Lott: What the Senate Accomplished

Lott: What the Senate Accomplished: "Katrina relief legislation: Last, but by no means least for Mississippians, is our continuing emphasis on hurricane relief legislation, primarily in response to hurricanes Rita and Katrina, the latter being the worst natural disaster in American history.

Congress has acted in a bipartisan, bicameral way to help the Gulf states get back on our feet, and that in part contributed to Mississippi schools opening last November.

I’ll never forget a moment with Senator Hillary Clinton as she left the well of the Senate after voting for a Katrina relief measure. I thanked her for her support, and she responded that Mississippi had helped New York after 9/11, so it was New York’s time to return the favor.

That says a lot about the character of America, and what Americans can accomplish when we put partisanship aside and put America first. Political seasons are always tough, but we should reflect on what we did do this year, and what we can do together in the next Congress. "

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Cruisin' Keeps Body Shops Busy

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Cruisin' Keeps Body Shops Busy: "'I was planning on debuting it last year on Cruisin' the Coast,' said Lamey. 'Of course, Katrina came along, messed up all our plans. So we're going to debut it this year.'

A lot of classic cars won't be rolling across South Mississippi this year. For instance, a '67 Chevrolet Camaro parked in the shop was totally restored, ready for Cruisin' the Coast last year. But Hurricane Katrina came along and flooded it.

'A lot of people lost their cars. The ones that didn't lose them, if they got money, they're trying to build their houses,' said Lamey. 'We're still doing a few of these, but not as much as normal.'"

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Navy Prepares To Leave Singing River Island

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Navy Prepares To Leave Singing River Island: "'In just a very short time, this space has had a very strong impact on our Navy, our nation, and the lives of the men and women who live and work in this community,' US Navy Chief of Staff Capt. Matthew Schellhorn said.

It was a going-away party of sorts on Friday for Naval Station Pascagoula, and the men and women who have served here over the past 14 years.

'Our job now is to make lemonade out of lemons. We wish they were staying. They're not. So the local community is working very hard with the state and the Navy to figure out what we're going to do,' Secretary of State Eric Clark said."

The Magic Of Fall

Of all the seasons, I am completely mesmerized by Fall. Today I drove around enjoying the crisp coolness of the day and wondering how a sun that was so scorchingly hot just a short time ago could now touch my skin with a gentle feeling of warmth. The scenery now radiated a beauty that completely engulfed my thoughts and momentarily sent me back in de ja vu to September 2005 as I then drove through the devastation left by Katrina. I remember thinking, "We will never recover from this!" Today, a year later, I now know we will. That's the Magic of Fall!

In an earlier post I mentioned that I had hypothyroidism and, I do, but feel much better about it as it is of a moderate nature. I now take Synthroid that will bring the hormone levels back to normal. I don't know how long that will take but I already feel better after only four pills. We shall see!

There is something that Katrina taught me and that is how to relax. To stop nitpicking and enjoy what I have right under my nose. Yesterday, my daughter, Anita and her four children spent the day with me and we all had a good time. I have 12 grandchildren but I say I have 13 now because I count the one lost by Anita in August.




If you look closely at the above picture, children have a way of saying it's time to go! So will I but I will be back in a short time to report on hometown news and the surrounding areas! In the meantime, enjoy the Magic of Fall!

New Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge on Schedule

New Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge on Schedule: "Contractors working on the new Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge are on schedule, according to officials with the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

The construction site for the $338 million bridge is a flurry of activity with cranes both pulling the old bridge apart and others pounding into the water new pylons for what will eventually become the new bridge. Barring weather and unexpected material delays, the bridge is scheduled to open with two lanes on November 13, 2007. The remainder of the bridge is supposed to open April 16, 2008."

The Crimson White Online - Life still different on Gulf Coast

The Crimson White Online - Life still different on Gulf Coast: "Wal-Mart #2715 in D'lberville, Miss., is a lot like any of the other 2,120 Wal-Mart Supercenters in the United States. It's got a Blimpie sub shop and a pretzel stand. There's a DVD player on sale for $27.96. Halloween decorations adorn the store while Christmas trees hide quietly in the garden section. It's a setup repeated all across the country.

Yet, Wal-Mart #2715 has a simple sign stuck to the front door with packing tape: 'Current store hours 6 a.m. - 1 a.m. Thank You.'

D'lberville's Wal-Mart closes. Nightly.

Hurricane Katrina may have changed the cartography of waterfront property all along the coast, but it also redrew the area's economic landscape. A year after the storm, there are jobs on almost every corner. A few miles away in Ocean Springs, Wendy's offers $125 weekly bonuses, and its competitor under the golden arches next door has a table lined with employment brochures and a cardboard cutout touting the benefits of working for McDonald's. But few are biting.

Housing and insurance costs are up after the storm, and the minimum wage has been $5.15 an hour since 1997. Weekly bonuses can't make up for that. The D'lberville Wal-Mart can't hire enough people to work 24/7, so they fold up at 1 a.m."

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video: "USM's Long Beach Campus just days after Hurricane Katrina's landfall.
USM's Long Beach Campus just days after Hurricane Katrina's landfall.
The former leader of Long Beach is back in South Mississippi, this time, to head-up a huge rebuilding project. Former Long Beach Mayor Robert Bass started his new job this month, overseeing the recovery of Southern Miss' Long Beach campus and plans to expand. Bass resigned from a state job in Jackson to take on this new challenge. Assignment Education Reporter Trang Pham-Bui talked to Bass about his vision for USM's future. "

The Sun Herald | 09/27/2006 | Keys to success: Pascagoula has at least three

The Sun Herald | 09/27/2006 | Keys to success: Pascagoula has at least three: "One city struck by disaster must plan its recovery alone. But when more than a dozen hurricane-hammered city and county governments are struggling simultaneously to rebuild infrastructure, housing, downtown areas and public services, they at least have the advantage of sharing good ideas that work.

In Pascagoula, it is apparent that good ideas - and good leadership - are guiding the city toward a strong and swift recovery. If those ideas could be boiled down to a 'top three,' they would be:

Removing the uncertainty: Recovery on such a massive scale is fraught with thousands of decisions, and the sheer volume can paralyze rebuilding efforts. While no city can resolve all questions for all residents, taking action to resolve as many as possible as quickly as possible gives people some solid ground upon which to move forward."

The Sun Herald | 09/27/2006 | Housing contract awarded at Keesler

The Sun Herald | 09/27/2006 | Housing contract awarded at Keesler: "KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE - Brig. Gen. Paul Capasso, commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesleer Air Force Base, announced today at a breakfast with the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce that Keesler has awarded a $287.8 million contract for on base housing.

Keesler officials said previously this contract may be the biggest of its kind in Air Force history.

'If you look around, there is so much going on,' Capasso said during his speech to the Chamber group. 'On Friday, we finally got the (housing) contract signed. We're going to start rebuilding homes. We are here to stay.'

The contract was awarded to Hunt Building Company, a 50-year-old El Paso, Texas, based firm that specializes in military housing installations."

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video: "Steve Phillips Updates Biloxi-OS Bridge Work"

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

On this beautiful Fall day, I am celebrating MY birthday. There are, of course, many people who share my special day but the ones I remember each year are William Faulkner, Barbara Walters and Michael Douglas. I have put a link to a birthday song I chose for myself. Later I will let you know how my day went

BIRTHDAY SONG.

My Birthday!

clipart courtesy of

I am again asking you to help support our Mississippi teachers. As you probably know from the news our area was devastated and we are still stuggling to make a comeback. It will take many years to recover and I am positive that we will but, in the meantime, educating our children can't be put aside while waiting to rebuild our Coast. Only one week remains and this campaign will come to an end September 30th. Don't do it for me.. do it for our children!

There are two challenges that are almost at completion. The one entitled "Picture This" is a teacher in my hometown of Pascagoula. No amount is too small, $5, $10 .. whatever you can give.  Thank You!

DonorsChoose is a 501(c)(3) charity incorporated in the State of New York. EIN# 13-4129457.  For tax purposes, the sum of your gift is deductible to the full extent of the law as no goods or services were provided.


Mississippi Back To School Campaign

The Sun Herald | 09/24/2006 | TRUCKING IN TROUBLE?

The Sun Herald | 09/24/2006 | TRUCKING IN TROUBLE?: "A global controversy is being trucked to Pascagoula, traveling some 1,100 miles in tanker trucks from New Jersey to DuPont's First Chemical Corporation plant daily. The trucks, if taking the shortest route, get to Jackson County after traversing seven states on as many as nine highways. For a long stretch on that route, drivers run in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains.

The trucks are hauling fluorotelomer alcohol, an ingredient in DuPont's line of surface-protection coatings. The alcohol is being brought from New Jersey to purify it of an unintended byproduct called perfluorooctanoic acid, also called PFOA or C8.

The alcohol is pumped through a process DuPont officials said will chemically destroy about a thousand pounds of PFOA a year. Remnants of the impurity, totaling about two pounds a year, leave the plant through Pascagoula's municipal sewage lines and go to the Moss Point/Pascagoula wastewater-treatment plant.

From there, PFOA flows with treated wastewater into the Pascagoula River, according to the company's plans submitted to Mississippi's Department of Environmental Quality.

Clean fluorotelomer alcohol is then hauled back to New Jersey to create the coatings used on a range of products."

The Sun Herald | 09/23/2006 | Rebuilding in a hurry

The Sun Herald | 09/23/2006 | Rebuilding in a hurry: "PASCAGOULA - Unlike many other Coast cities, Pascagoula is moving ahead with plans developed through the renewal and recovery sessions sponsored by the governor's office and community leaders.

The city is partnering with developers to build new homes that draw on the vision New Urbanists have for rebuilding the Coast. In addition, the city is putting an emphasis on its long-term plans for recreation, and is entering into a lease-purchase agreement to buy government-subsidized property for a new community center and retail shops."

clipart courtesy of


MISSISSIPPI BACK TO SCHOOL CAMPAIGN


Only a short time left in this fundraising campaign to help our Mississippi teachers. Their requests are very attainable ones if you take the time to read what they believe as an educator will help the children. It is only through philantropy that the challenge I offer you can be reached.

THANKS Y'ALL!!!

The Sun Herald | 09/22/2006 | HOUSING AND HOMES

The Sun Herald | 09/22/2006 | HOUSING AND HOMES: "Council member Ron Peresich said the people in other parts of the state know what we are dealing with but they don't understand the scope. He wants to make the state understand the economic benefit to helping rebuild South Mississippi will far outweigh the cost.

'If we do this right, it will be an economic boom for the entire state,' said Peresich.

The rebuilding of just 10,000 homes will generate $12 million for the general fund, he said. He foresees hundreds of millions going into the general fund due to all the activities associated with rebuilding."

The balloons above are as bleak as I could find but appropriate for the subject matter. I know that in my writings all these past months that I have documented accounts of ailments that I and my daughter, my son in law and grandchildren have had. We were together in their home when Katrina made landfall. We, excluding the children, waded through the floodwater that came into the house. Windows were opened to let a relunctant breeze into the house as there was no a/c. Flies swarmed inside as did mosquitoes but the flies were the biggest hazard. They bit all of us repeatedly and we were very worried as we knew they had been feeding off garbage and only God knows what else. Dave cut the carpets into smaller pieces and he and Anita drug the heavy, waterlogged rugs outside. I helped somewhat in that but mostly I was mopping and sweeping water seepage that continuously oozed from the slab. It was on the third day that I found that my house had survived Katrina. For 12 days, Dave, Anita and children stayed with me and then returned to their home. Dave began tearing sheetrock from the walls. Ruined furniture and everything that was touched by the water was taken to the curb. Later two guys from Michigan were hired to dry the stud walls and spray to prevent mold from growing (which by the way, didn't keep the mold from growing back). There was not just black mold, some of it was red. Weeks and weeks would pass and the work of tearing out and throwing out continued.

By Thanksgiving 2005 we (adults) were sick. We had a dry cough and the skin on our fingers was peeling. Not a soft skin but rough. I have always been high energy but as Christmas 2005 neared I made an appointment to see the doctor before the holidays. He had been treating me for high blood pressure. I told him I was very tired and that my hair had turned brittle and was falling out from the roots and asked could it be a side effect from the medication. He became angry and put me out of the entire clinic. I found another doctor a month later to treat me. I told him my complaints especially about my hair (aren't we women vain). He dismissed it as stress and asked had I seen a dermatologist. Months would pass and each time I kept an appointment with the doctor I had the same complaints and would add yet another one. A rapid weight gain and a large patch of rough skin on my left leg that appeared bruised too. He said that I should get some of the weight off as it wasn't good for someone with high blood pressure and that we would watch the dry patch on my leg. Eventually, he did change my medications on June 6th and for almost three weeks I felt better than I had but ...

Hazards of Medications

After the above episode, I was taken off blood pressure medication and treated with a diuretic ...1/4 of a tiny tablet ... as large as a bread crumb. My condition remained the same. Another blood test was ordered last week .. yesterday I received a call to tell me that my thyroid was out of whack. I have hypothyroidism. A battery of tests will ensue. My metabolism is zilch! Great!

If you are reading this and following closely the things I have blogged, you will know that our floodwater was contaminated with every kind of pesticide known to man. Arsenic was one of the culprits. It is a fact that arsenic accumulates in the thyroid and a known fact that mercury and lead cause hypothyroidism. It is no coincidence that my daughter, Anita, had a miscarriage on August 30, 2006 and I was diagnosed with thyroid problems om September 20, 2006. It is my belief that my daughter lost her baby due to contaminants (arsenic). She also is losing her hair. We are both fortunate that we started with very thick hair or we would be bald by now. A rough patch of skin is called a keratoses and indicates arsenic exposure. Arsenic can cause nerve damage, my pinkie and ring finger on my left hand are still numb. They will remain that way as nerve damage is irreversible. As for me, I am holding on to hope that since I still feel pretty good (except for tiredness) that my problem isn't cancerous. I still have many things to do!

Did Katrina Taint Our Soil?

Experts at odds on Katrina effect - The Clarion-Ledger

Experts at odds on Katrina effect - The Clarion-Ledger: "A year after the storm, debate over Katrina's environmental and health impacts still rages.

The Environmental Protection Agency and state environmental agencies say it's safe for storm victims to return home.

'We don't see anything there that possesses a long-term health threat,' said Sam Coleman, a senior EPA official in Dallas.

But environmentalists and some scientists say Katrina's unprecedented 25-foot surge spread dangerous sediment - especially arsenic, lead and benzo(a)pyrene, a carcinogen - from the Mississippi River and other bodies of water and caused chemical and oil spills that have poisoned the region.

Wilma Subra, a chemist with an environmental consulting firm in New Iberia, La., says state and federal health officials are dismissing symptoms - like skin rashes and antibiotic-resistant infections - that she says are caused by toxins like arsenic.

'They're in denial - overwhelmingly,' Subra said. 'Because it would cost too much money to address the problem.'

Subra says Katrina may leave a legacy of miscarriages, birth defects and cancer that won't be revealed right away."

Bacteria closes Pascagoula beach

Bacteria closes Pascagoula beach: "Bacteria closes Pascagoula beach
Thursday, September 21, 2006

JACKSON -- The state's environmental agency issued a warning for Pascagoula's beach Wednesday, citing high levels of bacteria in the water.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, through its Beach Monitoring Program, said it is working with officials in Jackson County and Pascagoula to advise residents of high concentrations of bacteria in the water between Oliver Street and Westwood Drive."

The Sun Herald | 09/16/2006 | Signal hires foreign workers

The Sun Herald | 09/16/2006 | Signal hires foreign workers: "SUN HERALD

PASCAGOULA - Some 590 workers from India will soon become part of Signal International's workforce.

Roughly half of the employees, 290, will work in Pascagoula while 300 will work in Orange, Texas, on temporary work visas. The workers should arrive in four to six weeks, when construction should be complete on a modular housing community."

A Fund Raiser I'm Not

Let me tell you why every now and then when you come to my blog that you might be greeted with a banner or a link to help fund some of the teacher's projects in Mississippi. The answer is because I can't say NO when it pertains to giving to a worthy cause. I would have preferred to just be concerned with my entries on the happenings in our Katrina destroyed areas. That's right I would have rather talked disaster than try to raise money. I never was good at it .... I was the giver not the taker. For instance, I found myself many times sitting at a crowded table with colleagues and when the check came it just lay there.. guess who picked up the tab. You are correct!!!

Without a $10 donation from my daughter and a generous $75.00 donation toward my challenge from a wonderful friend .. I guess I would have just cried but instead I sent my daughter $25.00 toward her challenge and said yes to a $50.00 pledge to Mississippi's Police Fund from Laurel, MS. My daughter has written a humorous post on her blog that gives testimony to our plight as fundraisers.

For All Your Fundraising Needs

The Sun Herald | 09/18/2006 | Helpers receive token of gratitude

The Sun Herald | 09/18/2006 | Helpers receive token of gratitude: "PASCAGOULA - Sometimes individuals and groups in Jackson County do not have much to give back to volunteers for their long hours and hard work.

So, George Sholl, director of the countywide E-911, and others who had the same idea, developed a commemorative coin to pass on to visiting helpers from across the U.S. and other countries.

'It's a little bit of a token to show them we appreciate what they are doing,' he said. 'It's just a thank you.'"

I received a very generous donation of $75.00 from a caring individual who wants to help our Mississippi schools to recover from the ill effects they suffered from the cruel lashing the Coast endured from Hurricane Katrina. The campaign will end on September 30th. No contribution is too small. Help our schools .. Thank You!!

Mississippi Back To School Campaign

The Sun Herald | 09/18/2006 | Round Island's future up for debate

The Sun Herald | 09/18/2006 | Round Island's future up for debate: "PASCAGOULA - No one is giving up on Round Island, its beach erosion and toppled lighthouse... yet.

But storm after storm has beaten down efforts, and Katrina dealt a disheartening blow by wiping out all the years of previous work by the city, county and FEMA. There's even talk about moving the lighthouse to the mainland, a 2 1/2-mile trip.

'For now we're just going to give up,' said Steve Oivanki, formerly with Compton Engineering, the company that worked on the projects for the county. 'The storms are too frequent.'"

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): There's not a moment to waste in monitoring your progress. Go forward without asking how you're doing. You're doing great. Besides, the important part is really that you're doing instead of merely thinking.

When I saw the above horoscope in the Sun Herald this morning, I had to smile. I am not a firm believer in horoscopes but will admit that some of the characteristics of each sign hold true ... at least in my case. Yes I am a Libra and yes I am a deep thinker. Sometimes so deep in thought that I think my way out of taking action in a situation. The old IBM plaque that I have above my PC will testify to my mindset most of the time. We had several of these in our former office at one time and I managed through the years to "hang" on to one.


After Katrina made landfall on the Mississippi Coast, I virtually stopped doing the things I did for many years. Maybe you could call it losing interest in living the life that the storm has "forced" us to live at the present time. I am happy to say that I made a move yesterday, before I read the horoscope this morning, to change the present conditions that I have been living. I wouldn't buy anything because I was more worried about losing additional things if another huge storm once more should befall us. I bought a new TV!!! It's a combo .... DVD and VHS. It has ended the plug this in and unplug that aggravation. I bought a stack of DVD's and three years of "Everybody Loves Raymond".



I also bought a new telephone that will allow calls to go out after a storm when power is back. Unlike the cell phones that couldn't pick up a signal. I also got a handset with it and it is in my computer room. Technology is great but sometimes we have to back up a little to what will work as I did. There are several other things that I have ordered... there's no stopping me now. Yes!!! ... we are still living under bad conditions and it will be so for many more years ... but for now I am living again.

To clarify that you can't break old habits or go against your true nature, I put a lot of thought into what I did and will continue to do!!!

Progress and pain on hurricane alley

Progress and pain on hurricane alley: "Progress and pain on hurricane alley
One year after Katrina, a drive along U.S. 90 through the heart of the hurricane's destruction finds inspiring stories of hope and bitter scenes of loss
Sunday, August 27, 2006"

IMC_Katrina_1_year.pdf (application/pdf Object)

IMC_Katrina_1_year.pdf (application/pdf Object)


Entitled: "Displaced in America"

From: Gulf Coast News

Help Our Schools

clipart courtesy of:

Mississippi Back To School Campaign

The Sun Herald | 09/17/2006 | Shepard speaks

The Sun Herald | 09/17/2006 | Shepard speaks: "PASS CHRISTIAN - It's 2 p.m. on Aug. 30, and Shepard Smith is broadcasting to the world from the corner of Market and Second streets in the heart of this ravaged town.

Smith, an anchor for the ratings juggernaut known as Fox News Channel who was born and raised in Holly Springs, is dressed in cargo shorts, flip-flops and a comfortable but fashionable shirt. Recently returned from a monthlong assignment in the war-torn region of Israel and Lebanon, the 42-year-old Smith is holding court in another disaster zone - South Mississippi.

As he anchors his two popular news shows, 'Studio B with Shepard Smith' (2 p.m.) and 'Fox Report with Shepard Smith' (6 p.m.), from this small town, people pull their cars to the side of the road and openly gawk.

Mary Housey, 37, of Pass Christian, dashes up, waits for a break in the live broadcast and presents Smith with a 2006 Toast to the Coast T-shirt. This year, the theme for Coast Episcopal School's popular fundraiser is somehow painfully appropriate: 'Gone with the Wind.'

'I came running out just because I love Shep,' said Housey."

The Sun Herald | 09/16/2006 | Live oaks' contribution acknowledged

The Sun Herald | 09/16/2006 | Live oaks' contribution acknowledged: "WASHINGTON - Mississippi's fallen Live oaks will live on as part of the world's last wooden whaling ship, the Charles W. Morgan.

The Mystic Seaport Maritime Museum of Mystic, Conn., showed its appreciation to Mississippi's senators Thursday for the 200 tons of Live oak by presenting the lawmakers a plaque made of the wood in the office of Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn."

The Sun Herald | 09/16/2006 | Pascagoula parks will sparkle

The Sun Herald | 09/16/2006 | Pascagoula parks will sparkle: "Pascagoula parks will sparkle
Children will love Splashpad
By MARGARET BAKER
SUN HERALD

PASCAGOULA - If all goes as planned, Pascagoula is likely to have some of the best parks in South Mississippi by year's end.

For starters, plans are under way to open the area's first-ever Splashpad, the latest in outdoor fun that offers a risk-free way for children to beat the heat.

The Splashpad, a $50,000 venture made possible through a donation from the Mississippi Power Foundation, features fan-like fountains with jets that spray water up and down at the touch of a button.

It's the latest fad in outdoor entertainment for the young and old alike.

'It's zero-depth - no standing water,' said Darcie Crew, director of the city's Recreation Department. 'The kids love it. It's interactive and they can set it off.'"

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula: "More than a year after Katrina, three South Mississippi post offices are still operating out of temporary trailers in downtown Biloxi, Pass Christian and Pascagoula. As Keli Rabon found out, people in Pascagoula will be visiting the post office trailer for the foreseeable future. "

Mid September

Regardless of our situation in South Mississippi, time marches on. Many things have changed but have you ever noticed in your own life that somehow they remain the same. Let me explain... the last picture I posted was the old Pascagoula recreational center that is now being used to house volunteers who come into our area to help us rebuild. As I stood under the huge live oaks to take the picture, I still saw the recreation center. The same for the courthouse on downtown Magnolia Street. I see me as a little girl in the courtyard picking a wonderful banana smelling "friscatta" off smaller trees or bushes that were nestled under many magnolias. The Ritz theater that now houses lawyers once had me sitting in the box office. Although the things I have mentioned were gone years before Katrina, I think that it is an example of how many people feel. The younger generation have memories of the Pascagoula they knew and I will wager a bet that in their later years they will remember the years before Katrina.

Our recovery is painstakingly slow ... creating a tremendous hardship on the peoples psyche. The cliche, "Take It One Day At A Time" works for most problems we may have in our lives but after a major disaster in order to maintain the physical and mental health of the people..... it must move quickly. I keep my sanity by riding around taking pictures to show you and keep for future reference as the years pass.

I was asked to display a banner on my blog asking for help for different projects that our Mississippi schools need. It certainly hasn't been successful but the banner will remain through the 30th of this month. If you can help even in a small way ... please do! Mississippi Back To School Campaign

TWC - It Can Happen Tomorrow

TWC - It Can Happen Tomorrow

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pass Christian

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pass Christian: "09/12/06 --- The day after Katrina's landfall, Good Morning America's Robin Roberts was in her hometown of Pass Christian telling the world Mississippi's story. And she hasn't stopped since. Nola Jones of Biloxi calls her, 'a very special lady who told millions about the damage in her hometown and got us the help we needed to ease our pain.' That why we recognize Robin Roberts as a South Mississippi Hero. "

Operation TLC to open for volunteers

Photo Taken By Me

Operation TLC to open for volunteers: "PASCAGOULA -- Volunteers will have a clean, home-away-from home in Pascagoula beginning Sept. 24 thanks to countless volunteer hours and donations.

More than 100 volunteers, city leaders, concerned citizens and passersby attended the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration. Lady Patrice Green opened the ceremony with a lively rendition of 'We Are Family,' thanking individuals throughout the song for their contributions to the center.

Operation TLC is the brainchild of Tammy Agard of Montana and Annie Card of New Hampshire. The two ladies founded Mississippi Home Again and spearheaded the creation of the volunteer headquarters.

'Tammy and I have a simple philosophy,' Card said. 'We ask for help all the time, all day long, from everyone we see. The ones who answer no are not the ones we work with. The ones who answer yes are the ones we work with because no is not okay until Mississippi is okay.'"

The Sun Herald | 09/12/2006 | Address by President Bush to the Nation

The Sun Herald | 09/12/2006 | Address by President Bush to the Nation: "Good evening. Five years ago, this date -- September the 11th -- was seared into America's memory. Nineteen men attacked us with a barbarity unequaled in our history. They murdered people of all colors, creeds, and nationalities -- and made war upon the entire free world. Since that day, America and her allies have taken the offensive in a war unlike any we have fought before. Today, we are safer, but we are not yet safe. On this solemn night, I've asked for some of your time to discuss the nature of the threat still before us, what we are doing to protect our nation, and the building of a more hopeful Middle East that holds the key to peace for America and the world.

On 9/11, our nation saw the face of evil. Yet on that awful day, we also witnessed something distinctly American: ordinary citizens rising to the occasion, and responding with extraordinary acts of courage. We saw courage in office workers who were trapped on the high floors of burning skyscrapers -- and called home so that their last words to their families would be of comfort and love. We saw courage in passengers aboard Flight 93, who recited the 23rd Psalm -- and then charged the cockpit. And we saw courage in the Pentagon staff who made it out of the flames and smoke -- and ran back in to answer cries for help. On this day, we remember the innocent who lost their lives -- and we pay tribute to those who gave their lives so that others might live."

The Sun Herald | 09/12/2006 | Another wave forms while Florence, Gordon move north

The Sun Herald | 09/12/2006 | Another wave forms while Florence, Gordon move north: "While tropical storms Florence and Gordon move through the eastern Atlantic and look to take a northerly turn into open sea, forecasters at NOAA are watching another disturbance off the coast of Africa.

About 250 miles southeast of the Cape Verde Islands is a low pressure system associated with a tropical wave. The system is showing signs of organization and could become a tropical depression over the next day or two."

What is happening to our world? At noon today I got earthquake coverage with no thirty day wait before it takes effect. Somehow I didn't take the waiver of the waiting period as good news but as a sign that imminent catastrophe is nigh. Being tuned in to CNN News and watching repeats of the 9/11 terrorist attack five years ago. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing. As I dressed for work, I saw the first plane crash into the World Trade Center and was horrified that such an accident could have happened. Within 5 minutes a second plane crashed into the other tower I knew then that America was under attack and that nothing would ever be quite the same again.

I watched the grieving faces of the people this morning who lost loved ones and heard their words as they told a husband, wife, father or mother that they will always love them I saw the children now five years older who lost a parent and the loving guidance in their young lives. None of us will ever forget 9/11, it was seared into our memory and hearts as the day America became less secure.

I live in the aftermath of a hurricane named Katrina. I have been consistent in voicing my opinion that something was abnormal about the storm as I have experienced quite a few of them in my life. I have likened the water that came in on our shoreline as a tsunami. So many people laughed and said how "way out" I was but now we have had a 6.0 earthquake in the Gulf and just a little higher on the Richter scale it would have generated a tsunami. The BIG question is why are we experiencing earthquake tremors etc. in the southeast? If one occurs here, of all places, what comes next?

Scientists Say Florida Earthquake Is Rare


Help me to fund my challenge by going to: Mississippi Back To School Campaign

The skies over America - Dateline NBC - MSNBC.com

The skies over America - Dateline NBC - MSNBC.com: "By Tom Brokaw
NBC News
Updated: 8:37 p.m. CT Sept 9, 2006


Tom Brokaw
• Profile
September 11th seemed a perfect day to fly in the Northeast. Daybreak was crisp and bright. There was unlimited visibility: no ceiling and conditions were just right.

Greg Callahan, Newark air traffic controller: We were very busy, things were moving nicely.

As usual, the skies over America that day were crowded with airplanes. Often 4,000-6,000 are airborne at any given time. For air traffic controllers, keeping them moving safely and on time is an intricately choreographed ballet—each plane moving through the air at different speeds, altitudes, and headings."

CNN.com - Nation reflects, mourns on 9/11 anniversary - Sep 11, 2006

CNN.com - Nation reflects, mourns on 9/11 anniversary - Sep 11, 2006: "NEW YORK (AP) -- Five years after the terror attacks of September 11, the nation is observing a solemn anniversary with plans for silent reflection and fresh mourning for the nearly 3,000 lives lost.

On the 16-acre New York City expanse where the World Trade Center once stood, four moments of silence were planned Monday for 8:46, 9:03, 9:59 and 10:29 a.m., the times when jetliners struck each of the twin towers, and when each tower fell.

Spouses and partners of the 2,749 people who died at the trade center were to read the names of the victims as families of the victims descend to roam the site and lay flowers."

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Gulfport Native Remembers Escaping The Second Tower

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Gulfport Native Remembers Escaping The Second Tower: "Gulfport native Pam Stennis has vivid memories of the events of 9-11. She was in New York that day working in one of the World Trade Center towers.

Stennis says she remembers the walls shaking and the roof collapsing around her.

'I didn't really get unpacked or settled good or get my computer booted up before American went through next door,' Pam Stennis said.

She had just made it to her office on the 59th floor of the Second World Trade Center Tower when terrorists flew a plane into the tower right next door."

CNN.com - 6.0 quake in Gulf shakes Southeast - Sep 10, 2006

CNN.com - 6.0 quake in Gulf shakes Southeast - Sep 10, 2006: "ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- A strong, 6.0 earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico was felt throughout the Southeast but caused no apparent damage, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake was not powerful enough to trigger a tsunami warning.

The quake, about 250 miles west of Tampa, Florida, was 'pretty unusual' for the area, although a 5.2 magnitude quake was recorded nearby in February, said USGS seismic analyst Jessica Sigala."

I recently received this letter from my home and auto insurer:


MET LIFE AUTO & HOME

08/23/06

Policy Number: 3000000000

EXCLUSIONS TO YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY

PLEASE READ

MetLife Auto and Home is pleased to provide you with one of the most comprehensive residential property policies in the industry today. It is important to note, however, that your policy contract contains certain exclusions for flood and earthquake coverage. This is a standard practice among property and casualty insurers.

Please read your policy contract carefully. Your homeowners policy does not provide coverage for damage from floods and flood protection is not available as a coverage option on your policy. The notice on the reverse side tells you how you may be able to obtain flood coverage should you choose to do so.

What's more, if your policy excludes coverage for damage resulting from an earthquake, a notice with detailed information regarding the exclusion appears on the reverse of the page. If your policy currently includes optional Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption coverage, it will be listed on your Declaration Page and no exclusion notice is contained on the reverse.

If you would like more information or wish to add Earthquake coverage policy, please see "How to Reach Us" in the front of your policy package for your choice of contact options.

THANK YOU FOR INSURING WITH US.

Many may call my suspicion that something is very wrong no more than just imagination but I do not believe in coincidence. Instead of blogging the next post I will link you to an article at Yahoo News dated September 5, 2006.


Chevron Successfully Tests US Gulf Oil Discovery

Please help our schools reach their full potential. My challenge is below. Thank you!


Mississippi Back To School Campaign

The Sun Herald | 09/10/2006 | Moss Point labyrinth

The Sun Herald | 09/10/2006 | Moss Point labyrinth: "MOSS POINT - Katrina brought paths of destruction to Moss Point, but also left behind a gift a group of high school students will use to create a legacy for their hometown.

The wind and floodwaters that tore up the town uncovered terra cotta tiles, buried in the Escatawpa River for more than 100 years, and deposited them on the shore. The students will use these tiles in the design of a 40-foot-by-40-foot labyrinth they will soon build near the boardwalk and river.

'We're picking up the pieces after Katrina,' junior Nicholas Bovastro explained, which is both their intent in building the labyrinth and their motto. French words on the terra cotta tiles helped identify them as parts of the ballasts from French ships that docked at Moss Point in the 1880s to load lumber.

Viewing the labyrinth from overhead, 'It looks like the eye of a hurricane,' said Brittany Riley, another of 70 students enrolled in the culinary arts program at Moss Point, who are nicknamed 'Tiger Tales.'"

CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News

CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News: "President Bush on Sunday embarked on nearly 24 hours of somber observances at the three sites where terrorists wrought death and destruction and transformed his presidency. He intended to offer few words during appearances at ground zero in New York where the World Trade Centers fell, in the Pennsylvania field where one of the hijacked planes hurtled to the ground and at the Pentagon crash site."

It's Sunday morning, the time I use for reflectiing on the good or bad that arose out of the prior week. Taking it one week at a time is not as overwhelming as reflection on the past year. All in all it was an uneventful week, no major problems. My not saying just no problems instead of no major problems would insinuate that there were minor problems right? Of course, there were!!! Let's get personal and talk about my bath water. The water is as brown as my oak floors. I use bubble bath to disguise what I am stepping into. Of course, I didn't know that when I bought the house and the storm doing further damage to the water system has made it worse. I came close many times to driving away from the area, checking into a hotel to take a bath. Last week the city announced that they were going to do "reverse osmosis" on the water to clear it. So I should be able to turn on the "tap" January "2008" and actually get clean again. I will try not to be concerned about what contaminants were added to give me clean water. After some reflecting on walking through the floodwaters of Katrina .... I thought, "What harm can it do?"

What else happened last week that was minor.. Oh! I know! Walgreens lost all my prescriptions. It took two days of missed medications to straighten it out. I feared the doctor was going to think I never put the prescriptions in to be filled and was "selling" them on the side. I have to laugh here ... but people do that! Maybe you already read my post on the total blackout last week when I went to sleep holding a flashlight and saying to myself, "Wake me when it's over!!" Ahhhhh! ... that's a thought!

Help our schools if you can! Mississippi Back To School Campaign

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home: "Dickie Scruggs Talks About Judge's Insurance Lawsuit Decision"

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: WLOX Action Report with AJ Giardina

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: WLOX Action Report with AJ Giardina

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula: "For nearly three decades, Pascagoula teacher Sissy Zelenka has felt it was her calling to teach the deaf. Friday, she was honored for her passionate work and tireless dedication to her students. Wal-Mart gave her the top award a teacher can recieve in our state."

Sissy is my niece, my sister's daughter and my godchild. She looks a lot like me. Congratulations Sissy!

From time to time through the month of September I will put a link and any progress notification on my blog. I received an email that stated that my donation accomplished this: "You have given resources to 40 students and supported 30 hours of instruction and homework!" I started my blog with talking about Katrina and what it did to our lives in Mississippi. I did volunteer work reaching out to the people in need. ALL of us were in need, rich or poor. The devastation still exists in our schools. If you can help meet the challenge I offer in any way, large or small, please click on the link I have provided, it will take you to my challenge. Thank You!


Mississippi Back To School Campaign

I received an email today asking if I would display a banner on my blog to help Mississippi schools. I made a $150.00 donation to what I think is a worthy cause and I am hoping that you too may do the same. No amount is too small. Please take a moment of your time by clicking on the banner in the sidebar and read what it is about and then click on the link I have provided below to help me reach my challenge. A copy of my donation is below. The campaign ends September 30th. I offer you this challenge.. Thank you! Mississippi Back To School Campaign

Thank you for your commitment to fund "Using a Computer to Communicate with the World." We look forward to receiving your check for $150.00 sent to:

DonorsChoose
347 West 36th Street
Suite 503
New York NY 10018

Please write in the memo, "For project number ," and include a print-out from the website or of this email. You will then receive recognition of your donation, for tax-deduction purposes. Later, we will send you feedback on the impact of your contribution.

On behalf of the students and their teacher, thank you for your generosity!

Yours,

Robert Boyd
Executive Director, DonorsChoose Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama

As I sit at my PC this morning pondering what to write to maintain the truthfulness of the progress along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, I find myself at a loss for words. Nine days ago the anniversary of that terrible storm was observed and I believe, to our fellow Americans, it may have sent a message of a closing to the enormous problems that remain. The speeches that were made by the governor, senators and mayors of the state were words of hope to the citizens for a future in our beloved state of Mississippi. I was disappointed that Senator Trent Lott didn't make an appearance. He attended Biloxi's memorial earlier that day and was at the grand opening of the Beau Rivage casino in Biloxi also. Lott lost his home on Pascagoula's beach The people who idolize the senator must have been sorely saddened.

I was in the small crowd of people that gathered at Beach Park in Pascagoula for the observance. The demeanor of the people that were present was quiet ... meaning not much laughter at this solemn occasion. Of course, I was taking snapshots of the clean but barren area we were in. You know the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? That's what came to my mind and I wanted to "pan" out farther to show the scope of the barreness that is surrounding us. I feel the same when I take pictures of reconstruction in the neighborhoods.... a "pan" to the left or right would have an entirely different effect on what I am portraying.

Our local news seems to have discontinued talking about the destruction and are focused on reconstruction now. Nothing wrong with that but it appears to me that the casinos, not local businesses, are to be our saviour and costly modular homes are what the people need ... just forsake design and beauty.

I leave you with this question, "If you were living this nightmare, and it can happen when you least expect it, "What would you do"?

Circle Of Light

Last evening there was a power failure. The candle I keep burning on the kitchen counter didn't cast its light very far so I had to figure a way to get the oil lamp that sits on top of a wardrobe in the bedroom. Total blackout creates havoc with me so the whereabouts of flashlights couldn't be determined. I couldn't take the kitchen "jar" candle with me as it would be too heavy to hold in my left hand as I tiptoed up to reach the lamp that sits on top a wardrobe. All I had to light my way to the bedroom was a cigarette lighter that has been known to explode when it gets too hot, but I chanced it. The hallway is of an average length but it seemed to grow in the darkness. The lighter was burning my thumb and I had to turn it off every few seconds to let it cool down. As I walked on into the blackness of the house, I would wonder, who else might have gained entry when the entire neighborhood lost power. I did get the lamp and I did slowly get back to the kitchen with it.

Next I went to my cell phone in my car to call my daughter whom I had been chatting with on the internet before I abruptly disappeared. Dave offered to come get me as after calling the power company and it was said they would have it back on in the wee morning hours. Of course, I refused the invitation .. they have their own problems. A little later I decided I could go myself and surprise them. The garage door is electric and I would have to go up a ladder in the dark and release a lever that would let me manually lift the heavy garage door. I decided against taking that chance as I had just survived walking with a lighter that is capable of exploding while I was holding an oil filled lamp in my hand.

I found a flashlight in my car and took it back to my bedroom and fell asleep while watching the circle of its light on the ceiling!!!!

weather.com - Hurricane Central

weather.com - Hurricane Central: "Tropical storm Florence has strengthened a bit despite encountering some wind shear. The shear will gradually diminish over the next couple of days Florence could very well be a hurricane a couple of hundred miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. The storm may even grow stronger by the weekend as it edges closer to the US.

Farther out in the Atlantic, a disturbance trailing Florence by several hundred miles has some potential for further development over the next day or two. A third disturbance, with a low pressure area, has moved off the African coast far to the SSE of the Cape Verde Islands at around 10 degrees north latitude.

In the eastern Pacific, tenacious Kristy has weakened some and is no threat to any land masses."

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home: "
Tight Labor Market Puts Squeeze On Businesses
It's still the toughest job facing many South Mississippi companies -- finding enough workers to keep their businesses afloat. After Katrina struck last year, 'Help Wanted' signs popped up everywhere and businesses offered tempting pay raises and signing bonuses. On this Labor Day, the job market has improved slightly, but the unemployment rate in the Gulfport-Biloxi area remains the third highest in the country. So many businesses are still feeling the pinch."

Labor Day 2006 is almost behind us. We didn't even notice its passing last year as we found ourselves just fighting to survive under some horrendous conditions. It was the same for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2005. What has always been a big feast on the day we thank the Lord for all His blessings didn't go too well as far as the meal preparation. My potato salad was a disaster and my daughter's oyster stuffing was lacking something but we were too tired to care. Since most kids don't like certain food, we should have made lots of macaroni and cheese for all of us and saved two weary people the trouble. Christmas was the same, we all were exhausted and sick but Santa managed to come and delight the children. The holidays are rapidly approaching again and here's hoping we will do better this year.

Today we drove around Pascagoula and it was very quiet .... no activity anywhere. Beach Park was empty and there was not one person on the white sandy beach. I saw more destruction off on the side streets while we were riding but I vowed to show only progress and so I took several pictures.




I realize that my writings may bore you with seemingly the "same old song and dance" subject but the purpose of this blog is for future reference as the years pass. It's a personal diary of what I have experienced in the disaster. I am hoping that Blogger finds a way for us to save our entries elsewhere too. A lot of time was put into this blog and the thought of losing all I have documented crosses my mind every now and then. Cross your fingers for me ...... Thank You!

The Sun Herald | 09/04/2006 | A plentiful work force before Katrina has given way to DAZE OF LABOR

The Sun Herald | 09/04/2006 | A plentiful work force before Katrina has given way to DAZE OF LABOR: "Labor Day is supposed to be a tribute to the nation's work force and its accomplishments. Around these parts where tourism reigns supreme, it's traditionally viewed as the last day of summer.

But employers may just be taking today off to rest from their labors of trying to find labor."

I have no idea what we will be doing today but we'll think of something. Be Safe!

weather.com - Hurricane Central

weather.com - Hurricane Central: "Tropical Depression Six -- initiated on Sunday -- did not strengthen overnight and sustained winds remain at 35 mph. TD 6 is located over 1300 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Latest satellite imagery shows some convection with the system, but it is not located near the center. Outflow with the cyclone appears to have diminished as well. However, just because the depression has not strengthened recently, it cannot be written off completely. Forecast models indicate that the environment for development will improve over the next 24 hours and TD 6 is still forecast to become Tropical Storm Florence late Monday or early Tuesday. A general northwestward track is expected in the short term, followed by a more westward turn later in the week."

New Construction

I took a leisurely drive around Pascagoula looking for new construction. When you see a house being built from the ground up, you know that it would have been completely destroyed. Many houses were gutted but outside structure survived so the only way to judge if the house has not been restored and ready for occupancy is by the Fema trailer parked next to it. In my daughter's case, her house was flooded and they never had a trailer, so you cannot know for sure until you walk inside. I would think that situation would apply to many people living in Pascagoula.

As always I have mixed feelings riding around snapping pictures of peoples homes but I think after all the help and concern so many people poured into our areas that it is only fair that you see progress sometimes. The pics I will show you were taken one and two blocks away from the beach.







At least construction and repair has begun on some properties but it is no small chore to get started. Now that some of the grants are arriving to help people rebuild, there will inevitably be a shortage of not only contractors but supplies. Many people are under the misconception that a check will be coming in the mail. No ... a packet comes telling them how much of a grant they will receive moneywise and then they have to do the necessary steps with the mortgage companies etc. to get the check released. All of that takes time but, if we all just hang on just a little longer, we will be racing toward recovery!

250 homes to be rebuilt

250 homes to be rebuilt: "PASCAGOULA -- A group of non-profit organizations will host a meeting next week to discuss plans to rebuild 250 homes south Pascagoula homes destroyed by hurricane Katrina.

A partnership between the city and NeighborWorks America, Dependable Affordable Sustainable Homes-La Grange and the Fannie Mae Foundation and the city is spearheading the project. They will host the meeting on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. at Eastlawn United Methodist Church.

The homes the partners are looking at rebuilding are in an area bound by King Avenue, Chickasaw, 11th and 14th streets."

The Sun Herald | 09/03/2006 | Quick draw of the slow drawl

The Sun Herald | 09/03/2006 | Quick draw of the slow drawl: "am tired of people making fun of the way I talk. It's so humiliating how folks will just walk right up to me and mockingly spit my words back into my face.

There seems to be an unwritten rule in the universe that the drawl of Southerners is fair game for the wicked of heart. I have never heard a Southerner gather up the odd-sounding enunciation of someone from Long Island or Boston and throw the words hatefully back in their faces.

We're much kinder than that. We wait and do it behind their backs."

Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!!!!

Moody Yellow

The Mississippi Gulf Coast reached its first year anniversary of Katrina on the 29th of August. It wasn't a celebration as some have referred, it was a remembrance of what was lost. Well over 200 people perished in the storm and we will never forget that as we go on rebuilding our lives. Yes, there is progress taking place every day and though it is moving slowly we will with patience and determination .... recover.

When you hear about the loss of our way of life, can you imagine the problems of each individual that encompasses? The storm didn't eliminate personal problems or emotions that just living a life brings. For instance, I have special feelings for the month of September. Not only will the weather turn cooler, there are bittersweet memories for me. The 5th of the month would have been an anniversary had my husband lived. I will celebrate my birthday this month. It was a month filled with yellow roses. Today I still see the roses but now I wish I could hand them out to all the people and bring more sunshine into their lives.

I will continue taking pictures but I feel that you have seen enough of destruction so I will only post pictures of recovery.

My thanks to a friend in Michigan for this bouquet!


Thanks to my daughter, Anita, Dave and GrandKids!

The Sun Herald | 09/01/2006 | Ricky Skaggs, Jars of Clay and Randy Travis in Long Beach

The Sun Herald | 09/01/2006 | Ricky Skaggs, Jars of Clay and Randy Travis in Long Beach: "Harkening back to the days when the social highlight of the average American community was a bit of preaching followed by a down-home, floor-stompin' shindig, the Steve Wingfield Evangelistic Association is hosting three nights of major musical entertainment Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Long Beach.

Featured performers include Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Jars of Clay and Randy Travis."

Cowboy Boogie - Randy Travis