down

I've been reading all the fascinating comments on my "epistolary blogging" post with interest. I'm afraid, this week, I just don't have the energy to respond as I'd like to. The whole hurricane/flood thing has me in a bit of a funk, even though I don't really know anyone directly affected by it (other than some online friends/acquaintances). See Rebecca Loudon's post for some pointers re: assistance; while some of her links are Seattle-specific, they should lead you in the right direction regardless of your location. I gave what I could, though it was a pathetically small donation. The situation down there is just unimaginable. And, as always, it's those who had the least to begin with who are hurting the most.

[Edited to add: Here is a list of organizations accepting donations for Hurricane Katrina relief, from FEMA. Also consider the Humane Society's Disaster Relief Fund. ] [Further edited: Network for Good has an even better list of places to donate.]

On a more personal front, my little-old-man cat, 18 years old (and diabetic since January 1996), is pretty sick & spending the night in the hospital. I know he's been on borrowed time for a while now, but I worry about my little guy and the house feels sad without him in it. He has lived with me since he was 4 weeks old, and if he were a person, I'd be sending him off to college this month. :) I know many of you are "cat people" so please send some good thoughts in Mudpuppy's direction. We're not quite sure what is up with him, but he is definitely feeling crappy. Fortunately I have a wonderful vet who cares about him a lot and who I trust very much.

Doesn't help that work is crazy, crazy busy this week (first week of classes) and next week will likely be quite crazy as well. I do have to work Monday, so no three-day weekend of recuperation for me.

So if this blog is kind of quiet for a while, it's just because I am here, drinking a beer and distracting my brain by watching too much tennis. I'll be back to poetry eventually.