Dreaming of Siesta Key (Sarasota, Sunset: hotel, big house, refrigerator)

[smiledoc1]

Friends,
My wife and I had to leave our home because of a serious ice storm here in central MA. No heat or electricity. We had to drain the pipes and heating system before we left the house. We were lucky to find a hotel room about 25 miles away. I suspect now there aren't any rooms within a 40 mile radius. It is possible that there will be no heat or electricity for 3 days. I am in my mid 50s and have never seen an ice storm like this.
Just a few more weeks until Mrs. Smiledoc1 and son and I get to Sarasota. PLEASE SAVE SOME SUNSHINE FOR US!

smiledoc1

[FLBob]

Smiledoc1, sorry to hear about the bad weather up your way. I lived in Leominster MA for a very short time working for DEC. I got out the weekend before the blizzard of 79. So I feel for you.
I posted a sunset sequence that might provide the illusion of warmth. Florida Sunset.
Have a safe trip

[smiledoc1]

Originally Posted by FLBob

Smiledoc1, sorry to hear about the bad weather up your way. I lived in Leominster MA for a very short time working for DEC. I got out the weekend before the blizzard of 79. So I feel for you.
I posted a sunset sequence that might provide the illusion of warmth. Florida Sunset.
Have a safe trip

FLBob,
I just pulled this off the web for you. Video

Your pics are much better

[FLBob]

It looks like the aftermath from a tropical storm only colder. lots colder.

[Big House]

Smiledoc,
Sorry to hear about the ice storm as well. Being from WNY (not far from Buffalo) and even MD we've had our share of ice storms. You should consider getting an electrical generator as back-up and having it wired in. Just the cost of lost food in your freezer will off-set the cost especially if you've had more than one. I've lived through several. . . That is why I "always have a back-up plan."

It is no fun having in power for anything, no lights, no heat, no hotwater, no TV, no Radio, no Clocks, No Alarm, no refrigerator . . . . You have to worry about the pipes freezing. Your food will last at best a couple days. It gets cold, candles are fun for the first night.

The limbs fall off the trees, and everything looks baren for weeks afterward.

I'm down here with a friend from RI who is heading back tomorrow. His daughter is in NH and got hammered too, limbs down, snow deep, can't get out of the house yet. She is worried about her car because on of the limbs fell right near or on it, but can't determine anything yet.

Maryland did not get anything like what you got. Just a wintery mix.
You'll be down soon! I'll say a prayer for you! I know how lucky you are getting a hotel room. They are tough to come by this time of year, and after a storm like this you were really thinking on your feet! I hope everything works out for you.

[smiledoc1]

Originally Posted by Big House

Smiledoc,
Sorry to hear about the ice storm as well. Being from WNY (not far from Buffalo) and even MD we've had our share of ice storms. You should consider getting an electrical generator as back-up and having it wired in. Just the cost of lost food in your freezer will off-set the cost especially if you've had more than one. I've lived through several. . . That is why I "always have a back-up plan."

It is no fun having in power for anything, no lights, no heat, no hotwater, no TV, no Radio, no Clocks, No Alarm, no refrigerator . . . . You have to worry about the pipes freezing. Your food will last at best a couple days. It gets cold, candles are fun for the first night.

The limbs fall off the trees, and everything looks baren for weeks afterward.

I'm down here with a friend from RI who is heading back tomorrow. His daughter is in NH and got hammered too, limbs down, snow deep, can't get out of the house yet. She is worried about her car because on of the limbs fell right near or on it, but can't determine anything yet.

Maryland did not get anything like what you got. Just a wintery mix.
You'll be down soon! I'll say a prayer for you! I know how lucky you are getting a hotel room. They are tough to come by this time of year, and after a storm like this you were really thinking on your feet! I hope everything works out for you.

BigHouse,
Thank you for your kind thoughts. The generator is certainly something to look into.
We have a house in Palmer Ranch that we go to about 1 week out of 6. And this is Xmas break coming so Mrs. Smiledoc1 and son will be there 3 weeks and I'll pop in for 10 days.
Please make sure there is a parking spot for me at Siesta Key beach. I like the spots near the concession stand. Thanks

[joyceandjay]

Siesta Key, is by far the most beautiful place in Florida. Since I was 8 I have vacationed in Casablanca, House of the Sun and Aloha Kai. I one day hope to move to Siesta Key. For those of you that live on this island, consider yourselves very lucky. That white sand is intoxicating!!! Within the next 5 years I plan on saving close to 80k and purchasing a 2/2 villa on midnight pass road. Any suggestions on Crescent beach?