As I write this letter just weeks before our first Thanksgiving following Katrina, I realize that I have much to be thankful for, not the least of which is that things are getting back to normal—if you can call it that. I like to call it the “new normal.” For instance, I’ve come to accept the fact that a typical morning five-mile commute takes thirty minutes. Waking up at 6 a.m. to the sound of hammers is standard. It’s not uncommon to have your roofer’s number on speed dial. And it’s normal to look forward to a visit from your insurance adjuster more than a date night with your hubby. Times sure are different.

As we approach our first holiday season following the hurricane disaster—I’m so sick of writing those two words—it will be interesting to see how we merge this new normal into our old traditions. I expect to open up a few Christmas cards containing family photos that buck the conventional pose in front of the fireplace in favor of a pose next to a massive oak stump in the yard. Some people might even choose to forgo hanging holiday lights and instead build a celebratory bonfire, once the burn ban is lifted. And one of the most traditional symbols of the season—the Christmas tree—might very well be absent this year. After all, who can stand the thought of another tree in the house?

Kidding aside, I truly am grateful to see our community moving ahead, cleaning up and looking forward to a bright future. After an intense month of gathering stories and photos to include in our last issue chronicling Katrina, I was downright giddy about assigning stories for this issue. In reading these pages, I hope you find delight, wonderment, inspiration—and a certain sense of normalcy.

Congratulations to Mandeville’s Robin Hurley, the winner of our August/September Word Search!

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