She waited while I carried it to her room, and watched as I took her sheets, a pillowcase, a heavy blanket, and a thin cotton waffle-weave spread from the linen closet.

NEWYORKER: The Reptile Garden

"I've always kept them ready to go at a moment's notice, " she said, adding that she had just put her jewelry in a pillowcase and packed up pajamas, slippers, a small Bose stereo, a collection of gospel and jazz CDs and 20 of her favorite outfits.

CNN: After Katrina, New Orleans won't be fooled again