underdogishere

Here we are, once again celebrating the first day of Hurricane Season, and here on this blog we have an annual tradition: The Renaming of the Storms. It started two years ago when I explained how boring the official method of naming storms is, and proposed that each year we have, instead, a new set of names following a common theme. In 2006 I proposed the Season of Cheeses. The tradition continued last year with the Season of Greek Gods. I think it was a great success.

This year I humbly suggest a Season of Flowers. There's something appealing incongruous about naming terrible storms after beautiful, colorful, and delicate plants. Here ya go, the tropical storm names for the 2008 season:

Amaryllis, Buttercup, Columbine, Dahlia, Everlasting, Foxglove, Gladiolus, Hydrangea, Iris, Jessamine, Kennedia, Lilac, Milkweed, Nosegay, Oleander, Poinsettia, Quince, Sunflower, Tulip, Violet, Waxflower, Yew, Zephyranth

I could not find any flower names starting with U or X, and, honestly, I wasn't thrilled with what I had to settle for for the letter K, but on the other hand I love Buttercup and Sunflower. Lilac is a tip to my deceased mother -- it was her favorite flower. And Nosegay played an important role in a Nero Wolfe mystery. Yikes!

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Hurricane Season this year!

P.S. And welcome to Tropical Storm Amaryllis (aka Arthur), ushering in the new season over the Yucatan Peninsular today.

Labels: Hurricanes, Nero Wolfe