A Real Disaster

[Mark Miller]

I'm very sad today
Southwest Fla was hit very badly yesterday by "Charlie".
The area that took the worst hit was mainly elderly retired people. Because the storm took a sudden turn to the right they did not have enough time to really react and evacuate.
This is the same degree of destruction that happened here where I am 12 years ago with "Andrew".
They are asking for people not to send food or clothes but to make donations either to the Red Cross Or the Salvation Army.
The videos are just beyond belief.
I had posted something about this in another thread but before we realized how bad it was.
Please keep these people in your thoughts for the next couple of days.
Fortunately the local, state, and federal governments have reacted a lot more quickly than they did with "Andrew". Feema is there already
These natural disasters in many forms could happen to any of us.
I am truly humbled by the force of Mother Nature
Mark :( :( :(

[Steve]

I'm glad you were out of the way of the storm, Mark. The news channels are showing shots of the area and are reporting significant lose of life. Bad news indeed.

[FrankSG]

Yes, I'm glad that you and yours are OK, Mark. Was very saddened to hear about the destruction, the injuries and the loss of lives. It is indeed a sad day. It seems that there are more questions in this world than there are answers.

[jabarnutcase]

Yes. Incredible the damage down there. :(
I have been following the Storm closely- (Along with Astronomy, I've always been very interested in Meteorology, so I'm usually glued to Computer maps and/or the TV set when a major storm is brewing).

The force of Mother Nature truly is awesome...and obviously beyond our control.

Believe it of not, I may actually be heading down there Tuesday with a friend of mine who owns a Tree Company. He has family in Florida and is often involved in the clean-up process after storms when outside help is called in. (The thought of riding there from New Hampshire in a 120' Crane doesn't thrill me, so we'll see).
Boy, this should be something....It's been 30 years since I've done anything resembling Tree Work other than around my house. (My Grandfather had a Tree Business in CT when I was a teenager and I learned to climb and "top" trees. (For the "thrill" of it I suppose....still have all my old climbing gear).
I think at 53, I'll be staying on the ground this time. :rolleyes:

If I decide to go on this trip, it will either get me in great physical shape or kill me. (Which ever comes first).

Anyway, glad you and yours are ok Mark, and my heart and Prayers certainly do go out to all those effected by this terrible storm.

[Donn]

Ditto all of the above Mark, we're only getting a little rain here in Maryland as it slides out to sea. Thoughts and prayer.....