Something we haven't seen too much of this summer.

We are having a good afternoon soaker right now - something that New Orleans had been missing for almost three weeks.  This summer has been unusually dry in the Big Easy.  Aditi and I are working today from the cafe Rue de la Course on Oak Street.  Oak Street is another Main Street here in New Orleans, similar to the organization that Aditi is working for.  This street recently received a facelift from the city and now has some of the least hazardous sidewalks in the city along with well defined curb and very fancy granite crosswalks.  The street looks great! 

The section of St. Roch Avenue that FSRP works along also recently received street scape improvements funded by Community Development Block Grants from the City of New Orleans.  Most of the streets in New Orleans have not seen this sort of investment from the city in years, but Oak Street and St. Roch avenue are two prime example of what a difference well maintained curbs and sidewalks can make in creating a welcoming neighborhood.

And, as I watch the rain pour down, I cannot help but make a plug for subterranean drainage as well - I am lucky to be parked on a street right now that isn't flooded in 6 inches of water!