Passing Parade

Since our neighborhood emerged from Rita's clutches with no more than a few, paltry branches, it feels as though we've done our job. We survived. On the other hand, it's remarkable to note the hurricane's resemblance to a parade: loud music, colorful bands, lots of noise have all receded into the distance. The media's attention is on Beaumont and properly so...a community much more hurt than our part of Houston. There’s hardly any news about what remains of Rita, so fierce in confrontation, so tattered in leaving.

One of the two couples who evacuated our block arrived home from San Antonio around noon. Barbara and I found them raking up the branches and leaves in their front yard. Their trip to San Antonio took about five hours, through the clever use of back roads; the return no more than two-and-a-half. Bruce was planning to retire to his easy chair and watch the Notre Dame game on TV. Otherwise, all is serene. Our sympathy to other parts of the Houston area.

As an extra treat, my regular watcher in the East, Susan, sent the following in re Sarah Bernhardts:

"The Catholic school version is chocolate, in case you would like to expand your repertoire.

“3 squares unsweetened chocolate (melted in microwave) added to 1 can sweetened, condensed milk. Add and mix well:
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup coconut
1 cup broken walnuts or pecans.

“Use an ice cream scoop, drop on parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. You can put the cookies close on the sheet as they do not spread much. TIP: if you melt your chocolate in a big enough bowl, it's a one bowl recipe.

“Glad to see Houston made it through the storm. Have another cookie."

Sweet.