[Aunt Joyce]

I pray that the forecasters who have put Florida in the cone of Hurricane Ivan's path are mistaken! I don't think we can take much more.
For us, personally, the damage was minimal...at least I hope so.
We have asked our landlors over and over to remove the huge ficus tree draping over the back of the house and he's waved us off. Thursday my son Sven climbed up on a ladder and sawed off the branches over his bedroom.
This morning we found a huge branch had crashed through the ceiling of the "garage" where I had many precious things from my younger days stored. It included the Christmas ornaments that I hung on our tree when I was only 8 yrs. old.
I'm going to have to let these things go. That's life. But I haven't weathered this as well as I thought. The power outages were so darned deceiving. It was up-down-up-down for four days. And even that is nothing to complain about.
I was quite ill Saturday and Sunday. And even that is something to be expected. So I really should not complain at all. My family is intact. When we were able to get through to Lakeland my son said that he and the family were doing fine.
But when I think of the people in Central Florida. My God! I just can't believe that many people here in Florida could handle an "Ivan". I can't help but be distraught for those people. I'm afraid we may have a mass exodus here.
But the most beautiful and heart warming thing for me has been the posts here and on the TTMB. When the electricity was up I would quickly go to the 2 boards and read the messages. Then I would shut down fast to avaid a power surge.
Family, I cried as I read your messages of concern and reassurance. How blessed I am to have such a loving family surrounding me.
I called Eric and Sven to my computer to see your messages of strength. They, too, were overwhelmed.
Sven is outside now cutting away branches that are to the ground. I'm going to ask the boys to take some photos so I can post them.
All I can say to Mont and all my 2CoolFishing family is .... God Bless You Everyone!
Love,
Joyce

 

[Bubba]

We original mosters, net surhers and now AJ'ers think a lot of you and were worried beyond descpition. I speak for Al, Patzy, Medic and Fishman just to name a few, I am sure.

Were it possable we would all come down and fix up your house and all that is needed, as it is we are all glad you did ok.

I tried to call a few times unsucessfully.

 

[Mont]

glad you hear you came out mostly OK, AJ. I hate you lost your treasures though. I hope you get to feeling better soon. Let's all hope that Ivan doesn't slam Florida yet again, but I guess only time will tell.

 

[Aunt Joyce]

Of course I meant everyone here dear friend Bubba...

I'm sorry....I thought when I said:
"All I can say to Mont and all my 2CoolFishing family is .... God Bless You Everyone!"
That it was understood that included us here and TTMB. I should have been more clear. Don't forget who it was that I called when things started getting bad.
And I'm going to say it right here, whether it embarasses you or not. I love you very, very much Bubba. And you know it!
Everyone here is my family....but you are special!
And I sure knew everyone here was pulling for me...and I'm getting chocked up so I have to quit. I'm a little vunerable right now.

 

[Bubba]

I am just glad you are OK and that you have so many friends all over the country.

 

[El]

Glad to hear from you AJ. Take care.

 

[Fishman]

Nice to see AJ and all the family ok. Rest a bit now and keep a heads up on Ivan.

 

[Sketch]

We are glad to hear you made it through the storm okay.


Please try and get some rest.

 

[Mont]

It was good talking with you on the phone, AJ. Hopefully, the sunshine state will be back in order pretty quick. I got through on the first try. BTW, I heard from folks I know in Vero, no lights, lots of trees down, but they came through OK. And I heard from the WPB crowd that they made it through too, but will be chainsawing this time next year to get it all cleaned up. Take care, and get lots of rest.

 

[Drumbo]

AJ, Due to circumstances beyond controal, I have not been able to put in too much computer time, but rest assured that "The Jersey Connection" hasd you in our thoughts and prayers.

As I stated earlier My sister did not fair to well. Their home was wiped out and my Sister has had enough of Fla. and are relocating in NC. It was hard for me to see the pics as my Mother owned that home before she passed away. It was tough looking at some of our family heirlooms in ruins. and even though it wasn't the home I grew up in, it was the last Bastion of our heritage And when we would always visit it had a touch of the old.

But in terms of what other people lost, their damage was miniscule, and they are able to buy new stuff and a new home which alot of poor souls can not

We got relatively nothing up here. Not even a lot of rain,( Which they did predict and were wrong again..........Fishman where are you when we need you)