Sign of the Times

One of the most memorable parties I've ever been to was at my friend Victoria's house in downtown Raleigh. The occasion? Hurricane Fran had just run roughshod over much of the eastern seaboard, and hers was the only house that still had power.

Driving conditions were horrible. Many of the streets were either flooded or covered with fallen trees, and had been closed off to traffic. My friend Todd had to walk to Vic's house, but he made a grand entrance.

"A sign," he bellowed. "I bring you a sign!" It said Detour. He'd stolen it on the way over.