Waiting for the big typhoon

Thursday morning.
The T3 warning has been hoisted in the lobby.  I've just returned from my walk up the Peak.  The sun is shining and it's breezy - why all the fuss?  People are scurrying around buying groceries and supplies just in case ...
Day care centres have been closed, and warnings are up all over the Internet.
Severe Typhoon Megi is on its way from the Philippines.
When I opened my computer this morning, there were five emails from Canada asking me if we were okay here in HK.  There was also an email from the AWA French conversation group cancelling tomorrow's lunch at a HK yacht club.
Cousin Lou (Toronto) is on his way here from China.  He's due to arrive this evening, weather permitting.  Wonder if we will be able to dine al fresco with him on Saturday night.

Thursday evening.
Drizzling a bit, but the winds have died down.  Is this the calm before the storm?  Jeff's on his way home.  Time to batten down the hatches.  My friend, Hanora, just told me that the concierge in her building is busy waterproofing the lobby.  Heavy plastic coating.  Masking tape on all the windows.  My hairdresser told me that his ceiling leaks and the property manager has been negligent in fixing it.  This situation could get interesting.

Good news:  the HK Observatory just advised us that there is little chance of Signal No. 8 being raised overnight.  Perhaps the worst of the typhoon will pass us by.

More good news:  the long-range forecast predicts clear skies by mid-week with maximum temperatures of 24-25 degrees.  No need to worry that Helen and Lou will be melting in severe heat.

Strange name of the day:  (Mr.) Nose Chan (Program assistant, HK Asia Society)

Friday evening.
We're down to T1.  I carried my folding umbrella around all day - a lot of good it would have done had the winds picked up.  The storm has changed course and is heading north to Fujian.

Saturday morning.
All storm warnings are off.  Business as usual in HK.  The harbour is busy, and construction has resumed in full force.

On to the next adventure.