That was a Close One

Whew.

Made it through my second hurricane. I'm breathing a sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, I was actually looking forward to seeing a little bit more action than last time there was a hurricane warning, and while we did have quite a bit of rainfall and some minor wind, it was pretty much uneventful. Towards the mid-afternoon I decided to venture out into the rain to try out my new rain jacket that my husband bought for me upon my arrival. He's very smart as he knows how much it floods here. No better gift than a jacket for me....and yet so sensible too. He's pretty much a genius. Moving on.

So I wanted to go find some picture frames and pick up a few things at Target so we headed out. I decided that the best time to go shopping is during a hurricane warning. NOBODY is out. It's fabulous. The places that were usually highly over-populated were empty. In Ross there was literally one employee working and about three people shopping. This is about 150 people less than are usually in there. You think I'm kidding. I wish I were. It was the best shopping I've had since I've been here. I was learned, yes I said learned, in Ross by the cashier who greeted me by saying, "You came out for this?" pointing to my two sugar and flour canisters. Not catching on to what she was implying about the hurricane, I thought she was saying that my purchase was not quantitatively fulfilling. I explained, "Well, I originally came in for picture frames, but then found these instead." After it was found out that I just moved here and wanted to go out and "enjoy" the temporary drop in temperatures and delightful rainfall, these two ladies, the cashier and the lady behind me, informed me how hurricanes can easily change and 'go the other way.' (Insert ominous tone here.) I like making new friends. They wished me well in their city (a first for me from any local), and then said, "Be safe!" Okay. I will.

The best part of a hurricane: Wearing my new jacket, the shopping, and making new friends.
The worst part of the day: Trying to go shopping and not being able to tell if the store is open due to all of the plywood on the front of it.