Joe Lansdale and Rita

Joe Lansdale, a writer you've probably heard of and read, lives in Nacogdoches, Texas, a long way from here and supposedly well away from hurricanes. He'd been calling to check on me, worried that I'd be blown away. Now the irony begins. I just got a call from Joe, who has no electric power, who's had a giant limb come through the roof of his house, and whose driveway is blocked by a fallen tree. Here I am in Hurricane Alley, having a high old time. And there's Joe, far inland, suffering far worse effects from Rita. Start sending some of those good thoughts his way, please.