I posted Matilda's tattoo on the Buffistas FB page: [link]

Wow, that is so beautiful... on every level.

That is absolutely lovely.

On edge over this Cat 4 storm. It is going to be a huge mess.

Much storm~ma!

Continuing failure to feed myself update - I decided to grab something out of the vending machine, took ages staring at the choices thinking nothing was really appealing but eventually picked a few things, could not figure out how to pay with my watch although I have done it before. Consoled myself with some yogurt covered raisins that had been made available as a "healthy snack". I am not very consoled. HOWEVER I am very confident that I will be able to pick up a pizza and probably way too much in the way of sides/appetizers on the way home and I can leave in about 20 minutes. Ooh, maybe I will actually sit down at the restaurant and have a glass of wine with my meal and have leftovers for tomorrow...

Storm~ma to askye and everyone else in its path. I’m getting a bit of the far edge in my area, but that’s mostly just a bit of heavy rain.

This salad is already so much more satisfying. Ahhh.

Ok so the storm has turned and doesn't look like it's going to strike Tallahassee dead on it's taken a turn for the east. Which doesn't mean the danger is over since Helene is so huge but it won't be the kind of hit that they were originally projecting for the area.

I haven't contacted Dad this morning..it's , 6:45 am too early to do that . But I know that Tallahassee didn't get a direct hit

It's been getting progressively windier here . I reported my absence on our app. I don't have to call anyone at work, not sure who is working this morning anyway. But the worst of the weather is supposed to be when I should be driving into work around 8:30 am and then die off around 11 am. It's pretty windy right now and we've had the power flicker a few times.

I could probably go in later but since I've been assured that my absence will be covered since it's a state of emergency I'm going to take the day to rest . Plus just because the wind and rain die down doesn't mean there won't be street lights out .

And we lost power again. I think this time it might stay off.

I haven't heard much from friends in the area, but in all likelihood power and cell phones are down. The lack of communication is nerve-wracking, but hopefully cell service can be restored soon.

Just heard from my friend closest to landfall. They evacuated but report no power and lots of trees down. As expected. She hopes the roads will be clear by Sunday but will listen to authorities before returning. (for those familiar with the area she is in Woodville, about halfway between Tallahassee and the coast)