Hurricane Katrina wasn't done when she unleashed her fury on America's Gulf Coast, wiping out New Orleans and devastating other coastal areas. She also dealt a severe body blow to consumer confidence across the board.

With the effects of the Gulf Coast Hurricanes wearing off and fuel prices coming back down to more palatable levels, Americans are beginning to view their economic prospects in a more positive light.

It's devastating. The Gulf Coast is gone.

October 2005 is shaping up to be different from October 2001, when we saw a substantial rally effect in the aftermath of 9/11.

We felt that in light of the devastating effects Hurricane Katrina had on the Gulf Coast just three weeks ago, it was in the best interest of our residents and staff to call for an evacuation to a more inland location.

My ordeal began when I couldn't locate my grandkids for almost a week after the hurricane devastated the Gulf Coast.