UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know that my family and I are safe. We went through a frightening experience and we have a lot of cleaning up, repairing and restoring to do, but that’s okay. Things could have been much worse. And the important thing is that we made it out safely.
Hurricane Irma’s eye was threatening to barrel across the center of south Florida. That would have been catastrophic. Instead, as she neared us she veered toward the West, so we received horrible bands carrying 100+ miles per hour wind gusts, but not a direct hit. South Florida dodged another bullet. There are some structural damage, lots of trees pulled out of the ground, large tree branches that acted like missiles, the water in some areas will be tainted for a while, but so far I have not heard of any loss of life. We’ll have to wait and see what the news tells us in the next few days.
I think Florida did a great job preparing for this storm. I believe at least 90% of Florida residents took hurricane Irma seriously. My family and I certainly did. We have some work ahead of us, but we all made it out safely and that’s what’s important.
I want to thank everyone for being so kind. Thanks for sending all the positive vibes, well wishes and prayers––they worked! I am touched by everyone’s concern for my family and my well-being. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You guys are the best! I will end it here before I get too mushy. ❤
Hello my friends! I’m sure many of you have already heard of Hurricane Irma. I live in south Florida (USA) and unfortunately we’re in the path of this powerful storm. My family and I are doing everything we can to prepare ourselves for the impact. We’re hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.
My number one priority right now is to protect my family and my home. There’s a lot to do. We began preparing the day before yesterday and we still have a lot to do. I don’t know when I’ll be able to get back online between preparing, impact and aftermath of this significant storm.
I just wanted to inform you of what’s going on. I didn’t want to leave you hanging while I went MIA. Please keep Florida in your prayers and send good vibes our way. Thank you.
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It looks horrendous! Stay safe. x;-)
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Hello Lisa! Well, all the windows are boarded up, the outdoor stuff is in the house and sand bags are in place. There’s not much more we can do but wait to see what happens. Thank you. 🙂
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Wish you and your family all the best wishes I can that you remain safe in this troubling time
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Thank you very much, Bobby. I appreciate it.
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I didn’t realise that you are also living in Florida, Vashti. I am so sorry you have to face this turmoil in your life. I will be thinking of you and praying for the best outcome possible.
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Thank you so much, Robbie. We’ve done all we could do to stay safe, so all we can do now is wait. Who knows? Maybe hurricane Irma will decide to veer off to the Atlantic and disappear. One can wish. 🙂
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Good luck.
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Thank you, Nagrij. We can sure use some good luck down here.
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I hope you are safe/stay safe! I’ll be thinking about you and all of your neighbors down there.
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We’ve taken every precaution, so all we can do now is wait. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
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You are the best wishes of all of us, your friends, writers and followers all are praying for you Vashti. May God be kind and be by your side to minimise the damage and weaken the hurricane. Sending love and hugs dear friend.
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From your lips to God’s ear, Balroop. Thank you very much. We’ve boarded up our house and protected our things as much as possible. Tomorrow morning we’ll be headed to my brother’s house which is further west. His house is newer and he has stronger shutters, so we’re hoping we’re making the right decision. Thanks again for the kind wishes and for the love, my friend. ❤
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Stay blessed! 🙂
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Vashti, I hadn’t realised realised you and your loved ones lived in the path of this potentially horrendous storm. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I am keeping you, your family and all who live in this area in my thoughts and prayers. May things be less critical than feared. May lives be saved and homes protected. May you be at peace as you prepare and wait. God bless you, friend. Stay strong. xo 💜
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Thank you very much, Joy. Your kind words give me strength. We’ve done everything we could to prepare, so now all we can do is wait and put things in God’s hands––let him take the wheel. Hopefully Irma will veer off to the Atlantic where she can’t hurt anyone, but if not I have faith that my family and I will make it. Thank you for the kind words, thoughts and prayers. ❤
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Stay safe, Vashti ❤️
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That’s the plan, Chris. Thank you! ❤
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I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you and your family safe. Take care, and see you back online soon! <3.
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Hello Linda. Thank you! We’ve boarded up the house and brought in whatever could turn into a projectile from our back/front yards and placed the sand bags near the doors. Tomorrow morning we leave to my brother’s house. I’m hoping we will all be okay there. So far it’s just a little windy and we still have electricity, but we don’t know how long that will last. Thank you for the kind wishes. ❤
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Thinking of you and your family, Vashti. Keep safe.
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Thank you Olga. So far we still have electricity. Then again the last report said we will begin to feel the effects of the hurricane tomorrow. We’ve done all we can to prepare, so it’s just of matter of waiting now.
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Stay safe! Sending strong thoughts xxx
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Thank you for the strong thoughts, Al. We could use some strength. So far it’s been a little breezier than normal and we still have electricity. The latest news said that we will begin to feel the hurricane tomorrow afternoon. We’re just waiting now.
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I don’t envy you. Waiting for something like that to hit must be terrible, psychologically x
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I think it’s one of the worst parts of this. Luckily, we can still watch the news.
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Oh no, I really hope you stay safe!!!
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Thank you, Kathrin. We’ve done all we can to prepare and now we’re just waiting. Luckily, we still have electricity.
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Sounds like you’re prepared. Hope it doesn’t get too bad!!!
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We really are well prepared. There’s nothing more we can do but wait. Me too! ❤
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Just stay safe please Vashti.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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❤ That's the plan, my friend. ❤ Thank you. ❤ xx
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Thinking of you and hope that it goes gently and well….
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Thank you for the kind wishes. I too hope Irma decides to veer to the Atlantic where she can’t hurt anyone. We’ve prepared as best we can and now it’s only a matter of waiting.
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hugs.
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Praying for your family, Vashti. Sending good vibes!
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I appreciate the prayers and good vibes, Linda. Thank you very much. 🙂
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Sending prayers…keep safe!
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Thank you for your prayers and good wishes. 🙂
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Whew, this is a tough one — blessings to you and your family and friends, Vashti. Stand strong, have courage, and know that you are loved.
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Hello Jet. Thank you so much for the kind wishes. Aw, you’re very sweet. We’ve done everything we’re expected to do to protect our home and we’ll be leaving to my brother’s house, where we think we’ll be safer. 🙂 xx
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I pray God protects you.
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That means a lot to me, John. Thank you for your prayers. ❤
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I’ve been there and have the shirt.
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I know, Harvey did a number in your city. I hope the recovery process is going well for you and your loved ones. Here, the winds have picked up a bit and the skies are grey, but nothing serious yet. We’re hunkered down and waiting.
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We are back (just today) things are getting better.
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I’m so happy to hear/read that, John. I hope the recovery process goes smoothly and peacefully with no issues. I feel like I’m in a metal box, because my brother has metal shutters over all the windows and doors. We’re getting hit by some powerful bands while the storm is over the Florida Keys, but we can’t see anything. Well, actually we’re lucky because we still have electricity (many have lost power already), and we’ve been watching the news, so we’re seeing the chaos via TV, which is surreal. I feel safe though. All the best to you and your family. I hope your home and area are okay. ❤ xx
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Best wishes, Vashti.
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Be safe and take care
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We’ve done everything we can to protect ourselves and our home. All we can do now is wait and see what hurricane Irma does. We’re hoping for the best but prepared for the worst. Thank you very much!
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I understand, your welcome and take care
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Stay safe, and we’re all praying for you.
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I appreciate your prayers, Craig. Thank you very much. Hopefully Irma veers off to the Atlantic. At least that’s what I’m hoping for, but we did prepare for the worst. It’s windy, but we still have electricity. We should get the worst of it beginning tomorrow afternoon.
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Surrounding you with Angels!
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Thank you so much, my friend. ❤ xx
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Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Vashti. XO
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Thank you, Natalie. I’m getting ready to head out to my brother’s house now, because the news just said tomorrow morning will be too dangerous to drive. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. ❤ xx
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Stay safe, Vashti. My heart goes out to all of you. ❤
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Hello Diana! Thank you very much, my friend. ❤
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Hi there we are thinking about you guys wishing by this passes fast . Praying for you guys be safe we have a full pantry and water . 😘😘🙏🙏
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Hi Maria! Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. We’re hunkered down at my brother’s house. There’s plenty of food and water here too. I didn’t sleep a wink all night because the dogs were carrying on all night, but other than that we’re doing good. I too hope this thing passes by quickly. My prayers are with you and your loved ones too. ❤ xx
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Stay safe, Vashti. My family went through Harvey in Texas not so very long ago. I hope you have supplies such as water, canned food, handheld can opener, candles, flashlights, batteries, medical supplies and plenty of water and also food for your pets on hand. We always boarded up the windows when I was a kid in TX. So you’re prepared there. You might also want to have buckets of water for flushing the toilet in case the water goes off and so you can take a sponge bath. Good luck, my friend. Let us all know you’re safe when you can.
Sunni
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Hi Sunni! Yes, I know. I’m happy everything turned out alright in the sense that your family is made it out okay. Oh yes, we have plenty of food, water, batteries, and everything else. I’m at my brother’s house and we’re just waiting to see what happens. The buckets of water for the toilet is a great idea. I’m going to suggest that now. Thank you so much for the great tips. So far it’s very windy and grey, but we’re told that later tonight is when we will feel the effects of the storm. Thanks again for the kind words and advice, my friend. ❤ xx
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Stay safe, Vashti.
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Hi Sue! We’ve done everything we can to stay safe and now it’s just a matter of waiting. Thank you! 🙂
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Keping you in my thoughts.
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You are in our prayers, Vashti. Blessings to you and yours…and to all. ♥
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Hello Gwen! Thank you for your payers and kind words. I appreciate it. ❤
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I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, dear Vashti! Let’s hear from you as soon after the storm has passed. Stay safe, my friend! ❤
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Hello Dave! I appreciate your prayers. We’re hunkered down at my brother’s house––waiting. We’re expecting the storm to hit tonight. So far it’s windy and grey. That’s about it. Thank you so much. I will try to give an update after the storm if we still have power. ❤
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Thanks Vashti! Stay safe! xo ❤
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Hi Vashti, how scary, stay safe thinking of you and your family. xxx
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Thank you very much, Marje! ❤ xx
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I do hope you all get through it all safe and well. 🌼🌼🌼
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The storm is over the Florida Keys right now (11:52 am, Sunday), and we’re getting some powerful bands. We hear terrifying noises outside, but we can’t see anything because we have shutters over our windows and doors. We still have power but we don’t know for how long because it started to flicker this morning. We feel safe here though, so we’re hoping for the best. Thank you so much! ❤
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Lots of prayers for you all sent.
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Prayers and hugs, Vashti!
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Thank you, Traci! We’ve been lucky so far. We still have electricity. Many have lost power. We’re actually watching the news and seeing what’s going on around us on TV, which feels so strange. The power is flickering, so I’m not sure how much longer we’ll have power. I appreciate your prayers. ❤ xx
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Stay safe and we wish for all people all the best
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Thank you very much! ❤
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And if you can tell us what going on in Florida now
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Right now, it’s 11:15 am Sunday morning. We’re hunkered down at my brother’s house. There are wicked scary noises coming from outside. At times it feels like the entire house is shaking. My brother has a relatively new, well built home in SW Florida. He has metal shutters over his windows and doors, so we feel safe here, but the sounds are terrifying. We can’t look out because the shutters block our view. So far, we still have electricity but the power has been flickering. We don’t know how much longer we’ll have power. Thank you for your concern. I appreciate it. ❤ xx
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Stay Safe
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Thank you! I’m definitely trying. 🙂
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Hopefully, when you read this, Irma will have passed you and you and your loved family, friends and pets are safe. Thoughts with all of Florida and South Carolina as this storm wreaks its havoc. ❤
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Hello Colette! The storm is howling and booming outside. I mean, the cacophony is terrifying, but I’m at my brother’s house and we have metal shutters over the doors and windows. We still have power, but it’s been flickering this morning. We’ve been able to watch the news and see the chaos that’s going on around us on TV, which feels surreal. It’s 11:27 am Sunday morning, the storm is over the Florida Keys right now, so we haven’t gotten the worst of it yet. We’re praying for all in Irma’s path. Thank you for the kind wishes. You’re very sweet. ❤ xx
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Oh my goodness, I had no idea you lived in the path of this hurricane, Vashti. I hope you and your family are all safe. I see you are at your brother’s house. My thoughts are with you, and all the people that have been or are being affected by this deadly storm. Take good care of yourselves and please let us know as soon as you can after the storm has passed.
xx
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Hello Hugh! We’re getting some terrible bands right now (11:38 am, Sunday), but the storm is over the Florida Keys right now and hasn’t reached us yet (SW Florida). We still have electricity, so we’ve been lucky so far, many have lost power. It’s frightening, but we feel safe here at my brother’s house. I will update the blog after the storm to let everyone know what’s going on. So far, so good. Thank you, my friend. ❤
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I hope you and your family have come through the storm safely, Vashti. We’re all thinking about you and the people of Florida.
xx
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Dear Vashti. Godspeed! I was never sure if you still lived in Florida (though I knew you had at one time at least). Sending you every good thought. I know it must be terrifying. Hugs on the wing.
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Hello Teagan! I will admit it was one of the most terrifying experiences I’ve ever had. Thank God it’s over and we’re all safe. Thank you very much for all the good thoughts, my friend. ❤ Hugs & Kisses ❤
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You and Florida are in my prayers Vashti ❤
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Thank you, Debby! My family and I are okay. ❤
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I’m elated to hear Vashti. ❤
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Vashti – wish you and your family safe and protected. This hurricane has been very tough, difficult to everyone, I pray to God to protect and support everyone.
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Thank you, Mihran. We all made it out safely. Thank God. ❤
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Thinking of you and hoping and praying that you are safe.
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Thank you very much! You’re very sweet. My family and I are okay. ❤
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Please let us know how you’re doing as soon as you can!
xxx
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Hi Doreen! My family and I are okay. I posted an update a little while ago. I’ll post pictures as soon as I can. Thank you for the concern. ❤ xx
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I trust you have sat it out safely Vashti and your house is OK. We are kept up to date on our nightly news, it seems the whole of Florida and further inland have experienced Irma. The storm surges have been incredible. Even in your hours of adversity I am sure your writer’s mind was working.
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Hi Denis! It was rough for a while, but all is well. My family and I are fine and that’s what’s important. You’re so right, my mind was working. Ha, ha! 😉 ❤
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Glad to hear you’re okay. Have been thinking of you while watching the news…
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Aw, thank you, Frank. You’re very sweet. I appreciate you. ❤ xx
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Pleased to hear that all is well after the hurricane.
Thanks for following my blog, which is much appreciated.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank you very much. Yes, things are finally getting back to normal. At least for me and my family. I enjoyed your blog, so it’s a pleasure. 🙂
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