Dear Sandy

Dear Sandy, I'm writing to you today to ask you a few favors.  I know you are busy wreaking havoc south of me, but I thought maybe you could spare a moment to listen to my short wish list.

#1:   I would really appreciate it if you could spare a few of the beautiful leaves that are just starting to show some color around here.  I know you like to huff and puff, but for those of us who aren't that fond of cold weather, having some fall color makes the transition a little easier.

#2:  All of the lawn furniture (and I just realized today that we have WAY too much) has been safely stowed away, but I wanted to remind you that Mr. Tide and I like sitting in this particular spot each evening, so if you could please not drop any large branches or fell any trees here we would really appreciate it.

Just in case you want to make the argument that hurricanes don't knock down lovely big old trees, I would like to remind you that your cousin, Irene, took this one down a little over a year ago.  We miss this tree a lot, and so did the osprey when they came looking for their nest last spring.

#3:  This request is made on behalf of the birdbath.  He/she would like me to ask you to spare him or her from any more cracks.

#4:  I've loved having my morning glories last a little longer than usual this fall, so if you could see fit to leave them alone so that we can enjoy their beauty a little longer that would be very kind of you.

#5:  This gate would look pretty shabby if one of the black walnut trees should happen to fall on it, and although I know you're all about shabby chic, we prefer neat and tidy.

#6:  I know our pier isn't that great, we would like to add on to it sometime in the near future, but that's not really in the budget right now, so if you could, would you mind leaving it be?  I mean you can storm surge and everything, just don't show off, ok?!

#7:  And because Mr. Tide is away on a trip (ugh!), would you mind keeping the rain and wind to a minimum?  These two like to be outside, and there are times they NEED to go outside, so any breaks you can give us would be awesome!

Ok, so I think that about covers it.  I appreciate you taking the time to let me air my concerns and put in a few requests.  Tomorrow will include some last minute preparations and then we'll throw out the welcome mat, but please don't wear out your welcome!

To all those who have been or will be affected by Ms. Sandy the hurricane, I hope you stay safe and sound!

See you when the power comes back!