September 12, 2008 - McWillie Elementary Welcomes Dianne de Las Casas
Friends:
I had the great pleasure of performing at McWillie Elementary School in Jackson, Mississippi. I saw 680 students and had a blast. I performed my Jump, Jiggle & Jam program to two groups of enthusiastic, highly participatory audiences. One third grade boy told me, “I loved your show. It was so much fun but you make me tired!” I laughed. I still had one more show to go! I’m the one who should have been tired! My only disappointment was that I forgot my camera’s SD card and didn’t get any pictures of my show. The school took pictures and promised to send me some.
After my show, I was given a tour of the beautiful school bedecked with breathtaking art. Look at this mosaic butterfly, mounted in the corner of a hallway. This picture was taken with my phone camera.
September 12, 2008 - McWillie Elementary Mosaic Butterfly
I had a fabulous time at the school. They enjoyed my show so much that they want me to return next year! 
After my show, I was anxious to get on the road and head home. I heard that Vicksburg, MS was out of gas so I filled up before I left. The ride home was treacherous, especially as I entered Louisiana.
September 12, 2008 - Welcome to Louisiana
With Hurricane Ike rapidly approaching, the effects of the monster storm were far-reaching. The winds were so strong, it felt as though my sturdy van might topple over. They tore at the trees and pushed against my car. I had to drive with both hands on the wheel.
Take a look at the bayou community of Manchac, Louisiana on I-55 South. It’s under water.
September 12, 2008 - Flooding in Manchac
Where I-55 joins I-10, there was flooding in LaPlace, Louisiana. I managed to take a few decent pictures while driving over the Bonnet Carre Spillway. The high waters from Lake Pontchartrain splashed underneath the elevated highway and covered railroad tracks.
Here the Cypress trees wade in high waters from Lake Pontchartrain that invade the bayou.
September 12, 2008 - Cypress Trees on the Spillway
In Louisiana, several levee breaches and heavy overtoppings occurred in Plaquemines Parish, Terrebonne Parish and Lower Jefferson Parish. Homes have been flooded from the strong storm surge. Other than the winds and power outages, the city of New Orleans seems to be faring well. This is the city around 3:00 pm today.
September 12, 2008 - Superdome & New Orleans Arena
Driving over Crescent City Connection was challenging, with the winds whipping all around.
September 12, 2008 - Crescent City Connection
I can’t tell you how relieved I was to get home. I was frightened driving in winds that gusted 40-50 miles per hour. Eliana was so happy to see me. She didn’t have school today because of Hurricane Ike. So we decided to have some fun and make silly faces. Sometimes, even when facing a storm, you have to find humor in the midst of chaos. So I leave you with our silly faces.
September 12, 2008 - Mommy & Daughter Making Silly Faces
We’ll continue to pray for all the people in Ike’s path. God Bless Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
