A mandatory evacuation was called for my parish. That means no calling 911, no ERs, no support services. Maybe if I hadn’t have had to take Sun to the ER last night, I’d not mind these lack of services. Sun fell down our three outdoor steps while CS was installing our hurricane window panels and I was talking with a neighbor about her plans; Sun busted her chin and had it glued closed—very minor dink in her armor. Maybe if I didn’t have a brand new car (mostly unpaid for) sitting in my front yard just begging to get flooded, I’d have fought CS harder to stay.
A friend had booked two hotel rooms in Baton Rouge. Her and another friend will share one so that they could offer us our own suite so as to get Sun out of harm’s way. My parents also had a spare hotel room in Montgomery, Alabama. Neither hotel took dogs. So how did I decide on Baton Rouge over Montgomery? Why would I choose the city I suspect will have a harder impact from the storm than New Orleans?
Sinker.
Sinker is a friend I’ve had since grammar school. He was my first boyfriend (in 8th grade). He too is a lawyer, and he and his wife and daughter live in Baton Rouge. Sinker is a fix-it guy. You got a problem, call Sinker. He can fix it or knows the folks that can. He will do anything for his friends and family and has time and again. And we do for him too. I called Sinker and asked if he was staying in Baton Rouge. He was. I explained my options. Without missing a beat, he said, “Bring your animals to my house. They can stay with us. We’ll have three other cats and at least one other dog.”
Our cat and dog are with the Sinkers tonight. We are in our cool, quiet, dark hotel room. My headache has returned. But my worries for my city have lessened. I believe Gustav will go more westerly than New Orleans and I believe it will be weaker than a Cat 4 (or even a 3) by the time it makes landfall. I believe New Orleans will be relatively unscathed. I believe we will soon return to our homes and resume our lives.
How could I believe otherwise?

Sounds like a great friend, the best kind to have in times such as these.
saintseester’s last blog post..Nature’s Power
Oh, Nola, so glad to know you and the pets are safe. Sounds like you took Sun’s spill in stride. She’ll learn from you what to be scared of, so it’s a challenge how to react, y’know? Hope all is well.
Moondance’s last blog post..Treading Water
I’ve been watching these storms all day. You and everyone down there are in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry to hear about Sun’s chin.
Sandy (Momisodes)’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
Stay dry! Let it pass and go back home safely. Good luck.
Ed (zoesdad)’s last blog post..Sunday Sonnets—-Thanks, John
Keeping you in my thoughts!! Stay safe!!
Alison-Mountain Momma’s last blog post..The Potty Chronicles
I’m so glad to see that you guys decided to evacuate… like I told SoMo, I pray that the only thing that is bent out of shape by the time you get home is the credit cards from having to go. And Sinker is an awesome person to do that. Your already showing a lucky streak.
Thinking bout you guys.
MamaMichelsBabies’s last blog post..Dementia has set in
You managed to bring everyone to safety and that must be a relief to you and your family. Prayers coming your way from across the ocean. We’ll be waiting on bated breath to hear news.
lilalia’s last blog post..Quiet Revolution
I hope Sun’s okay! I hope you’re okay! We’ll all be back soon… I’m trying to stay optimistic, which is very hard for a realist like me.
Jane Moneypenny’s last blog post..Surprising Anger & Gustav
Hi. Just visiting from Leendaluu’s. Wishing you and your loved ones safety, and that the hurricane passes you by. I can’t imagine what it must be like as I live in the UK, but I will never forget hearing of Katrina and seeing the terrible aftermath.
As I watch CNN this morning, I feel mildly optomistic…maybe it’s false hope but I’ll keep hoping. Continue to be well and hope your head is better. You and CS made the right decision.
hugs
I think a little optimism is creeping in.
That’s good.
Stay safe, and look forward to getting back home.
Xbox4NappyRash’s last blog post..I swear by Apollo Physician and Asclepius and Hygeia and Panacea and all the gods and goddesses…