dramatically increased during a hurricane. Why put yourself at greater risk? In addition to having batteries for flashlights they will be needed for a radio. You will want a radio to keep yourself updated on the weather for threats of flood or tornadoes. Always remember that the television is not a reliable news source during a storm.

     These days just about everyone has a portable house phone, if they even have a house phone, or a cell phone. In a power outage these two phones will not last as long as you may need them too. Every home should have a land line phone in case of an emergency and to stay in contact with family/friends. Finally, a first aide kit and a fire extinguisher are vital, as you will be on your own until the storm blows over. Make sure the first aide kit has antibacterial ointment, bandages of various sizes, gauze, and dermoblast (for burns) and the fire extinguisher has not expired.

Steps to Prevent Injury/Property Damage:

     It is most ideal to have hurricane proof windows, but that is not always the case. Before my parents had these windows installed, my father had permanent screw anchors around the perimeter of every window, including the sliding glass doors to the backyard. When needed, we had custom sized pieces of plywood behind the tool shed that could be secured around all glass openings of the entire house in under an hour. This way if any debris came flying at the windows it was much less likely to break through. This also made the interior of the house darker than the Mariana Trench and flash lights became life savers during power outages. Some people have used duct tape in a criss cross pattern across their windows to prevent shattering, but this unfortunately has never worked, so don't waste your time. To protect your entry ways it is wise to use sand bags to create a boundary between your doors and flooding. My parents house is on a hill and luckily we have never had to deal with standing water.

      Protect yourself and others by bringing hanging and potted plants indoors and basically anything that is not glued or nailed down. Be creative in finding ways to secure large outdoor items. We put our garbage can in our outdoor shower, the lawn equipment in the tool shed, including the hose, the grill in the tool shed, and anything else that could no longer fit in the house, garage, or tool shed, underneath of the pool deck. Securing all of these items reduces the amount of dangerous debris flying around. In a category 2 hurricane, a hanging plant can become a deadly missile. Growing up my favorite part about preparing for these storms was bringing all of the hanging plants inside. We had so many that our house became a jungle and our cats would go bananas chasing whatever lizards that were hiding in plants.

     In addition to flying debris. do not park cars under trees if at all possible. If your home is in the path of large oaks, you might want to consider evacuating. Even after mild tropical storms I have seen oak trees completely uprooted and during a stronger hurricane the possibility is much greater. You never know which way the tree will fall. Finally, never go outside or drive during these conditions. I made the mistake of driving during a tropical storm once and a 7 foot branch landed on the roof of my S.U.V. right after I watched a traffic light come crashing to the street and a transformer box get struck by lightning and catch fire.

How to Prevent Boredom:

     There are a variety of ways to keep yourself busy and the crazy at bay while you are riding out the storm. In the passed I have prepared for this by making sure I have playing cards, bored games, puzzles, and arts and craft supplies. Some people have tropical storm or hurricane parties (as long as its only a category 1). These people under estimate mother nature and give themselves a disadvantage by being impaired in the event they actually need to react to a serious situation. But, never the less, I have attended a few tropical storm parties in my day. Usually these parties start before the storm hits and everyone rides it out together. It is fun for a while, but eventually you just want to go home and lay in your own bed. These storms last too long and I can not party for more than a few hours.

      If all this fails to entertain you during a tropical storm or hurricane just look out the window. Its amazing how a tree with a trunk as thin as a pencil wont snap like a tooth pick, but rather bend with incredible resistance, and a mighty oak tree can be in the ground for over a 60 years and in a matter of seconds be taken to the ground. If nature doesn't make you awe at its turbulence and time is still lagging, just go to sleep, I don't know what else to tell you.

I Hear Palm Fronds Drinking Rain - revised

I hear palm fronds
drinking rain.
Droplets drip,
they make hollow sounds.

The Spanish moss
invades live oaks.

A spider's web
sways heavy with moisture.

I walk barefoot
to feel the Earth.
Step by step,
my soles embrace the ground.

Summers Night - Revised

The breeze breathes faint.
No windows closed.
This summers night,
The tide is low.

Lets take a walk,

To the sea oats dunes.
This summers night,
The moon is full.

Its here we hide,

we can't be found.

This summers night,

We paint the clouds.

Bay Morning- Revised

A lone gleaming star,
Wakes the rising sun.
Red dawns glare,
Floods horizons sky.

On the dock,

We look to the east.
Through sable palm,
and banana leaf.

Brackish waters whisper

to barnacle crusted pillars.

Mangrove roots protect

Greenbacks on the run.
All but few escape,
A thrashing beast moves on.

The sand pines sing

Notes of the trade winds.
The snook now full,
a bay morning begins.

Analyze - non-literary text - Letter from Ron

My non-literary work of choice is a letter from my brother. His letter is mostly for the purpose of giving me his new address and requesting a letter in return with some pictures of my dog. He uses concrete, descriptive language to describe his first 2 weeks in basic training and how its not that bad for him. He talks about the first day and how many of the younger guys were nearly in tears, He said “There were about 15 drill Sargents, screaming, yelling, and talking shit to everyone just inches from their face. I had one do that to me and he turned out to be one of my DS' in my platoon, but I actually think he is pretty cool. I don't mind the yelling.” the food is pretty good, and he made platoon leader and is in charge of 65 men, he said “I actually got platoon guide (or platoon leader) so that's pretty exciting. Hard work getting 65 people into formation sometimes. Can't keep the idiots from being stupid though.” His letter was cut short due to lights out time.

Analyze - Krynicki / Milosz "I Can't Help You"

The poem "I Can't Help You" by Ryszard Krynicki is short and to the metaphorical point. In the first line, "Poor moth, I can't help you". Krynicki expresses sympathy and helplessness for the moth as it approaches a likely death. In the second and last line, "I can only turn out the light", Krynicki is powerless to prevent the moth from its own determination. I suppose turning out the light could also mean turning a blind eye to death. In addition to this poem being a metaphor, it is an ironic metaphor that implies respect and praise for those courageous enough to put them selves in danger for a common goal.

Analyze- "The Things They Carried"

The story The Things They Carried is told from the point of view of Lieutenant Jimmy Cross while in the Vietnam War. He gave vivid descriptions of the heavy burdens of war and how they effected soldiers individually and as a group. The things they carried were not only physical, but mental or emotional. “The Things they carried were largely determined by necessity (367).” He spoke a great deal of the immense amount of equipment carried in war like guns, grenades, morphine, food, and letters/photographs just to name a few. The mental and emotional burdens include guilt, fear, loss, and love. “They carried all the emotional baggage of men who might die. Grief, terror, love, longing-these were intangible, but the intangibles had their own mass and specific gravity, they had tangible weight. They carried shameful memories (381).” These emotional burdens seemed to keep them from performing at full potential more so then the tiring weight of ammunition, water, radios, and other survival items.  "Lavender was dead. You couldn't burn the blame (383)." The language used in the story is direct/ concrete and the tone varied from  neutral and descriptive, to guilt and anger, and ended with a reassuring change in attitude towards responsibility. "There was that new hardness in his stomach. He loved her but he hated her (383)." Throughout the story the author uses irony to mask tragedy and vulgarities to lighten the terror that is war.  "They would police up their acts. They would get their shit together, and keep it together, and maintain it neatly and in good working order (384)."

Environment/Character Narrative

     The day has been jam packed with obligations and now I am finally pulling in the driveway. As the garage door closes, I hear clawing coming from behind the once scratch-less wooden door. As I turn the knob and open the door he jumps up on his hind legs to give me a hug. I used to be able to pick him up with one arm and carry him like a baby. These days he stands up and rests his paws on my shoulders, griping them while he licks my face. He gathers his composure and we head into the kitchen . Boesky stays attached to my hip while I make some coffee and gather some snacks for later.

     I open the squeaky door and head down to the freezer that is our basement to get some homework done. Before I reach the last step, I see out of the corner of my eye this giant black and white arctic fuzz ball fly past me. He makes his landing on the concrete floor, loses traction and looks as if he is running in place. He gains his footing and begins his running game. He runs as fast as he can through the gym equipment, under the stairs, into the studio and around and around again, occasionally making a U-turn or sliding into storage bins. I egg him on by giving chase for my own amusement until he crashes into my easel, knocking it and a canvas to the floor. I don't scold him because that was my own fault. So I pick up the easel and sit in the corner of my studio.

     This space is one of five corners and is about as comfortable as its going to get. My chair is an old ottoman with an oversized pillow leaning against the wall. The cold brick foundation is concealed by mismatched drapes and the studio wall is still unfinished. The insulation is covered by a plastic tarp stapled to the wooden beams. At least 25 charcoal drawings are secured to the tarp with safety pins and serves as my own personal gallery. The space heater is just barely enough to keep me from going back upstairs, even with wool socks and a loose fitting sweat shirt.

     Boesky keeps himself busy playing with his toys while I write my paper. He buries his head into his toy basket and pulls out a giant tire toy that could be the spare on a Honda civic or a Smart car at least. He shakes it violently and tosses it up into the air; I think he believes it's alive. After testing and defeating that toy, he buries his head back in his toy basket to find his next victim. Just as I finish my paper, Boesky stands in front of me and just stares blankly. I think he expects me to know what he wants. I could call out any one of the fifteen words in his tiny little brain and he would react the same way. Never the less I take him upstairs to go outside.

     I clip him to his cable line and he takes off like a maniac for about 30 feet before he starts a revolving circle of imaginary bunny chasing. I give it about fifteen seconds before he wraps himself around the tree. I am not surprised the least when it only takes ten seconds. He thinks the only way to escape is to chew through the tree for a few minutes and then sit and wait for an adult. When I free him, he acts like I just saved his life. He jumps from all four legs to his hind legs, back to four and twirls in circles. He follows me back inside and I prepare my second cup of coffee.

     The two of us head back to the basement and I return to my studio corner to let out some creativity. My table is covered in dry paint, charcoal, dirty rags, and unfinished projects. Half done paintings sit with dust and stacks of drawings are taking over. I try to organize a little before I sit down with my sketchpad and then I start craving my nicotine. After my fix I sip my coffee, sharpen my pencil, and put on some quiet music. Just as I make my first mark on the page, my husband walks in the door. Boesky acts like he hasn't seen him in decades and knocks over my coffee during his little outburst. I put the pencil down and return to the above ground world to start dinner. I'll try again tomorrow.

Environment Sketch 2

It's a bit cold down here, the floor is concrete and bare. Even with wool socks and a sweatshirt, the space heater is just barely enough to keep me from going back upstairs. Despite the temperature and lack of decorating down here, this corner is as close as its going to get to a comfortable work space. My table is covered in dried paint, charcoal, brushes, and unfinished projects. My easels hold half painted canvases and stacks of drawings are taking over.  Mismatched drapes conceal the brick foundation and the wall behind me is only half way done; the insulation is held back only by a clear plastic tarp stapled to the wooden beams. Over thirty large charcoal and pencil drawings are secured to the plastic with safety pins and serves as my own personal gallery. The light bulbs on this side are burned out and a thirty foot extension cord gives power to a weak lamp and an old stereo. The music is low; it doesn't take much to echo all the way to the second floor. A candle is lit on the table and provides just enough extra light to sketch my ideas for paintings that I will never get around to painting.

Animal Character Sketch 2

He is a giant black and white arctic fuzzball and he is just staring at me. I think he is expecting me to know what he wants. I could call out any one of the fifteen words in his little brain that he understands and he would react the same way, so I'm taking him outside anyways. Of course, he is not doing what he should be doing and he is just running in circles like a maniac chasing an imaginary bunny or his own shadow. Who knows? I give it another fifteen seconds before he wraps himself around the tree. I was close, it only took ten seconds. He thinks the only way to free himself is to eat through the tree and then sit and wait for an adult. As I am letting him loose he acts like I just saved his life and freaks out, jumping from all four legs, to his back two, and back to four again. He is running towards the door and he bounds over the steps and begins to continue his running game in the house.Through the dining room, into the living room, over the couch, through the kitchen, and around and around again. Finally, he is sitting down and nearly falling backwards from the momentum. He is staring at me again. After five minutes he is finally bored with me and is now burring his head inside of his giant toy basket. He is pulling out a tire toy that could be the spare on a Honda civic or golf cart at least. He tosses it up in the air and shakes it violently, I think he thinks its alive. After testing that toy out and defeating it, he is back at his toy basket; head buried and tail wagging. This cycle will go on for an unpredictable amount of time.

Animal Charater sketch

Trapped in its own cocoon, this insect starts to emerge into the world transformed. It used its six legs to push out of its plastic cage and its frail new body greets the air. As it makes its escape, it is weak and clings to its former prison. Its wings are still small and the weight causes it to swing side to side as it hangs on. After a short time the wings expand and its white spots and orange markings are in full view. It flies in a jumbled direction and lands on an oversized leaf. There it stays basking in the early morning sun.

Environment scene sketch

I close my eyes and lift my face toward the sun that shines though the gray and white clouds. Slowly I deeply inhale. He grabs my hand and closes his around mine. Both smiling, we walk along white shores looking out at endless waters. We stop and he picks up a flat skipping stone. The water is so calm that the stones skips over its surface 5 times. When it finally sank, it was still visible. These waters sparkle like emeralds and is clear like glass. From a short distance we can see the parrot fish feeding on the reef. We continue our walk to the end of this short beach and through a small jungle of palms, sea grapes, and frangipanis we arrive at our cabana. It is elevated above pumice rock and ancient corals. Our roof is made of dried palm fronds and walls do not exist here. Surrounded by the Atlantic we are almost alone, our butler brings a platter of conch fritters and champagne. It is here we stay for 8 long days and watch the sun battle the rain.

Character/Scene Sketch

Beams of light shined through the sheer curtains of our master bedroom and the dust suddenly became visible. My husband was still sleeping like a bear. I lightly nudged his shoulder until he opened his eyes and then pointed to the alarm clock. He rolled on to his back and let out some sort of noise. He stretched his arms out far and sat up slowly. After a big yawn, he rubbed each eye with the bottom of each palm and stood on both feet. As he walked to the bathroom he brought his hands to his belly and began to scratch out of sync. He reached into the shower and turned on the hot water then turned around to face the sink. After a short stare into the mirror he squeezes a gob of toothpaste onto his toothbrush and hopped in the shower. He reappeared 15 minutes later, toothbrush in hand , and shook water off his head like a dog after a bath. A quick roll of the deodorant stick and he briskly walked over to his closet, stubbing two toes along the way. After a few quiet obscenities he went through his collection of slacks and nearly fell over putting on a gray pair. Finally he asked why I was following him with a little notepad. I replied, “I'm being creative” and he laughed while he picked out a blue button up shirt. I helped him fix his collar while he secured his belt and then he was throwing socks all over the place looking for a matching pair. He sat down and one by one he put on his socks and shoes and then sprang up to his feet. He gave me a kiss and said “have a good day sweetie pie” then rushed downstairs and out the garage door. I waved bye from the window and he waved bye back.

Notes of Life

The notes of life are in the air. The gulf whispers secrets of its active day. I sit humbly here on this old iron balcony and stare down at the lively streets below. A man with his trumpet is there playing for me, but mostly for himself. His case is open and the people walk idly by with akward faces of discontent and underlying enjoyment. Then a man stops. He leans against the street light; one foot crossed, relaxed over the other. He closes his eyes, but just for a moment. Before he disappears, he reaches down to the pocket of his ratted old jeans and pulls out a few coins. I smile to myself knowing generocity still exists.
My mind takes my eyes across the street and I observe nightly jesters acting out their skillful tricks. Smiles exchange and I contemplate if I have ever been lost in such a seductive illusion. The night air overcomes my skin and barefoot I return to my studio. The sheer drapes catch just enough breeze to dance with me and I remember I am alone. When can I share nights like these? Nights when I hear music in nature and see life in the wind.

The Power Of Nature

The flood has passed now.
Semi-dry soil lies beneath new grass.
From this soil emerges a different life.

The roots deeper.
The tree trunks stronger.
The leaves sway with the sound of nothing and everything.

All at once.
I listen without trying.
I walk barefoot to feel,
I walk barefoot to know that I can feel.
I create memories of things I have not endured.

I think with no beginning and no end.
Then I toss a stone into my river.
The clouds reflection fades in the ripples.

It could bring shade,
It could bring thunder,
Unknowingly it brings pleasure.

Suddenly flowers are brighter,
And I am happy again.

Summers Night

This summers night,
No window closed.
The breeze breathes faint,
The tide is low.

Lets take a walk,
To the sea oats dunes.
Don't bring a watch,
There's buds in bloom.

Its here we hide,
We can't be found.
Time is a lie,
I'm coming down.

I Hear Palm Fronds Drinking Rain

I hear palm fronds
drinking rain.
The saw palmettos
point in vain.

The Spanish moss
invades live oaks.
I don't mind though,
it helps me cope.

The Australian pines
are my favorite kind.
Needles like hair,
they shush the air.

This is a place
where ospreys prey.
They soar, they sing,
they're up all day.

It makes no difference
where I go.
I come back here,
it's what i know.

Bay Morning

On the deck,
We look to the east.
Through sable palm
and banana leaf.

A lone bright star,
Wakes the early sun.
Mangroves conceal,
Greenbacks on the run.

The sand pines speak.
They sing the trade-winds.
The snook now full.
A bay morning begins.

Word String

Saw Palmetto - Palmetto Saw - Palmetto Bug - Washington Palm -
Foxtail Palm  - Sabel Palm  - Live Oak  - Spanish Moss - Leaf Fan -
Front Fan - Mangrove Cove -  Mangrove Forest - Mangrove Brackish - 
Brackish Mangrove -  Brackish waters - Mangrove Snook - Mangrove Drum- 
Mangrove Fortress - mangrove snapper -  greenback   -pin fish  -
Tropical  - frangi pani- beach sunflower-crape myrtle- citrus
parakeet - tri color heron -great blue heron-    white egret - sand piper -gull
-white ibis- scarlet ibis- wood stork- cypress trees- pond cypress- mulberry tree
horizon - sunset - early sun-  evening light-     morning light- monring star-
 marning glory- molly good heads- gator tail- sea screamer- serenity- golden- dew                    
Hibiscus Bud   -   Hibiscus Petals  -   Hibiscus Cup  -   Hibiscus Petals
Banana Leaves- Banana Leaf- Baby Banana -  Banana Bundle -  Bamboo bundle -
Bamboo baby  sand wind - trade wind - sand pearl - sand key - white sand -
pearl sand - sand diamond - diamond sand -swamp logger - Swamp beast -
beastly swamp - swamp serpent - logger head -Indian Rocks - Fort Desoto -
Belleair Bluff