WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Our Daily Bread Needs Help Delivering Meals: "Feeding the needy. That's the mission of Our Daily Bread in Pascagoula. But workers say since Katrina it has been tough finding ways to deliver food in parts of Jackson County.
Flood waters destroyed one of their only vehicles, forcing the organization to cut Gautier and Vancleave off the delivery route. Now the group is looking for a new set of wheels to help feed the hungry."
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Mississippi Armed Forces Museum To Honor Iraq Veterans In The 155th
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Mississippi Armed Forces Museum To Honor Iraq Veterans In The 155th: "Camp Shelby opened in 1917, and tens of thousands of soldiers have trained on its 136,000-acres, including the 155th, which spent most of 2005 in Iraq. The brigade was made up of 3,500 - an era in which 100,000 soldiers trained at Camp Shelby.
The brigade _ with members from Pennsylvania, California, Washington, Texas, Puerto Rico, Virginia, Missouri, New Jersey, South Carolina, Vermont, Utah, and Arkansas - was attached to the II Marine Expeditionary Force."
The brigade _ with members from Pennsylvania, California, Washington, Texas, Puerto Rico, Virginia, Missouri, New Jersey, South Carolina, Vermont, Utah, and Arkansas - was attached to the II Marine Expeditionary Force."
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
To Narnia and Back
Memorial Day weekend is behind us now and the reality of our lives has returned to its new normal. Our family picnic, the concert at beach park and the wondrous fireworks display were all successful in giving us a sense of how a normal life used to be. As we sat on the seawall and looked at the scene before us, it was as though I was watching a stage play. The orchestra was nestled amongst the stately oaks and the lamp posts, lighting the park, were like those in the movie "Narnia". The finely sifted sand was gently blowing as it would have all those many years ago. If only the oak trees could speak. They have been here for hundreds of years and what stories they could tell. The sound of babies crying and children playing on the beach added to the beauty, they are our future. A perfect evening that could have taken place many times in our state's history. My thoughts travelled back to my ancestors living in the Civil War era and my many relatives living today. I felt the presence of not only the living but of those who had once gathered for an occasion as we did this evening.
The reservations that I have had for the past three years on coming back "home", after spending almost a lifetime away, became a certainty that I had made the right choice. This is where I wanted to be.
Despite the news articles saying that we in the coastal counties came out to only find entertainment after our long months of nothing but problems because of Katrina, is not all of the story. We came by the thousands to remember our brave young men who have lost their lives in all the wars that have been fought. We honor their bravery and dedication as we mourn their loss. When the music played the appropriate song for each branch of the service, there were cheers and lots of tears. Each branch would have held a special meaning for each person. Although my husband died of cancer, mine was ....... "Off we go into the wild blue yonder ...".
To see what my daughter and I were up to yesterday in regards to our fallen heroes, please go to her site and read Memorial
Thank you for reading my posts and although I am growing weary, I shall continue. Despite the delays, Mississippi is bravely hanging in there to be able to remain and live in the state of their choosing.
The reservations that I have had for the past three years on coming back "home", after spending almost a lifetime away, became a certainty that I had made the right choice. This is where I wanted to be.
Despite the news articles saying that we in the coastal counties came out to only find entertainment after our long months of nothing but problems because of Katrina, is not all of the story. We came by the thousands to remember our brave young men who have lost their lives in all the wars that have been fought. We honor their bravery and dedication as we mourn their loss. When the music played the appropriate song for each branch of the service, there were cheers and lots of tears. Each branch would have held a special meaning for each person. Although my husband died of cancer, mine was ....... "Off we go into the wild blue yonder ...".
To see what my daughter and I were up to yesterday in regards to our fallen heroes, please go to her site and read Memorial
Thank you for reading my posts and although I am growing weary, I shall continue. Despite the delays, Mississippi is bravely hanging in there to be able to remain and live in the state of their choosing.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Thousands come to Beach Park for Sounds By The Sea
Thousands come to Beach Park for Sounds By The Sea: "The choirs sang patriotic favorites like 'The Star Spangled Banner' and 'Stars and Stripes Forever' to give people a taste of Americana, but for many it was a chance to visit Beach Park for the first time since Hurricane Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29, 2005."
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Our Picnic At Beach Park
Today we had our planned picnic at Beach Park in Pascagoula and a relaxing time was enjoyed just being away for a few hours from the many cares that have been ours since Katrina made landfall. There were not many people at the park and I can understand as life on the Coast as it exists now can be very depressing. All of us are down in spirits to some degree and because Dave, Anita and I were aware that remaining in that state for long periods of time could have a detrimental effect, we decided to go on a picnic.
In our previous talks about our picnic, we vowed to not look at what was wrong with the park but to look beyond and appreciate what we have left. Eventually, it will all be back together again. So we began our outing at 9:00AM this morning and found that the city had put a few tables on the grounds and new blue trash cans were in abundance. There were also about twenty "port-a-potties" which the boys, being boys, had to try out as soon as they saw them. They were as thrilled as if they had gone to Disney World. It was an adventure to them. Before the picnic was over, they had tried all twenty.
Although the oaks had taken quite a beating, they still cast their shadows to keep us cool. They have survived and in time they will return to their full splendor. The Sound did its best also with a nice breeze that kept us comfortable. We couldn't have chosen a more perfect day for our picnic. We did look beyond all that was not there anymore and saw instead the beauty of the trees and the white sand on the beach and the happiness of the children at play.
The food was good. A big "hit" were Anita's delicious pita pockets that were "stuffed" with a very tasty filling . What picnic is complete without fried chicken? That was my specialty as one of the boys is a picky eater but loves "drumsticks". We call it southern fried not because people all over the world can't fry chicken but in the South it is not so much what breading or ingredients you use, it is in how you fry it. Don't rush it, slow deep frying . Clog those arteries!
The grand finale ... What picnic would be complete without a .........
The Sun Herald | 05/27/2006 | Baby boom
The Sun Herald | 05/27/2006 | Baby boom: "Although many people accept the birth of a child as the gift it is no matter what the circumstances, people may also choose to have a child in defiance of the losses they have suffered, experts say.
'Perhaps people are taking stock of their lives. They have a sense time is precious,' said Cohen. 'Having a child is a life-affirming act in the face of a lot of destruction.'"
'Perhaps people are taking stock of their lives. They have a sense time is precious,' said Cohen. 'Having a child is a life-affirming act in the face of a lot of destruction.'"
Friday, May 26, 2006
The Sun Herald | 05/26/2006 | Coming back strong
The Sun Herald | 05/26/2006 | Coming back strong: "She cited a speech by Gov. Haley Barbour, who said a survey shows 96 percent of Mississippians who had left are coming back."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Higgins Boat Salvaged From Hurricane Debris
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Higgins Boat Salvaged From Hurricane Debris: "They are the military landing craft made famous by the D-Day beach invasion of World War Two. That's why 'Higgins Boats' hold a special place in our military's history.
One such boat that almost became hurricane debris is headed for a military museum instead.
'We move disabled equipment. Transport it back in for repair. This just happens to be a World War Two boat,' said commander Mark Prine, as he directed his troops.
National guard troops prepare to salvage a Higgins Boat. Hurricane Katrina deposited the landing craft near a canal off North Street."
One such boat that almost became hurricane debris is headed for a military museum instead.
'We move disabled equipment. Transport it back in for repair. This just happens to be a World War Two boat,' said commander Mark Prine, as he directed his troops.
National guard troops prepare to salvage a Higgins Boat. Hurricane Katrina deposited the landing craft near a canal off North Street."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: PA Elected Officials Cross State And Party Lines After Katrina
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: PA Elected Officials Cross State And Party Lines After Katrina: "Bill Keller and Tom Tigue are used to working together on the ' house floor' but it's usually the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and not the inside a Biloxi home damaged in Hurricane Katrina.
Rep. Tom Tigue said 'Government can do so much and after that it takes people. It takes a lot of people. Looking around here I mean there's groups from all over. That's the only way this is going to done.'"
Rep. Tom Tigue said 'Government can do so much and after that it takes people. It takes a lot of people. Looking around here I mean there's groups from all over. That's the only way this is going to done.'"
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home: "
Breaking News
Shots Fired At Capitol Office Building
Police sealed off the Capitol on Friday after receiving reports of gunfire in a House office building across the street. Capitol police are investigating ``the sound of gunfire in the garage level of the Rayburn House Office Building,'' said an announcement on the internal Capitol voice alarm system. The Senate was in session at the time, but the House was not."
Breaking News
Shots Fired At Capitol Office Building
Police sealed off the Capitol on Friday after receiving reports of gunfire in a House office building across the street. Capitol police are investigating ``the sound of gunfire in the garage level of the Rayburn House Office Building,'' said an announcement on the internal Capitol voice alarm system. The Senate was in session at the time, but the House was not."
Thursday, May 25, 2006
I haven't much to talk about are show you in the way of progress, except maybe the little in my own front yard.. Why? Because I haven't done anything today but laze around doing what I enjoy most, reflecting. You know, as one grows older, there is truth in the expression "With Age Comes Wisdom". Not too many years ago, I would say, why did this happen to me while good fortune seemingly "smiled" on others as I struggled through one crisis after another. The biggest struggle was fighting by my husband's side as he tried to beat cancer and he did for nine years. A probable cure was pronounced by elated doctors in January 1995 and in June of 1995, I was in the hospital fighting for my life. My colon ruptured and peritonitis set in. It was "touch and go" for the first week of the two that I was hospitalized. The enormous stress that I was under for all those years had taken its toll. Have I ever regretted my putting myself out there for another person? Not for a second. Love was the driving force.
By now, I am sure if you have gotten this far that you can't possibly see where this is leading, so let me clarify. There is a movie showing that has inspired this writing, "The DaVinci Code". As a christian, I am appalled at the audacity and blasphemous depiction of Our Lord in such a scandalous way. Oh sure, it says it's fictional, so I ask you, "Then what was the point"? I fear that this movie is going to plant a seed of doubt in many.
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, lay down His life willingly for ALL of us to give us eternal life. He said the greatest commandment was love, "Love one another as I have loved you." In my own way, that is what I did. I knew that the stress could damage my health but my love was stronger.
Everyone knows that the two controversial subjects are politics and religion. Many arguments ensue because of a different viewpoint regarding politics and the beliefs of one in another religion. So we are suppose to avoid the subject but in post Katrina, I engage in political talk most every day, spurred on by all the news articles I read.. So today, I speak of religion, spurred on by the teachings of Our Lord that has been handed down to us for over 2000 years. Enough!
For those of you who may recall the incident with Red River garbage company smashing my driveway light and then ignoring my calls, I have a picture to show you. My neighbor was very kind and drove to Lowe's, got the fixture and installed it himself.
By now, I am sure if you have gotten this far that you can't possibly see where this is leading, so let me clarify. There is a movie showing that has inspired this writing, "The DaVinci Code". As a christian, I am appalled at the audacity and blasphemous depiction of Our Lord in such a scandalous way. Oh sure, it says it's fictional, so I ask you, "Then what was the point"? I fear that this movie is going to plant a seed of doubt in many.
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, lay down His life willingly for ALL of us to give us eternal life. He said the greatest commandment was love, "Love one another as I have loved you." In my own way, that is what I did. I knew that the stress could damage my health but my love was stronger.
Everyone knows that the two controversial subjects are politics and religion. Many arguments ensue because of a different viewpoint regarding politics and the beliefs of one in another religion. So we are suppose to avoid the subject but in post Katrina, I engage in political talk most every day, spurred on by all the news articles I read.. So today, I speak of religion, spurred on by the teachings of Our Lord that has been handed down to us for over 2000 years. Enough!
For those of you who may recall the incident with Red River garbage company smashing my driveway light and then ignoring my calls, I have a picture to show you. My neighbor was very kind and drove to Lowe's, got the fixture and installed it himself.
The Sun Herald | 05/25/2006 | Former judge to deliver third shipment for the public good
The Sun Herald | 05/25/2006 | Former judge to deliver third shipment for the public good: "GULFPORT - A retired California judge who has spearheaded efforts to provide equipment and furnishings for courts and other public agencies on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was to be back today with a truckload of donated office furniture and computers."
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Is Greed Replacing Good Will on the Post-Katrina Coast?
Is Greed Replacing Good Will on the Post-Katrina Coast?: "
Editor's Note: We received the following from a GCN reader:
Post Katrina Rifts
To the editor of GCN
An opinion of Eric Cox 5-16-06
I read your recent article on the situation with Mayor McDonald in the Pass and have recently seen rent prices in several neighborhoods I travel through in Biloxi. Tie this in with the reports on coast rebuilding and it is clear that the unity that existed in the aftermath of Katrina – one can only conclude that generosity and kindness – has become diversity glided with the dreams of quick riches."
Editor's Note: We received the following from a GCN reader:
Post Katrina Rifts
To the editor of GCN
An opinion of Eric Cox 5-16-06
I read your recent article on the situation with Mayor McDonald in the Pass and have recently seen rent prices in several neighborhoods I travel through in Biloxi. Tie this in with the reports on coast rebuilding and it is clear that the unity that existed in the aftermath of Katrina – one can only conclude that generosity and kindness – has become diversity glided with the dreams of quick riches."
The Sun Herald | 05/24/2006 | Elevations raised 4 feet
The Sun Herald | 05/24/2006 | Elevations raised 4 feet: "Once FEMA completes a review process that involves public comment, its recommended elevations will go from preliminary to final. When elevations are finalized, FEMA representatives have told the Biloxi council and other local government bodies that they must adopt the elevations or be dropped from the National Flood Insurance Program."
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
In an earlier post entitled " Beach Park" I had shown a picture of the destroyed fountain that overlooked the park. Yesterday, while out driving I found workers busily cleaning debris from the base of the fountain.
Today, I took another drive to check on their progress...... Good job fellows!
In the same post I had mentioned that President Zachary Taylor (1849-1850) had, in his earlier years, been instrumental in planning some of Pascagoula's city streets and that there was a plaque or monument in his honor on the beachfront. I thought it had been destroyed but after all the debris was cleared I found it had been spared. Maybe we should marbleize our homes.
I think I have exhausted myself with all the news gathering or else I just need a vacation to some far away island. Notice I didn't say mountains or deserts, I have lived on the coast my entire life and I need the record breaking temperatures and humidity to breathe. I am being serious .... high altitudes leave me breathless!
Hope to have more exciting news soon!
Monday, May 22, 2006
The South Will Rise?
In the past six months I have taken pictures of all kinds of destruction in Pascagoula but on my drive yesterday I realized that there isn't anything else I care to take pics of. There has been no substantial progress in all this time. To me, debris removal and demolition do not fall under the category of progress. Most of the small businesses have not reopened, they are just empty facades. The priests in two of our local parishes live in Fema trailers as their rectories are uninhabitable. Many of the homes surrounding downtown Pascagoula are not occupied anymore. It's a virtual ghost town. Everybody is waiting on all the help that we are suppose to be getting from the government to rebuild our lives but it isn't happening. You, no doubt, have read all the news articles on the enormous amount of money that is being poured into our areas and I am sure you have read about our brave spirits and what resilient people we are, but those traits alone will not help us recover.
The focus has been taken off our dire situation with the warnings of the approaching hurricane season. That's yet another problem facing us if we are ordered to evacuate. Our state is small and consists of more wooded areas than communities with hotel rooms to accommodate the masses of people leaving the area. Those of us who still have a roof over our head are fearful of abandoning our homes as we may not be let back in. It happened to the people who evacuated for Katrina, they were not permitted to come back to try to salvage anything from their homes. Weren't their rights violated?
Anita, Dave, their children and I are planning on having a Katrina Memorial Day by having a picnic at what's left of Beach Park in Pascagoula. There are no park benches and tables there so we will be "roughing" it but we are determined to put a little fun back into our lives. I have put a link to an article from Gulf Coast News that, in my opinion, speaks for the majority.
OUR SUMMER OF DISCONTENT
The focus has been taken off our dire situation with the warnings of the approaching hurricane season. That's yet another problem facing us if we are ordered to evacuate. Our state is small and consists of more wooded areas than communities with hotel rooms to accommodate the masses of people leaving the area. Those of us who still have a roof over our head are fearful of abandoning our homes as we may not be let back in. It happened to the people who evacuated for Katrina, they were not permitted to come back to try to salvage anything from their homes. Weren't their rights violated?
Anita, Dave, their children and I are planning on having a Katrina Memorial Day by having a picnic at what's left of Beach Park in Pascagoula. There are no park benches and tables there so we will be "roughing" it but we are determined to put a little fun back into our lives. I have put a link to an article from Gulf Coast News that, in my opinion, speaks for the majority.
OUR SUMMER OF DISCONTENT
Chron.com | Life on the Gulf Coast on hold after hurricanes
Chron.com | Life on the Gulf Coast on hold after hurricanes: "PASCAGOULA, MISS. - Hurricanes derive their enormous power by harnessing the destructive forces of wind and water, and it matters not which weapon they use to obliterate a person's home.
More often than not, a combination of the two does the dirty work. And yet thousands of victims of Hurricane Katrina, more than six months after the storm, live in a state of limbo because billions of dollars in insurance claims ride on splitting that sin"
More often than not, a combination of the two does the dirty work. And yet thousands of victims of Hurricane Katrina, more than six months after the storm, live in a state of limbo because billions of dollars in insurance claims ride on splitting that sin"
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Chron.com | Gulf Coast still recovering (w/photo gallery)
Chron.com | Gulf Coast still recovering (w/photo gallery): "Not long after Hurricane Katrina, the Biloxi Sun Herald issued an emotional appeal to a nation seemingly preoccupied with New Orleans. Katrina — and later Rita — left hundreds of other communities in ruins, communities that now feel their plight has been forgotten. They, too, lost homes, friends and families.
Do not forsake us, the newspaper pleaded. Come down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, because only when you have 'driven mile after numbing mile and viewed the complete nothingness where cities and homes and businesses once stood, only then will you begin to understand what has happened here.'"
Do not forsake us, the newspaper pleaded. Come down to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, because only when you have 'driven mile after numbing mile and viewed the complete nothingness where cities and homes and businesses once stood, only then will you begin to understand what has happened here.'"
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: The Island View Hotel Implosion
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: The Island View Hotel Implosion: "The Grand Casino Biloxi said goodbye to the Island View Hotel Sunday Morning.
Cherry Demolition out of Houston, Texas worked for three weeks to prepare what took seconds to take down. The implosion took place about 6:40 am Sunday.
400 pounds of dynamite were strategically placed in the pilings to make this implosion go off without a hitch."
Cherry Demolition out of Houston, Texas worked for three weeks to prepare what took seconds to take down. The implosion took place about 6:40 am Sunday.
400 pounds of dynamite were strategically placed in the pilings to make this implosion go off without a hitch."
Saturday Night Dead
I have no internet connection at this time so I am writing my next post offline in Microsoft Word and hopefully will post it on Sunday. Although I know with the massive damage to telephone lines and cable connectors that this will happen at unexpected times, the patience I have been drawing on for almost nine months has run out of reserve. Oh yes! I am grateful that I survived the actual storm and the miserable days immediately following but, let me tell you, nothing prepared me for how drastically my day to day living would change. It has become an existence without purpose. How much more are the people with families enduring? What agony they must feel.
The American people have been so generous with their money and time trying to help "dig" us out of the aftermath of the catastrophe but there are some that are not so kind when it comes to spending federal monies. I have read articles on how we are taking the taxpayers money and that our State should take care of its own. Oh Gee! I am a taxpayer too and have already paid my taxes for 2005. If the people writing these articles think that the money they pay in each year for taxes shouldn't be used to help us then I think I have a right to say that the substantial amount I paid to the federal government and the state be given to my daughter and her family to repair their home.
All the coastal cities are slowly looking better as the debris is removed but there are many problems that have arisen as a result of this storm such as lack of work, inadequate housing, damaged schools , bridges and road repair, shortage of doctors, daycare for children and nursing homes for the elderly. How about the senior citizens who lost their paid for homes? What do they do?
The storm did not exempt us from the normal expenses for food, gasoline, clothing, college tuitions and taxes. As americans we pay for the same things as you. Unfortunately, we encountered the unprecedented (unheard of) fury of a storm named Katrina and our lives were turned upside down.
For awhile, we felt we had been forgotten until people from every state in the country came to our aid. Mississippi thanks you as does this lady in Pascagoula, my hometown.
The American people have been so generous with their money and time trying to help "dig" us out of the aftermath of the catastrophe but there are some that are not so kind when it comes to spending federal monies. I have read articles on how we are taking the taxpayers money and that our State should take care of its own. Oh Gee! I am a taxpayer too and have already paid my taxes for 2005. If the people writing these articles think that the money they pay in each year for taxes shouldn't be used to help us then I think I have a right to say that the substantial amount I paid to the federal government and the state be given to my daughter and her family to repair their home.
All the coastal cities are slowly looking better as the debris is removed but there are many problems that have arisen as a result of this storm such as lack of work, inadequate housing, damaged schools , bridges and road repair, shortage of doctors, daycare for children and nursing homes for the elderly. How about the senior citizens who lost their paid for homes? What do they do?
The storm did not exempt us from the normal expenses for food, gasoline, clothing, college tuitions and taxes. As americans we pay for the same things as you. Unfortunately, we encountered the unprecedented (unheard of) fury of a storm named Katrina and our lives were turned upside down.
For awhile, we felt we had been forgotten until people from every state in the country came to our aid. Mississippi thanks you as does this lady in Pascagoula, my hometown.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
AP Wire | 05/20/2006 | Traveling U.S. 90 reveals destruction, hard times left by Katrina
AP Wire | 05/20/2006 | Traveling U.S. 90 reveals destruction, hard times left by Katrina: "BILOXI, Miss. - Out-of-towners are easy to spot on U.S 90.
Their brake lights flicker as other cars and trucks blow by. Some lean out windows and snap photos. Others jerk the wheel without warning, pulling over to stare.
Generations of travelers have gazed at the eclectic sights along U.S. 90, from the high-rises in New Orleans to the marshlands of rural southeast Louisiana to the beachfront pastiche of antebellum homes and casinos on Mississippi's coast.
That was before Hurricane Katrina. Today, the highway spans the length of an enormous disaster that struck more than eight months ago but, from the look of much of it, could have hit yesterday."
Their brake lights flicker as other cars and trucks blow by. Some lean out windows and snap photos. Others jerk the wheel without warning, pulling over to stare.
Generations of travelers have gazed at the eclectic sights along U.S. 90, from the high-rises in New Orleans to the marshlands of rural southeast Louisiana to the beachfront pastiche of antebellum homes and casinos on Mississippi's coast.
That was before Hurricane Katrina. Today, the highway spans the length of an enormous disaster that struck more than eight months ago but, from the look of much of it, could have hit yesterday."
The Sun Herald | 05/20/2006 | Veterans finally get Washington trip
The Sun Herald | 05/20/2006 | Veterans finally get Washington trip: "Mississippi veterans of World War II will descend on Washington today as 'Operation Thank You' brings them to the monument built in their honor and that of the 16 million Americans who served with them."
Friday, May 19, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Katrina Displaced Alligators Too
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Katrina Displaced Alligators Too: "'They're starting to show up all over,' Pascagoula Animal Control Supervisor Ed Holmes says. 'This one was being a nuisance out on Louise Street.'
Holmes says this year's going to be a busy one for him and his gator trapping buddy Richard. Normally the two catch around 12 gators a year from populated areas in Jackson County. Post-Katrina, they're anticipating a lot more."
Holmes says this year's going to be a busy one for him and his gator trapping buddy Richard. Normally the two catch around 12 gators a year from populated areas in Jackson County. Post-Katrina, they're anticipating a lot more."
Thursday, May 18, 2006
I'm getting ready for the next hurricane season. I've already started my dadburn tunnel to China.
I'm getting ready for the next hurricane season. I've already started my dadburn tunnel to China.: "More From The Mississippi Press | Subscribe To The Mississippi Press
OLD CRAB
I'm getting ready for the next hurricane season. I've already started my dadburn tunnel to China.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006"
OLD CRAB
I'm getting ready for the next hurricane season. I've already started my dadburn tunnel to China.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006"
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
A Hug Of Understanding!
Just a short nine days from today will be 6 months since I have been literally baring my heart to anyone who may happen upon my blog and read what I have to say. My blog started as a "supplement" to my daughter who is the author of "Did We Survive Hurricane Katrina Or Not"
Anita has four young children that absolve much of her waking hours thus placing a limit on any time she can spend away from her home. So we agreed that I would be the outside news gatherer who often depicted what I wrote about with pics of the actual scenes I encountered in Pascagoula and other areas in the coastal cities in the State of Mississippi.
I will start with a short history of why we all took up residency in Pascagoula, especially me, after so many years away. In 2003, Anita and Dave resided in Gulfport, Ms. and I in a rural area in Lumberton, Ms.. and our lives had become one of impracticability. Dave worked and still does at Northrop Grumman in Pascagoula and, because of shipyard traffic, he was often late getting home. I needed help at times in Lumberton and they were too far away to assist. So we all decided to move to Pascagoula for Dave to be near his work and because it was my hometown, I readily agreed. We shared a house for two years and because their family was increasing in size I felt the only practical thing for me to do, was move. In May 2005 I was in my new home in Moss Point, Ms. praying that I had done the right thing. Then Katrina came ashore and, as you all know, became an upheaval in all of our lives. And yes my move turned out to be exactly what would help us survive the first two weeks after Katrina. To exist in such an atmosphere should be considered an act of heroism not foolishness. Hope for putting our lives aright again will at times wane toward despair but after a "good cry" we once more go forward.
I am proud of my daughter's blog as it is not only filled with knowledge through experience of what is happening in their everyday lives but she has shared a very personal part of herself with her readers, as have I. There are very few comments on our writings. Maybe you think what you have to say wouldn't be enough but you are wrong. You would be surprised at what a word or two of acknowledgment would do for our morale. Looking back in your life, can't you remember how a simple hug brought you comfort? Since you can't actually hug us, your words would be a hug of understanding.
My thanks go out to all of you who have read my writings along with my assurance that a hug is all I want for my endeavors to have somehow painted a picture with words of what we are going through. My daughter said that she could definitely use a hug of understandibng but what she can really use is free gas.. a good contractor... someone to cook for her.... !
Anita has four young children that absolve much of her waking hours thus placing a limit on any time she can spend away from her home. So we agreed that I would be the outside news gatherer who often depicted what I wrote about with pics of the actual scenes I encountered in Pascagoula and other areas in the coastal cities in the State of Mississippi.
I will start with a short history of why we all took up residency in Pascagoula, especially me, after so many years away. In 2003, Anita and Dave resided in Gulfport, Ms. and I in a rural area in Lumberton, Ms.. and our lives had become one of impracticability. Dave worked and still does at Northrop Grumman in Pascagoula and, because of shipyard traffic, he was often late getting home. I needed help at times in Lumberton and they were too far away to assist. So we all decided to move to Pascagoula for Dave to be near his work and because it was my hometown, I readily agreed. We shared a house for two years and because their family was increasing in size I felt the only practical thing for me to do, was move. In May 2005 I was in my new home in Moss Point, Ms. praying that I had done the right thing. Then Katrina came ashore and, as you all know, became an upheaval in all of our lives. And yes my move turned out to be exactly what would help us survive the first two weeks after Katrina. To exist in such an atmosphere should be considered an act of heroism not foolishness. Hope for putting our lives aright again will at times wane toward despair but after a "good cry" we once more go forward.
I am proud of my daughter's blog as it is not only filled with knowledge through experience of what is happening in their everyday lives but she has shared a very personal part of herself with her readers, as have I. There are very few comments on our writings. Maybe you think what you have to say wouldn't be enough but you are wrong. You would be surprised at what a word or two of acknowledgment would do for our morale. Looking back in your life, can't you remember how a simple hug brought you comfort? Since you can't actually hug us, your words would be a hug of understanding.
My thanks go out to all of you who have read my writings along with my assurance that a hug is all I want for my endeavors to have somehow painted a picture with words of what we are going through. My daughter said that she could definitely use a hug of understandibng but what she can really use is free gas.. a good contractor... someone to cook for her.... !
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Students Make New Discovery At Old Biloxi Burial Site
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Students Make New Discovery At Old Biloxi Burial Site: "'There's a bone here,' said one excited student as she pointed to the ground.
Since October, the USM Anthropology graduate students have been trying to rescue 13 skeletons from a Biloxi burial site.
'There's a piece of bone right here,' said another student.
The cemetery, located under Moran's Art Studio, was disturbed after Hurricane Katrina washed away the Porter Avenue business. While digging at the site, the students made a new discovery."
Since October, the USM Anthropology graduate students have been trying to rescue 13 skeletons from a Biloxi burial site.
'There's a piece of bone right here,' said another student.
The cemetery, located under Moran's Art Studio, was disturbed after Hurricane Katrina washed away the Porter Avenue business. While digging at the site, the students made a new discovery."
Monday, May 15, 2006
Optimism Versus Reality
Today I find myself too disheartened to write about the ongoing fiasco taking place in our area. Anyone who is subjected to day in and day out stress for a long period of time will eventually have to pay a high price with their physical and emotional health. Young and old alike are bordering on despair with the seemingly never ending waiting. When an end to the waiting period finally arrives to help alleviate their human misery, it usually becomes the onset of yet another waiting period.
People who do get a grant from the State will have to put covenants on their properties that are binding ... i.e. homes will be built to code (whatever that code is), the necessary elevation is required and flood insurance must be maintained on said property forever. You cannot receive assistance if the required covenants are not attached to their form. What frightens me is what are the penalities for non conformance ...... sure I know, if these covenants are not attached to their form, assistance will not be forthcoming but what about the people who do not receive assistance? And there will be many as the money will not take care of all needing help. So I suppose if those same people attempt to repair or rebuild their property to what they can afford that they will lose their property because freedom to rebuild as they choose has been taken away.
The disposition of optimism is wearing a little thin after 8 1/2 months of wishing ... waiting... and hoping!
People who do get a grant from the State will have to put covenants on their properties that are binding ... i.e. homes will be built to code (whatever that code is), the necessary elevation is required and flood insurance must be maintained on said property forever. You cannot receive assistance if the required covenants are not attached to their form. What frightens me is what are the penalities for non conformance ...... sure I know, if these covenants are not attached to their form, assistance will not be forthcoming but what about the people who do not receive assistance? And there will be many as the money will not take care of all needing help. So I suppose if those same people attempt to repair or rebuild their property to what they can afford that they will lose their property because freedom to rebuild as they choose has been taken away.
The disposition of optimism is wearing a little thin after 8 1/2 months of wishing ... waiting... and hoping!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Spring Pilgrimage
How many of us have made the remark, "I wish I knew what the future holds"? I certainly was guilty of that but have since learned a valuable lesson. Live the life you have and make the most of your present moments. If I had been granted my wish and had seen what was going to happen because a hurricane named Katrina would eventually come along, I would have been filled with so much worry that I would have missed the good times.
There is nothing to really show you of Beach Boulevard as it in reality doesn't exist as what we knew such a short time ago. It was a very pretty, scenic area that was there when my parents were young as well as their parents. It is in the past now and its restoration lies in the hands of the young generation that are here now. Knowing they feel like I do about their hometown, I have no doubt that they will once again make it a place to be proud of.
Though their lives have become one of loss and hardships, the people of Pascagoula have not lost their sense of humor. Thus ... the sign!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Bush Praises "Resilience" Of MGCCC Graduates
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Bush Praises "Resilience" Of MGCCC Graduates: "President Bush praised the post-Hurricane Katrina resilience of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College graduates Thursday, including a mother who finished college to honor a son killed in military action.
He also urged more than 660 graduates to use their education to help their communities recover from the hurricane, which destroyed broad swaths of south Mississippi when it blew ashore Aug. 29.
'I ask you to rise to the challenge of a generation: Apply your skill and your knowledge, your compassion and your character, and write a hopeful new chapter in the history of the Gulf Coast,'' Bush said."
He also urged more than 660 graduates to use their education to help their communities recover from the hurricane, which destroyed broad swaths of south Mississippi when it blew ashore Aug. 29.
'I ask you to rise to the challenge of a generation: Apply your skill and your knowledge, your compassion and your character, and write a hopeful new chapter in the history of the Gulf Coast,'' Bush said."
Coast Is Clear!
The above pic is of our coastal skies yesterday and after taking several snapshots I found that not one could depict the haze that dipped so low. People with breathing problems were advised to remain indoors. Since I didn't think I fit that category, of course, I was outdoors more than indoors.
We didn't receive the above advisories until calls from concerned citizens were made to local officials asking what the chemical smell in the air was. I smelled the "chemical" also but the smell of low lying "smoke" became overwhelming to me. Never in my life have I had a "nosebleed", until yesterday. I constantly wiped "grit" from my eyes.
Lately, for some reason, the storms are forming over our entire state with not only frightening weather but very unusual weather. An explanation was given to us that, due to the line of thunderstorms occuring in the other counties, a cap or lid was on top of the coastal area causing the stagnant air. In time, the storms would break through the "cap" and the weather would explode in our area. That's calming isn't it? We didn't have to wait as long as predicted because one formed in Hancock County and moved east along the coastline dumping a deluge of rain on us. This began at approximately 11:00PM with a substantial wind and dangerous lightning. It eventually receded. At 1:30AM it repeated itself. At 2:30AM it made yet another appearance. How can I be so precise you may ask? Do you think I was sleeping? I don't think anyone was, especially the people in the trailers.
It is 8:15AM Thursday morning, the air has cleared the sun is out, a brisk wind is blowing and the blessings of a gorgeous day are ours to enjoy!
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Smog in South Mississippi
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Smog in South Mississippi: "A smoggy day in South Mississippi prompted many residents to call local police and sheriff departments today trying to figure out what the smoke, haze and smell was in the area."
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Dust Particles In The Air
A strange happening in our coastal cities has left me a little unnerved. Our weather was a little cloudy today and as the day reached mid-afternoon a smell was in the air of smoke and a chemical. Our meteorologist explained that because of the stormy weather in the central part of the State it is has put a cap on the quality of our air. There have been reports of the air so laden with dust that it could be seen. People with breathing problems are advised to stay indoors. The meteorologist said that eventually the storm that is headed our way will push through the "cap" and the weather will explode. I can hardly wait!
The Sun Herald | 05/10/2006 | Coast included on America's endangered places list
The Sun Herald | 05/10/2006 | Coast included on America's endangered places list: "The National Trust for Historic Preservation has included the Mississippi Coast's historic communities and landmarks on its 2006 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The list was made public this morning.
'It goes without saying that Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast,' Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said in a press release.
'And, unfortunately, many important historic sites were compromised by the storm. Landmarks such as Beauvoir and communities like Gulfport were seriously damaged and deserve to be restored.'"
'It goes without saying that Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast,' Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said in a press release.
'And, unfortunately, many important historic sites were compromised by the storm. Landmarks such as Beauvoir and communities like Gulfport were seriously damaged and deserve to be restored.'"
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Final Preps Made For MGCCC Graduation
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Final Preps Made For MGCCC Graduation: "The countdown is on at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College as school officials get ready for a history-making graduation ceremony set for Thursday at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.
'Aside from the last-minute adjustments, we're ready,' said Colleen Hartfield, vice president for Institutional Relations at Gulf Coast. 'Although it's a very busy time for us, it's also a tremendous honor to have the President of the United States deliver our commencement address.'"
'Aside from the last-minute adjustments, we're ready,' said Colleen Hartfield, vice president for Institutional Relations at Gulf Coast. 'Although it's a very busy time for us, it's also a tremendous honor to have the President of the United States deliver our commencement address.'"
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Yesterday I went on one of my drive's with hopes to find houses under construction in Pascagoula. It is only by God's blessing that I haven't totalled my car. Although there isn't much traffic, there is enough for me to be a possible nuisance. I get so engrossed in what I am doing that I have been guilty of just coming to a halt in the middle of the street to get a pic. Many times I have looked up and a car is patiently waiting behind me. I think they are beginning to recognize that it is me.
Beach Boulevard
The Corp of Engineers, working with Fema, needed written permission to enter properties to clean up debri or demolish a home. Many people were displaced to other states and weren't able to return to see if anything could be salvaged from their destroyed homes and then there were those who existed in a state of inertia after losing all their possessions and the Right of Entry form was not signed. After missing two deadlines, it was up to them to clear their property. The Corp offered to help with the slab debri if the homeowner would get the concrete to the curb.
As most streets have no identifying signs, I can only tell you that the vicinity was the surrounding areas from Beach Boulevard and Washington Avenue. The next pic was apparently to prove a point that elevation will not work for all homes. On closer inspection, the houses showed no signs of residency.
Now on to new construction. I was able to get pics of the beginnings of more homes. Whoever these people are, I admire their "grit".
Each time I venture out to see what happenings are taking place, I have been hoping that I would come upon the "perfect" picture. I am speaking of the enormity of a situation not the capabilities of the one taking the picture. Note my sideview mirror.
On my way home, right before my eyes, there it was , the perfect picture. I have a pic of this small blue painted house on my blog as when I first saw it I remember feeling especially sad about someone's home. A bulldozer was there ready to begin demolition. I stopped long enough to see the huge claw come down on the house. The sound of the claw's force crushing the house was like nothing I had ever heard. I drove away just as the claw lifted to strike again. I didn't take the "perfect" picture but it will always remain in MY mind's eye.
Beach Boulevard
Beach Boulevard
Beach Boulevard
The Corp of Engineers, working with Fema, needed written permission to enter properties to clean up debri or demolish a home. Many people were displaced to other states and weren't able to return to see if anything could be salvaged from their destroyed homes and then there were those who existed in a state of inertia after losing all their possessions and the Right of Entry form was not signed. After missing two deadlines, it was up to them to clear their property. The Corp offered to help with the slab debri if the homeowner would get the concrete to the curb.
As most streets have no identifying signs, I can only tell you that the vicinity was the surrounding areas from Beach Boulevard and Washington Avenue. The next pic was apparently to prove a point that elevation will not work for all homes. On closer inspection, the houses showed no signs of residency.
Now on to new construction. I was able to get pics of the beginnings of more homes. Whoever these people are, I admire their "grit".
Each time I venture out to see what happenings are taking place, I have been hoping that I would come upon the "perfect" picture. I am speaking of the enormity of a situation not the capabilities of the one taking the picture. Note my sideview mirror.
On my way home, right before my eyes, there it was , the perfect picture. I have a pic of this small blue painted house on my blog as when I first saw it I remember feeling especially sad about someone's home. A bulldozer was there ready to begin demolition. I stopped long enough to see the huge claw come down on the house. The sound of the claw's force crushing the house was like nothing I had ever heard. I drove away just as the claw lifted to strike again. I didn't take the "perfect" picture but it will always remain in MY mind's eye.
Monday, May 08, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Marines Honored At Family Day
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Marines Honored At Family Day: "Some local marines were showered with love and appreciation Sunday. About 100 people gathered for Family Day at the Gulfport Seabee Base to honor members of the Fourth Amphibious Assault Batallion."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Monument Unveiled In Poplarville
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Monument Unveiled In Poplarville: "Soldiers of Poplarville who served with the 155th Brigade Combat Team during Operation Iraqi Freedom, were honored today during a ceremony on the Pearl River County Courthouse Lawn.
A seven foot tall monument was unveiled with the names of all one hundred twenty six local soldiers who served."
A seven foot tall monument was unveiled with the names of all one hundred twenty six local soldiers who served."
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Snail's Pace
Some progress in Pascagoula is shown in the following photos taken on Magnolia Street. An appropriate name as Mississippi is nicknamed the Magnolia State.
Jackson County Courthouse
Our Lady of Victories Church
Resurrection (OLV) High School
In 1952, the then new courthouse was having a formal dedication. Since OLV was directly across the street from the courthouse, the nuns permitted us to stand on the front school lawn and watch the ceremony. City and county dignitaries were there but we girls were more interested in Charlton Heston and a very nice looking guy named Robert Stack
In ensuing years, I told my Chicago born husband how many actors had been in Pascagoula. He use to tease and say I was kidding him that no one can even pronounce the name of the town but you want me to believe all those people were here. Anybody remember Lash LaRue, Alan Rocky Lane (Red Ryder), Little Beaver (Robert Blake), Al Fuzzy St. John and the Sons of the Pioneers? There were many more but, at this time, my overworked memory seems to have failed. Perhaps some of you may recall the others.
Pascagoula Police Department
The Police Department is located on Live Oak Street where once Old Hwy 90 connected. It looks to be in excellent shape. This was at one time a residential area that is now commercial.
The High School is back to normal thanks to all the volunteers as is the church. The courthouse is still under repair but functional.
Next post I hope to have more pics of new construction. The small section of Magnolia St. that I have shown you is in good shape. The rest of Magnolia and surrounding areas look very bad. Everything is moving at a snail's pace and I believe that if you came here you could actually touch the depression that permeates our coastal towns.
Even knowing that Katrina was declared the worst natural disaster to hit the United States and that to devastate means to lay waste, we cannot fully comprehend what happened to us. Just eight months ago we were doing what all of you do in your daily lives until that fateful day when that life was taken from us. I ask you, "Can anyone prepare themselves emotionally for such an unexpected crisis"?
Gulfport Eight Months After Katrina-Empty Buildings
Gulfport Eight Months After Katrina-Empty Buildings: "Eight Months After Katrina Downtown Gulfport Mostly Empty Buildings
by Keith Burton - GCN 5/5/06
The streets are clean and the traffic is frequently heavy. At first glance, downtown Gulfport looks like the center of a thriving community. But looks are deceiving. Eight months after Hurricane Katrina, downtown Gulfport, which is just off the beach and Highway 90, is a center of mostly empty buildings. A ghost town with a crowd, as most of the traffic is just passing through, people going somewhere else."
by Keith Burton - GCN 5/5/06
The streets are clean and the traffic is frequently heavy. At first glance, downtown Gulfport looks like the center of a thriving community. But looks are deceiving. Eight months after Hurricane Katrina, downtown Gulfport, which is just off the beach and Highway 90, is a center of mostly empty buildings. A ghost town with a crowd, as most of the traffic is just passing through, people going somewhere else."
Saturday, May 06, 2006
I used to be a very busy lady but now that I am virtually trapped in my home I have time to think about the big problems that coastal Mississippi has. Oh! I am not leaving out the other counties in Mississippi at all, just reflecting on the losses in our area and how it will affect the rest of the state. Businesses up and down the coast are not working at 100% efficiency so that makes for less state taxes collected.
I am probably one of the very few who filed my taxes before the August 28th extension granted by the federal government for Katrina Victims. Even had common sense not told me that there would be a huge problem, the CPA did. The floodwaters destroyed the people's records
In an earlier post I showed a picture of Pascagoula's makeshift post office. I am out of stamps again but to enter a Fema trailer makes me uneasy. Of course, when you enter there is the inevitable long line awaiting you. I feel as if we have regressed back to another period of time. To a time my mother told a story about a line she stood in for hours during World War II to get a pair of "nylons" (nylons were hard to get as it was needed to make parachutes) and when she finally got to the front of the line she discovered she was in a "bread" line. Is that why I am uneasy? Am I afraid to find out what is really at the end of the line? I think I am.
There is virtually no entertainment. There are bars but I don't frequent bars. I will retract that statement and say, "I don't go to bars at all". Occasionally, the daughter and her husband rent a movie and we pretend we are at the theatre.
Before the storm I was not "Twiggy" slim but nicely trim and now after eating my way through pounds of candy and bags of chips, I am Katrina plump. It's a psychological thing. Hey ... that means maybe I am not plump but only think I am. Forgive me if I am speaking a little crazy but Katrina has devastated more than property. Most of us have never experienced a disaster so we have had to figure out ourselves that we are really acting normal in a very abnormal situation.
Hang in there Mississippi!
I am probably one of the very few who filed my taxes before the August 28th extension granted by the federal government for Katrina Victims. Even had common sense not told me that there would be a huge problem, the CPA did. The floodwaters destroyed the people's records
In an earlier post I showed a picture of Pascagoula's makeshift post office. I am out of stamps again but to enter a Fema trailer makes me uneasy. Of course, when you enter there is the inevitable long line awaiting you. I feel as if we have regressed back to another period of time. To a time my mother told a story about a line she stood in for hours during World War II to get a pair of "nylons" (nylons were hard to get as it was needed to make parachutes) and when she finally got to the front of the line she discovered she was in a "bread" line. Is that why I am uneasy? Am I afraid to find out what is really at the end of the line? I think I am.
There is virtually no entertainment. There are bars but I don't frequent bars. I will retract that statement and say, "I don't go to bars at all". Occasionally, the daughter and her husband rent a movie and we pretend we are at the theatre.
Before the storm I was not "Twiggy" slim but nicely trim and now after eating my way through pounds of candy and bags of chips, I am Katrina plump. It's a psychological thing. Hey ... that means maybe I am not plump but only think I am. Forgive me if I am speaking a little crazy but Katrina has devastated more than property. Most of us have never experienced a disaster so we have had to figure out ourselves that we are really acting normal in a very abnormal situation.
Hang in there Mississippi!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Where's the Money: Katrina Aid Not Hitting the Ground
Where's the Money: Katrina Aid Not Hitting the Ground: "Where's The Money?
Billions Have Been Approved by Congress for Katrina Recovery, But the Money Isn't Hitting the Ground
By Keith Burton - GulfCoastNews.com Filed 5/5/06"
Billions Have Been Approved by Congress for Katrina Recovery, But the Money Isn't Hitting the Ground
By Keith Burton - GulfCoastNews.com Filed 5/5/06"
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Coliseum Crews Race To Get Ready For MGCCC Graduation, Presidential Visit
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Coliseum Crews Race To Get Ready For MGCCC Graduation, Presidential Visit: "Next Thursday, the Coliseum will host its first graduation this year. It will also be the first ever with the President of the United States as the speaker."
The Sun Herald | 05/05/2006 | FEMA trailer park woes
The Sun Herald | 05/05/2006 | FEMA trailer park woes: "LONG BEACH - Residents of a FEMA trailer park in Long Beach said the sign was simple enough: 'Drugs For Sale Here.'
There was even a little arrow underneath, pointing in the direction of the FEMA trailer in which you could supposedly buy the drugs.
The sign hung for at least several hours at the entrance to the FEMA trailer park on Avenue A in Long Beach's Industrial Park two weeks ago, residents said. It was right about where the private security detail hired by FEMA sat, until a few months ago when they were pulled off the site."
There was even a little arrow underneath, pointing in the direction of the FEMA trailer in which you could supposedly buy the drugs.
The sign hung for at least several hours at the entrance to the FEMA trailer park on Avenue A in Long Beach's Industrial Park two weeks ago, residents said. It was right about where the private security detail hired by FEMA sat, until a few months ago when they were pulled off the site."
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Ho! Hum!
So much time has passed and any of you that are regular readers must be getting bored with such a depressing blog. What can I say? I am writing the truth about the way things are in South Mississippi. I am part of the unfolding events that are taking place each day. The most serious problem that I see for the citizens from the three coastal counties is that most aren't going to be able to build their homes with personal likes and dislikes that make it unique to them Modular homes are being recommended as they can be "assembled" rather quickly. To the homeless anything is better than a FEMA trailer, right?
East Beach in Pascagoula is allowing the few homes remaining to be repaired but, if insurance rates go up as high as predicted, it will have all been in vain. Because people will not be able to absorb the projected insurance hikes they will be forced to abandon their property over to what many call prosperity. Our beaches will be commercialized where many condos and casinos will arise as victors over the devastation but it will take years for the heartache in the people of coastal Mississippi to heal.
Personally, there are days I dread getting up in the mornings. What could have changed from the mundane day before. A little stress is good to keep the adrenalin flowing to accomplish the tasks of the day but too much is a downer. Today was one of those mornings but out of necessity I needed to go to the grocery store. I realized that last night when all I had for supper was four slices of cheese and no bread to put the cheese on. I went to the store where I took what groceries I wanted from the shelves, put groceries in basket, took groceries to the check out counter where I took groceries out of basket, rolled basket to car where I put groceries in car, arrived home and took groceries out of car, and went into house and put groceries away. Now didn't reading that aggravate you? Good! That was my intention. It is a perfect example of what my days have been like.
See you next post when I recover from my mundaneness!
East Beach in Pascagoula is allowing the few homes remaining to be repaired but, if insurance rates go up as high as predicted, it will have all been in vain. Because people will not be able to absorb the projected insurance hikes they will be forced to abandon their property over to what many call prosperity. Our beaches will be commercialized where many condos and casinos will arise as victors over the devastation but it will take years for the heartache in the people of coastal Mississippi to heal.
Personally, there are days I dread getting up in the mornings. What could have changed from the mundane day before. A little stress is good to keep the adrenalin flowing to accomplish the tasks of the day but too much is a downer. Today was one of those mornings but out of necessity I needed to go to the grocery store. I realized that last night when all I had for supper was four slices of cheese and no bread to put the cheese on. I went to the store where I took what groceries I wanted from the shelves, put groceries in basket, took groceries to the check out counter where I took groceries out of basket, rolled basket to car where I put groceries in car, arrived home and took groceries out of car, and went into house and put groceries away. Now didn't reading that aggravate you? Good! That was my intention. It is a perfect example of what my days have been like.
See you next post when I recover from my mundaneness!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: First Lady Makes Surprise Announcement At Biloxi School
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: First Lady Makes Surprise Announcement At Biloxi School: "Rusty Hunt works from a small corner in Beauvoir Elementary's school library in Biloxi. Hurricane Katrina kicked him out of his brand new library at Gorenflo Elementary and ruined his precious collection of 13,000 books.
'Book shelves were moved around and thrown around and it was a huge mess,' said Rusty Hunt. 'I did not go in, because I was afraid of what it would do to me to see it destroyed.'
Hunt's story touched the hearts of members of the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries. So on Wednesday morning, the First Lady walked into the gutted Gorenflo library to make a surprise announcement."
'Book shelves were moved around and thrown around and it was a huge mess,' said Rusty Hunt. 'I did not go in, because I was afraid of what it would do to me to see it destroyed.'
Hunt's story touched the hearts of members of the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries. So on Wednesday morning, the First Lady walked into the gutted Gorenflo library to make a surprise announcement."
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
The Beginning Of Reality
After reading the news this morning I have come to the realization that our troubles are just beginning. The aftermath of the terrifying storm kept most busy trying to find shelter and jobs to support their families. After the "dust settled" many had to make the decision to rebuild, repair or just move out of the area. It is my opinion that some of the rules for rebuilding are grossly unfair. For instance, homes that were on the beachfront that were structurely sound could remain but those, reduced to a slab, could not be rebuilt. Where is the fairness in this?
Required elevations are yet another problem to contend with for those who do not have that kind of money A minority of people are trying to "lift" their present homes to the required height. It seems that aesthetics and symmetry are not requirements, just elevation. And .... then there are the people who are scared to rebuild out of fear that another "big" one may hit again. How does anybody know that with certainty? Why are the insurance companies afraid to insure us in coastal Mississippi? Their reluctance has now extended to any state that borders a coastline. It's a catch 22, premiums will be so high that they can't be afforded but mortgage companies require insurance on your home. So how can that be?
The crime rate has risen as transients have multiplied. The high cost of gasoline has forced Pascagoula's sheriff to ask Jackson County for assistance at this time. To cut back on patrols would be a detriment to the safety of the citizens.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation, MDOT wants to build a bicycle and pedestrian path on both the Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs bridge. For what? Highway 90 is one of the most dangerous in the country. A 2 ft. barrier will not stop cars from jumping that wall and injuring or killing people. I also can't imagine people taking a Sunday stroll in the scorching heat of the summer. If we let that happen, a bicycle and our own two legs may be our only source of transportation.
Well, enough of my ranting, I have things to do in this topsy- turvy area I now live in.
Required elevations are yet another problem to contend with for those who do not have that kind of money A minority of people are trying to "lift" their present homes to the required height. It seems that aesthetics and symmetry are not requirements, just elevation. And .... then there are the people who are scared to rebuild out of fear that another "big" one may hit again. How does anybody know that with certainty? Why are the insurance companies afraid to insure us in coastal Mississippi? Their reluctance has now extended to any state that borders a coastline. It's a catch 22, premiums will be so high that they can't be afforded but mortgage companies require insurance on your home. So how can that be?
The crime rate has risen as transients have multiplied. The high cost of gasoline has forced Pascagoula's sheriff to ask Jackson County for assistance at this time. To cut back on patrols would be a detriment to the safety of the citizens.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation, MDOT wants to build a bicycle and pedestrian path on both the Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs bridge. For what? Highway 90 is one of the most dangerous in the country. A 2 ft. barrier will not stop cars from jumping that wall and injuring or killing people. I also can't imagine people taking a Sunday stroll in the scorching heat of the summer. If we let that happen, a bicycle and our own two legs may be our only source of transportation.
Well, enough of my ranting, I have things to do in this topsy- turvy area I now live in.
Monday, May 01, 2006
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Humans Become Art On Beach In Long Beach
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Humans Become Art On Beach In Long Beach: "The intense wind, which made for even more intense flying sand, could not stop more than one hundred South Mississippians and volunteers from gathering on the beach in Long Beach.
They met to participate in Project Live Oak, where they stretched out in the sand to create an image of the historic Friendship Oak located on the USM Gulf Coast campus."
They met to participate in Project Live Oak, where they stretched out in the sand to create an image of the historic Friendship Oak located on the USM Gulf Coast campus."
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