Monday, August 21.

A wave of relief swept through the neighborhood when the Emergency Line opened on schedule. According to the radio, the clouds over North America opened up for the first time in months. Live reports from Milwaukee were nearly drowned-out by cheering people who brought bathtubs, fish tanks and pots and pans into the streets to catch the precious raindrops. There was a giant "rain rally" in the park tonight to celebrate the luck of those so many miles away. Thousands turned out, in all ages and sizes, wearing clothing ranging from formal conservative to none at all.
The warm night's celebration was sensuous. Conga drums and guitars fixed a pulse for both dancing and conversation. All sorts of merchants were there. They sold everything: overripe fruit, water purifying kits, scrawny dogs and cats, and even themselves. It was the latter group that did the best business.