Fall is just a terrific season of course. I mean they’re all great, but there is something about that little chill in the air that zeros in on your memories. The start of a new school year. A new clean set of books and pens. New outfits to wear. And the excitement of what new experiences awaited you – a grade and a year older. Even after you’ve long left that period of your life – it’s a rhythm that gets you thinking in terms of things to accomplish. The prospect of great possibilities...

Three years later New Orleans is waiting for the assault of Hurricane Gustav. Authorities are not understating anything. They are flat out urging people to get out of town. And they’re bringing in 2,000 National Guard troops to trouble shoot any problems for people who resist and stay back. I have never had the experience of being in a forced evacuation. It must be terribly unsettling. One woman on the news was worried that there wouldn’t be any provision for her pet where they were being evacuated to. I can understand. Sometimes the choices we’re given aren’t the greatest ones. Here’s hoping everyone comes through safely...