As a fairly stubborn person who isn’t afraid of hard work, I’ve tackled some challenges over the years. However, when it comes to Mother Nature, I willingly cede the field. She has my utmost respect so I generally do what I can to stay out of harm’s way.

Mercifully with Hurricane Ian, there was advance notice and time to prepare (unlike some other types of natural disasters – earthquakes, I’m looking at you). Driving away from my cozy little home, not knowing what shape it would be in upon my return, was emotional but there was little time to dwell on it.

Heading north through Florida I was impressed by the storm preparations; convoys of lineman, emergency response trailers, and semis loaded with generators, portable toilets, and other critical supplies were heading south while the state had already lowered the interstate lights.

I was halfway through Georgia by the time the mandatory evacuation notice was issued for my county. I drove as far north as I could manage before stopping for the night near Charlotte, North Carolina. The parking lot at the hotel was filled with familiar license plates.

I arrived without incident at my cousin’s house in Ohio yesterday afternoon, thankful for a safe place to stay. I’m worn out and incredibly worried about the intensity and path of Ian. I know there will be a lot of work ahead, until then I’m hoping for the best.

On a lighter note, I thought I’d share something from a Florida Facebook group that I belong to. In the face of uncertainty, sometimes humor helps…