The Mississippi River has been closed for more than 200 miles, thanks to the collision with the oil barge. (New Orleans is about that distance from the Gulf of Mexico.)

Meanwhile, the water intakes for several communities along the river have been closed. I think they said that the city of New Orleans' intakes are above the spill. I am so glad I live on the North Shore. Our water comes from artesian wells.

420,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled when a tugboat rammed the barge carrying the fuel. I haven't heard anything about the condition of the tug operator. He wasn't injured, but the question of course is "was he under the influence?"

The fuel will eventually float on down to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it will impact wetlands. On the bright side, if it had been crude oil it would have been much worse, as that would have sunk (according to one reporter).

Let's see--what else? The ferries that cross the river are not operating. They carry a LOT of commuters. I am SO glad that my route to Newcomb/Tulane will not be impacted to any great degree by the ferry closure.

If you want more details, the title is linked to more news.

This afternoon I went to where else to read, relax, and have a cup of decaf. After I was done, I went through the drive-thru at Arby's to get a nice big beef sandwich. I think they gave me a larger one than I ordered. It seemed like more meat than I usually get. I am not complaining.

On the way home I went through the drive-up window at Walgreen's(not literally.) The young woman working the window recognizes me and by the time the message tube with my credit card got there, she had already checked the computer and begun processing the order. She is really sharp.

So, aside from from the Dolly rains this morning--and the fuel spill in the Mississippi--it was just another day.

I plan on staying home tomorrow also--with the rain I don't see how the paving and striping of the road by my building could have gotten done.