We rode bike along Lakeshore Drive, a very upscale neighborhood on the north side of Lake Pontchartrain, referred to as the “North Shore.” Due to the lake effect it can be 10 degrees cooler than New Orleans. We met “Tim the bug guy,” that’s what he called himself. Insect control has a 365-day window of opportunity in LA. The increase in mice and rodent business tells Tim the temperature is going to get colder about a week ahead of the weather change. Mice know these things.

Tim has always lived in the New Orleans area, and had moved to Mandeville several years before   Hurricane Katrina.  He will never ride out a hurricane again. He spoke in terms of BC and AC (Before Katrina, and after Katrina). Being a native, Tim has always had a gas stove, a generator, and fortunately a house after Katrina. His house filled with people who stayed a long time, the last leaving after 14 months. There was nowhere to go. Tim became emotional when speaking of the devastation, waiting in line for HDR’s (Humanitarian Daily Rations), and a bag of ice. Then getting back home with a bag of cold water, and dividing the cubes 5 per person. How bare bones basic is that?

Tim said he wasn’t much of a religious person, yet he talked of “God moments,” and readily accepted being lifted up in prayer. Tim is a good soul, and the citizens of LA are better off for having him. The insects, not so much.