Kathy...yes, the forecast is a bit more dire...but there is also an alternate storm projection - we're waiting until 11 PM to see if there is any change. When they raised the forecast to a Category 3 we started to worry a little more, but it's been more than 80 years since a major storm has come through here so people are a little skeptical. All of the news stations have interrupted programming since noon today to give us the latest!

I'll keep reporting as long as we have cable...my laptop will last a few more hours after the power goes out, but I won't have any internet if things get bad. Hopefully I can give you a first person report all the while!

Right now they are telling people in coastal zone 1, 2 and 3 to evaculate, but to go to friends or hotels. The shelters are very no frills. And this evening on the news they filmed an Carnival ship leaving Tampa to go to safer waters.

We went out for dinner - everyone in the restaurant was talking about what they were going to do, but obviously none of us were leaving yet.

I hope your friend and sister will be fine!