Fl Softball

Playing in Florida – during the ISA FWS we had a few rain delays, not just rain but full on lighting thunder storms. Of course the Florida girls were the last to seek shelter because we are use to it. What can you do? Not a darn thing. So prepare as a parent. Bring a book or something to do if you plan on waiting it out in your car. Clear your seats well in advance in case you have to make a run for it. Keep extra towels with you or in the car. If the storm is already going seek shelter somewhere else, but keep the complaining down…no one can help.

Hurricane Menu

This also was in the email and I thought it was great.

HURRICANE MENU

All perishable food in the refrigerator should be eaten first. Hamburgers or chicken, which is normally frozen, can be substituted into any lunch or dinner entree. However, eat all REFRIGERATED food prior to opening FREEZER. It is expected that the first day after the hurricane will primarily consume the perishable food, then the menu below is used.

NOTE: the following is merely an example. Maintain adequate food for all family members. Keep everything simple and non-perishable.

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
Day 1 4 poptarts 1 can fruit 1 can spaghetti
2 juice boxes pepperoni 1 can vegetable
2 cup-o-noodles cookies
crackers, cookies 2 pudding singles
Day 2 4 poptarts 1 can fruit 1 canned ravioli
2 juice boxes crackers w/pnut butter 1 can vegetable
2 cup-o-noodles 2 applesauce singles
cookies
Day 3 4 poptarts 1 can fruit 1 can tuna w/crackers
2 juice boxes pepperoni 1 can vegetable
crackers, cookies 2 pudding singles
cookies
Day 4 oatmeal 1 can fruit 1 can tuna w/crackers
2 juice boxes crackers w/pnut butter canned vegetable
cookies 2 applesauce singles
cookies
Day 5 oatmeal 1 can fruit 1 can pasta
2 juice boxes 2 cup-o-noodles 1 can vegetable
cookies 2 pudding singles
cookies
Day 6 oatmeal 1 can fruit 1 can pasta
2 juice boxes crackers w/pnut butter 1 can vegetable
cookies 2 applesauce singles
cookies
Day 7 oatmeal 1 can fruit 1 can tuna w/crackers
2 juice boxes 2 cup-o-noodles 1 can vegetable
cookies 2 pudding singles
cookies
Day 8 oatmeal 1 can fruit 1 can tuna w/crackers
2 juice boxes crackers w/pnut butter 1 can vegetable
cookies 2 applesauce singles
cookies
Day 9 oatmeal 1 can fruit 1 can tuna w/crackers
2 juice boxes 2 cup-o-noodles 1 can vegetable
cookies 2 pudding singles
cookies
Day 10 oatmeal 1 can fruit 1 can ravioli
2 juice boxes 1 can soup/spaghettios 1 can vegetable
cookies 2 applesauce singles
cookies
Day 11 oatmeal 1 can fruit 1 can ravioli
2 juice boxes 1 can soup/spaghettios 1 can vegetable
cookies 2 pudding singles
cookies
Day 12 oatmeal 1 can fruit 1 can ravioli
2 juice boxes 1 can soup/spaghettios 1 can vegetable
cookies 2 applesauce singles
cookies
Day 13 oatmeal 1 can fruit 1 can ravioli
2 juice boxes 1 can soup/spaghettios 1 can vegetable
cookies 2 pudding singles
cookies

After the Storm

AFTERMATH
1. ___Obtain receipts for all shelter/supplies purchased in connection to storm.
2. ___Take photographs of storm damage.
3. ___Do not drink tap water until told that it is safe to do so.
4. ___Do not turn on any utilities until safe to do so (no standing water)
5. ___Purify water either with tablets or boiling for 10 minutes or with bleach.
6. ___Do not open freezer for first 24 hours following storm
7. ___Refer to hurricane guides for drying and sterilizing damaged materials.

Hurricane Plan

I was in the process of making a hurricane list to post when my brother fwd one sent to him. This one was much better. So thanks to Bill :) and whoever sent this to him.
HURRICANE PLAN 2009

THINGS TO LOOK INTO
1. What happens to alarm system during a hurricane?
2. Review limitations in homeowner’s insurance policy.

BEFORE A HURRICANE THREATENS
1. Stockpile supplies in garage as shown in list below.
2. Maintain $150 cash reserve per day on hand in safety deposit box.
3. Make copy of insurance documents and place in safety deposit box and a copy in waterproof container.
4. Cut and label pieces of heavy plastic for each piece of consumer electronics.
5. Assemble package with maps of Florida, Georgia, or another state you may be driving to.
6. Perform household inventory. Place one copy in safety deposit box, mail one to out of state relative.
7. Identify out of area point of contact and phone number family members will coordinate through in case of separation.

DISASTER SURVIVAL SUPPLIES
WATER
___4 heavy duty 6-gallon water containers (sanitary)
___1 quart bleach, no lemon or additives
___water purification tablets
FOOD/COOKING
___2 weeks of nonperishable food
___1 10 lb bag of dogfood
*IF your dog is on meds, remember those
___2 extra tanks of propane for grill
___manual can opener
___2 aim-n-flame lighters
COMFORT
___4 extra batteries for weather radio
___4 sets of extra batteries for flashlights
___candles
___battery-powered clock/radio
STORM PREPARATION
___1 box kitchen-sized trash bags
___rope (3/8 x 100 ft minimum)
___20 x 5’ steel yard stakes
___Fill 3 x 5 gallon gas cans; include fuel stabilizer
DAMAGE CONTROL
___first aid kit
___bug repellent
___2 rolls of duct tape
___2 large tarps
___wet/dry roof cement
___roofing nails
___1 sheet of plywood


WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED
1. ___Keep alert ___Turn weather radio volume to maximum ___Monitor television
2. ___Prepare evacuation suitcase ___Pack one small suitcase with 1 week of underwear and 2 changes of clothes per person.
3. ___Prepare vehicles ___Fill all gas tanks to maximum. ___Perform brief inspection of oil, belts.___Place food, dog food, and two (2) 5-gallon water jugs in truck (evacuation vehicle). ___Place the following in truck (evacuation vehicle):
___maps ___hotel directories ___identification ___air mattress ___sleeping bag ___emergency cash ___toiletries ___medications ___cell phone charger
___Place evacuation suitcase in truck.
4. ___Charge cell-phone batteries.
5. ___Purchase 1 yd bulk pinebark mulch
6. ___Test generator operation; verify generator is secured.

WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED
1. ___Keep alert ___Move weather radio to bedroom #3 and turn volume to maximum.
___Monitor television.
2. ___Install all hurricane shutters
3. ___Secure Yard ___Trim back palms by 50%.___Check security of tree tie downs.
___Move potted plants and lawn furniture into garage. ___Move grill into garage.
___Move shed onto porch blocking door.___Fill garbage bags with 10 gallons of mulch each + water; protect garage door sweep and front door seals. ___Secure shed using yard stakes and mulch bags.
4. ___Stockpile water ___Fill master bathtub ___Fill bath #2 bathtub
___Fill utility tub in garage ___Fill spa to maximum and disconnect power at the porch. ___Secure spa with clips and rope.___Fill all available 5 gallon buckets with water; place some in shed for weight, remainder in garage.___Fill all bathroom and kitchen sinks with water.
5. ___Secure garage ___Install garage door shutters. ___Insure nothing damageable by water is touching floor.___Shut off sprinkler pump. Disconnect power.
___Release brake and back Oldsmobile and Porsche up against garage door.
___Park truck sideways as close as possible to garage door facing west.
___Move all towels from garage to bedroom #3.
6. ___Secure perimeter___Lock all exterior doors (service, garage, porch, front).___Brace front door with MBR dresser.
___Place MBR boxspring and mattress against sliding glass door. Wrap with plastic and secure with duct tape. Brace with sleep-sofa.
7. ___Secure interior ___Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings and do not open again until after the storm passes. ___Fill refrigerator and freezer to maximum with containers of water.___Unplug all electronics and wrap them with heavy plastic. Secure with duct tape.___Close interior doors.___Place loose articles in kitchen cabinets or closets.___Elevate anything that can be water damaged.
___Secure kitchen cabinet handles with rope or tie wraps.
8. ___Sandbag (optional)
9. ___Hide
___Take the following to bedroom 3 closet:___all car, safety deposit box, house key ___weather radio ___regular radio ___flashlight ___blankets ___cell phone ___Put harnesses on dogs. ___Everyone into bedroom 3 closet. ___Hide underneath twin bed mattress.

EVACUATION
Evacuation will be necessary if a Category 4 or 5 storm is expected to make landfall in Indian River or Brevard County.
1. ___Shut off main gas valve outside at meter, NW corner of house.
2. ___Shut off main water at hose spigot, NE corner of house.
3. ___Shut off main electric at circuit panel in garage.
4. ___Route #1: .
5. ___Route #2: .

Protecting Our Waters

Protect the Lagoon and Other Waters
Keep your trash secured and dispose of it when you reach land
Operate at speeds posted for the sake of wildlife and help prevent erosion
DO not dump any sewage into the water
Maintain your boat and make sure you have no oil leaking or other fuels, same for your car
Make sure in your own yard the only thing that goes into the storm drain is rain
Dispose of household chemicals at a collection site
Use native plants and use environmentally friendly products for fertilizer and pest control

Fruity

Take along papain type meat tenderizer when heading to the beach, it is used in easing the pain should you be stung by a jellyfish or bitten by fire ants. Papain is from papaya, South American Indians used papaya juice to tenderize meat for centuries.

Florida Fruit
You will see roadside fruit stands or pick your own while in Florida. The citrus varieties are endless, try some and you will soon taste the difference from those you buy in the grocery store.

Our Other Season

Hurricanes
Well it’s almost that time of year again, hurricane season which runs from June 1 – November 30th, usually more activity August – October, but of course Mother Nature can do her own thing whenever she wants.
If you are new or a visitor to a hurricane area, the good thing is we get plenty of notice, well as much as we can get. You will hear about a storm well in advance, at times worrying for nothing because it may take a new path. We first are told about tropical depressions; an organized system with winds less than 38mph, then tropical storms; winds ranging from 39 – 73 and much more circular than a depression, next is a hurricane; well defined in pattern with winds 74+mph. Once you have a hurricane then they are described in categories, given a number 1 – 5 depending on the wind speed; Cat 1 is 74–95, Cat 2 is 96–110, Cat 3 (remember Katrina) is 111-130, Cat 4 (heard of Andrew?) is 131-155, Cat 5 is 155+.
Watch-means you have a possibility to experience this storm within the next 36 hours
Warning-means this storm is expected in the next 24 hours
The eye – center of the rotation and the winds are calm. If you experience the eye passing you will have calmer winds, then they will pick up but blow in the opposite direction.
Things to do to prepare for a storm;
Gas up, bring yard items inside, get a weather radio and stock up on batteries, have a current list of phone numbers and even a number of someone not in the area that people can check in with, stock up your supplies; basics including water, non perishables, don’t forget your pets, babies and medicine. Get bills out early if needed – they will not be as understanding in another state. Put up hurricane shutters or plywood – shutters bring such peace of mind and are not that too costly (I have 19 windows and 3 sets of sliders so I know).
A Caribbean poem:
June – too soon, July – stand by!, August – look out you must, September – remember, October – pretty much over!

Leaping Lizards

When you come to Florida be prepared to meet our state mascot…the lizard. They are everywhere and we have different varieties but mostly all the same size. I use to freak out when I first moved here because they are fast, plus the fact that in NY we didn’t have them, just locusts! Over the year I have grown to think some are cute, and accept them…even in the house. They eat smaller bugs which can be helpful inside but I feel bad when they are trapped so I recruit my daughter to free them. Watch out if you have a cat, they may bring you one, and it will not be pretty! Another warning, their tails detach, don’t worry, they grow back.
Notice I did not put this under "pests" because they are not :)
Most lizards are Anoles

Living in Florida with a Dog

I have never been an adult dog owner in any other state, as a kid I don’t remember doing any kind of flea or heartguard type of treatments. But to be responsible make sure you have your dog checked annually and keep them current on all the things they need. In Florida with the temperature you need to be proactive with fleas, and since we have mosquitoes much longer than most places heartguard is a must. I will say that since we started using Front Line or Advantage I have not seen a flea on my dog now or my past dogs – for at least 10 years. It works.
Heartguard is given monthly; well that is how I do it. I write in on the calendar for they year so I do not forget. Obliviously the heavier the dog the more it cost. In 1995 mosquitoes swarmed the Space Coast and were thick well past October. The following January with a new born our dog Lady tested positive for heartworms. We paid for the procedure, that wasn’t cheap, and thought life would go on. Within a week of her treatment she was so ill and had to be put to sleep…in our home no less because she was too ill to be taken into the Vet. So remember to continue giving that pill, it’s such a small price to pay for you pet. http://heartgard.us.merial.com/home/
While I’m bloggin about taking care of your dog, get the Parvo shot as well. My Neeko was just about 9 months old when he tested positive for this new, at the time, disease. It affects puppies more than adult dogs. It can be contracted through feces, so remember to clean up after you dog. Neeko was thrilled to have 3 dogs in the neighborhood visit his yard, and very often at that, but I think that is where he ended up getting it. Read more at http://workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm


Marley @ Christmas

In the early 1900 Henry Flagler developed a railroad system which led people to Florida

They enjoyed the weather and tourism boomed

Florida is home to most of the MLB spring training

Everglades National Park is 2,100 sqare miles and has the largest mangrove forest

The panther was voted by students as the state animal

Florida state Marine Mammal is the Manatee. The manatee, also known as the sea cow, is a grey, plant-eating marine animal that can often weigh a ton or more.

The 1975 Florida Legislature designated the

"porpoise, also commonly known as the dolphin," our saltwater mammal

In 1937, Amelia Earhart took off from Miami for an

around-the-world flight and was never seen again

Explorer I, the free world's first earth satellite,

was sent into the air from Cape Canaveral in 1958

Walt Disney World is the largest employer in Central Florida

Fast Facts

Our largest Lake is Lake Okeechobee which is 700 square miles.

I have been then once when I was a teen. I was “hired” to go along with a family and baby-sit their 2 young children while they went and had fun.
We have about 4,500 islands – one of my favorites being Key West
Florida means “flowery Easter” in Spanish
Gatorade was named for the UF Gators where it was developed
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the US (see been there done that for more)
We are not the southern most state in the US, Hawaii is farther south
In 1944 the first suntan cream was made in Miami Beach
The Saint John's River is amongst those few rivers that flow north instead of south
Central Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, trust me, it should be
The Walt Disney World Resort is the largest vacation resort in the world
Florida produces the majority of citrus fruit grown in US…duh
The phrase "cool as a cucumber" originates in Florida. On a hot Florida day, the pulp of a cucumber can be up to 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding air.
Florida is home to the largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. We are lucky because we see Eagles often flying over our house – more than likely released

ones that are from the Brevard Zoo

The Beach

Never swim along, common sense needs to follow you wherever you go. Be aware of some ocean creatures (see Florida pests). Our beaches can be crowed in some areas and isolated in others. They are much smaller on the east coast, at least where I live. The west coast has different sand and the Gulf is much calmer, often looking lake like. Remember we have sharks, although I have never seen one while at the ocean. If one bites you punch it in the nose….I’m just kidding – swim fast. Florida has crabs that run on the sand, and rays that swim on the bottom of the sea. When walking in the ocean or the river you should do the “stingray shuffle”, simply shuffling your feet as you walk so you do not step on a ray. You may see dolphins swimming by, which can look like a shark to some. I love dolphins and think it’s pretty awesome that we have them in our area. They are much easier to spot in the river. Be smart with SPF because you will get burned quickly without realizing it, and what a way to ruin a trip. Many places along the beach rent recreational things for you to use at the beach so you don’t have to buy everything if you are visiting. Remember to leave the beach better than you found it and do not interfere with Sea Turtles in any way.

Taken at one of our local beaches

*I took this as the sun was coming up in Melbourne

Seasons

Seasons - We really have no seasons like you think. But living here for so many years now I have come to appreciate the Florida “seasons”. Our trees do change, certain flowers bloom and the grass grows and grows. My favorite is a crisp cool day with blue skies in fall or winter; both are great for sunsets too. Of course everyone knows we have our “Hurricane Season” – it runs from June – November. I will have to find a positive about hurricanes, so I will say at least we have plenty of notice a storm is coming. Speaking of storms Florida can have some where the whole sky is lit up like a light show. Spring is popular with spring break but you can certainly find quieter places to visit during a vacation. Summer is the wettest season and like most places the hottest. Did I mention the grass grows a lot during summer?
*Picture of sunset in my yard

*Moon rising in the front yard

Birds & Trees

Common Trees – I never knew how many different types of palm trees were grown. Living in NY I thought they just had plain old palms. Wrong. Some of my favorites are: Royal, Foxtail, Coconut, Bottle, and Christmas. You see many Sabal, our state tree, and Palmetto Palms around Florida. These trees are tropical in nature and are great for hammocks and tikis.

*Taken on Sugarloaf Key

*Foxtail Palm – one of my favorites

Our area is great for bird watching since it houses so many types of birds. Common Birds include Osprey – look for these in ball fields nesting on top of high lights, Hawk, Sandhill Crane, Pelicans, White Ibis and Heron. You can walk the Great Florida Bird Trail east section at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/

*Pelican flying in Sebastian

Fire!

Wildfires – Unfortunately Florida goes through times when we are at risk for a wildfire. They start from a variety of causes including lighting, dry conditions, and even arson. I will add more to this section in time but end with a request: After my daughter conducted a science experiment we found out that a lit cigarette can easily ignite a fire. Florida does have a law against throwing butts out, so please dispose of your smoking material in a proper container.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes The Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, but most hurricanes occur during the fall months. Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an "eye." The center of the storm or "eye" is the calmest part. It has only light winds and fair weather. When they come onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and large waves can damage buildings, trees and cars. Weather terms when storms are approaching: Tropical Wave – an area of low pressure, Tropical Depression – same but with winds up to 38 mph, Tropical Storm has winds ranging from 39 – 73 and Hurricane which has winds at least 74 mph. Hurricanes are then rated with a category – 1 being the weakest and 5 being catastrophic.
Tips: have your insurance information handy, make preparations for family with disabilities and your pets in advance, get your property ready, and leave when necessary.

Fishing Tales

Fishing – freshwater licenses are required for residents and non residents. Saltwater licenses are required for fishers in a boat that are over 16, unless fishing in a boat covered by a vessel saltwater license. Always know the rules and limits before going to fish.

Salt Water Fish – Common species include Snook, Drum, Trout, King Mackerel, Grouper, Sailfish – our state saltwater fish, and Sheepshead.

*Sheepshead

Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles – my all time favorite…Sea Turtles, they are either threatened or endangered and Florida has many laws protecting them. We have the most nesting Sea Turtles, especially this coast, than anywhere else. Being a visitor doesn’t excuse anyone from not following the rules. Man-made lighting disorients hatchlings and may cause them to go away from the ocean where they will not survive. They find the sea by the reflection of the sky or moon. Many places on the beach have certain types of lighting that does not distract the turtles during nesting season. Flashlights and flash from cameras is also distracting to them and may even stop a mother turtle from laying her eggs. Sea Turtle are huge (Leatherbacks can weigh 700 – 2000 pounds) and seeing one is just awesome! We have gone at night to see them lay eggs and each time was just as exciting as the last. But on many occasions I have witnessed other viewers disturbing their rituals by standing in their path, taking photo after photo, calling out to those they are with. It pisses me off. So remember to observe with caution and follow the rules.

A turtle that was released after rehab

Hatchlings heading to the ocean

Florida Driving

Driving – While you will not drive through a snow storm here, you can all of sudden find yourself in a tyrannical downpour. Give yourself extra time when traveling; leave more space between you and the next car because roads are slippery, if you can stay in the middle lane which is usually higher than the outer lane. Florida is full of ditches and other water holding areas and when full you really cannot tell how deep they are. Stay alert to that. When I first started driving the rain storms made me nervous, but I’m use to them now. You really just have to take it slower, put your lights on and be aware. Also, watch out for overly cautious drivers who may put you at risk with their driving. Also buckle up, it’s the law or as they say “click it or ticket”.