From the way way way outskirts of the storm:

Went out after soccer practice and dinner. Lines at all the gas stations, rumors are that the distributors are out of gas, and the gas has long ago run out in Houston and other points south.

Went to home depot to replace the flashlight that was used as a light sabre; man holding a sign out by the road “We have water.”

Bought a rubbermaid so we can fill it with important papers and such if the roof leaks.

Found a flashlight; nobody else wanted it since it only takes D batteries and they long ago ran out of D batteries for sale. Heh. I have plenty at home.

Found chemical light sticks to amuse the children with if the power goes out. Or to see with, whichever.

Leaving, I asked the guy with the sign how he got that job. “I’m a manager.”

On to the Grocery Store; they have three cases of water left. Shelves are almost bare. You’d think we were expecting a snowstorm.

Wanted to say “People, we’re 200 miles inland. Get a grip.” Didn’t.

Why was I there? I needed pullups. We’re potty training the baby, dontchu know.

Also? Ben and Jerry’s. Dublin Mudslide. Mmmm. Found C batteries, too. So now we’ll have a radio. Guess we could always sit in the car (as long as it’s intact) and listen to the radio if we need to.

Can’t decide if this is something to worry about or laugh about. Anderson Cooper is in Galveston. Galveston, people. Where we go for day trips to play in the waves. There’s talk of a thirty foot storm surge. The sea-wall is seventeen feet high.

Our todo list includes taking photos of all our trees, exterior views of the house, in case needed for insurance purposes. I’m going to burn our hard drive onto DVDs, just in case. Probably ought to do that every now and then anyway.

Family keeps calling, wondering if we’re ok.

They closed work on Friday. Three day weekend, woot!

Er, more later, I guess. Pictures much later, nothing to see yet. We’re so far away from any action, why does it feel so imminent?