Date: Thursday, September 16, 1999 10:57 AM Some damages in Martin County. Florida Power lines and poles were damaged throughout 25,000 homes in Martin and St Lucie without power 9,000 still without today extensive beach erosion along Hutchinson Island with 20 percent of the samd eroded in many areas Several docks along Indian River had extensive damage, including the dock for the House of Refugee and the public doc at the Jensen Causeway. Others were still under water a retaining wall and patio just north of Bathtub Beach washed away The ocean and Indian River met across MacArthur Boulevard in several spots Tuesday night Waters washed over Jensen Beach Causeway Tuesday night Trees were down in several areas, including the Jensen and Stuart Causeways, Indian Stree (our street) Indian River Drive, and at the entrance to the Treasure Coast Square Mall Boats overturned streets flooded a mile long stretch of a1a closed because water from indian river was washing away at land west of the highway And that is just here in Martin County West Palm Beach had their own damages. We were really lucky this time. If it had hit head on, a direct h it, if it had not turned North then it would have been horrible. We (Jerry and I ) were keeping a close eye to see if it was going to turn. If it had not turned, and they knew for sure it was going to hit West Palm Beach on a direct hit, then we would have loaded up the birds and went to the stadium which is 20 miles away. But since it turned North, we felt we should stay here. No way would we get out on the highways and try to get out. Going west through higway 70, which is how we would have gone, is a two lane road, and it usually takes us 3 hours to get to the West Coast. It took them almost 8 hours. and at times, they were sitting still Highway 60, which is abov e and goes through was under water at times. So we did what we felt best. There is no way to know what you will do, until it is time. We were prepared to hunker down here, we had other neighbors and had a little look out for each other group, and was ready. But then we knew if it turned out to be really a direct hit, then we would have put the birds in the car, and whatever food and water we could and go to the stadium. As for living here on the coast with hurricanes, I think you can see now, that Florida is not the only place. Floyd has gone on up the coast. So we are just as safe here as anywhere else, if you think about it. You all could be hit tonight with a tornado. Who knows. Yes, it was scary. Yes, we did not sleep. Our electric was off and on, off and on. When cable went out around 3, I got really concerned. Nothing on radio. But we knew that it had turned North, and all we could do was wait. Finally the cable came back on around 6. We had tv coverage 24 hours a day on what was happening. The stations pre empted all the networks and went local. That was how we were able to know what was going on. Plus I was getting bulletins on the computer from the storm center. I have to give Jerry credit for not getting into a panic. Even though we had a fussy sister and sister in law and nagging kids trying to get us to leave---- we did what we thought we had to do So now, it is over. I dont think Gert will be much of a threat to us. But we are watching. You should have seen our house, we had all the outside furniture, grill and stuff in the middle hallway. You could not walk down that hall. Water was stored in the kitchen, gallons and gallons of drinking water, plus bottle full for toilet if needed and i kept the washer full of clean water. Food packed in refrig. A neighbor who worked at Walmart came and gave out bread. It was given to her, so she gave us two loaves. We didnt need it, but just in case, we had it. People boarded up their windows with plywood. All stores were closed. We kept the car full of gas. Had flashlites ready. Jerry cooked a roast, which we are still eating plus made gallons of ice tea. The beaches are still off limit. Of course, there are those who go anyhow. But you really arent allowed. Well, that is about it. I know we are lucky, as I saw what happened in Andrew, and I was beginning to think that was going to happen here, too. The entire East Coast has really been lucky, so far. well, got to go and see what needs to be done. I emptied all the extra jugs of water and need to put them back where they belong. Need to put the emergency candles and all that back where it belongs, just in case we need it again. We give the Good Lord above 100 per cent credit for turning this hurricane and keeping us safe. I was sent an attachment and would like to copy what it says----- very true Good Morning I am God, Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If the devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle DO NOT attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesue to do) box. It will be addressed in MY time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on it or attempt to remove it. Holding on or removing will delay the resoultion of your problem. If it is a situatilon that you think you arfe capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that is the proper resolution. Because I do not sleep, nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest my child, If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away. As with all good things, please pass this on. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and warm wishes. Barbara