Alex Del Castillo, of New Orleans, is circulating e-mail with advice for all Louisianans during the hurricane season:

EVACUATION ROUTE: If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says "Louisiana,'' you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.

(Via A Dog's Life)

Our home is about 180 miles north of New Orleans, and in this storm we have so far received only three inches of rain and little wind.

On the other hand, our renters in Gulf Shores, AL, are having what they call "an interesting experience". They were up all night. The storm was worst at about 3 am for our couple, which was when the waves starting eating away at the condo lot. It knocked out parts of the walkway to the beach and ate under the swimming pool about two feet. The pool has not collapsed so far. The trees and buildings appear to be fine.

Later this afternoon they will be driving out to take a look at what is happening around town.

In the meantime, it's time to get dressed and take Lucy, our avian companion, to her first vet appointment to have her flight feathers and toenails clipped. This might get a little rough.