School tax compromise falls through

School tax compromise falls through: "PASCAGOULA -- A day after a proposed compromise on new tax revenues from Chevron expansions fell through at the Mississippi Legislature, Pascagoula school superintendent Wayne Rodolfich promised to continue to fight for the funding."

Strikers' health insurance expires Saturday

Strikers' health insurance expires Saturday: "PASCAGOULA -- Although Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and union officials are expected to meet again soon, workers who continue to strike are worried about their health insurance expiring Saturday."

BACKING UP

I am going to backtrack to Hurricane Ivan that made landfall September 16, 2004 near Gulf Shores, Alabama and Hurricane Rita that made landfall in the extreme coastal areas of Louisiana and Texas on September 24, 2005. The people living here take hurricanes very seriously and do the necessary preparations to safeguard themselves. At the time, I resided with Dave, Anita and their young family. Ivan was a fierce hurricane that was posing a threat so we evacuated to Birmingham, AL. I made that sound easy and smooth didn't I? All the hotels for miles and miles were filled to capacity but after many calls we found a vacancy. We had to take so much with us that I took my car too. The three children then were a girl 11 mos., two boys 7 and 6. Any of you who have children can venture a guess how many times we had to stop along the way but finally we arrived. After a considerable wait to check in, we found a mistake had been made and there wasn't a room for me. A longer wait ensued until the clerk finally said that I had a room. I do remember that the news didn't make me happy. My reservation had been made so why act like a favor was done. Here I draw a blank .... I have no recollection of what I did after I checked in. I remember eating breakfast the next morning. I remember the blaring of sirens and a bell captain telling us that we were in tornado alley and that it wasn't unusual. Talk about frightened. We had driven so far to a safer place and found that no place is truly safe. Shortly, Hurricane Ivan was headed Birmingham's way. We scurried around and got all our belongings back into our cars and we left to go home. We drove interstate 25 and the wind was blowing about 70 to 75 mph with heavy rainfall. Trees were falling across the highway but fortunately we made it. We learned later that 8 people had been killed on that highway by falling trees. Were we crazy? Maybe ... but would staying and chancing being hit by a tornado been any safer?

August 29, 2005 was to change our lives, as we knew it, forever. My daughter and her family stayed at my home for 12 days after we found I had a home to return to. We felt like we were living in luxury once again as we had an a/c, a phone and a full tank of gas in my car. What we didn't have was food. We ate MRE's or I should say we picked something that we could nibble on from the MRE. I usually ate the big cracker that had no taste at all but it was all I could stomach. We had cans of expensive survival food that my late husband had bought but it was so high in calories that we would gag. I convinced the boys to eat toasted potted meat sandwiches and their hunger made them eat slice after slice. The two little girls (the new baby was born August 12, 05) drank powdered milk. We didn't stay up late in the evening because we were always exhausted after we struggled through another day. Dave would use my car, with me insisting he take it, to go to their damaged home to do what he could. There was no gasoline anywhere so we had to carefully ration what we used. I remember on one of his outings he returned with candy bars for us. Now that was a little bit of heaven! We washed our clothes but they were never really clean as the pilot was off on the tank and we didn't know how to light it because it had an ignition of some kind. After surviving what we had just gone through, to blow up would have been so pointless. The days passed and eventually we would all go to their house to do what we could. So many things that were once treasures were thrown out like so much garbage. The new baby girl's clothes that were so lovingly chosen in anticipation of her birth were thrown out. Neighbors would haul pieces of furniture to the curb. Soon there were mounds of furniture, clothing, toys, appliances ... all at the curb. Cars sat still in driveways. I would go back and forth to my home to clean the yards as best I could and when I bathed I heated pots of water on the stove . At the very least, I felt clean again. The Red Cross had arrived and was driving through neighborhoods handing out hot food. On one occasion after leaving my daughter's home I stopped their van and asked for a hot lunch. They just stared at me ... I guess I was too clean. Anyway I felt I had to explain to them that I needed a good hot meal. All the hard work and not eating properly was taking a toll. Eventually, they gave me one. My daughter told me of her experience with them ... she asked for water and a volunteer asked what she wanted it for. She said to drink. They asked why don't you have water and my daughter said because you won't give me any. A guy in the back of the van belly laughed and gave her water. By the time I saw the Red Cross in my neighborhood, I had my own food. Helicopters started flying over my house and I was elated as they were a sign of hope. They flew so low that sometimes I would go outside to wave and could see when they returned the gesture. It was surreal .. this can't be happening ... this is a dream.

In September the unthinkable happened, Hurricane Rita was making an appearance. The remembrance of what just happened was too fresh to even chance the possibility of wading through pesticide laden water again or smell the stench of raw sewage that had backed up in the house. We made the long drive to Atlanta, GA.. The hurricane came ashore a day before my birthday. My most vivid memory of Georgia was that everything was so pretty especially the buildings that had gold colored domes and as I drove I noted all the restaurants. I can truthfully say that we ate everything that we had been craving. The long list included eggs, bacon, sausage, steak, salads, pizza and ice cream. We stayed a couple of days and then returned home to continue with the aftermath of Katrina which is continuing at this writing.

As you can see, we do evacuate and would have for Katrina had the forecasts alerted us to what was headed our way. Seismic activity from Katrina was picked up as far away as California. Experts came to the coast and said the detruction looked like that of an earthquake. We heard the rumble as we stood on the porch waiting for "whatever" was going to strike us. Katrina was not a normal hurricane.

I will be back in a couple of days with pictures. Today I am waiting on a guy to come and give me a price for weedeating.

The Sun Herald | 03/28/2007 | Bridging the gap

The Sun Herald | 03/28/2007 | Bridging the gap: "Drivers should be able to travel by bridge from Bay St. Louis to Pass Christian in May, if construction on the U.S. 90 bridge stays on schedule. The bridge over Biloxi Bay may even open its first two lanes weeks early, in October."

My grandson's homeschool assignment caught my attention as the project was to draw or use construction paper and design his dream home. My interpretation, without a doubt, is that he will be fiercely protective of his home. Thanks for the use of your picture George. Good job!

It was a nice day today but the temperature is too high for spring and it makes it uncomfortable to work outside. As you know, the Northrop Grumman strike is still on. I have read that many workers would like to go back to work but for their own reasons hesitate to do so. I didn't bother going to the West Bank today but there were a few strikers on Chico Road at a warehouse that Grumman owns. Sometimes I can't get a picture as I pass because of the chance of possibly having a wreck. Since I had one last November, I don't risk it.


Pascagoula is making progress as are other cities on the coast. One day in the future we will be back to normal. I can't end this post without saying how great the students from around the country are to spend their spring break helping South Mississippi. Thank you!

Still No Contract Proposed To Northrop Grumman Union Workers
At Tuesday's Northrop Grumman and union leaders meeting, there was no new money talk and no new contract, only the promise of more meetings in the future. After three hours of talking, union leaders and company officials had little to say except they discussed a variety of non-economic issues important to the membership. But for the men and women on the picket line the last 20 days, it's all about economic issues.

Shrimpers Threaten Blockade Over Debris Cleanup in State Waters - Sun Herald

Beachside Martin Street

I don't think that the word tired describes how most of us on the Coast feel. Tiredness is nothing new no matter where you live. A workout in a gym, perhaps your garden, maybe from getting up several times during the night with a new baby or cramming for an exam will tire us. After resting we overcome the tiredness and think of it as a normal reaction to activity. When one reaches the point of exhaustion, you feel drained. Not only does your body become extremely tired, you become devoid of normal emotions. A "what's the use" attitude prevails. Our recovery here has been too slow and it is taking a toll.

Mississippi Emergency Management (MEMA) has $280 million to assist the people in the 27,000 trailers remaining. The catch is you must qualify and it will only be able to help 4000. So 23,000 will have no assistance. When we speak of the number of trailers, that is not counting how many people are in each trailer. It seems to me that finding yourself living in a trailer for 19 months would qualify you. Of course, none of this will be swift. It will probably take months to decide who gets assistance. This is just one example of what is causing mental exhaustion in the people. Also the Northrup Grumman strike isn't helping our recovery. If anything it sets us back a notch or two. Grumman and union leaders will meet again today to try to resolve the issues involved that all can agree on.

The weather started out cloudy but the slim chance of rain passed as the sun came from behind the clouds. Today will find me dragging hoses around the yard to try to save what I can. The pictures I take of new construction are becoming harder to find but I haven't given up yet.

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

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula: "Shipyard Talks Resume Tuesday
Northrop Grumman contract talks are back on. Union leaders in Pascagoula tell WLOX News they will sit down with Northrop Grumman officials Tuesday afternoon. Union officials won't share details, or even say if there is a new proposal from the company. Tuesday's meeting will begin at 3pm, and a federal mediator will be there."

Project includes new houses, renovations

Project includes new houses, renovations: "PASCAGOULA -- At 10 a.m. today, about 120 volunteers from all over America will begin changing the lives of hundreds of Pascagoula residents affected by Hurricane Katrina with a ribbon-cutting and kickoff for the 100 Homes in 100 Days Project."

Health insurance concerns top conversation on picket line

Health insurance concerns top conversation on picket line: "PASCAGOULA -- Although some have argued that Northrop Grumman's offer for workers in the apprenticeship programs is a good deal, Valery Mitchell has a different opinion.

'It ain't good yet,' said Mitchell of Gautier, who joined about a dozen other pipe welders and pipefitters on the picket line Sunday outside the company's Ship Systems Ingalls Operations in Pascagoula."

Today was a blah day. The weather was sunny and bright but too hot for spring. It looks as though we are heading for another drought. I guess I should say instead that we have never gotten out of the last drought. Rain is not in next weeks forecast and we need it. The winter was long and very cold for our area and again I have lost a few yard plants. I spent most of yesterday on a ladder cleaning the useless raingutters. When it rains the water doesn't flow through the gutters, it comes over the top. Still I clean them as it is unsightly to see leaves peeking over the rim. I am no stranger to yard work as I find it to be a good form of exercise. There is one thing that I can't do and that is weedeat. Last spring I bought a gas weedeater and the problem was I never could get it started. If I had a weedeater starter person around and it was handed to me then I would find the darn thing too heavy to handle. So this summer I am going to hire someone. Problem solved.

I did ride around some today but not much as I wasn't in the mood. The first two pictures I am going to show you is something I really don't understand. It belongs to the federal government.

Katrina Damaged Post Office

Pascagoula Post Office

It was announced weeks ago that a new one would be built but we all know when demolition of the old one takes place and the construction of a new one begins that it will take at least another year to have it up and running.

Since I was downtown, I took several pictures of buildings on Delmas Avenue that look good.


Of course, I drove to the West Bank to check on strikers but not a single one was there. Remember the East Bank is the main entrance to Northrop Grumman and I am sure many were there. All news has virtually stopped on the strike. They are in day 17 and hopefully it will end soon.


Have I mentioned how depressing it can get riding around looking at what's not there anymore? When something like this disaster happens the time you lose waiting for things to get back to normal once more can never be regained. I read the news around the country and when they speak of the money that is "pouring" into our area one would think that we have built some elaborate paradise for ourselves. If paradise has torn up roads, abandoned buildings and struggling people .... that's us! I have mentioned before that there are pictures I refuse to take to protect privacy. There are places I could take you to that are heartwrenching. What they had was just modest small dwellings that they called home and they were gutted. Many are repaired but just as many fell through the cracks.

I will be back sometime next week. I just stopped by to let you know I am still around.

The Sun Herald | 03/24/2007 | Motorcylist dies in collision with pickup

The Sun Herald | 03/24/2007 | Motorcylist dies in collision with pickup: "GULFPORT - A motorcyclist from Gulfport has died in a collision with a pickup at U.S. 49 and John Hill Boulevard.

Christopher Moore, 43, was travelling north and speeding as he came around an 18-wheeler and struck another vehicle, said Harrison County Coroner Gary Hargrove."

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Vermont Teens Savor Taste Of Southern Hospitality

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Vermont Teens Savor Taste Of Southern Hospitality: "Fried chicken, Jambalaya, and lots of spice. The 'Tiger Tales' Culinary kitchen came alive Friday with the flavors of the South.

'You never had grits?' a student asked a Vermont teen in disbelief.

'Never had grits or peach cobbler,' the teen replied."

The Sun Herald | 03/23/2007 | Quitman Marine killed in Iraq

The Sun Herald | 03/23/2007 | Quitman Marine killed in Iraq: "A 20-year-old Marine from Clarke County was killed Wednesday in Iraq.

The Department of Defense confirmed Cpl. Dustin J. Lee, 20, of Quitman, died Wednesday from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Lee was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Logistics Base out of Albany, Ga."

Someone recently asked me what political party that I hold an allegiance to. I might have just blurted out which party I prefer had that question been put before me at an earlier time in my life. After years of being disappointed by the promises made and the promises not kept, I don't know with any certainty which party I prefer. One election year, I did not endorse either candidate and did not vote. I am sure there are many people who don't vote when it comes down to having to choose one just for the sake of voting. I guess we could play that childhood game of "eeny meeny miney moe" and hope for the best. November is fast approaching and at that time it will be over two years since Katrina devastated coastal Mississippi and the lack of fast response to us and being overlooked in the media weighs heavily on my mind. Do we have a guarantee that we will not be completely forgotten when the newly elected come in? We are still struggling to make a comeback. Our cities are having to match a portion to release federal money and since our revenue has been lost due to business' being destroyed I ask you, "How do we recover"? It has been a no win situation.

Too many people are still in Fema trailers. I ride around often in Pascagoula and they are still there in designated parks or wherever available space could be found and many are parked in front of their damaged homes. There has been some progress with homes because of the grant assistance but many people did not qualify so what happens to them? Dear God, this is America isn't it? We have had many volunteers from other states come but they can only do so much. I hear about plans for the city but unfortunately many plans have not been implemented. Why? I suspect it's because the designated federal money has not been released.

Thanks for lending an ear. What is happening here is not making sense and that brings on a rant from me. I see it, I hear it and I know something is wrong with all the delays but who am I? Just a concerned citizen for coastal Mississippi.

We have been searching and finding happenings during Katrina that we had heard about but never saw. My daughter has posted a video that should instill fright in all of us.

House proceedings on Gulf Coast Recovery Act --- Taylor's remarks ruled improper

Gee! Spring has an effect on me, I just want to sleep. Earlier today I went down to the West Bank to see if strikers were there ... only a few. It is very quiet around town. Of course, as always, there is traffic on highway 90. I still wonder where they could be going. I was hoping that the strike would end today but that didn't happen. They are striking because they want more pay and better health care but for two weeks now they have lost money and at the end of the month their health care will run out. To me, it's like a "tug of war" between Northrop Grumman and the union leaders. Both sides saying, "You need me".


On this outing I also took a picture of a couple of houses.


What have I been doing? I have been raking and bagging leaves for weeks now. The very cold winter had the live oak I have in the front yard shed every leaf that was on the tree. I thought that it was dead but it is sprouting new leaves. So lately, a dead tree that was a threat to my house was taken down and my beautiful oak came back to life. In my Katrina world, to have those two things occur, all that I can say is "My Cup Runneth Over".

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Ingalls Labor Talks Over For The Day

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Ingalls Labor Talks Over For The Day: "Talks between Northrop Grumman and the unions are over for the day, with very little movement towards a compromise agreement. Mike Crowley, representing the Metal Trades Union told WLOX News, 'we met with the company and identified our issues, little progress was made."

Well folks I have decided to curtail posting the local news as lately the links are not staying active. So when I write I will include what I consider news you might like to hear. There will be a meeting today between Northrop Grumman and union leaders. Just maybe agreements will be reached and we can go on with our lives. Of course, you don't have to wait for me to tell you when the strike is over ... WLOX, Sun Herald, Mississippi Press, Gulf Coast News, to name a few, will announce the outcome immediately.

I will be back soon to tell you more about my living in Katrina's aftermath.

SunHerald.com : Biloxi and Gulfport News, Casinos, Jobs, Real Estate, Sports and Cars

SunHerald.com : Biloxi and Gulfport News, Casinos, Jobs, Real Estate, Sports and Cars: "Shipyard president: 'We did not clearly understand the issues'
Teel will visit picket lines soon
By KAREN NELSON, Karennelson2@aol.com
Philip Teel is president of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, a company in the news recently in South Mississippi because of a strike by workers at its Pascagoula shipyard."

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

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Biloxi: "Beauvoir Gets Early Spring Cleaning
Restoration crews took the first step toward saving one of the Coast's few surviving landmarks. They've put up fencing around the historic Beauvoir house, preparing to start the $4 million restoration project. Work on the Presidential Library and Museum, meanwhile, will begin in about six months. On Monday, tourism volunteers from across the south east moved the books and artifacts to a safe place, before the building is torn down and rebuilt."

TIMBER!!

I was awakened at 730AM this morning by the "beeping" we hear when heavy equipment is warning that they are moving and we should take note for our safety. There was a huge piece of machinery in the neighbor's driveway ... one with the bucket that telephone linemen and tree cutters use. It couldn't be used because there were too many obstacles in the way to raise the arm... my fence being one. The same guy who took the last tree out of the neighbor's yard a week ago said no problem as he would climb it. For those of you who have never seen a tree taken down, it is an art. One that requires agility and perfect concentration, which this young man has. I took pictures as he worked. Some are a little darker than I like but there were times I didn't think I should be directly under the tree while limbs were being lowered, so I focused through the screening on the backporch.. I have spent countless hours worrying about this tree. To tell you I was elated that today it would be taken down would be an understatement.

Click on pictures to enlarge

When the tree was topped, "R" began cutting about 3ft. sections and let them drop to the ground. When the tree was low enough and he could determine that the final section could be cut without damaging anything .... he dropped it to the ground. It was amazing to watch him work. The monster tree is gone!!!

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home: "Dale: State Farm To Reopen All Coastal Mississippi Cases
Commissioner of Insurance George Dale announced today that State Farm will begin an accelerated process to reopen and readjust all Hurricane Katrina claims upon request in the Mississippi coastal counties. According to Dale, State Farm has agreed to make millions of dollars available for additional payments to policyholders in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties."

Meeting Set For Union Leaders To Determine What Their Members Want
Monday morning, leaders from all 15 unions at Pascagoula's Northrop Grumman shipyard will sit down to determine exactly what their members want. Union leaders say their top three priorities are higher wages, lower healthcare, and expanding coverage to include dental and vision. Bill Glenn from Northrop Grumman told WLOX that union leaders and company officials will meet with a federal mediator on Wednesday.

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

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Biloxi: "Knoxville Volunteers Help Rebuild A Biloxi Home
Volunteers from Knoxville, Tennessee are on the coast this weekend to help rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Elise Roberts spoke with some church members this afternoon. "

Classic Company

My daughter Anita and son in law Dave decided many months back that we needed to find some form of entertainment to get us out of the doldrums. Today we went to Gulfport, MS and attended our first ever equestrian event. "The Gulf Coast International Winter Series from February 14 - March 18, 2007". Budweiser and the Beau Rivage Casino are two of the many sponsors. Male and female riders of all ages, 17 to 60 plus compete in Grand Prix events.

"There are three major equestrian disciplines under saddle other than racing and western riding activity): they are Dressage, Show Jumping and Combined Training. On a worldwide basis, Show Jumping is the most popular due to its exciting format and ease of view. The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), headquartered in Berne, Switzerland is the world governing body. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is the United States sanctioning body. Show Jumping is long established as one of the most popular television spectator sports in Europe. Grand Prix Show Jumping is fast becoming an important spectator sport in the United States."

"The objective of Grand Prix Jumping is for each horse and rider to clear every obstacle on the course with the least number of faults (penalities). The rider with the fewer penalities and fastest time wins."


I took many pictures, too many to post here, but perhaps I have shown you enough. I never dreamed that I would ever be at a horse show. I have avoided horses since my parents "plopped" me on the back of a shetland pony when I was 5 yrs. old. Had they asked my permission, I would have said "No!" It's not like I don't like horses, they don't like me. No kidding! I have been chased by horses, almost lost a few fingers as I tried feeding an apple to one. A cousin who owned a horse told me that I would overcome my fear if I rode one. The animal was so big that I actually got on the hood of a car to mount the horse. I wasn't even settled in the saddle before he rared up with a whinny and tried to throw me off. I've tried sweet talking them but to no avail ... they just snort and paw the ground. I guess I will never know why they treat me as they do and actually I don't care why. We had a great time today and I made sure none of the horses knew I was there.

SunHerald.com : Biloxi and Gulfport News, Casinos, Jobs, Real Estate, Sports and Cars

SunHerald.com : Biloxi and Gulfport News, Casinos, Jobs, Real Estate, Sports and Cars: "Family's new home springs up
House completed within a week
What was just a bare lot last Sunday was a completed home for the Moore family by Saturday, thanks to volunteers who worked around the clock to build the house on Catalpa Avenue in just a week.
( By MARY PEREZ, SUN HERALD, 03/18/2007 03:01 AM CDT)"

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

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Gulfport: "Law Students Help MS Residents Know Rights
Future attorneys are using their legal expertise to help in Katrina recovery. The 'Student Hurricane Network' is a national volunteer organization that formed shortly the hurricane. This week 60 law students are here working under the direction of the Mississippi Center For Justice to help storm victims know their rights when it comes to several issues, especially affordable housing."

SunHerald.com : Biloxi and Gulfport News, Casinos, Jobs, Real Estate, Sports and Cars

SunHerald.com : Biloxi and Gulfport News, Casinos, Jobs, Real Estate, Sports and Cars: "MEDIATOR TO GET COMPANY, UNION BACK TO TABLE
Goal is to 'keep us talking'
By MICHAEL NEWSOM and MARY PEREZ, SUN HERALD
Northrop Grumman and striking unions will meet Wednesday with a federal mediator assigned to the case in an effort to end the strike, officials confirmed Saturday."

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

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video: "WLOX News This Week Interview With Philip Teel, President Of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems"


SCROLL DOWN VIDEOS ON RIGHT

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

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Gulfport: "Edwards Family Holds Reunion Home Build
This year's Edwards family reunion on Second Street in Gulfport is something special. Along with swapping stories and sharing laughs, family members are swinging hammers and building walls. As Steve Phillips reports, brothers and cousins and grand kids are determined to 'raise a house' this weekend."

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Union Workers Across the Coast Unite For Higher Wages

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Union Workers Across the Coast Unite For Higher Wages: "As the morning wind whips signs on the picket line, union brothers at Northrop Grumman are still standing firm. On Day nine of the strike, Ingalls workers were joined by fellow union members from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi yards."

Yesterday I headed for the West Bank at Ingalls to check out the strikers and decided that maybe I shouldn't push my luck. I have noticed that when I have been there that I am the only spectator. I turned around and headed for the beach and surrounding areas where I took a few pictures. Rebuilding is a taxing task on the part of the homeowners and one must have the patience of Job to take it all on. Many do and their homes are being rebuilt. On occasion I have spoken about depression and how the aftermath of the storm has affected all of us. Personally I wonder if all our efforts will be in vain. Will our cities be able to recoup from lost revenue and once more become home to us? Or will we forever be asking for help? Since none of us know the answers we go on day to day trying to achieve a lifestyle again that can lift us out of the situation we find ourselves in. Through the camera lens I see hope but looking with normal eyes I see a heck of a lot to do. I never see anyone outside in the neighborhood I live in. When I am working in the yard I feel as though I am the only person here. A neighbor next to me has a sick wife and every now and then he comes out to tell me he is depressed. It is sad as they evacuated to a local hotel doing the storm with all their important documents in the trunk of their car. They were going to a "safer" place. They watched from a second story window as their car was submerged by the surge water. Ironically, as it turned out, it would have been safer had we stayed home. There were a handful of us in this area that from an aerial view looked as though we were on an island. No water touched us. I stayed at my daughter's doing the storm and had left my car in my garage. Her house flooded and they lost both vehicles. As of today they are still repairing their home. We are fast approaching two years. Today I feel better as the sun is shining and there are signs of Spring. A new beginning!

If any of the pictures look familiar to you it would be because I take the houses again as they progress in their construction.