Lee, most of the people that will be affected by the second landfall should already be prepared as they usually do the same preps for a winter storm! All my friends and family in eastern PA have been kind of panicking though. Pretty funny to me as it'll only be a weak Cat 1 by then.

I saw earlier this morning on the news.........that so many people who now live in the New York area,....haven't been there long enough to remember the last time a tropical storm/hurricane came thru there.....so they're un-aware of what to expect. I would presume those same folks would be as surprised/shocked about the recent earthquake in that relatively close area.

Having just come back from NYC, I'd be very worried if I lived (or was visiting) Manhattan. There's water on both sides. The storm surge could flood the entire island it seems. I'm glad to be back here, even if it is 107 today.

Sandi it got to 110 today. UGH.

The Millers (who own that fabulous greenhouse in Wimberley) insist that I need to take you to visit. Susie was explaining about some of the plants she and her husband will be bringing back from their place in Florida...

Well then, you better take me! When are we going? I thought they were in San Marcos?

Oh yeah, I just saw the news about 110. We stayed home today instead of going to the lake because of the heat. Noticed it was "only" 100 in Fredericksburg. Maybe we should have gone up there instead. Didn't do anything productive here. I tried to pot up some things, but it was just too hot to play outside for long.

I don't know. How are Fridays for you? I don't have school then so it's really the only weekday I could realistically make it there.

http://www.millerstropicals.co...

They have A LOT more than they have listed on the website. I've already told Susie I'm going to pick up some of the 'queen of the night' epi and a couple of the gongora tricolor orchid seedlings.

Friday would be fine as long as I plan for it. I looked at the website and they're in Dripping Springs, so shouldn't be too far from here.

My younger son, his wife, and baby are in Bethlehem, PA, about 50 miles west of NYC. They already have saturated ground, having had over 8" of rain this month, and their biggest threat is trees uprooting, power lines going down, and possible tornadoes. He was amazed at how many people were buying bottled water yesterday. Power off, probably. Water off, not likely.

Hope they're not going to have any major damage. The sewers can get overwhelmed and possibly the water system. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I grew up with hurricanes...always had to scrub the tub and fill with water, buy candles, batteries, canned foods. Then the storm would pass and we'd drain the tub, have all these candles in a drawer and canned meat to give away! 'But better to be prepared!

That is one of the hurricane recommendations,,1 gallon per person per day for 3 -7 days...

Lived in Denver when a kid and a bad rain season caused a lot of flooding and fears for the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Didn't have city water for a day and had to boil for another two days after. Bottle water would have been helpful, glad we have it now. Its just a sensible precaution, like keeping a first aid kit or fire extinguisher in your car. Probably won't ever need it, but if you ever do need it, you REALLY need it. A dear friend lives in northern New Jersey and I have not yet heard from her today. A little concerned given that the area in which her house is sited is very near a creek--and her basement pump has been wonky lately. Wish the coast could send some rain this way. Not all, mind you, we get floods of our own, here, too. But some.

Well Sandi you just let me know when! They're off of 12 almost to Wimberley and I have a pretty good idea how to get there now - we just need to call in advance to visit.

Patricia from what I've heard from family and friends north and south of ABE (Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton) there really wasn't much. Looks like they just lost power this morning, and PP&L is out fixing lines already. There has been a lot of flooding in the area around the creeks and rivers with a few water rescues (and it looks like a couple didn't make it mostly due to leaving roadways)

Debra, it's probably because of power outages. They don't really have the problems with swiftwater flooding there so much as we do here.

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks.

We didn't have bottled water when Camille hit the MS Gulf Coast, but the beer distributors rolled into town and gave out cases of water that was in beer cans. It was quite a novelty, and very appreciated.

How thoughtful, and fun!

Kind of shocking to see 5 year olds walking around with beer cans! Yes, very thoughtful of the distributors.

I can go Friday. I'll tree-mail you.

Thanks for all the 'welcomes' everyone!

Sandi,

No, we've haven't had any rain here lately and could use some good soaking rain.

I really feel for y'all in TX with all the high heat and drought you're having.

We need a 'rain dance' emoticon, don't ya think?!

Happy to be here with y'all!

That's a great idea, Marilyn! A rain emoticon would be perfect!

We had an Unexpected Thunderstorm a few days ago--- even the local weatherman didn't see it coming! It was sooo nice and refreshing after a whole Summer of No Rain whatsoever! I just had to walk outside and feel the Raindrops on my face...