It's been three months now since we lived in our own apartment. It's a hard concept for those not in this situation to grasp. It sounds fun and romantic to be vagabonds, but in truth, we are mostly homeless. Now we are back in our hometown. It's a small town without the conveniences that those in metro areas are used to, but it has its own charm.
NBC Evening News has had a few segments on New Orleans and the Biloxi areas. Interesting to watch. Please continue you interest.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving
Greetings.
It's been two weeks with Internet connectivity, so I'm thrilled to be writing on Thanksgiving.
We haved moved off of Lake Michigan and back to my hometown. It's great to be in a familar place and kind of strange too. I wanted to thank all you have who have provided items to us. Now that we are in our own apartment, we are using everything that was provided. We didn't get hit as badly as some, but we lost all our furniture including bedroom suites. That means we have new furniture! That's not a bad thing. We managed to salvaged some wood and metal items, like tables, and brought them up here. Sure enough, the mold DID freeze!! Just like I predicted. ;-) So now our stuff has more character and history.
We are a few steps away from being where we were before this happened, so that is encouraging. I am stilling for employment and, yes, I do miss the warm weather. I plan to go back down in Mid-December to see what is what.
Many thanks to all (I haven't had a chance to thank Lisa Caldrone-Stewart). You have all been great and gracious. Your giving without question has been inspirational.
And to those who haven't given me advice: THANK YOU!! I am really thankfull for that.
Peace and my best to you and your on the precious day and in days to come.
God Bless. Stay warm.
It's been two weeks with Internet connectivity, so I'm thrilled to be writing on Thanksgiving.
We haved moved off of Lake Michigan and back to my hometown. It's great to be in a familar place and kind of strange too. I wanted to thank all you have who have provided items to us. Now that we are in our own apartment, we are using everything that was provided. We didn't get hit as badly as some, but we lost all our furniture including bedroom suites. That means we have new furniture! That's not a bad thing. We managed to salvaged some wood and metal items, like tables, and brought them up here. Sure enough, the mold DID freeze!! Just like I predicted. ;-) So now our stuff has more character and history.
We are a few steps away from being where we were before this happened, so that is encouraging. I am stilling for employment and, yes, I do miss the warm weather. I plan to go back down in Mid-December to see what is what.
Many thanks to all (I haven't had a chance to thank Lisa Caldrone-Stewart). You have all been great and gracious. Your giving without question has been inspirational.
And to those who haven't given me advice: THANK YOU!! I am really thankfull for that.
Peace and my best to you and your on the precious day and in days to come.
God Bless. Stay warm.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Two months ago today
November 7, 2005
Dear Friends,
Two months ago today, we arrived in Wisconsin. To be certain, we never expected such a wild ride. On Sunday, August 28, 2005, we drove from our home in the suburbs of New Orleans to what we expected to be part of the accepted routine of hurricane evacuation. We left, along with many others, in an orderly fashion on Louisiana’s premiere use of the contra flow, a method of travel in which all lanes of the interstate are turned outbound. We moved slowly and silently, only the vast expanse of red taillights ahead of us. It is a visual that haunts my memory.
My mother, dog, and I were taken in by a dear friend in Chicago the first week. The following week, we headed North. We’ve been very fortunate to have many dear friends these days to take us in. Many others offered homes, storage, gifts, clothes, furniture, food and support. It’s all been so overwhelming. And so appreciated.
When we arrived, we weren’t certain what happened and what the future would hold. There is a passage in the Scriptures about taking up another’s burden, which is what you have done for us. In a time when shock and despair are the only emotions we felt comfortable with, you allowed us that luxury while limiting impending anxieties. You gave without question, without recognition, without asking for anything in return. Indeed, I certainly appreciate your offer of respect and humanity, not advice.
We are strangers, yet you have made us your neighbors. At this time, as I go through the lovely items, gifts, and other donations, I am continuously touched by your humanity. I appreciate your understanding, your kindness, your generosity, your respect.
Dear Friends,
Two months ago today, we arrived in Wisconsin. To be certain, we never expected such a wild ride. On Sunday, August 28, 2005, we drove from our home in the suburbs of New Orleans to what we expected to be part of the accepted routine of hurricane evacuation. We left, along with many others, in an orderly fashion on Louisiana’s premiere use of the contra flow, a method of travel in which all lanes of the interstate are turned outbound. We moved slowly and silently, only the vast expanse of red taillights ahead of us. It is a visual that haunts my memory.
My mother, dog, and I were taken in by a dear friend in Chicago the first week. The following week, we headed North. We’ve been very fortunate to have many dear friends these days to take us in. Many others offered homes, storage, gifts, clothes, furniture, food and support. It’s all been so overwhelming. And so appreciated.
When we arrived, we weren’t certain what happened and what the future would hold. There is a passage in the Scriptures about taking up another’s burden, which is what you have done for us. In a time when shock and despair are the only emotions we felt comfortable with, you allowed us that luxury while limiting impending anxieties. You gave without question, without recognition, without asking for anything in return. Indeed, I certainly appreciate your offer of respect and humanity, not advice.
We are strangers, yet you have made us your neighbors. At this time, as I go through the lovely items, gifts, and other donations, I am continuously touched by your humanity. I appreciate your understanding, your kindness, your generosity, your respect.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Numbers and other items
It's been over 2 months since Katrina changed the country. Have you been watching CNN? Today they visited Pass Christian, MS, the town where we were to vacation on August 29 (the day katrina hit). I can't imagine what would have happened had we followed the advice of the vacation property manager rather than our own guts and the news. The town is almost completely wiped off the map.
OTHER PERSPECTIVES: Taking offense at comments by Gov Jeb Bush and because of numerous comparisons between our Louisiana experiences and circumstances in Florida or New York City, below is a list gathered from several sources that underscores the extent of the Katrina disaster compared to other hurricanes, including 1992's Florida Hurricane Andrew, formerly considered America's most destructive. All disasters are horrible, all hurricanes frightening, and each death is a tragedy in that family. Every effort to present an accurate picture was made, however one consistent problem has been an inability to nail down firm numbers.
No statistics could be found for those still missing since Katrina, or those who died after evacuation to other areas.
Katrina 1,302 lives lost
Rita 119 lives lost (6 directly)
Wilma 47 lives lost (21 directly)
Andrew 65 lives lost (26 directly)
Katrina 250,000 to 350,000 homes destroyed
Rita 10,000 homes destroyed
Wilma 150 homes destroyed
Andrew 25,000 homes destroyed
Katrina $130,000,000,000 projected
Rita 8,000,000,000
Wilma 15,000,000,000
Andrew 25,000,000,000
Katrina disaster assistance from Feds lowers to 75% after November 26Andrew disaster assistance from Feds was 100%September 11th disaster assistance from Feds was 100%Katrina SBA loan approval rate: 1.6%Over 500,000 out of workCustomary SBA loan approval rate: 40-55%
OTHER PERSPECTIVES: Taking offense at comments by Gov Jeb Bush and because of numerous comparisons between our Louisiana experiences and circumstances in Florida or New York City, below is a list gathered from several sources that underscores the extent of the Katrina disaster compared to other hurricanes, including 1992's Florida Hurricane Andrew, formerly considered America's most destructive. All disasters are horrible, all hurricanes frightening, and each death is a tragedy in that family. Every effort to present an accurate picture was made, however one consistent problem has been an inability to nail down firm numbers.
No statistics could be found for those still missing since Katrina, or those who died after evacuation to other areas.
Katrina 1,302 lives lost
Rita 119 lives lost (6 directly)
Wilma 47 lives lost (21 directly)
Andrew 65 lives lost (26 directly)
Katrina 250,000 to 350,000 homes destroyed
Rita 10,000 homes destroyed
Wilma 150 homes destroyed
Andrew 25,000 homes destroyed
Katrina $130,000,000,000 projected
Rita 8,000,000,000
Wilma 15,000,000,000
Andrew 25,000,000,000
Katrina disaster assistance from Feds lowers to 75% after November 26Andrew disaster assistance from Feds was 100%September 11th disaster assistance from Feds was 100%Katrina SBA loan approval rate: 1.6%Over 500,000 out of workCustomary SBA loan approval rate: 40-55%
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