After Rain There's a Rainbow, After a Storm There's Calm, After the Night There's a Morning, and After an Ending There's a New Beginning. - Unknown

August 24, 1992

Twenty years ago one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the United States barreled through southern Florida.Hurricane Andrew, a category 5 hurricane, devastated Homestead, Florida City, and parts of Miami. 15 people were killed during the storm, and another 25 ended up dying from injuries sustained in the hurricane after the fact. 250,000 people were left homeless.

Andrew not only changed the landscape, it changed the community, giving strength and building unity. Neighbors came together to help each other, putting aside differences and prejudice. These cities rebuilt out of the wreckage, building stronger sturdier homes. Building codes have been changed, and warning systems improved.
We drink tonight to remember those loved ones who lost there lives, and to honor the courage and strength shown by the survivors.

Before  we commence drinking I would like to take a moment to let all of our friends and family in Puerto Rico and Florida know they and the rest of the Caribbean, are in our thoughts as Tropical Storm Issac grows into a hurricane and heads your way. Please be safe, and please be alert. Isaac Tracker

Hurricane

This popular drink was invented in the 1940's at the popular New Orleans bar, Pat O'Briens. During WWII whiskey was all the rage, but in short supply. Liquor distributors would require customers by 50 cases less popular rum, in order to receive one case of whiskey. O'Brien came up with the tasty rum heavy drink as a way to move the extra stock. Named for the hurricane lamp shaped glass it is served in, the Hurricane has become the signature drink of Mardi Gras.

Ingredients:

1 oz Light rum

1 oz Dark rum

 1 oz. 151 rum

3 oz. of Orange Juice

3 oz Pineapple Juice 

or Passion Fruit Juice

 1/2 oz Grenadine syrup

 Orange Slice and Cherry to garnish

Directions:

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker...ShAkE sHaKe ShAkE!

Fill hurricane glass with crushed ice (cubed ice is fine), and strain the drink into glass.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

(Let the good times roll)

Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them?

Rose Kennedy