Irene's devastation: no Starbucks!

Let the rioting in the streets begin.

Irene was less than we expected, or feared, and that’s very good news.

To those who have sent e-mails and tweets, wondering how I’m doing here, I’m pleased to report: just fine. Thank you all for your many prayers! We still have power, flooding in my neighborhood appears to be minimal, and as I type the wind has dwindled from a howl to a whimper. I called the sacristan at my parish to let him know I’d be there to preach at 11:30 and he said, “You and the pastor may be the only two here. We had 16 people at the 8:30 mass.”