Ritaville

Lines everywhere -- gas stations, highways, grocery and hardware stores. The anticipation of Rita is as thick as the humid air. "One degree equals 30 miles," said the weatherman. One degree may mean my house gets an extreme makeover.

Phyllis is going to Abilene in the morning. She is following the Moores as they go to family in Midland. She will part ways in Junction.

Duke and I are going to hunker down in Katy. Duke is my English Setter, who is by no means a house dog. He is getting up in years. Tomorrow morning I will probably give him a bath in case we stay in the laundry room together as we are waiting for Rita to pass.

Tomorrow morning will be a very tense time for the Houston area. The calculations will be more precise. Decisions will be made. Will I stay or go.

Life is like hurricane Rita. She started small, decided to get organized, flirted with Florida, and is now on her way to make a name for herself in Texas.

Maybe tomorrow night I will be like lieutenant Dan in Forest Gump saying, "Is this all you got?" Most likely I will be like the disciples of Jesus crying out, "Lord, save me."