Uggg :(

[Andrea J.]

So, we have/had a 5 day cruise planned.
It leaves tomorrow, out of Port Canaveral. Likely we will not be on the final manifest.
It is one of Paul's "free casino offer cruises"
This particular cruise's cost was only the port taxes of $243.
We were assigned a balcony cabin with an onboard credit of $500, slot play of $500 and the all inclusive drink package for each of us ...gratis.
We have never been offered the drink package before. We are not big drinkers, but may have a couple a day.

We have our pet sitters all lined up.

Bag not packed yet, but it would only take 30 min or so to get packed.

But wait!
Tropical Storm Ian, soon to be hurricane Ian is possibly/probably aiming for our neck of the woods...Tampa Bay.
With possibly/probably a Wednesday hit. The cruise looks like a NO GO.

So, outdoor patio furniture is now in garage. The hot tub cover is now anchored down (belts suspenders ) and other stuff that could be projectiles are now in the garage.

Our friend in Belleair, 45 miles from us, on the water...............an elderly gentleman that is not planning on evacuating.
During Irma, he came here but was unhappy with our pets. Not an animal lover to say the least. Our 25+ lb cat, who is big, stupid and docile decided to be our friend's best friend and was on him like flies on "you know what." When we'd lock the cat up in another room he'd scream as if someone were killing him. Also too, our dog Lily is a lap dog and a licker...........up on your lap, snuggling and giving an occasional face lick. This will also not go well with our friend.

We visited with him yesterday and reiterated to him that if the storm will affect him, we will pick him up and bring him here.
He ain't buying! We also said..If you are evacuated, where will you go? He said he'd stay put.

I am his health care proxy as well as his POA.

BTW, he is 89 yrs young.

Our job today is to try to convince him to come here and set up a time for us to pick him up sometime tomorrow..............still, he ain't buying.

Is it too early for me to begin day drinking?

Thank you for letting me vent.

If you are praying kind of people, please pray for this storm not to affect Tampa Bay and for our friend to be safe.

[Colette M]

So sorry to hear all this Andrea. What was supposed to be a fun trip is turning into a very stressful situation. I am praying already that the storm does not affect you or your friend badly. Very difficult to deal with elderly stubborn folks when you want only the best for them. Good luck and please keep us posted.

[annf]

Prayers being said and it is not too early!!!

[cpjones]

Sorry about the cruise.... You and Paul are first class people! Good luck with your stubborn friend!

[robin]

I am praying it does not effect the Tampa area and you and Paul. I don't blame you for not wanting to go and leave with a storm coming. We have very good friends just north of Tampa in the Spring Hill area. Wherever it goes, it is not going to be good based on the predictions and it seems like all of Florida will be effected in someway. I know someone in Ft. Lauderdale that is supposed to fly out on Thursday to North Carolina. That may be a no-go if the storm works it way up the coast. Do you have a generator?

[Pegmeister]

We’ve been thinking of you guys with all this storm talk. They all seem to be consistent in reporting that it will head towards Tampa. Praying that they’re wrong!! Hopefully, you can convince your friend to keep you company during the storm!!

[Tuckahoe]

Sorry you had to cancel the cruise but it’s a good call.
Paul and you are angels for wanting to get your elderly friend to safely. I hope he comes to his senses and takes up on you very kind offer.
You’re in my prayers.

[Andrea J.]

thanks all for your good wishes and letting me vent.

yes we do have a generator.
it was the first thing that we bought when we moved to FLA almost 13 yrs ago.
it is not a "generic" it is one that is portable.
during Irma, we were able to keep the refrigerator, the freezer, the portable airco and a light plugged in.
we were able to plug in the coffee pot and we had more neighbors coming by for coffee for 2 days we were all without power.

we do need a few more groceries, so when we make the final decision at 6 pm we will either get some more provisions or pack our bag for the cruise.

he still is not budging.............the last conversation we had 1 hour ago, he said "oh well" (with a sing song voice)

I am praying it does not effect the Tampa area and you and Paul. I don't blame you for not wanting to go and leave with a storm coming. We have very good friends just north of Tampa in the Spring Hill area. Wherever it goes, it is not going to be good based on the predictions and it seems like all of Florida will be effected in someway. I know someone in Ft. Lauderdale that is supposed to fly out on Thursday to North Carolina. That may be a no-go if the storm works it way up the coast. Do you have a generator?

[Colette M]

Are you and Paul comfortable going away from your house knowing hurricane is headed your way? Will you be able to have a good time?

[Andrea J.]

If he chooses not to come here...........our pet sitters are comfortable taking our animals........... If our house gets damaged, it will get damaged whether we are here or not. As stupid as this sounds, we know we'll lose power. If we are not here, we won't be able to keep the refrigerator and freezer working. That is a concern.

Are you and Paul comfortable going away from your house knowing hurricane is headed your way? Will you be able to have a good time?