It's official, summer is here. Summer time in Florida leaves a lot to be desired. You only think the humidity is high in Alabama. Here, the temp rarely pushes pass the low 90's during the day, but the air is so humid that the lows rarely make it below 80 degrees. That means the A/C gets quite the workout. Still, it could be worse I guess. Not much going on other than trying to beat the heat and staying busy at work. Speaking of which, We had a 4-H fishing trip recently and I thought that I'd share some pictures. This is the 2nd full year of our 4-H fishing program. I got started with this youth fishing back at Auburn, and it's something I got going down here. I think I actually enjoy watching kids catch fish as much as I enjoy catching them on my own (not that I'm wanting kids of my own anytime soon). Anyway...
Here is one of my colleagues with his daughter and her first fish (a juvi red grouper).
South Beach
A look down Government Cut towards downtown, with the port on the right.
Fisher Island- The likes of Oprah and Bill Clinton have condos here.
Here is my new boat, the Morgan Star (yeah, I'm moving to the Cayman Islands). Seriously, there are some ridiculous boats/yachts/ships at the Miami Beach Marina. Several of them actually have helicopters on them. I saw one last week that had to have been 250 feet long. Considering diesel is running over $5 a gallon at the marina, I don't think I'd want to pay that bill.
I also had my annual hurricane drill last month at the Miami-Dade County EOC. We are good to go now (hopefully, it won't be necessary). I've also had my requisite NIMS training and have been certified by the Dept of Homeland Defense. I have discovered that if FEMA is running the show, the food is generally good. Last year we had Chicken Monterey, mixed fresh veggies, and creme brulee. This year was a morning activation, but we had a selection of bagels, lox, cream cheeses, fresh fruit, and coffee. Rest assured, if Armageddon does come I will at least eat well.
Here is my station. #43.
Here's just a bit broader view. There are LCD screens lining the pit. All of the broadcast channels are on the screens, as well as two walls of data screens, radar loops, and real time info. It's like some hardcore Star Wars shit going on in there. We've also got this red phone (in addition to a normal office-style phone), like one of those cliche phones that launches missiles, which really vexes me. I've been tempted to mess with it, but figured it's probably best left alone. The press is back to my left (as well as the room where the mayor/gov/president would address the media). I'm considered an essential employee by the county, which means I can't leave no matter what is coming. I chose to work the EOC because a.) it's basically a bomb shelter b.)it has a hard core generator so I should have a/c, TV, hot food, and internet.
