I got the call!

[RJ HEDLEY]

We just had a tornado pass within 15 miles east of here, heading North.   20 minutes ago..
All is well at the Hedleys..

[shelb]

I am glad, RJ!  Now lets hope the same for DDGator.

[DDGator]

Looks like we dodged a SERIOUS bullet.  Around 3pm they called a major right (east) turn and it made landfall as a Category 4 around Port Charlotte, south of Sarasota.

Effects here are expected to be minimal -- some Gale force winds and rain.

Whew...

RJ and K-Man will get worse weather than me now.  Just goes to show the level of uncertainty in those computer models.

[Richard S]

RJ and Duane:

Lord, that thing is now a Category IV!  Hang on!  I'm headed up to the cabin tonight and will be off-line until Sunday evening.  I'll be watching the storm's progress by Direct TV and hoping you all stay dry and safe.

RS

[Brenden]

You guys in FL-keep yer heads down..

My wife lived in Clearwater for several years,and worked LE and then in the 911 center in Pinellas County..
She still has a lot of friends there..
They do mandatory OT and the employees sleep,eat and work at the command center..

Wish all the best and may the winds go around you...

Bless you all..

[DDGator]

I am in the clear.  Hope the rest of you guys are...

Punta Gorda has sustained huge damgage.  Day-break will be interesting down there.

Orlando is taking a pounding with sustained Hurricane-force winds and over 12" of rain the the last few hours.

[DDGator]

Back to the subject of this post initially...  ITS HERE!

After sitting in town for 4 days (I didn't think it would sit for 4 hours), I finally took delivery of my R-9s.

Here she sits in my K&D Pocket Defender and mag carrier -- with Friday's paper (Friday the 13th, I might add).

[R9SCarry]

Duane .... EXCELLENT!!!!  At last eh!!  Glad to hear that.  Soon perhaps you'll get a chance to try out and then come back with your impressions etc.

You may know my proclivity for meddling when it comes to pics ..... so tweaked yours and shrunk a bit .... hope you don't mind!  I know print l;ess easy to read but, sorta brightened things up. !