So sorry for your loss and now the stress of a hurricane, Patrick.

The most important items you should have ready to take with you are any medications, eye glasses, identification, and of course, important papers. Having worked in a Red Cross service center, I can't tell you how many people evacuated New Orleans and left all these important items behind thinking they would be home in a couple of days. Sounds like you are very organized though.

My son just phoned me from South Beach and is sitting by the pool at the hotel enjoying the weather at this moment and the bikini clad Air France flight attendants walking around. He is a pilot. He is supposed to fly out tomorrow afternoon! Let's hope this hurricane fizzles.

Sorry to hear about your mom, Patrick. I hope Wilma blows herself out before she reaches your townhouse!

Patrick, so sorry to hear about your mom. I lost my mother a few years ago; it was hard enough to deal with that, and I didn't have to contend with the stress you're dealing with now.

I'm having my own hurricane party tonight - husband out of town (hmmm.. how does he always manage to get out of putting up the shutters?) so I'll have a glass of champagne and think good thoughts for you and Lee.

Stay safe.

Oh Patrick, i'm so very sorry to hear about your dear mom. I know its been a long haul for you. I too have 'been there' and while its really tough it will get better.

In the meantime with that wicked wilma - please take care and be safe! Hope you and Lee are hanging in there and i'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.

Sorry that you have to deal with a hurricane as well as with the recent loss of your mother.

I just flew back last night from a week in Jacksonville with my 93 year old mother. I live in SW Louisiana and of course, recently experienced the edge of both Rita and Katrina. I hate to even hear about another hurricane! One of the tips that helped us when we lost power twice recently for four days was to put as many gallon water jugs as you can in the freezer before the storm. Then when the power goes off, put several solidly frozen gallon jugs of water in the refrigerator and leave the others in the freezer. The refrigerator will act as a giant ice chest for your fresh food, and our freezer items stayed frozen for all four days. This was a huge improvement over losing our food and then standing in line for several hours to get ice three years ago after hurricane Lily!

Good luck to everybody in the Florida hurricane area. I know it is a tough decision as whether to evacuate or not. And it is very difficult to deal with the aftermath of a hurricane. We are still doing that here in Louisiana/Mississippi. We are also trying to decide whether to stay here or not since my husband will be retiring before long. Virginia is starting to look pretty good!

Patrick-
Boy it doesn't sound like anything has come easy for you lately. Here's to Wilma wilting away. Please stay in touch and let us know how you fared.

Patrick,

I'm sorry for your loss. Now Wilma! It sounds like you are doing everything right. Enjoy your time with your friends at higher ground and take care.

Wishing you good results!

Hang in there Patrick and know that I am eating and drinking my way through the storm with y'all.

Please know you and Lee have been in my thoughts and prayers.

Patrick,

Best of luck to you and keep us updated.

Hi Patrick,
Sounds like you subscribe to the 'if you don't laugh...' philosophy. Not a bad attitude to have right about now.

Add me to the list of people who will bake something yummy for you if you come up the Atlanta way!

Keep us posted, 'k??
OWJ

Oh, Patrick. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. We'll all breathe a sigh of relief when Wilma passes and we know everyone is ok.

Hi Patrick, I am sorry to hear about your mother. You really do have a lot on your shoulders right now! You just stay safe...all those "things" can be replaced. You know that, I am sure!

We have been preparing today hoping that it won't be too powerful by the time it reaches us here on the east coast.

You and Lee will be in our prayers and thoughts! I will be eager to hear from you after this blows through...and we all have our power restored!

Patrick, I'm so sorry for the tough times you've had lately. I bet you'll be glad to tear October 2005 off the calendar when it's over!! Please keep us posted and I will send good vibes your way so a coconut will not blow through the roof of your convertible. And enjoy your hurricane party!!

Patrick-I am glad you posted as I know all of us have been wondering how you are doing. I also am amazed all that you have accomplished and I would never have thought about the plastic container for the ice cream.

Hopefully Wilma will blow over with no damage to Naples and especially your condo. Keep those Rob Roys coming. I know your great attitude has been a help in getting your through these last few difficult weeks.

Patrick, please accept my sympathies on the loss of your mother.

Please post when it's possible so we know you are ok - the Robroy's and your sense of humor should carry you through and Lee through this storm!

Sorry that your mother died last week, Patrick. My grandmother died one year ago this Wednesday. I am very depressed.

I also have an evacuation plan if a hurricane hits Philadelphia. I will grab in the following order:
1. My dog Jackie O.
2. A case of gin stored under my bed.
3. Family photos.
4. 6 bottles of 1962 Krug Champagne.
5. My Balenciaga leather jacket.
6. My husband.

The Marys are with you, Patrick.

Hello ThinGorgeous, often one feels depressed on the anniversary of a loved ones death. A suggestion; go out and do something that will give you joy. I imagine that would be your grandmothers wish for you. Take good care.

Oh John, the dog and the gin first LOL

I have great hopes that this thing will fizzle out and be like other hurricanes that people were SO prepared for and did hardly any damage.

Fingers crossed, stay safe everyone in Florida!!

LoveItaly, excellent well intentioned advice is always welcome.

Condolences, Patrick, and kudos for the well thought out planning. Our indefatigable Philadelphian has already assured you of the constancy of The Marys; let me add that all the Marias in this part of the world are also on vigil on your behalf. Can't wait to hear the post hurricane party report.

Patrick, I just logged on to see if you were okay and found out about your mother. I'm so very sorry. I'm in Fort Myers and am drinking all my beer before the fridge goes out. Better warm water than warm beer! Good luck, let us hear from you after Wilma passes! Hope to post again tomorrow.