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- - - 2008 Hurricane Season - - -
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- Rain, rain and more rain
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- From: "Tina Bretton" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 07:55:42 -0400
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Good Morning
Montserrat has been getting drenched the last few days
(actually most of the week). On May 8th, it was over 6 inches and the last 2
days just as much if not more. The plants are loving it, everything is
greening back up. Me not loving it so much, I get bored easy if I am not
working in the gardens or doing Something!
The Belham Valley has been flooding so we have had
constant water coming down for 2 days. Right now we have wall to wall water. Oh,
well at least I will not have to worry about the dust for a few days. Always a
good thing, less sweeping and dusting.
The volcano has remained quiet. Very little activity, a
few rock falls and the lahars from the rain is about it.
The MVO has redesigned their website, you should check it
out.
Here are some pictures of the Belham Valley this
morning.
Everyone have a great day!
Tina
Isles Bay, Montserrat
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- Still here
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- From: "Tina Bretton" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2009 09:59:30 -0400
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Good Morning Everyone
Thought I would try to get a report out while I have
internet. Here in Isles Bay we have been having some issues with our internet
for about a month. It lets you get on the internet for about 4 minutes then
kicks you off. No reports cause I can't type that fast  . LIME (C&W) have said it will be fixed
tomorrow but............
The volcano has been quiet since it's show the first of
January, I am hoping it stays that way. The "powers that be" are confident
enough that it is going to stay quiet that they lowered the hazard level to
a 3. We have had a couple of days were the clouds that usually shroud the
volcano went bye-bye so we got a very clear view of the dome. It is really
massive. But the MVO has stated that it is very stable at the moment. I am
praying that it stay stable and quiet, the people of Montserrat deserve
a reprieve after what they have been through for the last 14-15 years. They
need that chance to rebuild and get on with life.
We have had a lot of rain the last month. But we have
had some absolutely gorgeous weather also, not to hot and not to cool, just
perfect. Today is a beautiful day. We have friends coming in for the day and it
is a perfect day for it. The sun is shining and there is a calm cool breeze to
keep it from getting to hot. I love it.
Montserrat is getting ready for the St. Patrick's Day
celebrations. It is a big holiday here so the festival is usually a lot of
fun.
Better go before I get "kicked off" and all the
typing was a waste of time  .
I hope everyone has a great day
God Bless
Tina
Isles Bay, Montserrat
A month in pictures
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Dome as seen from my
roof |
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Dome as seen from my
roof |
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Dome as seen from my
roof |
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Dust blowing in the
Belham |
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Dust blowing in the
Belham |
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Dust blowing in the
Belham |
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- All is quiet..wet but quiet
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:04:29 -0600
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Good Morning
It is cloudy this morning but looks like the clouds will be passing on by. I hope this is true, so the Belham Valley will dry out. It has rained quite a bit lately and the road thru the valley is really gooshy. If you do not have 4 wheel drive it is a bit challenging to cross. It rained all day yesterday so the Bellham Valley had water coming down so we were stuck on this side. At times it quit so you could walk across but getting a vehicle across was out of the question. We have lived here long enough to know to get our vehicle across before it starts getting bad. We just leave it parked on the other side until it is passable. That way if we need to go up north we have transportation. Plus my daughter is taking her driving test today, it took us 3 months to get the appointment so she is not going to miss it. I don't think she has the patience to wait another 3 months to get another appointment.
The officials lifted the evacuation order on the 6th of Jan. so we were only out of our homes for 4 days. Since it's explosive event on Jan. 3 the volcano has done nothing, no ash ( yeah). The MVO is reporting little or no activity. We are still at level 4 but if the non activity continues they will drop the Alert level back to 3..wouldn't that be nice. It will have to stay quiet for a few months before they will consider lowering the level, they need to make sure it is in a pause phase. I am just enjoying the fact we are "ash free" for the time being.
Everything has calmed down from the Christmas festivals and it is back to business as usual. Festival time was a pretty good one this year, especially since they made sure that all the events started on time. In the past the events always started so late, if they were scheduled for 9 pm then you knew that they would not start until 11 or 12 pm. It was really nice this year, everything started right on time. Kudos to the Festival Committee for a job well done.
Hope everyone has a great day!
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
  
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- Sourfriere Hills volcano
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- From: "Tina Bretton" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 15:53:38 -0400
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Good Afternoon
It is another gorgeous day here on Montserrat. Thank
goodness there is not much of a breeze, to much ash to blow around. We need a
really good rain shower to wash all the ash off the trees and everything
else.
The Soufriere Hills Volcano has been really quiet
the passed couple of days, Zone B is still evacuated and will be until the MVO
feels it is safe to return to our homes. I am not happy about being out of
my home but better safe then sorry. The MVO has done a great job of keeping the
residents informed, since the volcano started acting up again. They have
given the information in a language normal people can understand so I feel
confident that as soon as they sure we will be safe then they will let us return
to our homes.
Below are the pictures that I took on January 3rd,
they are pictures of the event that took place at 7:00 am. And a few of the
ashing my house got.
Have a great day!
Tina
Isles Bay (temporarily in Woodlands)
Montserrat
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- Sourfriere Hills volcano
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- From: "Tina Bretton" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 15:46:07 -0400
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Good Afternoon
It is another gorgeous day here on Montserrat. Thank
goodness there is not much of a breeze, to much ash to blow around. We need a
really good rain shower to wash all the ash off the trees and everything
else.
The Soufriere Hills Volcano has been really quiet
the passed couple of days, Zone B is still evacuated and will be until the MVO
feels it is safe to return to our homes. I am not happy about being out of
my home but better safe then sorry. The MVO has done a great job of keeping the
residents informed, since the volcano started acting up again. They have
given the information in a language normal people can understand so I feel
confident that as soon as they sure we will be safe then they will let us return
to our homes.
Below are the pictures that I took on January 3rd,
they are pictures of the event that took place at 7:00 am. And a few of the
ashing my house got.
Have a great day!
Tina
Isles Bay (temporarily in Woodlands)
Montserrat
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- Evacuation
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 13:49:30 -0600
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Good Afternoon
It is a beautiful day today. Not so pretty yesterday. Our volcano had a couple of pretty impressive explosions yesterday. It sent an ash column about 35,000 ft into the air. The whole island got ashed ( from the reports so did some of the other islands). It has calmed down quite a bit today. The north got ash also enough that they did have to close the airport, not sure if it was half the day or all day. The airport is up and running today.
We (zone B) was evacuated on Jan. 2. We have daytime entry, as long as the volcano stays calm. We got most of the ash cleaned up and will work some more on it tomorrow, and the next day and the next day etc, as long as we can get in. I am glad we were able to get back in, I worry about the ash on the roof. Ash is light when it is dry but wet it is very heavy. I have seen a few roof that caved in because of the amount of wet ash on it. I have some pictures and I will post tomorrow, I forgot to bring my camera with me so can't get them on the computer.
Have a Great day
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Volcano greeting the New Year
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- From: "Tina Bretton" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 12:42:13 -0400
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Happy New Year Everyone
Looks like it will be a sunny day here on Montserrat.
Pleasant temperatures and sorta blue skies. We have a haze from the
volcano.
The volcano decided to greet the new year with show this
morning. Below are pictures of the latest event. I lucked out and no ash fell on
my house but it sure did look like it was going to dump on us. I am sorry to say
my neighbors were not so lucky, they got some ash but not to bad.
I hope that everyone has a healthy, wealthy and
wise 2009!
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Montserrat Snow
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:56:19 -0600
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Good Morning Everyone
It has been pretty cool here on Montserrat (at nights just cold). But the weather has been beautiful except the periods of rain. But my plants love the mix of sunshine and rain.
Woke up this morning and it was snowing, Montserrat snow that is (ash). The winds switched so we are getting ashed (boo)  . Hopefully the winds will switch back soon so that the ash plume is going in a southern direction. Sorry St. Kitts & Nevis, if you have not been ashed yet you will probably get some soon.
The hazard level was raised to 4 on the 22 of Dec., so everyone in Isles Bay, Old Towne and areas near the volcano are on alert, we have not been evacuated yet but if the activity continues to rise we will be (I am so depressed). I hate not being able to live in my house but I understand the need to keep everyone safe and well.
I hope everyone has a Great New Year!!!!!
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Christmas Day
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- From: "Tina Bretton" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 09:14:28 -0400
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Good Morning Everyone
It is a beautiful Christmas morning here on
Montserrat. The winds have been howling the last few days but have calmed
down this morning. Blue skies and pleasant breeze. No Montserrat snow (ash) this
Christmas, Thank You Lord!
They raised the Alert level to level 4 on
the 22nd but at this time there is NO talk of evacuations. The volcano
is quiet right now. It decided to give everyone a Christmas present, a stress
free day  , and we do appreciate it.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Everyone
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- SITREP -Meeting to discuss increase of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano
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- From: "Situation Reports - Public" <webmaster at cdera.org>
- Date: 22 Dec 2008 21:55:30 -0000
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Disaster Management CoÂ?]ordination Agency (Montserrat)
Monday, December 22, 2008
1:00pm
PRESS STATEMENT
The National Disaster Preparedness and Response Advisory Committee (NDPRAC) met this morning, Monday December 22, 2008, to determine what preparatory actions should be taken in light of a steady increase of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano over the last ten (10) days.
The meeting was held to look at the possible impact that the recent volcanic activity could have on Zone Area B and on areas bordering Zone B which includes Isles Bay, Waterworks, Parts of Old Town and Lower Happy Hill.
The MVO Director recommended to the NDPRAC that the hazard level be moved to Level Four, with an increase in lava extrusion over the past few days on the north and north-west of the old dome, as well as on the Chances Peak side, producing rockfalls and pyroclastic flows. Pyroclastic flows have been directed mainly towards Chances Peak/White River, West of Gages Mountain (towards Plymouth) and Tyres Ghaut.
Mr. Fournier said, “Since Saturday December 20, rock falls and pyroclastic flows started to go down Tyres Ghaut, a few reaching the very lower part of the ghaut, in less than 3 minutes. There is a lack of warning signs before such rock-falls/pyroclastic flows. Lava extrusion is now occurring at/or very near - the top of the old dome, on the N-NW side, increasing the potential for material entering Tyres Ghaut.”
The activity (lava extrusion, dome building and associated rockfalls and pyroclastic flows) is extremely unlikely to decrease over the coming few weeks.
“Even if the level of activity remains the same, the hazard level is likely to increase due to potential accumulation of new lava high-up in the dome,” Fournier advised.
As a result, NDPRAC increased the hazard level, changing it from 3 to 4, due to the threat to areas north and west of the dome. He also stressed while he is not mandating an evacuation at this time.
He said that there is a need for increased preparedness for those living in Zone B in event those residents of need to evacuate at a moments notice.
A public awareness campaign will also be intensified, as the Government of Montserrat moves to assure residents and visitors that measures are continuing to ensure their safety, as well as keeping them informed on the developing situation.
There have not been any ash falls that have been reported over inhabited areas, since the prevailing winds is towards the west. However, if the wind switches direction, people living in Area B should expect some ash fall. Area A and further north where the majority of the island’s population resides is not affected by the increase of the hazards, apart from potential of ash fall.
Residents and visitors are asked to stay tuned to Radio Montserrat ZJB for further details.
Attachment:
Hazard_Level_System_Poster-v1.pdf
Description: Adobe PDF document
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- Another beautiful day...except
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- From: "Tina Bretton" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:24:23 -0400
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Good Evening All
It was a carbon copy of yesterday...absolutely
beautiful. A very nice day for the beach or hiking, anything that was outdoors.
Gorgeous blue skies as long as you did not look south or southwest.
The volcano is still sending ash into the air. It
seems that the dome is starting to grow again. So far luck has been with us and
no ash has fallen in any inhabited areas, it is staying to the south. Last
night the dome was glowing again. I keep trying to get a picture but still not
bright enough to pick it up (I guess it is time to get the owner's manual
out so I can figure out how slow the exposure). This morning
the stuff out of the volcano looked like a mix of ash and steam but by this
afternoon it was pretty much all ash. To read the weekly reports, please
visit the MVO website, www.mvo,ms
The opening of the Festival went very well last
night. The firework display was fantastic. I heard that they had a really large
crowd for the Jump Up ( I was really tired so we went home early). The
weather could not have been better. I hope that the rest of the Festival
events are as good as it was last night, if so then everyone is in for a
really good time.
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.
Tina
Isles Bay, Montserrat
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Ash to the south early in the
day |
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plume later in the day, mostly
ash |
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- Oh what a beautiful morning (& day)
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- From: "Tina Bretton" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:41:28 -0400
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Good Day Everyone
It has been absolutely beautiful today. We got out
an just enjoyed the day, no working today. The sky was an amazing blue, the
breeze was so pleasant and not a cloud in the sky. I loved it. I feel for
everyone that is in stuck in the snow and ice and not here in the Caribbean
enjoying the fabulous weather we are having.
The volcano's activity is increasing. Below is some
pictures taken this afternoon. Lucky for us the winds are still blowing to the
south and southwest so all the ash is staying away from my house. The night
before last the dome was glowing but not strong enough for my camera to
pick it up. But it was fascinating to look at.
Festival officially starts today. I am on my way
out to join the fun.
Have a wonderful Holiday season
Tina
Isles Bay, Montserrat
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- Volcanic Activity
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- From: "Tina Bretton" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2008 12:52:40 -0400
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Good Morning Everyone
It is a sunny day in Montserrat. We had a couple of
showers this morning but it was those "spit and run" type showers. We have
extremely light breezes that border on non-existing.
Today is the Montserrat 'Ash
House Harriers run # 83. Antigua Hash House Harriers will be
joining our run today. It should be quite a run and quite a party.
Now to the Volcanic activity. The volcano started up again
after a very long pause. It started on Dec.2 with quite a show. The ash
column reach 40,000 ft in the air. The column created extensive lightening
strikes with in the ash cloud (that was awesome to watch). The pyroclastic flows have traveled into Plymouth (abandoned
Capital) and into Lee's Yard (abandoned area). The flow on Dec. 2 reached the
sea by way of Plymouth, from my understanding that was the only flow that
made it that far. The Dec. 2 flow also created several pyroclastic surges
( hot ash & gases). Unlike the pyroclastic flow, the surges they
created have the ability to travel outside the valley and spread up hills.
There have been 3 other explosive events since Dec. 2.
None have been as energetic as the Dec. 2 event. The ash emissions have
also been continuous since the first event.
The good news is that all events have been contained
to uninhabited areas and the ash has stayed well south so no one was
hurt nor is any clean up necessary. Also there was no pumice in the
flows or surges, the significance of this is it means that it was just material
from the dome and not new lava rising up. Because of the cloud cover the
MVO has not been able to determine how much of the dome has collapsed. The
MVO's website goes into greater details concerning the events of this week www.mvo.ms .
Have a great day!
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- And the volcano lives...sorta
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- From: "Tina Bretton" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 12:40:31 -0400
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Good Day
Montserrat is experiencing another beautiful
day. The skies and the sea are so blue, the sun is shining and the
temperatures are just right for enjoying the outdoors. Another gorgeous day in
Paradise.
We had some excitement last night around
9:30 pm. The volcano decided to remind us that it is still alive and kicking. I
heard the rumbling and went out to see what it was doing. The dome looked like a
massive fireball, it was glowing like I have never seen it glow. You could see
where the pyroclastic flow was coming down and lighting some fires. I could not
see the actual fires due to the hills in between me and the volcano but you
could see the glow rising above the hills. The most amazing thing was the ash
cloud had a very visible electric storm inside it. It was awesome, it looked
like a giant electric ball floating across the sky. I would have love to get a
picture but I have not figured out how to change the setting on my camera to
take pictures at night. I took some but the are blank, nothing recognizable
showed up. The MVO reported that the flow had traveled down into Plymouth
(the abandoned capital) and had reached the sea. It was also reported that after
the event the volcano went back to low or no activity as it has been for
the last few months. As in July we lucked out, no ash or rocks came our way
(nor did any fall on the rest of the inhabited parts of the island). So that
means I enjoyed an awesome sight with out worrying about cleaning up. Life is
Good.
After last night we were treated to a
double rainbow this morning. I do not ever remember seeing a double rainbow in
the States. We rarely got to see a rainbow let alone a double. It is just
another one of the amazing things you get to see on the islands, I
guess.
Take Care &
God Bless
Tina
Isles Bay, Montserrat
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- Life is Good
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2008 11:59:39 -0600
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Good Afternoon Everyone
It is a beautiful day in Montserrat.
We have blue skies with a few clouds.
Seas are pretty calm (from my veiwpoint)
& calm winds (a few gusts but not bad)
Temperature is mild & comfortable
No Dust and No headache from the dust
LIFE IS GOOD
Take Care
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Wanted: giant dust buster
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 10:40:03 -0600
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Good Afternoon Everyone
Well we a can all be thankful Hurricane season is OVER! Montserrat was very lucky this year (again). We were skipped over by mother nature (at least as far as hurricanes go). My heart goes out to all the islands that were not so lucky. One thing about the Caribbean is the resilience of the islands is amazing. We get knocked down and we get back up and keep on going. The inner strength of people on the islands is awesome and the sense of community is something the rest of the world could learn by. God Bless the Caribbean.
Montserrat has been having some pretty fair weather. Blue Skies and comfortable temperatures. My only complaint is the sand & dust the gusting winds have kicked up. For last 2 days the dust in the Belham has been horrible. Isles Bay and any area around the Belham Valley has been shrouded in dust. It is a good thing that the temperatures have been mild, since I have to keep my house shut tight. My veranda looks like I am trying to create my very own private beach. The dust also makes it very difficult to do any work outdoors, unless you has goggles and a mask. The dust is mostly ash, so it tends to make your eyes itch. I would wish for rain but after the last month or so I am kinda afraid to. Afraid if it starts it won't quit. Too many of the other islands need to dry out a little bit more. The dust is not island wide just in areas around the Belham Valley. This is because most of the vegetation has been killed off by the lahars and flooding in the valley.
The volcano is still quiet. From what the MVO tells us the eastern side of the dome has seriously eroded due to all the rain the last few months. So much so that there is now a vertical cliff and the core seems to have been exposed (not a good thing). The base of the dome has also eroded to the point that the stability has been compromised ( Also not a good thing). But it is still not showing any increase in activity (a good thing). Bottom line, Montserrat is still playing the waiting game to see what it will do; will it collapse, or will it sleep. My fingers are crossed that the pause in activity will continue indefinitely. If you would like to read the reports and see pictures the MVO website is www.mvo.ms.
Take care & be safe
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Tradewinds are back
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:26:33 -0600
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Good Evening All
The wonderful cool breezes are back on the Emerald Isles. The weather has been beautiful here. We have had some showers on and off through out the days and nights but for most part you could not ask for better, not to hot and with the breezes the humidity has not been too bad.
The last couple of nights it has been raining and the gust have been 20+, it does make for fantastic sleeping conditions. Except when things get blown across the patio, which gets all three dogs to barking, which is kinda a rude awakening especially when they are barking in my ear.
As to Ann's enquiry, the fishing tournament that was held here on Montserrat went (from what I hear) very well. Had a good turn out and good fishing weather. I was "under the weather' so I did not attend but I heard that everyone had a great time. Sad to say that Montserrat's finest were not the big winners this tourney but I do believe ( I could be wrong) that Nevis/ St. Kitts did very well.
Tonight in Salem, It is "Basil Chambers Road Show & Jump Up" it should be a good time for everyone. Basil always gets folks into a partying mood. I can already hear it starting. Last night was Cable & Wireless/LIME's sponsored lime in festival village, a good time was had by all. So far, the weather is cooperating for all the celebrations this week end.
The volcano is giving us a break, no major activity. A lot of steaming, release of some gas and a little ashing but nothing to get excited over. Isles Bay did get a sprinkling of ash the other night but nothing the rain that afternoon didn't fix. We here on Montserrat are keeping our fingers cross that this trend continues for a long time. Of course, if it wanted to quit activity all together that would be just fine with us too.
" A Special Note" My heart and my prayers go out to all who have suffered this hurricane season. We hope and pray that your recovery is a speedy one. And for those who have lost a loved one, you have my deepest sympathies and I pray that your loving memories help you through your grief.
Be safe & Take Care
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- In our thoughts and Prayers
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 17:27:20 -0600
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Good Evening All
First and foremost our thoughts and prayers go out to Cuba and everyone else in the path of Paloma. I have been so glad to hear all the reports coming in from the Cayman's, so far no deaths or serious injuries. We pray that all the islands in it's path fare as well.
It was a beautiful day on Montserrat. Sunshine with a light breeze. Skies were blue and the Sea calm & inviting. Could not ask for a more glorious day. The change was nice. It has been raining so much the last few weeks, every thing is saturated.
Our volcano is still pretty quiet, not doing much. But with all the rain we have had, the East side of the dome (Tar River Valley) has eroded quite a bit. I am not sure if this is good or not, only time will tell if this will start the activity again. I pray it does not.
Be Safe & Well
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Sunshine this morning
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:35:10 -0500
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Good Morning
This morning the sun was out and shining bright. Some clouds moved in and it started raining (again). Hopefully, it was just a passing cloud and not the theme for the day. I see blue skies behind these clouds so fingers crossed that once this passes we can start drying out.
The Belham Valley is still flooded slightly and our road is gone, so I have not been able to get to the other side to check things out.. From what I hear Montserrat faired pretty well, minimal damage over all. NO Deaths or injuries that I have heard. Word is that the damage that was done was from flooding and landslides and not wind.
I am just amazed through it all we kept our electricity. Montserrat Utilities did a great job keeping things going, thank you.
My heart and prayers go out to all our neighboring island that did not fair as well. May your recovery be speedy.
God Bless
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- We lucked out
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:20:35 -0500
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Good Morning
Hope everyone made it through the night and morning found ya'll & your loved ones safe.
I must have been really tired or something, I slept through the whole thing. I was told this morning that the thunder and lightening was loud and bright. I did wake up a few times to loud thunder but I was too cozy to get up and check it out.
I did get woke up to a lahar coming down the Belham Valley, at 5:30am. You could hear the boulders in this one. I got up for that. Mainly to make sure it was just rain and not the dome.
The seas are the roughest I have ever seen. My daughter and I went down to check it out but could not stay to long. Between the wind, rain & water coming at us we decided it was not a good place to be (plus I got cold).
Things are calming down here. It looks as if the clouds are thinning. Lots of rain is about the only action we saw of Omar (Thank Goodness). What amazed me most, we never lost electricity (that I know of). Good Job MUL!
Attached is some pictures.
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Loud loud loud
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:37:18 -0500
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Good Evening
Just a quick report before we lose the electricity (it is flickering a lot).
Rain came in from the west. Fast and hard. Filled the Belham Valley with water in less then 15 minutes. We were suppose to evacuate (because of worries with the volcano) but can't cross. The lightening and thunder is intense. The loudest I ever heard. But no wind, a little at first but did not last long nor was it out of the ordinary. If this is a pre show I think that I will skip the main feature thank you.
Be Safe
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Hoping Omar's visit is a short one
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:27:34 -0500
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Good Morning
We are up early preparing for Omar.
Lots &lots of rain last night. Plenty of thunder and lightening. The Belham Valley was flooded. During the flashes of lightening you could see the massive amount of water that was coming down. It was amazing. The noise from the storm and from the flood waters, made it pretty tough to sleep.
If you are anywhere near the cone, be safe & be smart. Prepare as if you are in the cone, you never know if it will "wobble" which would put your island in direct line. Better safe then sorry.
All our neighbors are in my prayers. Hopefully, Omar will come and quickly leave.
God Bless
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Correction
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:04:15 -0500
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Good Afternoon
 Need to correct the position of the "blob" It should have been reported as being to our west northwest.  Just goes to show I should never write until I am fully awake.
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Grey, Grey morning
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 06:48:30 -0500
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Good Morning
It is looks like it will be a dull grey morning. We have a slight breeze (and I do mean slight), with a little bit of a chill to it. Hopefully, these clouds will go away and let the sun come out and play (I really, really need to do some laundry ).
The blob, that is 98L, is still sitting to our east, northeast. Yesterday, we got a lot of rain from 98L. The North of the Island got more rain then the South. Some one told me that they were getting buckets of rain in Little Bay. The gusting wind started yesterday evening and lasted well into the night.
A lot of water always makes us nervous. In the past quite a few of the dome collapses have been triggered by water. As big as the domes is and with it showing some activity, we watch it closely during and after rain storms. If you would like to see new pictures just go to the MVO website to see them, the link to the website is above. Also the MVO is doing a survey concerning the website, so please help out by giving your opinion.
Thanks
Have a great day!
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- This is the Caribbean Weather we have come to know and Love
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2008 13:25:28 -0500
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Good Afternoon
It is a beautiful day here on Montserrat. The sun is shining and we have extra blue skies , we have a nice breeze to keep temperatures from climbing too high. Everything is soooooooooo green from all the rain. The volcano is quiet and non-stinky.
This is the kind of day that you lie on the beach and watch the clouds float by. Or sit on the veranda or by the pool with your favorite drink and a good book. Sit in the garden and watch the hummingbirds and other critters play. Take a hike into the hills. Do what ever as long as it is outdoors.
Man oh man what a gorgeous day!
This is why they call it Paradise, cause it don't get better then this.
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- And it came from the south
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- From: "Tina" <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:38:04 -0400
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Good Afternoon
Whoa, very heavy rain storm came through here, unusual for
it to come from the south.. Winds were not to bad but the rain was. Not
much lightening but thunder was pretty loud, enough to send the dogs running for
the nearest protector (human lap). It came through at about 11am, it is
still rain but not as hard as earlier. The Belham Valley flooded and water
is still running pretty good. From the looks of the blob, I guess we are in for
some more heavy rain. It is a good thing we drove the car to the other side of
the valley, we have to pick up some people from the airport later. Attached is
the rains coming and of the water flooding the valley.
Have a good day and be safe!
Tina
Isles Bay, Montserrat
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Storm a coming, you can't tell where the sky begins or the Sea
ends. |
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The strip in between the trees is our
road. |
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flood waters in the
Belham |
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This is not a lahar, just a lot of
water |
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- Did Someone forget to mention a tropical storm coming?
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:22:08 -0500
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Good Evening
Boy, what blew in early this morning  . Woke up to howling winds and driving rain at about 4:00am, it was awful. I could hear the shingles on the roof flapping and things being blown around. I got back to sleep only to be woke up again by the wind howling louder and things crashing and breaking. It reminded me of when Dean pasted through the area last year (Come to think of it this was worse). It was very unexpected. The wind was blowing 20 to 30 knots, a lot higher gusts. Don't mind the rain but I can do without the winds blowing that hard  it scared me and my dogs.
Went out to check for damage, thinks blown over, lots of tree branches broken, lots of shingles missing. It stayed cloudy all day and the wind let up around 10 or 11 am. Then no wind at all. Very strange.
I have attached a picture of our volcano, taken last evening. It was steaming with just enough ash to make it look like it was creating a rain cloud. I thought it looked cool.
Have a great evening.
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Nothing Major Happening Here
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:33:36 -0500
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Good Afternoon
Nothing major to report on Montserrat. Just a beautiful day. Some slightly dark clouds pass over now and then. Nice breeze that is keeping the humidity and heat down. Nice day for lounging around.
Man,this is the life..Sun, sea and a wonderful breeze  .
Had a loud, flashing rain storm the night before last. Rain in abundance, the Belham Valley flooded but all water was gone by morning. Volcano is pretty quiet (for now). Just can't get any better then this.
My heart and prayers go out to all who have suffered damage and losses from all the TS and hurricanes of late. I pray that recovery is quick. Watching the videos and seeing pictures is just so heartbreaking.
Thank Goodness, we are not seeing anything major coming off Africa's coast (at the moment anyway.
Take Care & be safe
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Rain & ash = yuck
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:23:24 -0500
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Good Evening Everyone
Sorry for the late report. Last night we received some very heavy rain complete with the sound and light show ( lots of thunder and lightening). Apparently our volcano did not appreciate being disturbed in the middle of the night so early this morning, she let us know how displeased she was. We got "ashed", from the reports the whole island got ashed. You can check out the MVO website for the full report.
Today was a beautiful day (except I spent it cleaning up ash). This afternoon we had dark clouds and thunder but no rain. The rain would have been nice to clean the ash out of the trees and off the roads. Oh well, maybe tonight. Hopefully, with no thunder or lightening, let the volcano sleep  .
For all those in the path of TS Gustav, my prayers are with you. Please be smart and be safe. And to the rest, we have a couple of waves coming that need to be watched.
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Overcast but pleasant day
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- From: <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:21:49 -0400
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Good Morning Everyone
Montserrat is experiencing very little from 94L (so far).
Some light gusting wind (off and on), very light showers and cloudy skies. Nice
thing, the temperature has cooled down some. Very pleasant day.
We all need stay aware of all activity in the Caribbean,
you never know what will develop.
Be prepared and be safe
Tina
Isles Bay, Montserrat
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Clouds over Old Road/Isles Bay
beach |
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- Welcomed Rain
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:34:27 -0500
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Good Morning Everyone
Last evening the thunder and lightening started, put on quite a show (scared the heck out of my dogs) but no rain during the thunder storm. During the night we had a few good rain showers, they came off and on through out the night and into early this morning. The showers were very welcome, no damage just good soaking rains.
Today is looking to be a gorgeous day, the breeze is back and the sun is shining, beautiful.
I hope and pray that everyone northwest of us stays safe and no harm comes to anyone.
Have a beautiful and SAFE day!
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Hot and Humid
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- From: <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:07:47 -0400
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Good Afternoon
It has been mostly overcast to day. Hot and humid, not as
hot as the past couple of days but today we have NO breeze, none..nada. Makes
for a very uncomfortable day. Rain would be nice!
Attached are some pictures from this morning when the
clouds started moving in. They were coming from the north and Northeast. Nice
looking clouds all day but no rain yet.
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- Darn, the volcano did not go to sleep
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:47:01 -0500
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Good Morning Everyone
It has been beautiful here on Montserrat. Clear skies but alittle on the humid side (we can live with that).
Down side...the volcano has been rearing its ugly ash clouds again. The winds have been in our favor and the ash has stayed to the south (meaning "no clean up").
Last night at 11:30pm we had a partial dome collapse, which is the first major event in over a year. The pyroclastic flows went into Plymouth (the deserted Capital) you could see the light from the fires behind the ridge.
We are very blessed because, the collapse went into an area that is deserted so no one was harmed and the only property that was damage was properties already damage in past events. For other information you can go to the MVO website at mvo.ms
This morning, it is gorgeous outside and looking like it is going to be a wonderful day.
Take Care and Be safe
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Looks like another gorgous day in paradise.
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- From: Tina Bretton <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 07:04:06 -0500
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Good Morning Everyone
After reading all the reports, it looks as though Bertha will miss Bermuda. Let's all pray that this is so.
Montserrat has been getting some rain the last few days, mostly at night & in the morning. The rain & breeze has kept it very comfortable. It has been very pleasant.
This morning we has been getting showers off and on, some heavy some light. You can also hear the thunder in the background.
The volcano has been extremely quiet (Thank God). Everyone on Montserrat is praying that the pause continues.
Have a beautiful day
Tina
Isles Bay
Montserrat
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- Very Breezy
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- From: <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:46:14 -0400
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Good Morning Everyone
It has been very breezy the last couple of days, but
last night was just down right windy. I had to get up and close the windows on
the east facing side because it was knocking my lamps over. I got up this
morning and the plants around the pool deck were knocked over, mangos all over
the driveway and quite a few branches on the ground all over the property. Our
forecast said winds gusting to 20 to 25 knots..I think it was probably more like
30 knots. We were blessed with some more rain, lots of it. It started about 9:00
last night and came off and on all night. I love the sound of rain. The rain has
quit but our forecast calls for overcast skies and scattered showers most
of the day. The winds are calm but gusting quite a bit, I had to bunch the
plants up so they would quit falling over.
Well I better go pick up all the mangos or I will have
pigs, cows and goats following the trail of mangos up my drive. After
they finish the mangos then they will help themselves to the rest of my yard,
not a good thing.
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The clouds coming over the central hills this
morning |
Have a great fun filled day!
Tina
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- Lovely, Lovely Rain
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- From: <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:23:54 -0400
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Good Afternoon All
Montserrat has finally got the rain we so
desperately needed. The last few days it has been extremely hot and very very
dry. The dry air has been sucking the moisture out of my plants. I water in the
early morning and the plants are totally dry within a couple of hours. We woke
up about 1:30 to a downpour and howling winds, it has been raining
heavily all night and most of the morning. It has lightened up and the sun looks
like it is trying to come out. I am very happy, everything got a good
soaking. The plants have already perked up. The bonus is that it has cooled down
a lot. It is quite comfortable.
Down sided of the heavy
rain, the Belham Valley. That?s ok, the water quits running in an hour
or so but when it runs it comes hard and fast. Nice thing, the bulldozer came
across earlier so it fixed the road after the rain quit as it was going
back across. It has just been my lucky day
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Our road with water
added |
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- Nice Weather We Are Having
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- From: <tbretton59 at msn.com>
- Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 21:08:18 -0400
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Good Evening Everyone
And it starts, another hurricane season. I
certainly hope that everyone is prepared for what may (or may not) come.
Please do not wait until the last minute to get everything in order and stock up
on needed supplies. Better to be prepared and nothing happens, then
for something to happen and you are unprepared.
The weather here in Montserrat has been beautiful.
Slightly overcast during parts of the day & a nice breeze to keep it
from getting to hot. Great weather for lounging around the pool or on the
beach. We have had some nice showers during the night and early morning so
everything is turning green again. I love it because now I do not have to get up
really early and water everything. I can just be lazy and stay in bed a little
long (or until the dogs have to go out).
Everyone was hoping our volcano had popped it's last
cork in 2006, but alas it has not ( bummer). It has been waking up a
little. On May 13th, an explosion sent an ash cloud about 10,000 ft
into the sky, and the prevailing north - west winds brought it right over my
house (yuck  ) it was not a lot but enough to coat
everything in ash, so I spent the afternoon cleaning it up. Sorry
Nevis - St. Kitts heard you got some of it. On May 29th, another explosion
occurred sending an ash cloud 10,000 ft in the air,  got lucky that day, winds were blowing to
the south-west, keeping the ash behind us so I did not have to clean any up.
 . So the bet is which
will pop first the volcano's dome or my sanity. I hate cleaning
up ash, it is sooooo nasty.
I have added some pictures of the events. May 13 I
took the pictures but the event on the 29th I was to busy watching to make sure
that it was staying behind us. Standing there in a dilemma should I cover the
plants, no it is going to Plymouth, yes cover, no don't need too. So I missed
the opportunity to get the camera. Lucky me, Beth Breuer had the sense (she was
not busy talking to herself) to get her camera and got the pictures
of the 29th, Thank You Beth.
So goes the life on an island with an active volcano.
Such fun  .
BE PREPARED & BE SAFE
Tina
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May 13, 2008 ash raining
down |
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May 29, 2008 photo
by Beth Breuer |
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May 29, 2008 photo by Beth
Breuer |
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May 29, 2008 photo by Beth
Breuer |
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