This is all too familiar - but yet, a much better feel to it. Bob and I had a vacation planned here for about a month. It is a lovely resort and we are the only people from Louisiana here. Bob was coming for some down time from the office... well, at least different scenery surrounding him while he works. I start a 5 day class in PMC tomorrow. Jessie is with us and the dogs are being kenneled not far away at Auntie Deb's.
We are much better prepared, with a weeks worth of clothes, cash and I remembered the credit cards this time. But we are still anxious. Jessie most of all. I've had the benefit of therapy... and Bob never crosses a bridge until he has to. All in all, we are hanging in.
Skylar evacuated with his girlfriend's family and his dad, Andy is in Jackson with Chad and his family. All my chickies are accounted for and out of harm's way, so I can breathe a little easier.
Bob, Jessie and I have made a pack not to watch tv. Well, hardly watch it. A little in the morning to get the update and just before we go to bed. Not at all during the day. I am very proud at how our city has reacted and that most of the population has left. As of this morning, Mr. Rex, our neighbor was still staying. (I know, I know, but what he really needs is your good thoughts and prayers!).
It was a great relief to see that Gustav had been down graded to a 3 and had moved a little to the West. Not that I'd wish this on anybody... and now Grand Isle, where Chad and his family have a "camp" may be the site of the landfall. Not good, especially since most of our barrier islands have been destroyed...but I don't think there would be any good site for landfall, short of a totally unpopulated area.
What a difference three years makes. I wish I could comfort Jessie more, for I certainly understand her stress. Her Tulane friends don't understand and frankly, nobody really can unless they have lived through it. Jessie fears she may not stay in New Orleans because of this. Not that I can blame her. The text messages have been going fast and furious with her high school friends - scattered across the country at different colleges and universities with support and love, so that has helped. And she worries about our house.
The house is as safe as it can be, I think. I did make a decorating choice or two I wouldn't mind having insurance help in fixing - but that's treading on the be careful what you wish for space. Ironically, our long awaited kitchen counter arrived in New Orleans last week and the house was a hair's breath from being finally finished.
The only problematic area is my workshop, a space that was never intended to be an interior room, has started flooding when ever we get a hard rain. I move everything (pretty much) off the floor and the things in the close to the floor wire bin drawer are not critical or in plastic boxes... so I think that will be ok too. I stuffed towels by the front doors, where when it rains a certain way (usually sideways) the water can creep under the weather stripping. There is a rubber maid bin under the fireplace, which also drips water when it rains a certain way... why I'm not sure because I can't get a chimney sweep out to look at it. You know all those little quirky things that houses do.
The appliances were all unplugged, the computer put up off the floor, air conditioning turned to 78, storm shutters rolled down and every thing locked up tight. That's pretty much it. Oh, and a prayer as we pulled out of the drive way.
I am sure I'll be glued to the tv tomorrow night... maybe even CNN, which I haven't watched in 3 years - I'm still mad at them! Keep our beautiful city and state in your prayers please - and all those who will be affected by the storm.'
Until next time kids -
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Posted by: Discount Belstaff Blouson | December 06, 2011 at 08:14 AM