AFTER K

Well. You know you're living in a "post-Katrina" world when you receive the September issue of Poetry and a Christmas card on January 29th.

or when you point out a loose brick that you think needs mortar caul and part of the wall comes off in your hand. (This sounded just like a tomb opening in a blockbuster movie.)

or when you barter with the contractor--floor sweeping in exchange for a lesson from the expert caulker

or when it doesn't bother you to sit down for dinner when the carpenter is trimming out a window right behind the table where you eat.

or when you finally feel comfortable saying "I'm sorry--is that the 'I don't want to do it price?"

or you find you are still raking tree debris out of the yard. And the attic.