This morning we awoke exhausted, drained, and weary to the bluest sky I’ve ever seen, fluffy white clouds, a slight coolish breeze, and a big ball of fire in the sky.  There were moments to rejoice.  I had coffee on the front porch, thanking God for a short reprieve to recharge and fight again.  I would have had my coffee in the back yard but the swimming pool looks like we ought to throw up our hands and just stock it with catfish.

The second round starts today for Beaumont and small cities east.  That’s where Houston Petrochemical companies supply most of America with gasoline.  If you’re smart, you’ll fill up now.

My small town is still facing the rise of the Brazos River.  It’s such a long river that it takes days for the water to hit us before it pours into the Gulf of Mexico.  They really just have to get out their slide rulers and guess where all that water will end up because we have no idea what drainage ditches and tributaries are blocked with debris at this point.  The best guess is that the river will crest on Friday morning and that the oldest parts of the city, about a two mile area, will remain a literal island for 3 – 4 days. We won’t be able to get in or out except by boat. The upside is that we have a small hospital, a grocery store, more taco huts than Mexico City, a movie theater, and more good folks than jackasses.  The main downside is snakes, alligators, and fire ants seeking high ground.

Here’s what you can do to help.  A few of you have asked me where you could donate a little money where it would do the most good. I am donating to the AFL-CIO Texas Worker Relief Fund.  I know these guys.  John Patrick, the president of the TEXAS AFL-CIO  is a friend of mine and he’s meaner than ten acres of snakes. I know for damn fact that he will squeeze every penny you give him to do the most good. Click here to donate.

If I hear of any more in need, I will let you know.