Enough, Already!

As I write this, it's raining here. I can hear the steady staccato of it outside my window. I can see the puddles it's creating behind my car. The lights flickered earlier but the power stayed on so I could watch game 1 of the World Series (even though the Yankees aren't in it).

My thoughts and sympathy go to the beleaguered residents of Florida who have been boarding up their homes and businesses and leaving town as they seek safe harbor in drier towns. And to the people in Mexico who have been pounded for two straight days by Wilma. And of course to the thousands and thousands of people who were killed or devastated by Katrina. My God!

I was in New Orleans just two weeks before Katrina hit for a business conference. We had a great time -- but it was miserably hot and muggy. I found it nearly unbearable after just an hour walking around the French Quarter, even though I was able to duck into air-conditioned stores for a break every few minutes. How in the world did the people there endure that for days on end??? I truly believe that after just a few hours, I would have cried out, "God, take me now!!!"

I am sooooo glad to see summer end. I hate being hot and feeling clammy (a euphemism for sweaty). I hate feeling the trickle of sweat running down my back, whether I'm in good clothes for work or my ratty t-shirts. I like being cool. I like layers and sweaters and coats.

Meanwhile, the world waits to see what destruction and pain Wilma and her successors will bring. Can we please have some mercy here? Can we please end this storm season? Enough, already!