Rita

These last few days in Houston have been tense at times. Four days ago Houston was in the path of Hurricane Rita. A category 5 hurricane for a brief time, the storm eventually lost strenth and changed course. More than 1 million people from Houston evacuated. While we were sparred the consequences of a direct hit, Houston now seems somewhat of a ghost town. No businesses open, no gas for miles, no hustle and bustle of big city life. People will begin returning to their homes from surrounding cities as soon as gas becomes available.

It's been a while since a hurricane has come through Houston. Although Rita wasn't a direct hit, there were still 25-40 mph winds outside my door as the storm made landfall. I took an early evening walk to witness natures inspiring majesty.

New Orleans Aid

Please take a moment and make a contribution for those affected by Katrina:

American Red Cross, 1-800-435-7669, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. You can donate at ww.redcross.org.

Convoy of Hope, 1-417-823-8998, 330 S Patterson, Springfield, MO 65802. You can donate at www.convoyofhope.org.

Salvation Army, 1-800-725-2769, Salvation Army Headquarters, P.O. Box 269, Alexandria, VA 22313. If you send a check, note "Katrina Disaster relief." You can donate at www.salvationarmyusa.org.

United Way, Tampa Bay 813-274-0900 or 727-535-3545, 1000 N. Ashley Drive Suite 800, Tampa, FL, 33602. You can donate at www.uwtb.org.

--rsr