OK...so now it's the 3rd hurricane heading our way!

[Puddles]

It's just been nuts here! I spent most of the day at Home DePot getting plywood to board up our windows. The second trip took 5 hours because they kept running out of lumber and the shipments were coming in at 2 hr. intervals. I've got half of the house boarded up, tomorrow we'll finish. It's not looking good for Tampa so we also have tickets booked to fly out to Chicago on Monday morning, returning on Wed. afternoon if we have something to come back to. Ivan has me really scared. We'll stay if it's a category 3 or less, but any higher we're outta here. Southwest had refundable tickets available this morning and by lunchtime they were sold out. Glad we booked early.

I'm already tired of this hurricane season and it's only the beginning. Hurricane season ends Nov. 30th! They predicted that this would be the worst year in a long time but to have 3 already...that's just unbelievable. Tomorrow when I'm busy outside boarding up and then off to our store to secure it, I'm having my mom go through photo albums to pick out a few pics to put in baggies for us to take with us along with some videos of my daughter when she was little. Of all of our possessions, that is what is most sentimental to me, anything else can be replaced in time. I also want to take my new wedding dress with me. If Ivan doesn't destroy the area, our wedding is planned for Sept. 25th. If it does destroy the area, I want to find a church where ever we are and still go through with it.

Keep us in your positive thoughts...I believe that's helped me in the past.

 

[nvrbuffenuff_girl]

You're lucky! I tried to find a flight out to Tampa to anywhere but Florida but every location within the US is sold out. Unless I want to pay over $800 for first class. Which obviously I don't.

You aren't the only one sick of this hurricane season already. I lost power for over 16 hours during Frances. I don't want to even be in Florida until the November 31st, as we are expected to get at least 7 more.

 

[dirty~d~]

The South has had a pretty tough season so far. I wish I had enough room for all of you to crash here until the season blows over. You are all in my thoughts. Hang in there sistahs!!

 

[Puddles]

You're lucky! I tried to find a flight out to Tampa to anywhere but Florida but every location within the US is sold out. Unless I want to pay over $800 for first class. Which obviously I don't.

You aren't the only one sick of this hurricane season already. I lost power for over 16 hours during Frances. I don't want to even be in Florida until the November 31st, as we are expected to get at least 7 more.

Apparently we got tickets just in time. A woman I was on line with at Home Depot said she tried yesterday morning too but it was sold out. We booked ours around 7am.

If you want I'll stick you in a suitcase and take you with us.

 

[jenscats5]

It's a shame that you guys were hit by C & then F now you're getting Ivan so soon after...... Good luck & let us know how you all are if you can.....

We'll be thinking of you all here...

 

[nvrbuffenuff_girl]

Apparently we got tickets just in time. A woman I was on line with at Home Depot said she tried yesterday morning too but it was sold out. We booked ours around 7am.

If you want I'll stick you in a suitcase and take you with us.

I didn't look for a flight until the early evening. Every single airline that operates out of TIA was sold out to every single US destination.

I'm thinking about leaving FL after Ivan hits us and not returning until after hurricane season ends. I can't deal with this anymore. It feels like you're a prisoner in your own house (if you're lucky) or a shelter. You live your life as you normally do for four-five days and then you are boarding your windows, doors, storing everything away, finding a safe shelter, and then dealing with any aftermath. It's just too stressful. Especially now that it's becoming an almost weekly thing.

I hope you and your family do not experience any damage due to Ivan. Have fun in Chicago.

 

[Puddles]

You can check Southwest for leaving on Tuesday morning, tickets are available and like I said, they are refundable!

The track has changed a bit and the storm is moving slower and is now predicted to be south of us a bit on Tuesday at 2pm. If it continues to slow down it probably wont be across the Tampa area until near midnight.

I'm just hoping the damn thing is not a category 5 by the time it hits land, a 3 or below will cause some damage, but nothing like a 5 which is what it's at now.

Here's a good map updated just a little while ago:

Just visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov and click on maps/charts to keep an eye on the storm.

 

[jenscats5]

I personally think it will track further west than predicted on the above NOAA map....

I could be just as right as the meteorologists too! They seem to not be really sure....

 

[Pamela]

Puddles I sure hope it does slow.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Keep us informed. *hugs*

 

[SteelChic]

The best of luck to you and everyone else in Flordia... I feel for you guys.