Weren't we just talking about some Ritas?

Man...what is going on? This was not what I was talking about. I was talking about sitting on the beach drinking "RITA'S" as in margaritas! The universe is getting things confused! Why are there so many hurricanes occuring so close together? I'm sure there is a scientific reason behind it and I'm sure there are all kind of theories for this. All I can say is that I hope Katrina serves as an example of what can happen when a Category I hurricane crosses over the southernmost tip of Florida and enters in the much warmer waters of the Gulf. I pray for the protection of the already devastated Gulf Coast and New Orleans. If Rita makes landfall west of them, they are in for some more wind and rain which I'm pretty sure they don't need. I pray for the protection of those west of the Katrina devastation as well because if South Louisiana (west of New Orleans) and South Texas has to evacuate, where will they go? The good thing is that we have a few days to prepare as well as we can. I read, though, that this hurricane is moving much faster than Katrina so landfall may be sooner than anticipated. We are in the center of Louisiana. Even so, I've seen the devastation that a hurricane can dish out. I was in Houston during Allison (did she even make it to hurricane strength?)...stranded in the car on the 610 loop for 18 hours with 20 feet of water in front of us and 20 feet of water behind us. No...not fun at all. We made it through Andrew and Lillie as they tore through my little town. As long as I have all my little chick-a-dees with me...I'll be fine...but I always prepare for whatever could happen. I would hope that this post is not viewed as panic. I'm not going to panic. I am talking about preparation and reality. If it makes landfall anywhere between Houston and Lake Charles, we're going to get something. I'm expecting something...but I am not panicking. I'm just going to be as prepared as possible...and hope for the best. My heart goes those people in the coastal areas, though...man. So many evacuated from New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast to the Houston area...and here comes another hurricane. Of course, Florida and the whole Gulf Coast has been so battered these last couple of years...nobody needs another one. That all said...we need some rain and we need it bad. That's for sure. Of course, I really should be careful of what I ask for. I ask for rain and we get a stupid hurricane. It's so dry and dusty here. I look outside and see scorched trees and dirt. I know I should really learn to appreciate the beauty around me. I'll work on that. Right after I get back from buying flashlights, batteries and water.