Gustav wasn’t as bad as predicted. We had learned that from the news. So on our return yesterday, the destruction we witnessed was rather a shock. Baton Rouge was hard hit: large trees crushed like match sticks along I-12 and I-10. I was driving, but Dad said he saw numerous places with missing roofs. Lafayette fared better, but still, there are huge piles of debris in front of almost every yard. Our own place was carpeted by fallen limbs, some as large as trees. It was a big storm.

I started the clean-up this morning. Hardly made a dent in it. My clothes were wet with sweat, and shoes soaked and jeans drenched to the knees. My plan was big limbs first, but some -as long as a van- were beyond me. I kept tripping on the little limbs. Sometimes y'have to take care of the small stuff before you can get to the big stuff.

We thought we were going to have to leave again this week because of the threat of Ike. Another road trip with a hundred thousand others! I’m very relieved Ike changed his mind about a visit to Louisiana -- and I know I'm not the only one.

But, I feel for those in Cuba today, and I hope west Texas and northern Mexico get some of the rain they need without coming to harm.