Philip's cell phone still didn't work today. We were so worried about our friends in New Orleans... and about our mothers. We drove into Mobile, hoping the cell would work there... but it didn't. We even used pay phones... but the recording kept saying "all circuits are busy".

When we got home we were surprised to see Philip's mom's car parked in our yard. I should've known that she, being unable to call and check on Philip, would drive here from Mississippi. But she wasn't just being an over-protective mom... her electricity was out, too... and Philip's dad (who is very ill with Alzheimer's) was nearing a heat stroke. She knew we had a small generator, so she figured we would have an air-conditioner going.

This totally put us in an awkward position... because we were supposed to go to Chicago to visit Barry (a.k.a. Chris Harding) on Friday. We were already exhausted and stinky and in shock from the hurricane and the aftermath... and Philip's parents certainly aren't stress-relievers! But we're so much better off than so many people over the Gulf South region... we truly are grateful to be able to help our family.