Welcome Big Bad Hurricane Bertha to the Scene...

There you have it... a nicely formed Hurricane Bertha becomes the first hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season, packing winds at the requisite 75mph. Coincidentally, she was classified as a hurricane on the same date as the former Cape Verde Hurricane Bertha was named such back in 1996. Odd. She doesn't appear to be a storm to be worried about, as current trajectories place her out in the Atlantic. At this time, she does not appear to be a future threat to US interests, but she does appear to be on course for a slam into Bermuda... anything can happen... at the moment, she appears to be going through an eyewall replacement cycle, but they usually come out stronger on the other side of those. Just to offer some great perspective for this lovely hurricane, I decided to share this graphic that Rick was kind enough to share with me. Thanks, Rick.

Speaking of odd circumstance in hurricanes, it's time for my "Odd Shots Monday" shot. In order to participate in "Odd Shots", visit Katney's blog. Today's odd shot post was actually taken about a year ago while I was visiting the UGA campus. I saw this interesting work of "art" and stumbled upon it in my stock the other day. What do you think? Odd right?As promised, time for the details of our wonderful 4th of July Celebration. I mentioned that Meso Mike hosted the big bash at his dad's house in Enigma, Georgia. Well, I am so glad we were able to attend because we had an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC time!! I guess I should start at the beginning and work my way through. I have only one disappointment from the day and that is that we did not get a group shot of everyone there, so I missed out on getting shots of some of the folks there, but it really was a fine bunch of people that we celebrated with, and they welcomed us as if we were part of the family to the point that while we were leaving, Bf's sweet daughter asked... "So, how are we related to them?" I was glad to finally meet Meso Mike's wife Carmen, and his kids from Italy, and the rest of his family was equally charming. Awesome folks.

Anyways, we drove into Tifton to discover that the address provided was not recognized as such on Gertrude (my Garmin), so we called Mike for some guidance, which was relatively harmless. We finally arrived there, and the kids got ready for some swimming, having a truly terrific time, even having a chicken fight or two. I couldn't get over how much Mike's middle niece looks like him... she's the front and close to center one... wow. While the girls were splishing and a splashing, several of the boys grabbed rod and reel and headed over to the fishing hole (best way I know how to describe it) to see what they could catch. Bf lucked out catching a bass after just a few casts with a large bait, which was apparently surprising. I tried some fishing myself... without any luck. it sure was frustrating... Then, we played volleyball, and I have now learned that I am not nearly as young as I used to be. OUCH! I have been sore since. Apparently, I got a little too into the game. I would imagine several of the other adults are feeling the same pain... ibuprofen.I found muscles I didn't know I had!!! Hopefully, Rick didn't catch much of that on video... I am almost scared to see the video from the day. lol. Well, we played that right up until it was time to eat. A wonderful feast of burgers and hot dogs with some terrific sides, the perfect 4th of July meal, and we ate and ate and ate. Later picking volleyball back up and a game of water balloon toss, which resulted in one of Mike's nieces getting dunked in the bucket of ice water when she snuck one upon her dear old dad... when will kids learn???? No worries though, Granny Margaret was armed and ready with the water bottle. It does not appear that Rodney was much phased by her water-based warfare...

As darkness started to descend upon us, Mike began setting up for a fireworks show extraordinaire. I don't how much Mike spent on that display, but I would say that it could have contended with a small town's display easily. Over a thousand boomer flying high over our heads with huge explosions of light and color, radiating the sky, causing the neighbors to stop their little splatter of light to catch a glimpse at the complete awesomeness. Seriously, I have NEVER seen a backyard show like that, complete with large flag and the singing of our National Anthem. Couldn't have been better! A huge THANK YOU to Meso Mike for hosting and bringing the show... to Papa Richard for offering up his house... to Granny Margaret and Papa Jim for making the long ride down, for Kim, Rodney and the kids, Matthew and the kids for making the trek over... Rick for offering his video talents and to bf and the kids, including Mini-Dew for making my 4th of July so special!!! Man, I really wish we had captured a group shot!!! Next year! :O)Hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th!

11AM Update:

1100 AM AST MON JUL 07 2008

...CORRECTED PRESSURE...

...BERTHA STRENGTHENS OVER THE CENTRAL ATLANTIC...COULD REACH
CATEGORY TWO INTENSITY LATER TODAY...

Man, she's a beauty...Toodles,
~Dewdrop