Rock You Like a Hurricane...or Not

We got lucky.

Hurricane Charley was "heading right for us" and at the 11th hour, changed course and went into Port Charlotte, a few counties south of us. We ended up getting some tropical storm force (40-45mph) winds and some rain, however, that was it. Our power didn't go out once.

We had planned initially to evacuate and head over to Daytona Beach but we are relieved that we didn't. The storm ended up exiting the state through Daytona and they are now expected to be without power for possibly a week. Not to mention that many people thought they could escape the storm by heading to Orlando or Daytona and the traffic on I-4 is reported to be a nightmare.

We really can't believe how lucky we were - my husband had experienced a few very freaky signs that we should go. Several months ago, he was cleaning his boat and the radio turned on by itself playing "Rock You Like a Hurricane." The song has come on several times since then (only the first time was by itself) and he even said, "Watch...a hurricane hasn't hit this area in 44 years...I bet our first year here that one does because I keep hearing this song." It was also Friday the 13th, which was freaky in and of itself and in addition, was his mom's birthday (her boyfriend's name happens to be Charlie).

Thing is, now there is Tropical Depression #5 that is expected to turn into Hurricane Earl...they're saying it could take the same path. Next time, we may not be so lucky.