Every time I hear something about Irene, I think of the song Jolene by Dolly Parton.  

Anyhow...

Hurricane Irene is closing in on the East Coast.  I think I left just in time.  I spent two and a half years in Atlantic City, NJ and although we had a few close calls, we never did have any major tropical trouble. Of course, as soon as I leave...boom...hurricane.

The casinos are closing for just the third time ever!  That is crazy to me!  

Honestly, it feels surreal.  Our weather here in Michiana is so quiet!  

I wish there was something I could do to help my friends in NJ with updates...too bad I cannot teleport there to do weather ;)  In case you were wondering, at last check, the newscasts will continue there through the storm.  I had always wondered what we would do if a big storm came rolling through...and I guess I have gotten my answer!

I will say one thing.  East Coast people are TOUGH.  They will be fist pumping themselves back to normal in no time.  

And, I am already thinking of ways that we can help once the storm rolls through!  Right now, all we can do is wait, hope and see what happens.