Go Fish Galvez

Once again, it’s that time of year…

Although technically hurricane season begins June 1st and doesn’t officially end until November 30th, for the little barrier island called Galveston, the middle of August through the middle of September is historically the most dangerous window.

NASA shot of Hurricane Ike

I’m a newcomer here, although a lifelong friend of this vulnerable little sandbar. As a recent transplant, I’m still unpacking boxes, figuring out where things should go, changing my driver’s license, opening bank accounts, settling in.

And yet, storm season—high season for storms, in fact—is upon us. Gad, I’m not ready!

Now, to my little old Craftsman home’s credit, it does have functional shutters, which are obviously original to the house. Still, I wouldn’t want to pit them against a bona fide tropical storm, much less a hurricane, although clearly former owners have so wagered—the multiple panes of cracked glass I’ve discovered since moving in pretty much attest to that.

I’ve also discovered a couple of plywood panels with clips attached in the garage, and I’m still wondering just what these panels were designed to protect. The front door with sidelights and transom window, perhaps? Wishful thinking, I’m thinking. Damn. I’ve got to get on top of this storm preparedness business!

But for this season, I’m laying low, keeping a watchful eye on The Weather Channel, poised to jump into action and figure out real quick-like what to do should something ominous appear on that North Atlantic radar…

All the while, though, angry African waters notwithstanding, I’m just so glad, so thankful, to be here.

Of an evening, sitting in my cedar rocker on my front porch, a nice Gulf breeze ruffling the palm trees in the yard, a big full moon above with a few puffy white clouds in tow. So relaxing, such contentment. And during the day? Well, nothing beats those magnificent white pelicans flying overhead and landing on the beach!

Like I said, I’m just so glad to be here…