Ba... Ba... Baaaaahh...

The very minute we became so sufficiently disappointed in Earl that all fear left the house and birthday candles suddenly seemed a sufficient way to light our festivities, the phone rang.

!! Reverse-911 Emergency Code Red Announcement !!

They said, "You know, it seems calm right now, but be careful. It's going to get worse in the next couple of hours. The storm surges will get worse and don't be stupid."

...or something like that.

In case the full police state that is developing in greater Montauk (which, by the way is NOT accurately depicted in the photograph at right) isn't warranted, and we begin to be thoroughly bored, we plan to set off fireworks, build a giant fire (to combat the air conditioning) and tell ghost stories while drinking prosecco. Yeah. We're that guy.

Preparedness Checklist:

Things we must do before nightfall

- close umbrellas and bring all outdoor furniture inside

- make sure herbs are well-picked and buy cumin (the best spice ever)

- restock prossecco

- buy candles and flashlights

- research how to tape windows

- have a beer

- get the cricket out of the bath tub and check on the slugs in the outdoor shower

- H needs to learn how to ride a bike in case we need to send him out for provisions

- connect flickr/picassa account to this blog

- watch Cee-Lo's F*** You music video a couple more times and learn choreography

- charge all computers, phones, and other electronic devices

- add more things to this to-do list - ideally that include food or beverages

Hurricane Preparation Websites

As an example of excellent delegation, I will be compiling a list of hurricane preparation measures while Bubbles searches for the best methods for taping our lovely french doors.

Here we go. Good luck everybody.

• NOAA's Hurricane Preparedness Disaster Supply Kit
• Chiff.com's Top Ten Hurricane Tips
• hurricanesafety.org's Hurricane Safety Checklist