I just spent a half hour outside on the front porch with my dad. Too bad the network TV crews were AWOL or my dad and I could have been depicted nationwide as remarkable examples of runaway stupidity. A large tree was doing exercises no more than 8 feet from us, bending impressively in every direction. Even the trunk was moving. "I wouldn't mind losing that damn tree," my dad said. "As long as it falls on the lawn." The other direction would place it squarely atop a Camry and Pathfinder.
Mostly we watched the neighborhood trees shedding small limbs and branches. The palm trees are apparently unimpressed, a bit of bend from top to bottom but no threat of topple. Three tall thin palms are banging against the tiles at the edge of my parents' roof, a relentless thumping noise and more work before I depart. "We'll have to cut those down." The dark trunked big trees across the street seem most vulnerable, uncomfortable angles that don't have to spring back, but no significant damage in sight so far. Many neighbors obviously didn't bring everything inside and you've got debris changing address.
Sheets of heavy rain were zipping down the streets, disturbing the already full puddles. We're getting the southern band of Katrina, therefore churning toward the east. It was odd knowing the hurricane is to our north and east, yet all the fury was headed east as well.
I underestimated this thing. If it's a category one I don't need to be around anything more formidable.
