This is what we prepare for!!!

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

Well, once again I seem to be in the path of another big storm. Milton seems to want to come say hello. We are hunkering down....putting all preps into play. Forecast a Cat 2 with 75mph and gusts to 100mph when it comes by. We were here for Charlie and others that were this strong. Charlie'e eye came right over us. We have had a ton of trees removed since then, but neighbor has one I don't like.

I will have FL SARNET pulled up to monitor. Solar batteries are being charged by my electric company as we have had cloudy/rainy days the last three days. I want it topped off when we lose power. Its sitting at 57.0 V now. Last time it ran fridge, 2 freezers, internet router and wifi, TV, fans, security cameras, and can run my window AC unit in bedroom if needed. I also have a 8K gen that I can power up to get the well pump working and water heater plus other things like charging my solar is sun doesn't come out after the storm passes.

Having access to the internet was a blessing with the last storm (Ian) as we lost power before the storm got to us and we could still follow thru the internet.

ALL stores that carry generators are out, many items that are hurricane related are gone. Lots of empty shelves at the food stores (per a friend). I have a friend that makes deliveries to medical offices and he has hit three gas stations to fill up his work truck today and they are without gas, so his day may be cut short. I think I am set, just a few things to tidy up around the AO...gather extension cords, secure with lumber all gates on fence, do one more walk around, clean the two chainsaws (already tested them and the big genny), Make my gas mixture for the chainsaws, and make contact with our satt phone to our son in TN for a monthly test. All fuel cans topped off with fresh gas, and at least 4-20lb propane bottles full.

If you think of anything else, please post...I will check back later....Thanks

P.S.-all defensive tools will be ready to go with one on my hip before, during and after the storm.

[Lowdown3]

We are getting Starlink for the homestead after Helene- after years of crappy net, local company brought lines in for high speed net.

I noticed linemen were pulling just electrical and not the bottom internet line. Wife called them- “we can give you no estimate of time” to get high speed back working here.

Meanwhile some of my combatives bros use Starlink and claim it’ awesome and very reliable.

Even when you post and put out an email blast asking for two weeks to recover- business never stops… With Starlink as a backup to net, we will have high speed net next time also.

Check in after Milton let us know you guys are alright. Some FL family said they didn’t even lose power but they are farther north.

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

We did okay here. Power flicked on-off a few times and once internet was down for about 5 minutes. Thought it was my router, but reset it twice and still no-go. Then a minute or two later I tried again and it came back. This was during some of the worst weather. It was nice listening to the SARNET as you could follow counties in its path and hear some issues that may be headed your way...ie., tornados.

Lots of small branches and limbs and small pond that formed in the roadside ditch. Pond is almost gone and a three hour clean-up the yard looks new. We have thought about star link to use for our travels in the camper, so let us know how that goes LD3...