We still have power although it is flickering like crazy. The trees are swaying in the wind and lots of rain. Prue, the dog, doesn't like to walk in the rain and wind! I don't either.

It is predicted to be much worse tonight...higher winds and much more rain. It's been raining strongly since around 9 AM today. Tomorrow is going to be sunny in the 80's! Go figure.

Fingers crossed that the trees in the yard stay standing..... I have my car parked very carefully....and have prepared myself to go without electricity, if necessary.

Lots of roads are being washed out and lots of lowland flooding. Not in my neighborhood, fortunately.

Irene, go away.

P.S. As Hurricane Irene batters the East Coast, federal disaster officials have warned that Internet outages could force people to interact with other people for the first time in years. Residents are bracing themselves for the horror of awkward silences and unwanted eye contact. FEMA has advised: “Be prepared. Write down possible topics to talk about in advance. Sports...the weather. Remember, a conversation is basically a series of Facebook updates strung together.