Has It Been A Year Already?????

Linda's visit is almost over. Tomorrow she heads back to Memphis. It's been a good weekend, though. Saturday we went to dinner with our good friends Keith and Chris. We don't see them nearly often enough, so it is always especially nice when we can get together. They joined Linda and I for Mass at our parish, then we went to Byblos for dinner. It was great, as usual.

Today I preached at both 8am and 10am Masses, then off to Chevy's for our traditional Sunday lunch with Patti and Jerrod (aka Snake Slayer)(it's a long story... something to do with dreams and rat terriers and snakes) and family. Supper was at their place, with SS making homemade pizzas. KenEllie joined us so it was a nice family (sans H1, DIL1 and H2) gathering.

It's hard to believe that the 1st anniversary of Katrina is only 2 days away. Some folks are really looking forward to commemorative events, others don't want to remember any more than they have to.

C Ray was on Meet The Press this morning. Man, can he dodge the hard questions. Tim Russert asked him one question three times, and never did get a straight answer. And it seems like Nagin can't open his mouth anymore without offending someone. Although, I have to say that I don't hold his comments about N.Y. against him. I think the journalist who put him on the spot by comparing the destruction of New Orleans to the destruction of the Twin Towers was way off the mark. Apples and oranges. No one is denying that 9/11 was a huge tragedy with terrible loss of life and property, but to compare it to the devastation of 80% of an entire CITY, plus surrounding communities as well, is simply wrong.

H2's considering a career with the Houston P.D. He's even gone so far as to take the civil service exam and be interviewed for the department. Although Linda and I will miss him if he moves to Texas, we wish him the best of luck and success where ever his career aspirations take him.

Hurricane Ernesto (or, as our pastor calls it "Er-nasty") is hopefully going to take a turn away from the Louisiana/Mississippi Gulf coast. We pray that if that happens that the people of Florida will be spared any significant damage from the storm. While praying that the hurricane doesn't come to us, we certainly are not wishing it on anyone else!

Let me close by wishing you all long life, much laughter, and lasting love. May God bless you with all that you need, and most of what you want. Praise God, follow Jesus, choose LIFE.