Dear Reader Column 10-26-05

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Dear Reader,

Note to readers from Suzanne...

I live in Florida, and Hurricane Wilma has probably come and gone. But, I'm writing this column to you on Sunday afternoon. I expect to see Wilma's warm-up act late this evening, and then she'll take center stage tomorrow, on Monday.

Since I haven't met Wilma yet, I can't let you know how I fared. But if the lights go out--and they probably will--I have candles and plenty of books. And, I treated myself to a bag of baked potato chips (I only eat them on special occasions). In the meantime, enjoy today's column...

Dear Reader,

(Sunday afternoon)

I'm in the midst of getting ready for Hurricane Wilma's visit. I expect to see her early tomorrow morning. She'll be traveling all night to get here. I don't know how she does it. Apparently, the woman doesn't need any sleep.

It might seem odd that I'm writing a column when a hurricane is heading my way, but I think that writing to you is helping get rid of my nervous energy.

It's weird, the things that go through your mind when you know that "a big one" is headed your way. My adrenaline has kicked in, which is a good thing, because it gives me the energy to gear up--there's a lot of preparation--but it also brings out the "strange" in me.

I'm covering all of my windows with boards, and bringing everything inside that will take off when the winds blow: small flower pots, outdoor furniture, and my kayak--it's now sitting in my living room.

I'm prepared. I have 18 gallons of water; 20 candles; canned goods; bleach; flashlights; a battery operated radio--and here's the "strange" part--I have that "company's coming" feeling, too. You know, the feeling that tells you to clean the closets, line the drawers, touch up the walls with paint--do all the things that you've been meaning to get around to, because you want to look good when your guest arrives.

I know, it's crazy thinking. And when I caught myself wiping finger marks off the refrigerator, and tidying up the bathroom, I quickly reminded myself that from what I've heard about Wilma, she's not a very considerate house guest.

She shows up uninvited; stays longer than you'd like; makes herself right at home; raids your cupboards; steals the towels; up roots your trees; is noisy--nobody can get any sleep--and she doesn't even send you a thank you.

(Tuesday)

Hurricane Wilma hit to the South of where I live, so I only experienced tropical force winds. But they were enough to blow out a transformer, and I've been without power since Sunday morning at 4 a.m.

But I have a generator hooked up, which provides me with options: plug the refrigerator in; turn on a light; make coffee; or I can run my computer. No complaints here, I'm just pretending that I'm camping.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
www.DearReader.com

P.S. Win a copy of She's All Eyes, by Maura Conlon-McIvor. Sample this first-time author's book, send me an email, and tell me what you think. That's all you need to do to enter the free giveaway. I have 25 books. Maura told me she'd love to hear your feedback. Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/alt/alleyes

Comments

[Elizabeth Padgett]

Dear Suzanne,
I thank God you are safe after the storm and hope a speedy recovery from all the mess the wind and rain will send your way.
Thanks for your email every morning.
Your faithful reader,
Elizabeth

[Marsha]

Praise God that you and many others weathered the storm! My sister-in-law has a mobil home in Fort Myers - all they lost was their TV antenae!
P.S. I've enjoyed reading your dear reader comments this week much more than the book selection! (sometimes that happens, I know!)

Your Reading Friend,
Marsha