Here Comes Debby
Batten down the hatches it’s coming! A light rain is falling in Shady Pines Story Town right now.
But the folks who forecast the weather say Hurricane Debby is hitting Florida big time. Soon it will head up the East Coast.
Looking 
at the pictures on the news, it won’t be long before our small Southern town will be dealing with a whole lot of rain and wind.
Mayor 
Beauregard P. Fibbs put out a statement earlier today explaining that livin’ in the South means you have to deal with some big ‘ole storms.
He also reminded us to look after our neighbors as the storm approaches.
It’s all part of our Kindness and Caring Campaign.
Let’s Get Ready
At the Sanders’ home, Edna is already in motion. She puts all the front and back porch furniture into the garage so none of it will blow away.
Edna also makes sure to pick up the planters with their beautiful flowers and bring them inside, too.
“I sure don’t want to see anything happen to you pretty things,” says Edna to herself. 
“It seems like Debby is a gal we need to take seriously.”
While she’s doing all this her Australian Shepherd dog, Boomerang, follows her around.
“Boom, are you trying to help?
At the sound of his name the sweet dog drops the bone he’s been carrying, looks right at her, and wags his bobbed tail.
“Ruff!”
Edna laughs. “That’s what I thought.” She reaches down and gives him a big hug.
“You are the best helper a gal could ever want. Let’s go into the kitchen. I need to make a list of the canned foods and other supplies we’re going to need.”
As Edna and her faithful companion enter the kitchen, Edna looks around. “Boomer, where’s Halley? I don’t think I’ve seen her in hours.”
Ker-Plop! A silver and white cat jumps down from her window seat and strolls across the room. 
Halley’s Comet rubs against Edna’s leg, a sure sign she wants some attention. Edna picks her up and hugs and kisses her.
“There you are,” says Edna. “I knew you had to be around here somewhere.”
Boomer growls gently.
“Oh, keep quiet you overgrown furball,” says Halley.
“Halley, you are such a pain. Mom and I have been working to get ready for the storm. And what have you done to help? Nothing.”
“Boomer, you know darn well that I will pitch in when the time comes.”
“And what time will that be, exactly?” asks Boomer.
“When it’s the right time.”
says Halley
Busy at The Hardware Store
“Edna’s husband, Harold, owns the Nuts ‘N Bolts hardware store on Main Street downtown.
He left for work early this morning knowing it would be buzzing with people grabbing last-minute items.
They’ll need flash lights and batteries in case the lights go out.
The phone rings at the counter. One of the guys who works there picks it up. “Hey Harold, it’s for you. Edna’s calling.”
Harold is stocking shelves. “OK. I’ll be right there, George.”
Harold puts the last extension chord on the shelf and walks over to the phone. “Hi, honey. Everything all right?”
Normally, Edna doesn’t call on days when she knows he’s really busy. So Harold is a little bit worried.
“Everything’s fine, sweetie. I’m just finishing getting dressed and I thought I’d drop by for a minute. I’ve put together a list of things I’d like for you to bring home from the store,” says Edna.
Harold is relieved. “Oh, sure. That’s fine. I’ll see you when I see you.”
“Harold, I was going to leave Boomer with you while I take Halley grocery shopping with me,” says Edna.
Harold smiles. “Boom will be a nice distraction. Customers are getting a bit anxious about this storm,” says Harold.
“Boomer has a way of calming people down, doesn’t he?”
“Edna, I have to go. Someone needs me. I’ll see you when you get here.”
Time To Go
“All right kids,” says Edna. “Our first stop is the hardware store and then to Fred’s Corner Grocer.”
For a moment, Edna pauses. Did she bring her list? Edna always has lists of one thing or another. 
But on a day like this, she wants to be extra sure.
“Oh, good here it is. All the things we’ll need before the storm hits. And some things to get for neighbors. Here we go!”
Let’s all stay safe!
Want to see what’s you may want to have on your list if a storm is heading your way? Check this out: How To Stock Up For A Storm
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Here Comes Debby
Batten down the hatches it’s coming! A light rain is falling in Shady Pines Story Town right now. But the folks who forecast the weather say Hurricane Debby is hitting Florida big time. Soon it will head up the East Coast.
Looking at the pictures on the news, it won’t be long before our small Southern town will be dealing with a whole lot of rain and wind.
Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs put out a statement earlier today explaining that livin’ in the South means you have to deal with some big ‘ole storms.
He also reminded us to look after our neighbors as the storm approaches.
It’s all part of our Kindness and Caring Campaign.
Let’s Get Ready
At the Sanders’ home, Edna is already in motion. She puts all the front and back porch furniture into the garage so none of it will blow away.
Edna also makes sure to pick up the planters with their beautiful flowers and bring them inside, too.
“I sure don’t want to see anything happen to you pretty things,” says Edna to herself. “It seems like Debby is a gal we need to take seriously.”
While she’s doing all this her Australian Shepherd dog, Boomerang, follows her around.
“Boom, are you trying to help?
At the sound of his name the sweet dog drops the bone he’s been carrying, looks right at her, and wags his bobbed tail.
“Ruff!”
Edna laughs. “That’s what I thought.” She reaches down and gives him a big hug.
“You are the best helper a gal could ever want. Let’s go into the kitchen. I need to make a list of the canned foods and other supplies we’re going to need.”
As Edna and her faithful companion enter the kitchen, Edna looks around. “Boomer, where’s Halley? I don’t think I’ve seen her in hours.”
Ker-Plop! A silver and white cat jumps down from her window seat and strolls across the room. Halley’s Comet rubs against Edna’s leg, a sure sign she wants some attention. Edna picks her up and hugs and kisses her.
“There you are,” says Edna. “I knew you had to be around here somewhere.”
Boomer growls gently.
“Oh, keep quiet you overgrown furball,” says Halley.
“Halley, you are such a pain. Mom and I have been working to get ready for the storm. And what have you done to help? Nothing.”
“Boomer, you know darn well that I will pitch in when the time comes.”
“And what time will that be, exactly?” asks Boomer.
“When it’s the right time.” says Halley
Busy at The Hardware Store
“Edna’s husband, Harold, owns the Nuts ‘N Bolts hardware store on Main Street downtown.
He left for work early this morning knowing it would be buzzing with people grabbing last-minute items.
They’ll need flash lights and batteries in case the lights go out.
The phone rings at the counter. One of the guys who works there picks it up. “Hey Harold, it’s for you. Edna’s calling.”
Harold is stocking shelves. “OK. I’ll be right there, George.”
Harold puts the last extension chord on the shelf and walks over to the phone. “Hi, honey. Everything all right?”
Normally, Edna doesn’t call on days when she knows he’s really busy. So Harold is a little bit worried.
“Everything’s fine, sweetie. I’m just finishing getting dressed and I thought I’d drop by for a minute. I’ve put together a list of things I’d like for you to bring home from the store,” says Edna.
Harold is relieved. “Oh, sure. That’s fine. I’ll see you when I see you.”
“Harold, I was going to leave Boomer with you while I take Halley grocery shopping with me,” says Edna.
Harold smiles. “Boom will be a nice distraction. Customers are getting a bit anxious about this storm,” says Harold.
“Boomer has a way of calming people down, doesn’t he?”
“Edna, I have to go. Someone needs me. I’ll see you when you get here.”
Time To Go
“All right kids,” says Edna. “Our first stop is the hardware store and then to Fred’s Corner Grocer.”
For a moment, Edna pauses. Did she bring her list? Edna always has lists of one thing or another. But on a day like this, she wants to be extra sure.
“Oh, good here it is. All the things we’ll need before the storm hits. And some things to get for neighbors. Here we go!”
Let’s all stay safe!
Want to see what’s you may want to have on your list if a storm is heading your way? Check this out: How To Stock Up For A Storm
Amazingly delightful edition
Presented an alarming situation
in a gentle BUT serious contexts
Is directed to both young & older
readers love Shady Pines story town
Thank you Jane for your thoughtful comment
Debby has brought just days of uncertainty and rain. Thank you Shady Pines for reminding us to care for one another in times like these
Very timely & excellent post as always!
Thank you so much Teresa!
It’s such a timely & informative article from Shady Pines Gazette. I love all the characters and the messages are wonderful and on point.
Thank you Barbara. I’m glad you thought it was useful!
Helping out our neighbors in time of need is a great message. It’s especially important when severe weather hits.
I’m not sure exactly where Shady Pines is located but I live in the South and we’re getting drenched by Debby
Such an important post. We’re getting hit hard right now
As always an excellent post
Thank you so much Joanne!
Always take the weather seriously. Good advice here for Shady Pines and all of us. Hope blue skies are ahead soon!
Thank you for your comment Jerry!
Thanks, Shady Pines
Glad you liked it!
This is a good reminder on how to prepare for an upcoming storm and to care about others at the same time
Great reminder to stay current on the weather and make sure everyone is prepared and safe!
Thank you Janis. Stay safe out there!
With Tropical Storm Debby currently impacting our region, this was a great reminder of how crucial it is to stay informed and be prepared. Stay safe and dry.
Thank you Tammy!
Way to be prepared in Shady Pines. Will be checking with neighbors who may need help.
Appreciate your comment Amy. Stay safe!
I also live in the south and was just texting with my neighbors about the upcoming storm. Reminding us to care for one another is so important. Well done!
Thank you so much Sharon!
We’re away from home counting on the kindness and caring of our neighbors to prepare our house. They came through ❤️. I’m grateful they’re mirroring Shady Pines.
That’s good to know Elaine. Thank you for your comment!
I also live in the southeastern part of our country and I was just texting with some neighbors about getting ready for all the rain we will get. Reminding us to care for one another is a great message. I also enjoy hearing about the animals in Shady Pines.
I’m in the South too and the rain is coming down like buckets. Your Kindness and Caring campaign reminding us to take care of others is really good
All great advice. Also get out your games and make sure you have lanterns with batteries so everyone can make good use of storm time!
Love the comment Tamara. Lanterns are a very good suggestion!
I enjoyed this a lot. Shady Pines seems more “real” all the time
I love that Edna hugs and kisses her furkids! Me too!
That’s a useful storm shopping list- thanks!
I’m loving the “current events” posts. Realistic details, too. We just joined the crowds doing last minute preparations for Debby, just like those at Harold’s store.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it Sheri.
I just love Boomer and Halley. They remind me of my kids
Very timely again. Good work Shady Pines. Stay safe