One of the nasty things about living near the Gulf of Mexico is the conundrum one faces when a hurricane comes this way. While fervently hoping that said storm will not hit your hometown and maybe force you and your family to flee before it, you are acutely aware that you are rooting for it to wreak its havoc and devastation on somebody else. You wind up expressing a lot of hope for the hurricane to be less than advertised, as well as a lot of sympathy for those who will feel its fury, and walk away carrying an odd mixture of dread, relief, and guilt. Let's just say that I don't enjoy the summertime the way I used to any more.

All those feelings are magnified now when the cone of uncertainty has New Orleans as its bullseye. Which is one of many reasons I'm grateful and hopeful that SciGuy is right, and that New Orleans may be spared the worst of it. Does anybody know a good wind shear dance?

To everyone who may be in Hurricane Gustav's path, stay safe and know we've all got you in our thoughts and prayers. Here's some useful information for those who may need assistance. Let's be ready to help as soon as we can.