Federally approved oil spill response contractors are on standby to clean up oil that washes ashore. Environmental officials and volunteers are standing by to help wildlife. The Coast Guard and DEP Officials, leaders from various environmental organizations including Save our Seabirds, the Sierra Club, Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Tampa Bay Watch are prepared with options. No actual operations have begun.

The weather plays a major role in the 72 hour projection of the spills path which changes everyday.

Collection drop offs have been set up at various schools, restaurants, hotels and resorts. Dawn dish washing liquid, hair from freshly washed and trimmed pets (clean dry hair is an oil magnet), very hard and very soft bristle brushes are needed, panty hose (the netting is perfect for creating a sponge when stuffed with the hair or other oil absorbing fibers), t-shirts (not to sop up oil but so volunteers can change often (when the crude oil gets on clothes it is not only gross it's dangerous).

My brother, Bob is heading to Nashville to work with a volunteer group this weekend to help the families devastated from the floods. My sister, Wendy is donating the proceeds of her yoga classes to help them. My sister, Bonnie is traveling by bus to visit her daughter in Arkansas and is taking extra things in case they stop in Nashville that she may donate and help.

We will gather up materials here and take the donations to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary and volunteer to help as needed over the coming weeks.

Much is happening around the world that is causing grief and heartache. The effects of the problems in Greece have directly effected our stock market which has impacted all who count on their investments to provide income in their retirement years.

Accidents, political unrest, Mother Nature, there are lots of "rocks" hitting the surface of our lives. Each has a dramatic rippling effect. It is up to each of us to get involved. Never under-estimate how even a little help can make a huge difference.

Tomorrow morning the US Postal Service will be collecting non-perishable food to share with those in need. If you have some extra cans of food please give them to your Mailman and share.

A special thank you to all who take time to read the ramblings on my blog. You make a positive difference in my life. Time is precious and it makes me smile that you share some of yours with me.