The Mighty Mississippi......

Springtime. River risin'. Flood watch. Yep, it's that time of year when all eyes are on the Big Muddy -- and she's a-rising fast. But, no worries, they're telling us. At least no worries for Baton Rouge. It seems that this year we won't be able to drive the streets of downtown BR gazing at the ships floating down (or up) river -- high above street level -- high above the tops of our cars. Freaky.

One of our local weather men explained what all the hoopla's about. Official flood stage in BR is 35' and that's where the river is now. But....(and this is very important) our levees are around 48-49' feet high. They aren't sure?! Anywhoo....once the river reaches official flood stage the river traffic cops come out. The current's flowing so fast and there's so much boat traffic that river conditions are treacherous, hence the river PO-lice. All of us down here just kind of hope it won't rain too much more up north.

Favorite river joke: Will everyone in Minnesota please flush their toilets. People in Baton Rouge want a drink of water. Ewwwwwwww!