On a potentially stinking hot day (it becomes stinking if one forgets the deodorant) the best thing to do is find a place with a breeze (natural or fan-induced) and relax with a book and plenty of fluids.

I save "used" coke bottles, rinse them out, then fill them 1/3 to 1/2 with water, then lay them in the freezer (preferably at a slant) so that I have ready-made giant ice cubes. All I have to do is add enough water to fill the bottle up the rest of the way.

(One does not live in the deep south without coming up with all sorts of tricks. And this one costs nothing, once you have already bought the soft drink.)

Today has been one of those days.


I was wondering why I hadn't gotten any parking passes (for Tulane) yet. I'd e-mailed the "boss" and she said she'd send them off the next day.

Who knows what goes in the deep recesses of the postal service?

I e-mailed her again today and she said to let her know in advance when I was coming in, and she'd hand the parking passes to me as I paused by the building.

Shall we make odds on whether they will magically show up before then?


The little raccoons are as cute as ever. They've obviously been told to stay clear of humans, but that they don't have to run away from me when I bring food out to the front porch. And I suspect that the cats reassure them also.

No signs of the mamas for a couple of days. I'm sure they're enjoying the break from their kids, and are getting food elsewhere.