It is just after 11:15 a.m. as I write this. So far it looks like we have been spared the worst of the storm. As of now, the prediction is that it will make landfall about 80 miles from us in Southwest Florida, near the Punta Gorda area, where our friends from Playful Kitty just moved to. I hope they will be safe there.
It has been raining all morning and the winds have picked up over the last hour or so. I expect it to get much worse but I don’t expect it to be bad enough to cause much damage to the house, as long as one of the big trees behind us doesn’t come down. If it continues on its path, we will still get hit hard because it is traveling in a northern direction, but the center of the storm should pass us to the east.
Right now Chris is sleeping on the bed and Floki and Frankie are relaxing in the Florida room.
At least they were relaxing until a squirrel decided to pay us a visit.
I took the window bird feeder down several weeks ago but kept the ground feeder so we still get frequent visits from squirrels.
My wife feels bad that she is stuck out of town and can’t be with me. She just called and wanted to make sure I was locked in the bedroom with the cats. She might be a little overprotective. I told her that it was a hurricane, not a tornado, and I would have plenty of warning before I needed to make a commitment like that. For now, I will just enjoy a day off from work and wait and see what happens.
Bad Cat Chris 
My sister-in-law is in Plantation and the tornado yesterday just missed them, PLEASE BE SAFE! She is on the other side of the state and is experiencing issues because of Ian. I also have a brother and his wife in Miami, my best friend is vacationing in West Palm right now….I know they are on the other side of the state but still scary! Praying you are safe and I am praying Robin, David and the kitties will be ok! I’ve been watching for updates from them on Facebook. Prayers and love to all of you!
Thank you, Caren. It is really getting windy here now but I am not worried. I should be fine. I am with you though, in my concern for Robin, David, and their kitties.
We’re basically across the state from you – on the Atlantic. We’ve had rain bands for about a day and a half – mostly drizzle, yesterday, bands of rain today. About 3 inches of rain thus far and I haven’t seen any super strong gusts, though the alert system did say there was a possible tornado while we were in Ian’s NE quadrant (now in SE quadrant, which is the safest area).
You said your wife would be in Hollywood – is she safe, too?
Her trade show or whatever was cancelled so she decided to stay in Pompano Beach. She oversees several apartment communities there and was able to extend her stay at the hotel she is in instead of going down to Hollywood. It looks like the storm will cross the state and hit you so I hope you are in a safe place.
We’re starting to get blue skies, and most of the rain is past. Looks like we both were very lucky!
I’m glad to hear that.
Thanks for updating!
Anything to keep me busy. đŸ™‚
Up here in the Panhandle we have red flags up for bad rip currents. Be safe, Charles. I keep thinking of you and the kitties and hope all goes well for you. I’ll bet the squirrel wants to come inside…
Thanks. Yes, I wonder how the animals handle a bad storm like this.
I hope you all stay safe and sound.
Thank you. I was halfway through replying when the power went out. I switched to my phone.
all fingers crossed that Ian is no hooligan and has only time for a very short visit…
Thanks. I’m hoping with you.
Did either of them go for that squirrel?
Frankie tried to get him but the squirrel was unimpressed.
Stay safe. xoxo
Thank you.
hoping family friends and neighbors are OK and everyone remains so, and Ian
makes like elvis and leaves the building….or in this case, the state. safety to all
Thank you.
Praying you all stay safe,
Thank you so much.
Glad to hear so far you all are OK……just stay safe and I know that you will. I’m sure Rose wishes all of you were together to go through this “event” together! Hope your power comes back quickly.
Hugs, Pam
Thank you. The power came back on right away. I was looking at the projected path and it seems like the storm is moving away from us East at the same rate it is moving towards us North so I don’t think it will get any worse than it is now. Plus, I’m sure in a slowing down now that it is over land.
Good!
I’m sure glad you are safe, storms like that are scary no matter how close they get. This one sure is a slow mover but I hope it moves out quickly. Whatever is left is supposed to be over us Friday night.
It is supposed to peak here around eleven. I think if this is as bad as it gets I will feel comfortable going to bed soon and putting this behind me. I hope you don’t get it too bad.
Dodged another. Continue to stay safe.
We’ve been dodging them for 35 years.
Hope you guys are okay. At least the cats have you to protect them and make them feel safe.
I don’t think the cats are bothered by the storm. Frankie and Floki slept most of the day in the Florida room next to the windows.
Power outing was all the outcome for you? Good! That means you still have a safe lace and it will be warm again in no time.
Place, sometimes the keyboard and my finger disagree about using a P.
Glad to read comments that you are OK.
Thank you. I’m even gladder than I’m okay. đŸ™‚