Bjork

[lizzytysh]

Oh, yes, that's right. It's the earthquakes that threaten you so much out there. One of the reasons in the past for my having refused two, separate [years apart] offers for free RT flights to San Francisco [from two, different childhood friends]. Stupid probably, but still one feels quite powerless when the ground wants to swallow you up, or ensure that something knocks you on the head from above. At the times, it felt like 'free flight to death' [irrational, I know , but I still said, "No thanks" ]. You don't name your earthquakes; you just identify them with month and year, right? Well, I hope nothing occurs beyond a little "shaky-shaky," which has to be bad enough in itself! Maybe Florida's being uninhabitable really is the point of our being deluged by monstrous storms ~ but don't expect to see me crossing the California state line with my belongings . Two reasons ~ earthquakes and Schwarzenegger.

Love,
Lizzy

[bee]

Lizzy- wrong and wrong again
Earthquake doesn't happen every summer as hurracanes do, once and a while- not dat big deal. besides- one gets used to it. OHO- what was it, a bit trembling, a bit shaking, the pictures on de wall moving? de bed a bit sliding down the floor- oh godamnit, let me sleep ~ and you turn on the other side and sleep away, cause eventually it stops anyhow.
And u are wrong about Arnie- we love Arnie- even de democrats lov'im.
He's doing OK.
Lizzy, u better come to kaliforhhnia, is good here

[lizzytysh]

Yeah, some of those crazy Democrats have no sense, either. If they love the Arnie, some bats gotta be battin' around in de belfry . Gotta love your spelling of that state, though. Makes it almost look like somewhere I might wanna live ~ and maybe they don't happen every summer, but you're still waiting on the big one .

Still sticking to Flowreeedah, for the time being, anyway. If moves are to be made, Mexico mountains, but nearer the water, would be my destination. You're welcome to come visit, of course !

Love,
Lizzy

[bee]

Lizzy darling~ Mexico mountains- sounds a bit harsh when u think about de snakes, de cactuses, de sand and de rocks and no water
Naah. Njet! (as Helven would say)
Did I tell u I am goin' to Australia in January~ Money and God willing.
The Theater called me up- de one I did de stage set? and de sound&light?
Yeh, they did and told me- dey gonna buy a ticket for me To : Adelaide, Sydney, Perth? and one more (I don't remember city) so, Ain't dis kool?
They would pay for de hotel's, food etc. All I have to do-work hard managing de stage and stuff, even dat would be payed.
Ticket in January are horribly expansive- over $2,000. I don't know how they are gonna manage dat, but surely I am not going to worry about that at all
I dream so much to see that Oz-land, cant wait. They say the sky is so special there and de stars like u never seen before

[lizzytysh]

Incredible opportunity, Bee !!! Good for you ~ and hearty congratulations !!! What an amazing trip and set of activities [pun unintended, but might as well leave it ] ~ WoW! No, you hadn't told me. There are, of course, people here from Australia. Perhaps, you'll be able to link up with them while they're there. There's some huge, week-long[?] festival that occurs [in January, I think , right Andrew?] there. It'd be great if you could drop in there, at least briefly, too.

The mountainous area I speak of has soil that's heavily volcanic ash and grows phenomenal fruit and veggies. Organic to boot would make it Mmmmmm . The mountainous regions won't be so inclined to the cactuses and sand. The snakes ~ here we have rattlers, pygmy rattlers, corals, and cottonmouths [aggressive critters who will actually chase people], plus black widows and Recluse spiders [poor Adrian , whom I've yet to comment on], amongst others. My former husband has been researching the various areas and coming up with some really excellent information. The Mexican people, as a whole, are very underestimated in terms of their spiritual nature, as well. [They also have high regard for 'elders' ~ which by that point, I'll definitely be needing .]

Love,
Lizzy

[bee]

Thank u Lizzie, thanks
It is indeed great- the Oz-land opportunity, and I'll try to do something about meeting the LC people there, if it'll be possible.
Sometimes it gets hard with the actors.
Last time, when we had the show in Portland, Oregon, the lady forgot her lines at that moment, when her husband was supposed to die. So she goes on and on mumbling same lines, while he is supposed to fall down and die, so,~ he cant do it!
I am supposed to dimmm the lights, and I cant do it- so I started yelling in a whisper- POISON, POI-SON, then she got out of transe and the husband finally was able to die and I could dimm the lights. There is always something to drive u crazy.
About those mountains~ yes, if one loves the nature and such~ it could be great perhaps. For me- I am a citty gal, don't care about a nature at all., may be just a little. I like those birds in my backyard, some trees, some flowers, but mainly, I don't care.
About the Mexican people- oh Lizzy, dont even mention, I love Mexicanos, I really do! I have had the gratest times with them, always.
But what is ur ex doing looking for de place for u? Are u planning to get back together? For some people it works u know?
Sorrta like having a longer rest and than- back again.
My ex called me last night and asked to listen to his piano playing over the telephone
I said OK, I'll listen, but u got to send me check for $50 for 15 minutes, should i listen to ur virtusosso- So, I earned $100. He said check is going to be in mail today. We'll see, to hear that horrible piano playing, one MUST get paid!
Ok Lizzy, take good care- the Ivan is coming over to Flowridahh!!
U be god!!!
Love,

[lizzytysh]

~ Where's the camcorder when you need one!?! What a classic example of actor freeze . I can see it perfectly from your example. Looks like you better stick close to stage .

Yes, all things I've seen and heard [other than some of the border folk and the outlaws, of course], the Mexican people as a whole are very loving.

No, no, no ~ no plans in that direction, at all. We've just managed to manage a friendship, of sorts. We've each had our separate desires to move to that region, and he's the type to research to the Nth degree ~ anything that interests him, much less a potential move for him ~ and I could easily see us moving to separate dwellings in areas of proximity to one another.

My listening would be with pleasure, and no charge, to my former husband's playing guitar and/or singing. Exquisite on both counts. Let me know if that check ever comes in the mail ~ what a deal .

Yeah, looks like Ivan is pretty intent on coming our way! Just going by what proximity to a Category 2 did to our area, I can't even imagine what a Category 4/5 would be, if coming as close . Ivan is huge like Frances was, too ! I called a friend of mine in Key West last night and offered for her to come stay with me 'till it passes. Yesterday, they ordered evacuation of all the Keys for visitors and mobile home dwellers. This morning, residents are supposed to start evacuating. Her daughter desperately wants to leave. Her boyfriend wants to stay, and his job is 'on' the water. She had just returned from Pennsylvania [driving] last night at 6 PM, and I called her about 8 PM. She's trying to get a breath before making her decision. Keys people are notorious for wanting to stay the storms. We'll see what happens. At least her decision won't be for lack of anywhere to go. However, I still have no electricity, and the storm may still come right up the state and hit my county. Who knows!?!

Love,
Lizzy

[bee]

Oh, poor Lizzy,
Iam watching the Ivan on TV Fox , it's over Jamaica right now and it's moving towards ur village. Ivan looks Horrible indeed.
How do u manage without electricity? how's de computer working- the laptop? How's de cooking going, what about the food in de frigerator?
This is the time to eat crackers and cheese and plenty of French vine, or California vine, or whatever drink there is Salami is good too- in times of disaster. And de beans in de can, also would do.
[i]OK, there u go~ a very good recipe- 4 cans of different kind beans.
Cook up some bacon (if there is a fire) and onion. In the pot pour in all them beans- throw in the cooked bacon and onion, pour over plenty of BBQ souce, cook for a short time and stir- and there you go- deliciousso and tastes gourmet
About that chek- it'll be here, it's not the first time!
My ex is quite mad (he used to be a scientist, mad by definition).
He has 7 keyboards and piano, guitar, harmonika and don't know what else, and he plays for hours, but there is nobody around to listen to him. He does not care about that either. He lives in Denver.
But sometimes when he learns something new, he wants me to listen to that. He lives in that fantasy world of music- mad guy That's why I got to charge him- otherwise I would be listening to his musical exercise every day. which is much too much
Now dear Lizzy, watch out for that Ivan, and I'll see u later, hope u'll be OK.

[lizzytysh]

Yeah, we're starting to shut down the office, even as we speak [or, as I write]. Keep stuffing bags of ice [they're being given away now, as the stores are all out] into the freezer and frig, and wiping up the wet floor [and swooping out the pools of water inside each] when I come home from work. Brought much of my perishable food to work after Frances, but now need to take it back home to no electricity . I have a gas stove, geared for the burners to still work, even absent electricity. No laptop in my life. I hate them, and can't afford one, anyway [though I may develop a fondness by the time the Mexico mountains arrive ]. I bought one Corona and one Becks for Frances. Then, went out and bought a six-pack of Corona after I drank the one. I still have the one Becks and four of the Corona's left [which will more than do me for Ivan]. The alcohol loses its luster pretty quickly with me. I can do the onion, but no bacon [ol' veggie me] ~ thanks for the recipe . I actually may have some BBQ sauce, though no clue why! Dang! What a way to earn some extra money, girl ! Quite innovative on your part, and quite amazed that he actually goes along with it! He must really value your opinion and/or his playing must be quite insufferable! Or, both?

Gotta go......dang! Incommunicado for the entire weekend [and possibly beyond] unless I find electric when I get home. Doubtful . I'll be as careful as I can [trust me on that]!

Love,
Lizzy

[bee]

Dear Lizzy- i see u got the electricity going Good, thanks for that!
Hurricanes must be really scary- the sounds of the wind are scary.
The telephone works?
I hope your friend arrives safely,
be safe darling and take care

[lizzytysh]

Yes, dear Bee, the electricity had been restored by the time I got home from work [and other things] yesterday. I need to accomplish a number of things today [prior to my hoped-for arrival of my friend] before we likely lose it again, secondary to Ivan passing through or nearby. It turned out a tree had fallen on, and knocked down, the line. However, with the return of electricity, the refrigerator got a good cleaning out last night, and so did the floor . I still have much to do, though.

Through my reading to keep updated, I've learned that the east side of hurricanes are the worst for dangerous winds and dangerous storm surge. If you want to learn about them, and keep up with good information, go to the site http://www.accuweather.com. Think of it as "accurate weather" ~ it's really comprehensive. It's the one I feel most comfortable with following for updated information. They update every six hours [and as I recall, it says more frequently, as the storm nears]. On the right of the main page are a list of sublinks, that are very, very helpful. "The latest expert summary" is very educational, and where I learned about the "east side" thing. It also explained in detail about the predictability and reasons for a hurricane to lose and then regain strength. Very fascinating stuff. The eye appears now to be headed for directions that won't bring it full face [if path remains as predicted] with us, but we would likely still get the easterly impact with the winds and water, as we did with Frances.

The death toll throughout the Caribbean is already 39, which is high considered "these days and times" ~ however, it's the poor who suffer most. They don't have plane fare out, and don't have houses substantial enough to sustain anything of this magnitude. When you're talking about storm-surge waves that are two stories high! [i.e. 24 feet high!], just how much can one do for protection?

It's much more fun to sit here than to get into all that needs to be done during this reprieve, but I'd better get moving. Thanks for your continued concern , Bee .

Love,
Elizabeth

[bee]

Lizzy- I am happy you're doing OK. I know how that feels- the water on the floor from the fridge- plenty of a nasty work.
Good to know you're not cut off from the rest of the world- de communicado's working just fine!
I'll check the site you've given, see you later,
love

[lizzytysh]

Hi Bee and Helven ~

Thank G~d Ivan is going around mainland Florida, for mainland Florida. However, please ~ if anyone is a praying person ~ pray for the safety of the people in the lowlands where it's going to be hitting, especially for New Orleans [constructed at up-to-10-feet below sea level and surrounding by various forms of water], a city filled with music, character, and wonderful people, a treasure we stand to lose to flood waters, and where up to 300,000 people remain, unable to get out. With storm surge expected to be from-5-up-to-18 feet, you can imagine how being 8 [typically] to 10 feet below sea level to begin would compromise your safety from flooding. Still threatened are Pensacola, Tallahassee, Destin, and some other Florida cities; and, even moreso, Alabama and Biloxi, Mississippi ~ and who knows what other places. The storm isn't weakening, but is actually strengthening, with a larger eye and lower barometric pressure.

For now, with Jeanne heading up this way, I'd like to share a bit of humour which, of course, is moreso when you already live here. Well, I had intended to share it, but our computers aren't working correctly, and my friend Ron keeps trying to send it to me, so I can copy-and-paste, but it won't come through. Back later, as soon as it makes it.

~ Lizzy

[lizzytysh]

To heck with it, I'll just retype it myself. Here it is:


You might be a Floridian if:

You exhibit a slight twitch when introduced to anyone with the first names of Charley, Frances, or Ivan

Your freezer never has more than $20 worth of food in it at any given time

You're looking at paint swatches for the plywood on your windows, to accent the house colour

You think of your hall closet/saferoom as "cozy"

Your pool is more accurately described as "framed in" than "screened in"

Your freezer in the garage now only has homemade ice in it

You no longer worry about relatives visiting during the summer months

You, too, haven't heard back from the insurance adjuster

You now understand what that little "2% hurricane deductible" phrase really means

You're putting a collage together on your driveway of roof shingles from your neighbourhood

You were once proud of your 16" electric chain saw

Your street has more than 3 "NO WAKE" signs posted

You now own 5 large ice chests

Your parrot can now say, "hammered, pounded, hunker down"

You recoognize people in line at the gas, plywood, and free ice locations

You stop what you're doing and clap and wave when you see a convoy of power company trucks come down your street

You're depressed when they don't stop

You have the personal cell phone numbers of the managers for: plywood, roofing supplies, and generators at Home Depot on your speed dialer

You've spent more than $20 on "Tall white kitchen bags" to make your own sand bags.

You're considering upgrading your 16" to a 20" chainsaw

You know what "Bar chain oil" is

You're thinking of getting your spouse the hardhat with the ear protector and face shield for Christmas

You now think the $6,000 whole house generator seems reasonable

You look forward to discussions about the merits of "cubed, block, and dry ice"

Your therapist refers to your condition as "generator envy"

You fight the urge to put on your winter coat and wool cap and parade around in front of your picture window, when you finally get power and your neighbour across the street, with the noisy generator, doesn't get electric

And, finally, you might be a Floridian if:

You ask your sister up north to start saving the Sunday Real Estate classifieds

[bee]

Thank you Lizzy- the humor sure helps, but when is it going to stop?
I urge you, inspite of ur dislike for Arnie, please consider moving to CA. U'll be safe here darling! Flowridahhh has become a nightmare!!!
love