Thursday and Friday were stocking up on all kinds of things for the hurricane days… milk, eggs, bread, water, non-perishables, batteries and games…

Saturday was all about outside… storing and securing deck furniture, flower pots, decorative lawn stuff and anything that can fly in high, damaging winds.

And bringing my Mom to our home.  Rita is 86 years old and being a native Bostonian, she’s been through some dangerous, historic hurricanes.  But we wanted her here with us and she was happy to oblige.

This morning, Irene’s on her way.

She woke me up early with her calling card, wildly whipping bedroom curtains…

Irene had Barry making 3 pots of coffee for just-in-case back-up ‘cuz we can’t NOT have coffee for days…

At this moment, Irene is just about in New York City and Long Island.

We’re here just a bit south of Providence… high, gusty winds, rain, flickering lights, cable out.  I can’t believe I have internet access.

It’s gonna be a long day.  A hard day.  A damaging day.  A day of prayers for people all along Irene’s path.

Hello, Irene.  We’ve been waiting…

And I don’t mind asking you to please leave.