So, now that we're done with Gustav (at least, done with him visiting us), we have to prepare for yet another hurricane that may/may not reach the Gulf.  Hopefully, it won't be a bad one and hopefully, it won't reach us as Gustav did.  Of course, I do not wish ANY hurricane on anyone else, but I have to be honest--one bad one a season is plenty enough--in fact, it's too much!  Guess we just have to keep our eyes on this one as well.

Today was relatively quiet here.  We did go into town to see about some meds for Sid; while there, we went to W/D to pick up a couple of items that we might be needing for the next couple of days.  That place was really buzzing!  There were security guards at the entrance/exit doors, but they didn't seem to be checking out the purchases in any way.  At least, they didn't check ours.  Considering the number of folks in there, the shelves still had lots on them.  We do not buy in tremendous bulk before a storm; we figure that if everyone tries to do that, there definitely won't be enough for everyone.  So, we buy what we need for ourselves and any guests we might have.  That's it!

After leaving W/D, we went to W/M for the meds.  We needed a couple of items there as well, but we didn't even need to take a cart.  The National Guard was there in a rather large number.  They were extremely polite and helpful, standing at the entrance/exit doors.  Customers could only enter in that one area, and they also exited there.  I thank these men and women for their service in this area!

Apparently, there has been some looting in town, and that's why the National Guard presence was needed.  One of the ladies at the register told me that her house was flooded because the pumps were not checked and batteries were not working.  She also said that a lot of elderly folks were affected in her neighborhood by this.  While her home was flooded, someone (or several someones) broke into her house.  What a shame!

During Katrina, there was a lot of looting, too.  Although stealing is never acceptable, I can more easily accept a mother taking diapers or baby food or baby clothing and stuff like that because of a dire situation; but to steal beer, appliances, stereos, and those things--well, I have a real problem with that.  This time, the governor said that looters would be immediately sent to jail and would remain there until such time as they could be dealt with.  Apparently, he was true to his word--and I agree with that!

When we went into town today, we had to detour along some side streets because there was repair work being done on the main street in town.  WOW!  We saw even more devastation back there, with HUGE trees completely uprooted, many of them just missing homes.  Some trees, of course, DID fall on homes, so there will be lots of problems for some of these folks.  My sister-in-law, who had a tree fall in her dining room, is now having problems with mold spreading in her home.  That is VERY hard to deal with.  Please keep her--and all those others in similar situations--in your prayers.

Speaking of prayers, I ask that you say a special prayer tonight for a man who has been a real helper to our son as he began his law career.  He took our son under his wing and made him a partner when his own son became a local judge.  This man, who was quite elderly, passed away yesterday from a stroke.  They had evacuated to MS where he suffered this fatal stroke.  I'm sure his wife will need your prayers as well, and I ask that you keep her in your thoughts at this time.

Sid did a good bit of cleaning up in the front yard today.  There is still lots to do, but we'll take our time doing it.  Going back to work is still an issue because the school's is being used as a base for the National Guard.  Also, the Diocese of Baton Rouge has stated that ALL of its schools will remain closed through Tuesday; at that time, a decision will be made as to when the students will be allowed to return.

I spoke with Mom again today; all is well there, especially since they have power now.  Our girls are all still without power, so that's not good.  I'm sure they're having a rough time (as are lots of other folks) because of the children.  I haven't heard when the local schools there will re-open, but I'm sure they can't do anything until they get power, so...

Joey sent me his "long, newsy e-mail" today, and they are definitely not having to contend with hurricanes.  Both he and Josh did try to check on us, but it was difficult without phone service--both cell and land lines worked only intermittently.  Josh's kids started school yesterday, having had to delay their starting date because they just finished building their brand, new school.  I am anxious to hear how things went with that.  Josh said the school is beautiful--and I'm sure it is. 

That's it for tonight!  Have a great evening and a terrific weekend.

HEARTFELT BLESSING:  "Kind thoughts are rarer than either kind words or deeds.  They imply a great deal of thinking about others.  This in itself is rare, but they also imply a great deal of thinking about others without the thoughts being criticisms.  This is rarer still."  --E.W. Faber

NOTE:  We tend to judge others when we see them, when we think of them, when we pass by them--whatever and whenever!  What do you think would happen if instead we made a definite effort to think a kind thought about each person we see, think of, pass by.  If they're someone we do NOT like at all, try to think an especially kind thought.  WOW!  Can you imagine the change IN YOU?  Kindness--kind thoughts-----what a unique idea!  Let's try it!