The Official Irene Go The Hell Away Thread

[CameronBornAndBred]

There is still plenty of time for Irene to drift east out to sea, or south (although I'd rather it just miss land altogether). Vibe away that she stay away. If she comes in like they are predicting, my trailer is going to be a pancake.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Blow east, young lady, blow east! }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[OZZIE4DUKE]

And I'm Trying To Grow Up Not (Too) Stupid"

Or so I would title the book I'm not writing. With Irene possibly coming our way, I looked at the tree in our front yard with the spindly branch overhanging the power line coming into the house, and I thought to myself "Self, why don't you get out your extension ladder and bow saw and cut off that limb so it doesn't fall on the power line if the storm comes through this weekend." Hmmm, I can rest the ladder on the branch and cut the limb beyond it and it will fall harmlessly to the ground. Sounds like a plan. The ladder, fully extended 12', just reaches the limb by ~6". So far, so good. Ground is solid, branch seems solid. Another so good. There are three 1" to 2 1/2" branches that I want to cut, rather than the one larger 4" branch that I'm leaning against, so there is less weight falling at one time so the branch I'm using for support doesn't suddenly snap back and throw me off the ladder (cognizant of potential danger and taking appropriate but dubious actions, maybe ok, but perhaps a condition yellow). I cut the first branch, a 1"er. As it falls, I see that it is a Y shape, and promptly hangs up on the power line. Damn. I can't reach it from the ladder, I can't reach it from the ground. I'll attend to it later. Cut the next branch, a 2"er. This one doesn't cut quite as cleanly, but eventually the stringy part does cut, but it snags in the first branch and doesn't fall to the ground either. Damn, this isn't going as smoothly as I had hoped. No, I don't want to pull on it and pull down my power line. NO, I will not use my aluminum ladder as a tool and try to push the branches up and over the power line (see the title of my non book!) I called the Town of Smithfield's utility office (I know these folks very well for business reasons) and explain what I've done and that I need their tree limb trimming folks to come fix my "problem". They actually provide this service "free" to prevent power outages - the ToS sells us our power (at a big profit and significantly higher rates than Progress Energy's) - so it's in there best interest to do this and keep up on line and using power. About 30 minutes later, their bucket truck rolls up and they took care of my "problem" (they didn't need the bucket, just their extended hand saw and pusher poll). They even cut the third small branch I hadn't gotten to and a fourth one I wasn't going to cut, just in case.

Wouldn't hurt my feelings if Irene takes out this tree. I wish Fran had in 1996 - it's an ugly tree with spindly branches and small leaves.

[August West]

The latest from WRAL weather has Irene coming ashore Saturday at Morehead City. Run away, CB&B, run away! Watercolors and hurricanes are not friends. Everyone face east and blow Irene out to sea. AW.

[windsor]

The latest from WRAL weather has Irene coming ashore Saturday at Morehead City. Run away, CB&B, run away! Watercolors and hurricanes are not friends. Everyone face east and blow Irene out to sea. AW.

as a long time Floridian (aka Hurricane Alley) they safest place to go is the projected landfall location 5 days out...the damn things NEVER go where they are supposed to. If they are saying MHC on Saturday it will be Long Island on Sunday or Charleston on Friday.

[windsor]

plus the spaghetti models are trending east...

[DukieInKansas]

I hope that it dwindles to just a big storm with NO damaging winds that crosses Florida, gathers more water over the Gulf, and then dumps lots of water on Texas. They really need it.

Please don't take this personally, Windsor. I'm really not wishing any damage to Florida with this wish. In fact, this wish would probably move the storm right over my Orlando brother's house but hopefully would take some much needed rain to my Texas brother's place.

[CathyCA]

And I'm Trying To Grow Up Not (Too) Stupid"

Or so I would title the book I'm not writing. With Irene possibly coming our way, I looked at the tree in our front yard with the spindly branch overhanging the power line coming into the house, and I thought to myself "Self, why don't you get out your extension ladder and bow saw and cut off that limb so it doesn't fall on the power line if the storm comes through this weekend." Hmmm, I can rest the ladder on the branch and cut the limb beyond it and it will fall harmlessly to the ground. Sounds like a plan. The ladder, fully extended 12', just reaches the limb by ~6". So far, so good. Ground is solid, branch seems solid. Another so good. There are three 1" to 2 1/2" branches that I want to cut, rather than the one larger 4" branch that I'm leaning against, so there is less weight falling at one time so the branch I'm using for support doesn't suddenly snap back and throw me off the ladder (cognizant of potential danger and taking appropriate but dubious actions, maybe ok, but perhaps a condition yellow). I cut the first branch, a 1"er. As it falls, I see that it is a Y shape, and promptly hangs up on the power line. Damn. I can't reach it from the ladder, I can't reach it from the ground. I'll attend to it later. Cut the next branch, a 2"er. This one doesn't cut quite as cleanly, but eventually the stringy part does cut, but it snags in the first branch and doesn't fall to the ground either. Damn, this isn't going as smoothly as I had hoped. No, I don't want to pull on it and pull down my power line. NO, I will not use my aluminum ladder as a tool and try to push the branches up and over the power line (see the title of my non book!) I called the Town of Smithfield's utility office (I know these folks very well for business reasons) and explain what I've done and that I need their tree limb trimming folks to come fix my "problem". They actually provide this service "free" to prevent power outages - the ToS sells us our power (at a big profit and significantly higher rates than Progress Energy's) - so it's in there best interest to do this and keep up on line and using power. About 30 minutes later, their bucket truck rolls up and they took care of my "problem" (they didn't need the bucket, just their extended hand saw and pusher poll). They even cut the third small branch I hadn't gotten to and a fourth one I wasn't going to cut, just in case.

Wouldn't hurt my feelings if Irene takes out this tree. I wish Fran had in 1996 - it's an ugly tree with spindly branches and small leaves.

I'm laughing at your tree story, Ozzie.

I'm hoping that Irene knocks down the tremendous wasp nest that appeared outside my bedroom window this week. I do not need/want to hire an exterminator to take this thing down. Strong winds and some rain will do the trick.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

And I'm Trying To Grow Up Not (Too) Stupid"

Or so I would title the book I'm not writing. With Irene possibly coming our way, I looked at the tree in our front yard with the spindly branch overhanging the power line coming into the house, and I thought to myself "Self, why don't you get out your extension ladder and bow saw and cut off that limb so it doesn't fall on the power line if the storm comes through this weekend." Hmmm, I can rest the ladder on the branch and cut the limb beyond it and it will fall harmlessly to the ground. Sounds like a plan. The ladder, fully extended 12', just reaches the limb by ~6". So far, so good. Ground is solid, branch seems solid. Another so good. There are three 1" to 2 1/2" branches that I want to cut, rather than the one larger 4" branch that I'm leaning against, so there is less weight falling at one time so the branch I'm using for support doesn't suddenly snap back and throw me off the ladder (cognizant of potential danger and taking appropriate but dubious actions, maybe ok, but perhaps a condition yellow). I cut the first branch, a 1"er. As it falls, I see that it is a Y shape, and promptly hangs up on the power line. Damn. I can't reach it from the ladder, I can't reach it from the ground. I'll attend to it later. Cut the next branch, a 2"er. This one doesn't cut quite as cleanly, but eventually the stringy part does cut, but it snags in the first branch and doesn't fall to the ground either. Damn, this isn't going as smoothly as I had hoped. No, I don't want to pull on it and pull down my power line. NO, I will not use my aluminum ladder as a tool and try to push the branches up and over the power line (see the title of my non book!) I called the Town of Smithfield's utility office (I know these folks very well for business reasons) and explain what I've done and that I need their tree limb trimming folks to come fix my "problem". They actually provide this service "free" to prevent power outages - the ToS sells us our power (at a big profit and significantly higher rates than Progress Energy's) - so it's in there best interest to do this and keep up on line and using power. About 30 minutes later, their bucket truck rolls up and they took care of my "problem" (they didn't need the bucket, just their extended hand saw and pusher poll). They even cut the third small branch I hadn't gotten to and a fourth one I wasn't going to cut, just in case.

Wouldn't hurt my feelings if Irene takes out this tree. I wish Fran had in 1996 - it's an ugly tree with spindly branches and small leaves.

I'm laughing at your tree story, Ozzie.

I'm hoping that Irene knocks down the tremendous wasp nest that appeared outside my bedroom window this week. I do not need/want to hire an exterminator to take this thing down. Strong winds and some rain will do the trick.

Glad you found it funny. Every word is true, but I had to laugh at it myself...

Do you have a pest control service spray for bugs on a quarterly basis? If so, they'll probably handle your wasp nest at no extra charge. Mine does - it's a covered pest, just like ants, including red ants, should they appear. Well worth the $55/quarter they charge.

[CathyCA]

And I'm Trying To Grow Up Not (Too) Stupid"

Or so I would title the book I'm not writing. With Irene possibly coming our way, I looked at the tree in our front yard with the spindly branch overhanging the power line coming into the house, and I thought to myself "Self, why don't you get out your extension ladder and bow saw and cut off that limb so it doesn't fall on the power line if the storm comes through this weekend." Hmmm, I can rest the ladder on the branch and cut the limb beyond it and it will fall harmlessly to the ground. Sounds like a plan. The ladder, fully extended 12', just reaches the limb by ~6". So far, so good. Ground is solid, branch seems solid. Another so good. There are three 1" to 2 1/2" branches that I want to cut, rather than the one larger 4" branch that I'm leaning against, so there is less weight falling at one time so the branch I'm using for support doesn't suddenly snap back and throw me off the ladder (cognizant of potential danger and taking appropriate but dubious actions, maybe ok, but perhaps a condition yellow). I cut the first branch, a 1"er. As it falls, I see that it is a Y shape, and promptly hangs up on the power line. Damn. I can't reach it from the ladder, I can't reach it from the ground. I'll attend to it later. Cut the next branch, a 2"er. This one doesn't cut quite as cleanly, but eventually the stringy part does cut, but it snags in the first branch and doesn't fall to the ground either. Damn, this isn't going as smoothly as I had hoped. No, I don't want to pull on it and pull down my power line. NO, I will not use my aluminum ladder as a tool and try to push the branches up and over the power line (see the title of my non book!) I called the Town of Smithfield's utility office (I know these folks very well for business reasons) and explain what I've done and that I need their tree limb trimming folks to come fix my "problem". They actually provide this service "free" to prevent power outages - the ToS sells us our power (at a big profit and significantly higher rates than Progress Energy's) - so it's in there best interest to do this and keep up on line and using power. About 30 minutes later, their bucket truck rolls up and they took care of my "problem" (they didn't need the bucket, just their extended hand saw and pusher poll). They even cut the third small branch I hadn't gotten to and a fourth one I wasn't going to cut, just in case.

Wouldn't hurt my feelings if Irene takes out this tree. I wish Fran had in 1996 - it's an ugly tree with spindly branches and small leaves.

I'm laughing at your tree story, Ozzie.

I'm hoping that Irene knocks down the tremendous wasp nest that appeared outside my bedroom window this week. I do not need/want to hire an exterminator to take this thing down. Strong winds and some rain will do the trick.

Glad you found it funny. Every word is true, but I had to laugh at it myself...

Do you have a pest control service spray for bugs on a quarterly basis? If so, they'll probably handle your wasp nest at no extra charge. Mine does - it's a covered pest, just like ants, including red ants, should they appear. Well worth the $55/quarter they charge.

No, I don't have a pest control service. I have an annual termite contract. I handle my own bugs. I have a veritable pharmacy shelf full of bug sprays and powders on the shelf in my garage. I'm just not too keen about getting up on the ladder to aim the bug spray and then having to flee when the angry wasps swarm me. That's why I'm hoping for the Hurricane Irene method of pest eradication.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

No, I don't have a pest control service. I have an annual termite contract. I handle my own bugs. I have a veritable pharmacy shelf full of bug sprays and powders on the shelf in my garage. I'm just not too keen about getting up on the ladder to aim the bug spray and then having to flee when the angry wasps swarm me. That's why I'm hoping for the Hurricane Irene method of pest eradication.

Please don't. This is one of those things best left to a professional and spending a few $ to get it done safely, just so something doesn't go wrong. Sort of like hiring a good lawyer when you need one ;)

[DukieInKansas]

No, I don't have a pest control service. I have an annual termite contract. I handle my own bugs. I have a veritable pharmacy shelf full of bug sprays and powders on the shelf in my garage. I'm just not too keen about getting up on the ladder to aim the bug spray and then having to flee when the angry wasps swarm me. That's why I'm hoping for the Hurricane Irene method of pest eradication.

Please don't. This is one of those things best left to a professional and spending a few $ to get it done safely, just so something doesn't go wrong. Sort of like hiring a good lawyer when you need one ;)

Or having someone with the proper equipment trim a tree?

[DukieInKansas]

No, I don't have a pest control service. I have an annual termite contract. I handle my own bugs. I have a veritable pharmacy shelf full of bug sprays and powders on the shelf in my garage. I'm just not too keen about getting up on the ladder to aim the bug spray and then having to flee when the angry wasps swarm me. That's why I'm hoping for the Hurricane Irene method of pest eradication.

Please don't. This is one of those things best left to a professional and spending a few $ to get it done safely, just so something doesn't go wrong. Sort of like hiring a good lawyer when you need one ;)

Or having someone with the proper equipment trim a tree?

oooh - double post. Should I delete it or let is stay to pad my post count? I'll have to think about this for a while.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

No, I don't have a pest control service. I have an annual termite contract. I handle my own bugs. I have a veritable pharmacy shelf full of bug sprays and powders on the shelf in my garage. I'm just not too keen about getting up on the ladder to aim the bug spray and then having to flee when the angry wasps swarm me. That's why I'm hoping for the Hurricane Irene method of pest eradication.

Please don't. This is one of those things best left to a professional and spending a few $ to get it done safely, just so something doesn't go wrong. Sort of like hiring a good lawyer when you need one ;)

Or having someone with the proper equipment trim a tree?

Perhaps, but I was close and I knew my limit.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

No, I don't have a pest control service. I have an annual termite contract. I handle my own bugs. I have a veritable pharmacy shelf full of bug sprays and powders on the shelf in my garage. I'm just not too keen about getting up on the ladder to aim the bug spray and then having to flee when the angry wasps swarm me. That's why I'm hoping for the Hurricane Irene method of pest eradication.

Please don't. This is one of those things best left to a professional and spending a few $ to get it done safely, just so something doesn't go wrong. Sort of like hiring a good lawyer when you need one ;)

Or having someone with the proper equipment trim a tree?

oooh - double post. Should I delete it or let is stay to pad my post count? I'll have to think about this for a while.

Don't you dare remove it!
Perhaps, but I was close and I knew my limit. ;)

[Very Duke Blue]

To take care of a wasp nest, do it in the evening or very early in the morning when they are dormant. A friend of ours majored in forestry took care of several nest we had at the lake. He used a board to smash the nest. Results: no more wasp.

[CathyCA]

I'm not messing with this wasp nest until after Irene comes through. Hopefully, she'll do the trick for me.

[lawgrad91]

Can we line up some ACC referees along the coast? We all know they blow!

[IowaDevil]

Can we line up some ACC referees along the coast? We all know they blow!

Too Funny!

[Ima Facultiwyfe]

Can we line up some ACC referees along the coast? We all know they blow!

Too Funny!

...and throw in a few Chinese ones for good measure, bless their hearts.
Love, Ima