Rhymes Cannot Be Trusted

 So now that we are all tucked in tightly in preparation for Hurricane Sally's visit, I am pondering just what to do next.  There is always this feeling of angst...not fear....just uneasiness that something has been forgotten.  I try to go down the mental list of hurricane preparations and I have done this so many years that it should be second nature but the feeling still comes.  So...I go over that list again and again.  Hopefully, the brain is not dulling with age to the point that a major thing has been overlooked.  Hurricane Sally is a force to be reckoned with as it is now a Category 2 storm and strengthening.  If it lingers over the warm Gulf waters too long, we are going to be in a bit of a fix as the longer it dilly-dallies,the stronger and more organized it can become. Not good.  Not good at all.  We shall just have to wait and see.

  There is an old saying that goes something like "Red skies in the morning, sailors take warning.  Red skies at night, sailors delight."  Well, our sailors would be in a bit of confusion this evening.  The skies put on the most glorious display of reds, oranges and purples.  If a ship went to sea solely on that horizon, the sailors would probably find themselves ruing the fact that they ever quoted the rhyme.  Keep a weather eye on the horizon, folks, and do not let nursery rhymes direct your paths.  Stay strong and keep safe if you are in the path of this entity.  Sally is getting ready to pack a wallop.

Seagull Sally

   Hanging around the pier, as of late, is a young seagull.  She is always begging for handouts even though the Bay is full of menhaden, shrimp and tiny mullet.  The bird should be able to fill her belly with ease just like the other gulls and terns but she simply sits on the post and waits for me to toss her a bait fish.  Then she grabs it, flies around the pier a couple of times and comes back for more.  At first, I thought perhaps she was injured which would cause her to be unable to dive.  This is not the case, however, as she does catch her own meals when we are not around.  She is just lazy. 

  With Tropical Storm/Hurricane Sally pressing in on us, it was an obvious choice to name the pier friend after the storm.  Now, Seagull Sally has officially been declared a bird to "be reckoned with".  She waits patiently each morning until just before dawn before starting to screech for breakfast.  After getting her fill, she then graciously allows me to photograph her.  In fact, the bird seems to pose and has taken a great interest in the camera.  Closeups are not a problem as she is more curious than scared.

  Hopefully, Seagull Sally will find safe harbor during the storm.  Perhaps she will fly further inland to some calmer place. After the storm passes, maybe Seagull Sally will come to visit again.  Be safe, Seagull Sally!  I will be waiting for you!  

The Eerie Calm

   Once again, our eyes are on the horizon as we await yet another storm system that is predicted to come our way.  We know that the path is still up in the air as these entities have their own "mind" when it comes to making landfall.  Hopefully, "Sally" will scoot across the Gulf quickly and head to shore without stalling.  It is that time over water that causes us worry.  The waters of the Gulf are hot which is never a good thing when it comes to storms.  It fuels them.  The longer a system stays over the warm water, the stronger and better formed it will become.  We will just have to wait and see how this one plays out.

  While on the pier early this evening, I had to marvel at the peacefulness of the Bay.  Nary a breeze blew even though storm clouds washed the sky in an array of blues and grays.  I had the feeling that this was supernatural. Was this the "calm before the storm"?  In a way, I hope not.  It has been my finding that when the area goes into a eerie calmness such as this, the lurking storm does not treat us well.  Hopefully, that will not be the case.  To be honest, however, I have a nagging feeling in the pit of my belly.  Wherever "Sally" makes landfall, there is sure to be plenty of flooding due to the angle of her approach.  

  Folks, use a bit of commonsense when dealing with tropical storms and hurricanes.  Neither is something you should take lightly.  Son and I will ride this one out in the Little Bayou House as we have every one before.  It should be interesting.  Stay safe!