Searching MDB: Current blog calendar navigation tip

| October 3, 2023

Let’s just call this a PSA since I’ve been busy rethinking My Desultory Blog themes after updating to PHP 8.2 and how at least use the thousands of old blog entries for reference … or more precisely, remembering things! Anyway, the monthly “Archives” section is the same (select a previous month), but the “Calendar” was […]

Hurricane Idalia slams ashore in the Big Bend area of Florida

| August 30, 2023

The good news is that Hurricane Idalia waited until morning to come ashore and did it in a less populated area of Florida, know as the Florida’s Nature Coast. The bad news is that it is low and ill prepared compared when it comes to construction (more manufactured homes and less hardened hurricane capable buildings). […]

Archive: The new condo windows have finally been installed

| April 22, 2023

We have had our share of rain in Florida this April while in Delray Beach, but have finally finished the upgrade of new windows in the condo. I should have done it back in 2018 as I would have save a few thousand dollars, but as the saying goes … “better late than never” (they […]

Nice night in SW Ohio, but not in South Florida

| November 9, 2022

It was a clear, still night to take a walk around the neighborhood, but not so much on the east coast of Florida. I can’t help but pay attention to the wind, rain and surge associated with Hurricane Nicole as it comes ashore tonight. Tomorrow will tell the tale.

Weather watching as SubTropical Storm Nicole approaches

| November 8, 2022

The hurricane tracking cone is a little squirrelly, but SubTropical Storm Nicole does look at if it will hit the Bahamas as a hurricane and likely from our recent experience of enjoying the “WARM” water on South Florida’s Atlantic beaches (a couple of photos below the break from earlier this month). As of Tuesday afternoon […]

What would October be without our fall trip to Florida?

| October 9, 2022

Brenda and I have been fortunate to almost always taken an autumn trip to Florida. Years ago it was often to visit my parents who would go to Panama City Beach or take a trip with the kids. After Katelyn and Taylor were in college, it was often to visit Brenda’s parents and then to […]

Brace for Impact, Floridians. Hurricane Ian is here – 9/28/2022

| September 28, 2022

From way up high, Hurricane Ian is a much more attractive (ani-gif above) … but suspect those Ian left under water and in its storm ravaged path in western Cuba … AND has nearly everyone in Florida chewing their nails while they brace for impact. (residents need a “Miracle on the Hudson” moment) Governor DeSantis […]

Keeping an eye on Hurricane Ian this week

| September 26, 2022

If you live in the southeastern US, you are likely watching Hurricane Ian this week. The likely path of this strengthening storm will bring it ashore somewhere on the western coast or panhandle of Florida, but the heavy rain and wind will be felt well inland.

Hurricane Fiona batters Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic

| September 19, 2022

Power is out in Puerto Rico with two-feet of rainfall after Hurricane Fiona came ashore. The Dominican Republic was saturated as well with flash flooding and mudslides as the category 2 hurricane slowly moved off the norther shore. As it moves over open water, it is forecast to strengthen as it passes Turks and Caicos […]

Hurricane Ida hits Louisiana Gulf of Mexico Coast

| August 29, 2021

A delayed post updating the Category 4 Hurricane Ida that hit the coast of Louisiana just west of New Orleans packing winds nearing Cat 5 strength. The storm surge over 10 feet will test improvements made after Hurricane Katrina hit nearly the same area in 2005 .. in the first year of my daily blog […]

Music Monday: A record 2020 Hurricane Season is almost over

| November 16, 2020

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A summer thunderstorm may be a Hurricane Laura precursor

| August 27, 2020

As the Gulf of Mexico coast of Louisiana and Texas prepare for Hurricane Laura (as well as areas well inland), we got a taste of the kind of rain that might also be headed our way as this tropical weather works its way north. A strong thunderstorm swept through our area on Wednesday night this […]

Checking on the path of Tropical Storm Isaias – 8/2/2020

| August 2, 2020

While working on a few chores this Sunday, I checked on the path and strength of Hurricane now Tropical Storm Isais. It has moved just a bit more to the east than expected so for those who are on the east coast of Florida, take a deep breath. The storm could still pack strong winds, […]

Keeping a “Sharpie” eye on Tropical Storm Jerry

| September 19, 2019

So sorry President Trump (Sharpiegate) … I just can help myself when looking at weather forecast maps. #humor

The path of potential TS Humberto looks eerily familiar

| September 13, 2019

Tis the season for tropical storm watching as forecasters expect a similar path as Hurricane Dorian for potential Tropical Cyclone Nine turning into Tropical Storm Humberto (oom-BAIR-toh). Travelers along the east coast of the U.S. and those particularly in the northern Bahamas already suffering from Dorian will need to keep their guard up. Perhaps modifying […]

Productive home chores weekend while watching Dorian

| September 3, 2019

The approaching hurricane kept my attention this Labor Day weekend (writing this for Tuesday on Sunday) as there was really nothing I could do to prepare the condo in Delray Beach or our boat Encore (in the water) in preparation for the approaching storm. Likely when this posts, we will either have dodged a bullet […]

Well it is hurricane season – so time to think about #Dorian

| August 28, 2019

Florida declares a state of emergency to prepare for Hurricane Dorian https://t.co/z9sLuLmlxq — Rich Corbett 🇺🇸 (@RichC) August 28, 2019

Tropical Storm Barry expected to make landfall as a Hurricane

| July 13, 2019

As of Friday night 7/12/2019, Barry is a slow moving tropical storm baring down on the US Gulf Coast. According to projections, the wind is not the primary concern, although it is expected to be at hurricane strength as it makes landfall. The bigger problem is the already high "near record" Mississippi River height with […]

Hurricanes and the stock market – duh, it’s October

| October 12, 2018

Q: Why am I not surprised to see U.S. stocks extend Wednesday’s ugly losses with more selling on Thursday? A: Because it is October! Well because the talking heads that “I listen to” point out just how strong our economy is and that corporate earnings are strong, consumer confidence high and the regulation and tax […]

ISS & FaceTime with Annalyn brightens an otherwise sour day

| October 11, 2018

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Fuel prices higher this year and Hurricane Michael nears

| October 10, 2018

EDIT: Updated 14:00-14:30 ET – Landfall Mexico Beach, FL with maximum sustained winds clocked at 145 mph Previous 11:28 a.m. ET update Hurricane Michael has been upgraded to a “potentially catastrophic” Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, the National Hurricane Center says. Data collected by NOAA and U.S. Air Force Hurricane […]

Hurricane Florence is dumping FEET of rain on the Carolinas

| September 14, 2018

It is and is GOING to be a mess cleaning up after the flooding in a lot more than coastal cities and beachfront towns in North and South Carolina. I’ve watched the slow moving Florence come ashore on TV early this morning and meander along the shoreline most of Friday (thankfully it was a CAT […]

Tis the season for tropical weather – Hurricane Florence nears

| September 13, 2018

We are into the heart of hurricane season and 2018 will likely be one Carolinians remember as both North and South Carolina brace for impact of Hurricane Florence. The powerful hurricane is currently moving towards the coast in a perpendicular fashion and is likely to pick up energy as it nears the warm waters of […]

The lawn is cut just in time for remnants of Gordon

| September 8, 2018

Since we are just north of Cincinnati and smack dab in the middle of the heaviest projected leftovers of Gordon, I made sure to finish up the lawn cutting chores before the expected "very heavy rain" this weekend. Hopefully it will just be rain unlike Hurricane Ike a few years back when we lost trees, […]

What are the chances a Hurricane returns?

| August 21, 2018

Every state, city and location along the Gulf and Atlantic coast is vunerable to tropical weather this time of year, especially in late summer. Here are a couple of maps highlighting the number of years between hurricanes (winds 74 and higher above) and major hurricanes (winds 111 and higher below). Neither is that comforting. Every […]

Inching toward hurricane season – excellent CAT 5 map

| May 9, 2018

A great map was shared by CSU meteorologist Philip Klotzbach this week highlighting location where all on record Atlantic Cat. 5 (>= 157 mph) hurricanes first reached Cat 5 intensity (click above image for larger). Definitely random.

Here we go again – Hurricane Maria at Cat 5 is looking very scary

| September 18, 2017

Hurricane Maria is seeing rapid intensification and is now a Cat 5 with 160mph winds. Looks to be closing in the Leeward Islands slightly further south than Irma. The U.S. Virgin Islands are again in the hurricane’s path again, but this time Puerto Rico may not be spared — it very well could be a […]

Irma makes landfall in Florida 1st in the Keys then Marco Island

| September 11, 2017

By now those turning on the TV to watch updates on Hurricane Irma are tired of seeing news reporters heading out into 100+ mile per hours winds and pelting rain — enough already! Still the destruction and danger are sickening especially in the areas where building codes are not what they are in the US. […]

Floridians are paying attention as Hurricane Irma turns north

| September 9, 2017

All eyes are on the weather as Hurricane Irma demonstrated her power destroying practically everything on several islands in Caribbean (below). The big storm skirted the northern coast of Cuba and weaken to a Category 3 hurricane. Most watchers expect the warm water of the Straits of Florida to strengthen the winds again as a […]

Hurricane Irma barreling towards Florida and the US mainland

| September 7, 2017

It is difficult not to be concerned after seeing the power of Hurricane Irma (was 185 mph, but currently 170 mph eyewall winds) and the devastation the powerful storm left behind on several of the Leeward Islands.  I’ve been tracking these last few days both concerned for those in the path and for personal ties […]

Islands under the gun as Florida prepares for Hurricane Irma

| September 6, 2017

The satellite definition of Hurricane Irma today is frightening as are the category 5 winds clocked at 185 mph. They are calling it “catastrophic.” Very dangerous storm; one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. Weather Channel update Adding updated IRMA tracking on 9/6/2017

The Leeward Islands are preparing for Hurricane Irma

| September 3, 2017

We’re tracking another hurricane – Hurricane Irma – as it continues to move toward the Caribbean. The islands likely to receive the most wind and rain are the Leeward Islands. If you are looking for a little  geography lesson, the Caribbean Islands are split into two groups – Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles. The southeastern […]

Colorado looks safe – but seriously watch Hurricane Irma #humor

| September 1, 2017

… although for the “real” current Friday morning Weather Channel Hurricane Irma watch report – click here

Hurricane Harvey continues to dump on Texas and Louisiana

| August 28, 2017

Having been away from my computer this past weekend has left me way delayed on posting the landfall of Hurricane Harvey as it piled into southeastern Texas with enough category 4 wind to pummel the coastline and an unprecedented amount of rain causing catastrophic flooding. The residents of the fourth largest populated city of Houston […]

What was Hurricame Matthew coming ashore like?

| October 8, 2016

Watching Hurricane Matthew and Cleveland Indians

| October 7, 2016

Hurricane Matthew is blasting up Florida’s Atlantic coast at this early morning moment. I’ve been back and forth between baseball and the Weather Channel which spent much of the night broadcasting from all places, Fort Pierce, FL. I exchanged text messages at midnight with our friends riding out the storm there and will stay up […]

Hurricane Matthew projections are not good for Encore

| October 5, 2016

Perhaps I’m being a bit to self-focused in worrying about “just a sailboat” when millions of lives are going to be impacted by Hurricane Matthew? I think it is time for the final preparation … pray for safety for those in the path of this storm (and Encore). EDIT: A buddy of mine was asking […]

Keeping a close eye on Hurricane Matthew – 10/02/2016 1

| October 2, 2016

Hot enough to put up the ShadeTree awning

| July 17, 2016

After buzzing down to Florida last week to show the condo in Delray Beach, I spent a couple days “hurricane prepping” Encore for the tropical weather likely to show up in a month or so (could happen any day now). My good friend Mark gave me a “sweaty” hand in getting the sails stowed away […]

A preview of Tropical Things to come?

| May 23, 2016

Some of us are paying attention to the beginning of Hurricane Season … as are the folks who live in Florida. It is suppose to be a bit more active this year, I’m just hoping the weather experts are wrong. The official start of the 2016 hurricane season is June 1, but the atmosphere is […]

Hurricane Patricia at category 5 will be devastating

| October 23, 2015

Hurricane Patricia is well above the category 5 level on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale with maximum winds of 185 MPH. It cannot be overstated how much danger this storm poses to communities on Mexico’s west coast, including Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, and the numerous small towns between the two. At its current speed, it is not only […]

The U.S. eastern seaboard keeps a leery eye on Joaquin

| October 2, 2015

Projection are currently up and down the east coast of the United States (and offshore) for Hurricane Joaquin’s path, but most models have it turning north and gaining speed. As of posting this on October 1st, the storm is a category 4 and pounding the Bahamas with rain. It is moving slow and expected to […]

Cautious mariners use the Danger Rule when watching Erika

| August 28, 2015

Most people watching tropical weather are focused on the eye of the storm … for good reason, but as a sail enthusiast, I tend to refer to the Mariner 1-2-3 rule when watching storm. This Danger Rule or Area applies the 34-knots of wind criteria as a way to keep boaters out of the worst […]

What’s the probability of a little wind in Florida from Erika?

| August 27, 2015

Looks probable. Should have removed the Bimini on Encore this summer … thankfully the sails are down and stowed safely away. Lines are doubled, but no longer as new and stretchy as they once were. Hm … as my buddy Mark would say, “that why we pay for insurance.”

Tropical Storm Erika is poised to grow by this weekend

| August 26, 2015

It is the time of year when the tropical weather in the Atlantic tracks across the Caribbean Sea and Leeward Islands. These tropical storms can grow into hurricanes and blast the US east coast or continue on into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The previous tropical storm turn hurricane for a very […]

Air travel on the cheap. First flight on Frontier Airlines.

| July 11, 2015

It was a quick and inexpensive flight to Florida this past week to do a little tropical weather prep aboard Encore. Summer is the time of year that “commuter cruisers” double their line, remove sails and store an extra windage in case hurricane winds target the area … besides I really was looking forward to […]

Tropical Cyclone Pam devastates the Vanuatu

| March 14, 2015

The official death toll for Cyclone Pam stands at eight – but up to 44 are thought to be dead after the super storm ripped through several South Pacific island nations. The category 5 storm struck Vanuatu and has caused damage in Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and New Caledonia. Aid officials say the storm is […]

TechFriday: MeteoEarth website, mobile app and weather

| October 10, 2014

Sort of a timely website find if you are an amateur meteorologist or just enjoy watching and learning about weather. Check out MeteoEarth.com or their MeteroEarth smartphone app for $2.99. (explainer video) There are some pretty powerful features and the real time software offers stunning visual views of weather happenings — like the current Typhoon […]

Keeping my eye on Tropical Storm Cristobal

| August 24, 2014

It looks like all the weather models are keeping tropical storm Cristobal offshore which is both good for Encore as well as my travel plans … although those in, or going to, Bermuda may want to be prepared for some wind and rain. Testing the updated WordPress iPhone app for this post.

Looks like Encore and I will be wet for a bit

| July 2, 2014

Arrived at the boat Tuesday evening after a long day of traveling … flight delays and rain squalls driving I-95 south from Orlando. All was well but wet as expected. Hopefully Tropical Storm Arthur will track a little faster and as expected taking the current 50 mph wind and rain with it. I’d like to […]

Sailing south for the hurricane season, but cutting it close

| July 8, 2013

It’s the perfect time to share a short shared video from Brittany, Scott and Isla, a couple Internet sailing friends, on their way south in order to be out of the track of most hurricanes this time of year. They are without a doubt one of the most envied young sailing families with a strong […]

Archive: Hurricane Sandy: a collection of photos

| October 30, 2012

If you are in the northeastern U.S. – Brace, brace, brace

| October 29, 2012

An animation of satellite observations from Oct. 26-29, 2012 (below), shows Hurricane Sandy move along the U.S. East coast and into the Mid-Atlantic and northeastern U.S. Sandy had still not made landfall by the end of this animation. This visualization was created by the NASA GOES Project at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., […]

Millions in the northeast U.S. await Sandy

| October 29, 2012

Hurricane Sandy is still hours away from coming ashore in the northeastern U.S. but the winds, waves, rains and surge are already making an impact. Officials and residents are taking no chances and predictions are triggering evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of residents, the cancellation of more than 7,700 airline flights. Schools and mast […]

Hurricane Sandy projected to remain east of Florida

| October 24, 2012

It looks as if we at least have one more hurricane for the 2012 season. Sandy has reached the hurricane wind threshold and is moving north. The projected path has the weak side of the storm passing east of Florida but over Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas. The beach erosion churn and rough weather will […]

Hurricane Isaac comes ashore with plenty of rain

| August 29, 2012

Hurricane Isaac s-l-o-w-l-y made its way ashore in Louisiana last night bringing 80mph winds and torrential rains. The category 1 storm may not have packed the punch associated with tight eye-walled hurricanes, but because it is moving at only 8mph, it dumps rain for a much longer period of time. Early reports are that a […]

Hurricane Katrina and Isaac are eerily similar

| August 28, 2012

Click for larger image In checking on TS Hurricane Isaac’s progress over lunch it was clear to see that those living in low lying areas on either side of the Mississippi River better be prepared for some nasty weather — currently the biggest threat appears to be rain. It is kind of eerie to see […]

Sailing and watching tropical storm/hurricane Isaac

| August 27, 2012

  I spent part of Sunday afternoon checking on tropical storm Isaac and watching some sailing (America’s Cup Preliminary races in San Francisco Bay). The sailing racing associated with America’s Cup has certainly changed in recent years and I’m not sure I’m happy with giving up the 12-meter monohulls this past decade? As for Isaac, […]

Isaac could reach hurricane strength by Thursday

| August 22, 2012

As expected, tropical storm Isaac has formed in the tropical Atlantic, about 500 miles east of Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles. The storm is expected to intensify into a hurricane Thursday or Friday in the Caribbean.

Dealing with the fringes of tropical storm Debby

| June 25, 2012

Encore is out of the water, but not necessarily dry at the moment. No doubt I picked a lousy weekend and Monday morning to schedule for our haul-out. It has been a planned move since my failed attempt in May for coming out of the water for the 2012 hurricane season and much needed bottom […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
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