Double Trouble?

   Things are a bit up in the air around the Coast.  I am sitting here listening to the drone of the huge engines of our Hurricane Hunters as they are preparing to fly over the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding area.  These folks are true heroes that go above and beyond to keep us safe.  The uncertainty of whether we are to be in the path of the two hurricanes that are threatening back to back visits has folks not knowing just how to prepare.  Do we stockpile enough supplies to carry us through two storms or do we wait and hope the storms change their directions.  Those a bit inland can get by with minimal effort and laugh at our quandary but those living near the water have a different set of rules about facing hurricanes.  We do not have the buffer zone that others have.  If a hurricane takes aim at us, we catch the brunt of it.  The winds die quickly once the eye comes ashore.  Of course, those inland do not have to be concerned about the tidal surge either.  With back to back storms, the effects are of course doubled as is the time span of the overall battering.  Even back to back tropical storms can do major damage to those of us with waterfront homes.  So, we prepare as only we know how to do!  We have learned from experience what works and what does not.  "Prepare for the worst and pray for the best" is always a good mantra.  In other words, take the ultimate of precautions then leave the rest to the Good Lord.

  Today, as I was heading to the pier, a thought struck me.  Son just this past week finished the repairs on the pier.  The damage from Tropical Storm Cristobal was extensive.  The entire structure of the pier was in shambles.  Now, we face the possibility of more damage.  When I questioned him on his thoughts, his statement was "Hurricanes are not something we can control.  Pier repairs are."  That made a lot of sense.  We won't worry about what "might" happen but will focus on the job at hand..whatever that may be.  If any readers are in the path of either storm or both storms, as the case may be, be careful.  Prepare for what may come and think safety first. 

Tossing and Turning!

  The weather was a bit stormy all day here on the Bayou.  This suited me fine as it kept me inside.  Normally, I do not like being confined to the Little Bayou House but there were baskets of plums that needed to be made into jam.  Once again, Son and I chopped and jammed!  Another three days of this and we should be finished.  The two plum trees were loaded this year and, even though we had to pick the fruit early to prevent the coons from ruining them, we will have more than enough jam to restock the pantry shelves.  

  There was one time when Mark and I slipped out to check the small skiff moored at the end of the pier.  Being stuck inside, I had no idea the severity of the storm that was pounding the Bayou.  My goodness!  This was not unlike a tropical storm!  Waves smashed against the pier and sent water flying over the top.  Our pier, being a bit higher than the others nearby, was still usable.  The others were completely under with the high tide.  The small skiff bounced fiercely with the waves but the moorings were holding fast.  Our normally calm bay was being churned by the winds.

  Mark and I watched the waves for a bit then headed back up the hillside.  We both pondered if this was some sort of harbinger of things to come.  Would this be the year of severe hurricanes?  Would there be many tropical systems hitting the Coast?  Would the Bayou see many storms raking over the marshes?  No one knows but we shall prepare just in case any of the scenarios come true.  In the meantime, those plums are calling me!  Back to work.