Those of us who live on the Gulf Coast have come to understand that these hurricanes are going to be coming much more frequently than they did in the past. It's going to be serious business every hurricane season from now on.

The last info from all my various hurricane sites seems to put Ernesto just outside New Orleans later in the week as a Class III hurricane IF IT SURVIVES THE SHEAR. If the shear only slows it, it may adjust it's route and threaten someone else. I can't imagine what will happen to New Orleans, especially all the homes in the framing stage, if a Class III hurricane strikes them.

Some say don't worry until it happens. That is not even practical when you reside on the Gulf Coast. The emotional roller coaster that these hurricanes put people through will eventually start impacting families to the point of being a primary reason for relocation for many from the Gulf Coast area. Our water sports, recreational activities, and warm winters will still draw new people to this region and life will still go on. But, sadly, many will always be looking out at the Gulf wondering when the next surprise will come.

My prayers go out to the people in the path of Ernesto. We won't have to wait much longer to see if it will weaken from the shearing.

It appears the Texas Gulf Coast as well as Louisiana have must to be thankful for. It's a bitter victory because of the severe damage that this storm is going to leave behind after it passes over the islands and hits what is now predicted to be the Florida Keys. After that, of course, is anyone's guess. So for my end of the country, life goes on.