A double rainbow does not equate a double album

As it's the middle of the rainy season, the skies have decided to routinely give us threatening thunder, lightning, active flood watches and last night, a double rainbow. 

I was on my way home from the gym (I've been using the community gym lately), and since it had been sheeting water on my commute an hour earlier, the rain had let up enough for me to go workout. By the time I finished, it was still a little drizzly, but I was able to get photos of the rainbow. 

All photos taken on an iPhone 11 and edited in Photoshop. 

Halloween is here, apparently. 

Every time I see this creepy ass doll at Big Lots, it fascinates me because it's that weird looking.

I don't buy it; it's $99.99 on sale right now, and I don't need it. Allegedly it rocks back and forth, giggles and has glowing red eyes. It also stands 3 feet tall, according to the website. It's too bad Amazon only has "haunted doll" as their decorations, because this thing doesn't seem to exist but for a Big Lots special. "Haunted doll on rocking horse" does not come up with the items I want, or at least comes anywhere near what this Annabelle knockoff is. But hey, scary decorations have been in the stores since the first of this month and I saw Christmas stuff already on the shelves somewhere the other day. In another week or two, the radio stations are going to start playing songs relating to snow and Santa, while reminding folks to be merry, bright and faithful. 

Can we please get to Labor Day (which is next weekend) before we get to spookyville, Día de Muertos, and why did we skip Thanksgiving all of a sudden???? 

I mean, we're halfway into bringing fall in our homes, and I've yet to find pine scented air fresheners for my bathroom. The stores (okay, the dollar store, really) are not stocking my favorite seasonal item and I usually end up with my own personal half pallet (so it feels and looks like) when it drops in places. Yet, every time I go shopping lately, the forest smell I adore isn't available for purchase. You know how disheartening that is? This is the one thing I get to enjoy about seasonal change down here since there's no active way Floridians know it's not summer (okay, maybe when the snowbirds arrive... the license plates are the "leaves are changing!!" sign that winter is nigh), and to not be able to buy packaged winter spruce, is a punch in the gut. Thank you, whoever decided not to supply pine anything anymore. 

On another note, it's too bad our local Big Lots is closing... because that plaza has seen quite a few things since I've lived in Florida. When I moved here, that store was a Kmart (and I actually worked there, seasonally and part time, when I was 3 months new to the area). Once Kmart left, Big Lots swooped in, and now it's flying out. Their "up to 30% off!!" sales aren't so great. Halloween "is only" 10 per cent, while most of the items are still 5 per cent. But... paper goods (such as toilet paper or paper towels) are still regular price; they're not going to be marked down any further and if you expect to use your "$5 off $15" coupon, you have to be careful because it doesn't jive with what's on sale, and they might not allow you to use it on the normal stuff either. Fine print and what not. 

The clouds are rolling in again. I can see them coming outside my window. Maybe I'll stop this and go to the gym. Read more of Rachael's book later, as well as watch another episode of Dark Matter on Apple TV. I am almost done with the series, for it being out since May. I should, at some point, get myself a copy of the book it is based on. It's another really good science show that Apple has on its streaming service. If you stream anything, look into getting Apple TV because they have some really good content, for the price going up to $99 a year (unfortunately, it's due to the MLS contract). There are some very creative series and since everyone knows Ted Lasso, why not continue to Believe?? 

Cheers;

Oops. I forgot to update

I forgot to do an update from the last post regarding the storm. My bad.

We didn't get total damage, as it was just some wind and rain. Almost like a typical summer storm. Debby didn't come close enough to the Fort Myers area to bring category 1 worries, but the rain and storm surge did do some local flooding. Although, we did get tornado threats all weekend. Since she stayed pretty much west of us, Debby decided to go up to the Big Bend and Panhandle region and touch down as a hurricane in that area (with some damage). From there, she went north and hit all the local east coast border states before ending up in Canada and New England as a storm. My mom has a friend somewhere in Canada and the friend said she was getting some of Debby.

I don't have any pictures, because I didn't go out that weekend. Due to not having damage in the community or commute, I didn't get pictures of that, either. 

But, they're claiming something else is brewing for next weekend. Right in time for peak season to start. I guess we should be lucky we just completed the letter D, as (knock on wood) it hasn't been as hard hitting as people predicted three months ago. Hopefully it stays quiet. 

Hopefully. 

It's been in the upper 90s for temperatures all week, and with humidity, it's been hitting over 102°. It's not pleasant, but "welcome to Florida during hurricane season". It gets hot, it pours for a few minutes, and it gets hot again. There's no in between or cool down. The ground gets saturated with water for a few minutes, some areas flood, and then we're in mosquito country with a heat rash. Great times had by all! Haha. They say it's only going to get worse over the next few decades. Maybe I can be out of this area before that happens. 

Maybe. 

I guess that's it for now. I need to sort some stuff out around the house and check some emails. 

Until the next write up...

Cheers;

Let's get ready for stormage!!

There's currently a storm brewing in the Atlantic that is on its way to Florida. Different types of models are showing it can hit Southwest Florida as a tropical storm (lots of rain.. like flooding is immanent) or it could hit as a category 1 as it nears the Panhandle.

The Weather Channel is doing active updates including where in America's Wang the storm will be named tropical watch / warning or hurricane watch / warning.

Either way you look at this, we're getting soaked tonight into tomorrow (possibly Monday too, as the 10 day forecast has rain all week). It'll be a fun exercise in seeing how prepared we are for the rest of season. 

According to The Weather Channel (weather.com), there are currently four alerts for Fort Myers:

• Tropical Storm Warning #1
  

  Action Recommended

  Avoid the subject event as per the instructions

  Issued By

  Tampa Bay/Ruskin - FL, US, National Weather Service

  Affected Area

  Coastal Lee County

  Description

  ...TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT... ...STORM SURGE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT... LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Cape Coral - Captiva - Sanibel WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 40 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 2-4 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: Sunday morning until Monday evening - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 3 feet above ground - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Shelter against life-threatening storm surge of greater than 3 feet above ground. - PREPARE: Flood preparations and ordered evacuations should be complete. Evacuees should be in shelters well away from storm surge flooding. - ACT: Remain sheltered in a safe location. Do not venture outside. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding. FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-8 inches, with locally higher amounts - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a few tornadoes. - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and boats pulled from moorings. FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://www.weather.gov/tbw
• Tropical Storm Warning #2
  

  Action Recommended

  Avoid the subject event as per the instructions

  Issued By

  Tampa Bay/Ruskin - FL, US, National Weather Service

  Affected Area

  Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound

  Description

  ...TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT... WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 kt with gusts up to 60 kt and seas 6 to 9 ft. WHERE...Portions of Gulf of Mexico. WHEN...Tropical Storm force winds possible from early Sunday morning until Sunday afternoon. IMPACTS...Very strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.
• Storm Surge Watch:

  Action Recommended

  Make preparations per the instructions

  Issued By

  Tampa Bay/Ruskin - FL, US, National Weather Service

  Affected Area

  Coastal Lee County

  Description

  ...TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT... ...STORM SURGE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT... LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Cape Coral - Captiva - Sanibel WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 40 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 2-4 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: Sunday morning until Monday evening - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 3 feet above ground - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Shelter against life-threatening storm surge of greater than 3 feet above ground. - PREPARE: Flood preparations and ordered evacuations should be complete. Evacuees should be in shelters well away from storm surge flooding. - ACT: Remain sheltered in a safe location. Do not venture outside. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding. FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-8 inches, with locally higher amounts - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. - PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a few tornadoes. - PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and boats pulled from moorings. FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://www.weather.gov/tbw
• Tropical Weather Statement (until 7:15pm Saturday)

  Action Recommended

  Attend to information sources as described in the instructions

  Issued By

  Tampa Bay/Ruskin - FL, US, National Weather Service

  Affected Area

  Coastal Lee County

  Description

  This product covers West Central and Southwest Florida **DEPRESSION EXPECTED TO BECOME A TROPICAL STORM LATER TODAY OR TONIGHT AND STRENGTHEN OVER THE SOUTHEASTERN GULF OF MEXICO* NEW INFORMATION --------------- CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Storm Surge Watch has been upgraded to a Storm Surge Warning for Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, and Coastal Levy CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Watch are in effect for Coastal Levy - A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Coastal Citrus and Coastal Hernando - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Coastal Charlotte, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Lee, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Pasco, Coastal Sarasota, and Pinellas - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Inland Citrus, Inland Hernando, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Manatee, Inland Pasco, Inland Sarasota, and Sumter - A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Inland Levy - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for DeSoto, Hardee, Inland Charlotte, Inland Lee, and Polk STORM INFORMATION: - About 330 miles south of Mouth of Tampa Bay FL or about 260 miles south of Fort Myers FL - 22.8N 82.0W - Storm Intensity 35 mph - Movement West-northwest or 300 degrees at 15 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Depression Four is currently located over the western side of Cuba, centered 75 miles southeast of Havana, Cuba. The depression will move west-northwestward into the southeast Gulf of Mexico today and is expected to make a turn toward the north, with tropical storm development anticipated later this evening or tonight. Tropical Depression Four will begin to impact west central and southwest Florida tonight and with impacts continuing through the day on Sunday. - Flooding rain threat will begin tonight and continue on Sunday with 5 to 10 inches storm total rainfall expected, and isolated amounts up to 15 inches. - Storm surge of 3 to 5 feet from Aripeka to the Suwannee River. Storm surge of 2 to 4 feet expected from Bonita Beach to Aripeka. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- FLOODING RAIN: Protect against dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across West Central and Southwest Florida. Potential impacts include: - Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. - Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures. SURGE: Protect against life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across West Central and Southwest Florida. Potential impacts in this area include: - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast. - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. Elsewhere across West Central and Southwest Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across the Nature Coast. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal counties. Elsewhere across West Central and Southwest Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. TORNADOES: Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across West Central and Southwest Florida. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and boats pulled from moorings. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area. Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by the local authorities. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin FL around 6 pm EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant

As the storm is currently letting Cuba know who's boss, we've got some bottles in the freezer ready with ice in case the power goes out. We know we'll only get some wind and rain, but it's the storm surge or flooding that could be the maker of this storm. Areas of town flood easy and last deluge we had, my complex was slightly under water in the streets. So hopefully it won't be horrendous.

Although the National Weather Service has been giving more up to date information on what to expect.

A couple of us at work were trying to sort out the alerts the past few days and know that depending on what Monday morning looks like, our little cars aren't going to make the cross town magic drive through the streets rivers. The kids I talked to, grabbed their work provided laptops and said "I'll see you Tuesday if I can't get in". As I don't have a work provided laptop, I would have to make the swim in, or not get paid for the day. Which is all the more reason this storm just better be a blip and we're fine.

It's just another reminder season isn't yet to be over and we need to make sure all the hurricane items are in the house and we've got what we need. Now that the Saharan Dust is done, storms are going to come fast and furious.

I guess it's a good thing Rachael's book came in from the library (yes, I actually put in the request for the library to carry it), so I can have something to read this weekend if the power goes out (and just read her book in general. I'm so proud of her💓). If you haven't ordered it yet, what are you waiting for? Have you started following her on Facebook or Instagram?

I'll try to stay up to date on the storm... gonna see what needs to be done this afternoon.

Stay dry and hydrated... and read!

Cheers;