I think we're ready to see a really big ramp up on the Hurricane Season in Florida. Fay was just the beginning. The models are already showing several new possibilities rolling our way across the Atlantic.

Take a few moments to survey what you'll need to get through until November 1st, when the season is supposed to end. Do you have all the supplies you need? Are your branches around your home trimmed? Have you cleaned out your garage so your car will fit? Gotcha with that one!

Items for Your Hurricane Supply Kit:

• Flashlights
• Tons of batteries of all types
• Beer, wine, Jack Daniels or all three (optional for some, mandatory for others, especially when you are hosting evacuees)
• Clean laundry (you might not be able to do it for a long time)
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Canned foods, cookies, crackers, cheez whiz, etc.
• Pop Tarts (this is a stress busting favorite)
• Water - for drinking and toilet flushing when the water system doesn't work
• Tarps to repair roof damage - something to attach tarps (nails, tools)
• Lots of Towels
• Valuable papers in ziplocks
• Lots of Gas in the car
• Lots of Gas for your grill
• Secure your grill
• Weather radio with extra batteries (see above)
• Regular radio for news and maybe music
• Books, crayons, paper and games to read/play when you have no power
• Baby supplies in bulk
• Baby wipes in bulk (this is your shower)
• A good supply of shorts and t-shirts, sleeveless shirts and undies
• Pet food/Carrier

How's your yard doing through this massive Tropical Storm Fay? This one is a record setter to be sure. Massive flooding is a problem in many areas throughout the state of Florida, especially the Space Coast - Melbourne, Titusville, Merritt Island areas. Now St. Augustine is under the gun. Be sure that once this passes, you give your lawns time to dry out thoroughly before you even think about mowing or doing lawn work. Check your trees and shrubs for wind and water damage. Wet soil can make it easy for trees to uproot.

Get ready for mosquitoes too! A news report yesterday said there will be record numbers of the little nasty bugs for weeks to come, due to the excessive rains. Maybe this is the time to buy stock in Off?

Stay dry!

Hey, the site is Florida YARD Dog, right? Betcha want to find some good info about Florida yards, eh?

We attended several seminars at the Hernando County Extension Office and learned about things like when is the best time of year to fertilize, kill weeds, and plant different varieties. They also gave us product recommendations, so we wouldn't waste money on weedkiller that killed weeds that don't even thrive in Florida. Highly recommended.

Click to find the county extension office in your Florida county.