Hey Katrina! A Word In Your Ear, er, Eye, whatever . . .

Say, Katrina, ever been to New Orleans? It's lovely there. Fascinating history and culture, and the food is not to be believed! I also hear Galveston's a neat little town, not a huge tourist destination but still a great place to spend a few hours. But you know what? Those places are so crowded. Sometimes the best destinations are the least populated. Think about heading for some deserted, quiet, unspoiled beach. How else can you get any rest? Not trying to put anything on your mind, I know you're busy getting up speed, but just think about it. . .

The poor folks in the middle of the Florida panhandle aren't on their feet yet from Dennis (or last year's Ivan, for that matter). Is it awful to want to spread the pain around a bit? I guess the answer to that depends on where you live.

If this tracking map proves true, I may escape without even a power outtage, which would be great. I can't believe that one of my first postings will be to warn the students about possible schedule changes due to Katrina. Even cyberspace, dependent as it is on electricity, bows to Mother Nature.

This time I have lots of canned food and not that much in the 'fridge, as Dad suggested; frozen gallons of water and stored ice . . . but I hope she leaves us alone. Seven people dead in south Florida -- that's a mean toll for a 'cane.