I've got lots to write and not much time so here goes... Update on my family in SW Louisiana: I don't have much information. What I do know is that all of my family's houses are standing but I have no idea how much damage they have sustained. My uncle has been able to get back to his house and he had electricity this weekend. My father has been staying in a hotel in Hot Springs, ARK with my grandfather and one of my aunts (she actually lives in Pheonix but was visiting when all this transpired.) My grandmother was air evacuated to a hospital in Hot Springs before Rita hit. My father will be staying there until he is allowed back in Lake Charles. I haven't been able to speak to my father yet. I always get a busy signal when I dial his cell phone. I will keep you updated.

I was out sick most of last week. Luckily I was home on Tues. morning because a pipe burst under the kitchen sink causing the entire apartment to flood with HOT water. It was crazy. I ran to my neighbor's because I couldn't turn the shut off valve. I can't believe I was able to speak so much Czech and make any sense. I was quite distraught. Things are ok now. I will give more details next time. I must go teach.

Jess