greetings from hurricane central

I've lived in Maryland for just over five years now and in that time, we've experienced two years of mild, normal weather. The last three years, however, have included two massive winter storms (one of which dumped like 48 inches of snow over a 48 hour period), an earthquake and a hurricane in the same week, a derecho that brought down a branch from our massive tree, and now? Now: Frankenstorm. Fortunately, we're five blocks from the water and straight UP a pretty major hill so sandbags are not (hopefully!) necessary. However I have been busy adding more hydraulic cement to the weaker points in our basement, picking up all my outdoor stuff and decor (like these cute wooden flowers that, when combined with 75 mph gusts, could become weapons of mass destruction. Probably.) and trying to use up all the eggs/milk/butter in my fridge (baking frenzy, naturally). 

Sandbagging in my neighborhood (though, 5 blocks closer to the water than my house)

We took a walk through the park this morning and the calm before the storm was palpable. I spent the time photographing all my favorite massive trees because I know that like last time, some of them might not survive unscathed. At the very least, the gorgeous fall foliage's days (hours?) are certainly numbered. 

Anyway. If you find yourself in the path of this storm, I sincerely hope you've collected some bottled water, plenty of food and batteries, and have charged all your devices (downloaded a few new tomes to your e-reader), taped/boarded windows if applicable and are ready to hunker down. 

Be safe and I'll see you on the flip side.