The above plant is a papyrus. It loves the hot dry weather.

I suppose many people might want to know how I feel about the upcoming second year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. To be honest, I don't feel anything. It will just be another day. Last year I was at the celebration and what I noted was a handfull of city leaders congratulating one another for a job well done. Governor Haley Barbour made an appearance and what I got from his speech was that we should "hitch up our britches". I can honestly say that this is the first time I have ever used that expression. Bear in mind please, that I didn't say it.

Biloxi's mayor is being praised because of the revenue that is coming in from all the casinos. Gulfport's mayor is being criticized about everything he has tried to do. Most disheartening to me is that many projects are way into the future. We need things now. I realize that what is missing in not only my life but many other lives, is joy. To be without joy is to have a sad and depressed spirit.

When the Chevron refinery had a fire last week at its plant, they denied an explosion although many of their workers said there was and they were running for their lives. The daughter, her children and I went to my house in Moss Point knowing if the entire plant blew up that we wouldn't stand a chance. It would be like the wave of fire after a nuclear explosion. Why is something that is so dangerous to the inhabitants located here? People were complaining to Chevron that their cars had oil spots on them and Chevron offered to wash them if they had proof. I found one on mine and scraped it off with my fingernails and took the car to have it washed although the grit that cover our cars on normal days remains in the paint job. Chevron was praised for the fine way they handled the situation.

I have been reading about the floods in the mid west and I am sad for the people. Believe me, we know down here what they are going through. I am sure that many of the victims probably have been volunteers to our area and, that if there is a way, Mississippi will return the goodwill.

There are only six days until the anniversary ... maybe I will change my mind.