I love our new neighborhood in Charlotte. Apparently, the tree in front of our neighbors' house feels compelled to escape. This 100 year old tree came down during last night's fireworks display, totalling three of our neighbors' cars but mercifully injuring nobody. Work crews earned every cent of holiday pay, restoring power to the block by 7am this morning. But I can't get my car out of the driveway, so I'll be working from Starbucks today. E-mail's best to reach me, since my cell's charging up at home.

UPDATE (221pm): Local news is on the scene. Apparently, the auto death toll has risen to five. Thank goodness for off-street parking.