Might be a good time...

... to pray. Or whatever your version of it is. I'm not a religious gal, but I'm sending all my best energy, vibes, hopes, to those in Rita's path. I have friends who have evacuated, and I have other friends whose families have evacuated. Once they're on the road, there's no way of knowing how far they've traveled. Traffic is stopped, gas is scarce, and there are no motel rooms to be had at most destinations.

I used to wonder about those abandoned ancient civilizations we'd learn about in school. Big, well thought-out communities, unearthed centuries later. Scientists would wonder why they just up and left. I have a better idea of how that could happen. Even now.