After being off line for a week, I'm back online.

I was off line for a combination of two things: Hurricane Milton caused widespread damage near my home in Florida. Dozens of homes were destroyed, reports of wind speed varied up to 135 mph, more than 16 people were killed, and reports said it was the strongest hurricane in more than a decade. Luckily, my house totally escaped damage. I believe the winds at my house peaked at more than 85 mph. I lost both power and Internet connectivity for several days.

Next, I had previously planned to move from Florida to Maine during this time. Of all days, I planned to move on October 9 which turned out to be the same day the hurricane peaked at my home. Needless to say, I didn't move as it was impossible to stand up outdoors that day because of the high winds.

I eventually left my previous home and took a round-about route to Maine: a route that in the past required 2 days this time required 4 days.

Tonight I am in my new home in Maine but using a temporary lash-up to connect online: a laptop computer, a lashed-up Internet connection, and more things that I am surprised even work. My household goods are on a truck "someplace" with most of my personal possessions packed in boxes.

Don't be surprised if things don't function quite as well as usual.

A phone call from the driver of the moving truck indicates that the truck and driver are stuck in flood waters and do not expect to be here for several more days.

I don't even have a change of clothes.

Please do not be surprised if there are some "abnormalities" in this newsletter over the next few days.