Re: "This old fountain," April 16:

Having been born and raised within two blocks of Audubon Park and of course, in true New Orleans style, having never moved, I am, needless to say, very attached to the park.

How could the park allow a beautiful fountain to become such an eyesore and be left in such disarray? I can only imagine what Sara Lavinia Hyams must be thinking from her grave, bless her heart.

But herein lies my dilemma. Of course anyone who knows me knows I am a great lover of fine jewels. My husband learned long ago that diamonds as well as pearls, gold and silver are a girl's best friend. So what's a girl to do?

When I decide to shuffle how could I (or anyone else for that matter) leave anything to Audubon Park?

After all, some day, when you're long gone, it could be allowed to turn into a stagnant, rusted, unused fountain instead of something you hoped everyone would enjoy forever.

What a shame!