Hunger Games in Florida part 2

 I did it! I'm half way there.

Eight days ago I started my hunger games in Florida series. Attempting to schedule a vaccine proved to be impossible and a waste of time. I live close to one of Florida's largest cities and decided to visit one of the federal vaccination sites.

That proved to be a wise decision. It was a bit of a drive but I avoided the freeways and rush hour and still got there in thirty minutes. I walked up. There was a few people in line in front of me but the line moved quickly and I entered the site. Almost immediately I was sent to a table and the worker took my information and asked me a few questions then gave me a sticker to wear and I was sent to another line.

This line was to point people in the right direction for the vaccine they were getting. This site was giving out two types of COVID vaccines. Again, the line was short and I was sent directly to a table and promptly given the vaccine. I was then sent to the 15 minute waiting area.

After 15 minutes I was sent home. It was super easy and no hassle. It took me longer to drive there and home than it did to get jabbed.

I won't say the shot was painless but it lasted a couple seconds. My arm has felt a little heavy since and its tender at the injection site but that was to be expected.

In three weeks I return for shot two :-)

I'm happy that I get to attend my first book event next weekend at least half vaccinated. It will be the first crowd I've been in, in over a year.

My gratitude is to the President and the federal government for making these sites possible.

I'll check back in with you in three weeks after jab two!

Hurricane Matthew

For nearly two decades I've lived in Florida, in an area naturally protected from large storms. Matthew was an anomaly. Where I live was projected to get the strongest bands of wind surrounding the eye wall.

This doesn't mean we aren't affected by hurricanes. Matthew makes five for me. As the storm hits land we aren't directly hit but feel the outer bands and the winds strength with gusts over 100 mph. Tropical disturbances are an everyday part of life, summer to fall in Florida and life goes on. 

The Gulf Stream and shape of Florida protect North Florida from direct hits. Matthew was projected to hit Jacksonville but instead choose Flagler Beach and St. Augustine. Most of the storm stayed in the water but heavy bands swung around and pounded the northern coast.

As we sat inside our house the trees swayed from the winds and the rain poured at a slant. Branches were ripped from trees and deposited in the driveway. We watched the news from time to time and I was distraught over the damage to the Northern coast.

The coastal road was washed out in Flagler Beach and St. Augustine looked like a lake. The areas I've driven on, restaurants I've eaten at, not destroyed, but almost unrecognizable. Overall, the damage was minimal.

As Matthew barreled through he weakened to a category 2 as he moved into Jacksonville and took a wobble to the east. That wobble and downgrade kept the heaviest winds off the coast. Late into the evening and throughout the night they continued to blow and by this morning the storm disappeared for us.

We had sustained winds of 50 plus miles per hour and gusts much stronger. Our electricity blinked out several times but came back on within minutes. Our wifi dropped a few times but came back up right away. We were prepared for loss of electricity and minor damage yet we have none.

I'd say we got lucky but don't at all think it was luck that saved us. It was divine intervention from friends and family throughout in the U.S. and all over the world. Thank you for your prayers.