Thursday, June 24

Hot, Hot, Hot! The newspapers here said Wednesday was the hottest day on record ever in New Orleans, and today was not really substantially better. The heat has started taking its toll a bit; we are more tired more quickly, with a couple of headaches and a couple of upset stomachs. But we finished working today, and will do some playing tomorrow.

We met the president of the St. Bernard Parish -- the rough equivalent to the Chair of our County Board -- after work this afternoon. He told us some remarkable stories of the recovery, and thanked us for being part of the ongoing effort.

Tonight after dinner we gathered for "Senior Night," and told our 9 seniors present (Jamie and Matt Bender, Emily Gardner, Christina Johnsen, Mark Kunberger, Katie McGovern, Emma and Sam Noble, and Lena Walsh) how much they mean to the community and how much they will be missed. This is always a powerfully emotional time for the group, and, as I write this, they are finally all getting to sleep and ready to go tomorrow.

Swamp tour tomorrow!