Patrick, my belated condolences about the passing of your mom. I lost mine a few years ago and it a very tough thing to go through. I guess we only get one "mom" and no matter how long we are fortunate to have her with us in this life, it is not easy when she is no longer here.
I am in Sarasota and while we aren't expecting quite the storm those in S. Florida are expected to get, we are still bringing in loose items and things like pool furniture and anything that could blow away.
My lovely wife was supposed to defend her dissertation tomorrow to complete the work on her PhD at USF in Tampa. Just found out a few hours ago that the Univ. is cancelling all classes for tomorrow so now she is scrambling to reschedule with all the prof's. Talk about stress!!!
At any rate, best wishes to all those who might be affected by this storm.
Let's hope it's the last for a while.

Patrick - so sorry! My thoughts are with you. I hope everything works out with the upcoming storm and that the wallpaper is okay. I love wallpaper. Please keep us all updated.

Patrick, add me to the list of people who send their condolences to you for your loss. My husband just lost his father, so I can sympathize.

Don't let Wilma get ya.....hang in there!

(And why the heck is everyone picking on LoveItaly lately? She seems so damn nice !

I've been to Italy about 18 times in the last 3 years (about half of it in business), and an average of once every year for 5 years before then.

In some instances, I can lay claim to having been there longer than some people can claim to actually have lived there. Oh, and I don't and never claimed to be an expert.

underexposed:

It doesn't seemed to have done much for your personality!

Belle

urexposedbyme, I've read just about all of your previous posts on various threads, and you've provided nothing of value -- you seem to be stuck on "nasty."

You can actually "conduct business", lol. Perhaps you were the obnoxious passenger on my husband's recent business flight. It would make sense.

Geez people. Patrick is dealing with his mother's death while staring down the crosshairs of an impending hurricane.

How comforting will it be for him to see this thread dissolve into a pi$$ing contest?

At the least transport it to another thread

obxgirl, you are absolutely right. I apologize to Patrick, and I'm outta here. Stay safe, all of you in Wilma's path, and let us know how you are.

Patrick: If you DO decide to go to Oregon or CA, stop off by SE AL on the way, I've ALREADY got the cookies baked! (NO JOKE!).

I'm wishing you the best possible outcome!

Belle

Stop in GA on the way, and I'll serve up a fried green tomato sandwich. Dessert is at Belle's a few hours up the road.

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. My dear mother is currently terminally ill and it is such a sad and stressful time. You seem to be handling your loss and the impending arrival of Wilma with strength, character and good "spirits" (both in your heart and bottles )

We are thinking of you as you go through this challenging time. Stay safe.

Patrick--I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I read it on FFRR, but then we had massive computer problems, then went out of town, so was not able to post. I am truly amazed at how you manage to stay so even keeled with so much going on. I hope Wilma peters out and that life gets a bit easier for you!

Patrick, I am sending this with heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your beloved mother. I hope you are comforted by the knowledge you were a devoted son and your spirits are lifted by the tremendous outpouring of support from your on-line, fodors friends. I find it fitting one week to the day since your mom's passing she's "arranged" this inconvenience, read Wilma, to occupy your time, take your mind off your grief and shelter you with your real-life loved ones. (Raise your RobRoy)-Here's to Mom, may she Rest In Peace.

Oh Patrick I am awfully sorry for your loss too! A prayer of peace for you and your mom. My fingers are crossed that you and yours survive the hurricane unscathed.

Sorry to hear of your sad loss Patrick and now this terrible business. Take care both of you. Better times to come...think of Le Bernadin and feel better.

Patrick, I am sorry for your loss.

And....I'm glad to hear you headed inland tonight. Why haven't I thought of putting ice cream and such in a container in the freezer?? After going through more hurricanes than I care to remember down here in south Louiaiana, it seems I would have thought of that. Especially since cleaning out the fridge when power comes back on is the job I hate the most -- after cleaning up the yard, of course.

Take care and I hope you make it to Chicago as planned.

Patrick, I'm really sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I'll be praying tonight for you, and that you and Lee will ride out the storm in safety.

Lee Ann

My sympathy and best wishes to you, Patrick.

Patrick, I have been thinking of you (and all the others) down there with this approaching storm. Hope you are safe and well-prepared.

I send my sympathies to you on the loss of your mother. This is a difficult time for you. Many sincere, caring thoughts are with you.

Take care!