Washington Avenue
Lake Avenue
Besides new construction, I will take pictures of houses that are gutted and unoccupied 20 mos.after the storm. There are also houses with blue tarps on the roof and still far too many Fema trailers.
Monday, April 30, 2007
I decided today, since there aren't many homes to take pictures of to show you new construction, that I will begin taking pictures of whatever I see of interest on my rides around Pascagoula. Beach Boulevard and Washington Avenue were the areas that had their homes reduced to slabs and have had to completely rebuild. There are many people like my daughter, Anita, who had their homes destroyed by the water but the structures were left standing. Anita is probably one of a few people who will literally take you on a virtual tour of her home and show you actual repairs as they are done. If you haven't payed her a visit ... please do! As for my blog, I have pretty well been focused on progress being made in my hometown of Pascagoula. On occasion, I have taken pictures in Biloxi and Gulfport. My wish is to somehow get all my writings and pictures in some kind of giant album for future generations. At this time, Blogger has no way for us to backup and safeguard all the hard work we do. I shudder when I think that one wrong move on their part and our blogs would be lost history.
Washington Avenue
Lake Avenue
Besides new construction, I will take pictures of houses that are gutted and unoccupied 20 mos.after the storm. There are also houses with blue tarps on the roof and still far too many Fema trailers.
Washington Avenue
Lake Avenue
Besides new construction, I will take pictures of houses that are gutted and unoccupied 20 mos.after the storm. There are also houses with blue tarps on the roof and still far too many Fema trailers.
Lighthouse moving to dry land
Lighthouse moving to dry land: "PASCAGOULA -- One of the waterfront enhancements Pascagoula officials are excited about is bringing the historic Round Island Lighthouse, built in 1859, onshore so citizens and tourists can view it within the city limits."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Holiday Remembers Fallen Confederate Soldiers
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Holiday Remembers Fallen Confederate Soldiers: "Visitors seemed surprised to find the courthouse closed on Monday. A sign on the door made mention of the holiday, but the greater reason could be found in the nearby parking lot.
That's where a memorial to confederate soldiers encourages remembrance."
That's where a memorial to confederate soldiers encourages remembrance."
SunHerald.com : 'Guiding Light' cast, crew get back to work
SunHerald.com : 'Guiding Light' cast, crew get back to work: "The cast and crew members of 'Guiding Light,' the CBS daytime drama, are back in the construction business again and will present another Biloxi homeowner with keys to a new, furnished home Tuesday."
Saturday, April 28, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Two Drive By Suspects Surrender To Moss Point Police
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Two Drive By Suspects Surrender To Moss Point Police: "On Friday morning, Aaron Holloway and John Broughton Jr. walked into the Jackson County Jail and turned themselves in to authorities.
Within minutes Moss Point Police picked up the two men to question them about their role in Wednesday's fatal drive-by shooting."
Within minutes Moss Point Police picked up the two men to question them about their role in Wednesday's fatal drive-by shooting."
Today I had dinner with my daughter Anita, Dave and the kids. We ordered a takeout from Ruby Tuesday's. What can I say ... it was good. There is so much that we all do during the week that sometimes the meals we have are nourishing but not special. Although we ate around noon, the food was worthy of being called "dinner". The skylights that were installed in a room that had no windows looks great. It brings light to the entire upstairs. We had a heavy rain a couple of days ago and they didn't leak ... so that job is complete. They have so much more to do. Downstairs will not be complete until all the cabinet doors are painted and re-hung.
I usually never miss an opportunity to drive around looking for progress, today was no exception.
Side View of Above House
Perhaps you sense a lack of enthusiasm in this writing and you would be correct. I am tired! Everybody is tired! It has been a long time! The stressful part of all of this is that we all know that it is going to take years to make a comeback. I have often wished I could just "hug" everyone in the three counties to let them know I understand. I see people on local TV that I may not know personally but have patronized their restaurant or sat behind them at church. Some years back I stood next to A.J. Giardina (WLOX) at Kmart in Long Beach. I have been in most of the damaged or destroyed churches (Catholic) on the coast. Two of my daughters were baptized at Our Lady of Fatima in Biloxi and two at St. John in Gulfport. I wonder about the whereabouts of all the people I did know that worked at our office over the years. Are they okay? The storm is said to be the worse natural disaster that ever befell the United States but people still do not seem to understand what that entails. When is the last time, if ever, you and I have been concerned about infrastructure? I had never spoken the word ... until Katrina. We have big problems down South, bigger than the destruction from the Civil War because technology gave us many more things to be destroyed. Time will tell how well we fare. I pray that I am still around to see it.
Thanks for lending an ear. This writing is different from what I usually write and will probably continue on that course. I don't want to "whitewash" what is happening here. We have too many barriers holding us back. If such a disaster strikes the California coastline or the East Coast, will they be prohibited from rebuilding their coastline? Will federal help require them to pay 10% before the money earmarked to help them can be released? Think about that logically!
I usually never miss an opportunity to drive around looking for progress, today was no exception.
Side View of Above House
Perhaps you sense a lack of enthusiasm in this writing and you would be correct. I am tired! Everybody is tired! It has been a long time! The stressful part of all of this is that we all know that it is going to take years to make a comeback. I have often wished I could just "hug" everyone in the three counties to let them know I understand. I see people on local TV that I may not know personally but have patronized their restaurant or sat behind them at church. Some years back I stood next to A.J. Giardina (WLOX) at Kmart in Long Beach. I have been in most of the damaged or destroyed churches (Catholic) on the coast. Two of my daughters were baptized at Our Lady of Fatima in Biloxi and two at St. John in Gulfport. I wonder about the whereabouts of all the people I did know that worked at our office over the years. Are they okay? The storm is said to be the worse natural disaster that ever befell the United States but people still do not seem to understand what that entails. When is the last time, if ever, you and I have been concerned about infrastructure? I had never spoken the word ... until Katrina. We have big problems down South, bigger than the destruction from the Civil War because technology gave us many more things to be destroyed. Time will tell how well we fare. I pray that I am still around to see it.
Thanks for lending an ear. This writing is different from what I usually write and will probably continue on that course. I don't want to "whitewash" what is happening here. We have too many barriers holding us back. If such a disaster strikes the California coastline or the East Coast, will they be prohibited from rebuilding their coastline? Will federal help require them to pay 10% before the money earmarked to help them can be released? Think about that logically!
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Bay St. Louis
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Bay St. Louis: "More than 7,000 FEMA trailers are still housing Hancock County residents. According to a recent report, the county is recovering slowly compared to other areas in South Mississippi. Al Showers takes a look at the pace of recovery in Hancock County."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: New Partnership Builds Hope For 16 Pass Christian Families
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: New Partnership Builds Hope For 16 Pass Christian Families: "The sounds of progress echo along Hunter Avenue. Church volunteers, coordinated by the Grey Hut in Pass Christian, are trying to finish 10 more houses. The homes are being built for residents who are elderly, disabled, as well as single parents."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Gulfport Library May Stay On Highway 90 After All
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Gulfport Library May Stay On Highway 90 After All: "For a long time, saving the waterfront library was considered impractical and impossible. And then, Harrison County and its library board got a report that said despite the shattered windows and the water logged books, the downtown Gulfport library was structurally sound. Larry Benefield says that report may have changed everything."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Mississippi Coast On Endangered Historic Places List
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Mississippi Coast On Endangered Historic Places List: "'It was the oldest house in Biloxi before the storm and it's still the oldest house in Biloxi after the storm,' said Bobby Mahoney, standing outside Mary Mahoney's Old French House restaurant."
Sixth home dedicated by 100 homes in 100 days
Sixth home dedicated by 100 homes in 100 days: "'There's a disconnection,' Yancy said. 'People all over think, Well, haven't y'all got it together yet?' And what they don't realize is it takes time. There were 23,500 homes completed destroyed in Jackson County -- just gone. Over 16,000 had major damage. "
Thursday, April 26, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Hundreds Of Seabees Return Home
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Hundreds Of Seabees Return Home: "Hundreds of Seabees are spending valuable quality time with their families. On Thursday morning, the last 200 of about 650 NMCB 74 members returned home from a mission that took them to several locations, including Southwest Asia. "
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home: "Patrice Clark Reports On Deadly Drive-By Shooting"
I awoke to rain this morning and for the first time was happy about it. Usually I am frightened beyond what is a normal reaction. I stood on the backporch watching the rain fall to the ground. The lawn has patches of diseased grass and some patches are circles of dirt ... completely devoid of grass. Still I plant flowers in an effort to surround myself with beauty to take my mind off the many things I see every day that have not a vestige of beauty. I truly believe that Katrina was a "wake up" call, an epiphany. I find it difficult to explain what I and so many are experiencing. We have been cleansed of superfluous things and have a chance to do it right. I have read that what makes a home is the love you find dwelling in it not the size of your house or your bank account. I get frustrated watching the many "makeover" shows. We have been caught up in the "rat race" and more so in the present time. Lawlessness is on the rise. Just yesterday, there was a drive by shooting in Moss Point. The bad element doesn't hide under the cover of darkness anymore.
I went for a visit to my daughter's today and, of course, I took pictures.
I went for a visit to my daughter's today and, of course, I took pictures.
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Housing Aid For Hurricane Victims Extended To March 2009
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Housing Aid For Hurricane Victims Extended To March 2009: "The Bush administration on Thursday announced a $1 billion plan to extend housing aid to March 2009 for people who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina and are now living in temporary quarters, such as travel trailers and in apartments in other cities. However, officials said that beginning next March people deemed capable of paying rent will be required to do so."
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Cities Seeking End to FEMA Trailer Parks
Cities Seeking End to FEMA Trailer Parks: "A battle is beginning over the future of FEMA trailer parks in Coast cities. Pascagoula wants to begin shutting down the parks later this year in their city. The FEMA parks contain displaced residents who lost their homes or apartments during Katrina. Gautier officials have already announced that they don't want to become the home of FEMA trailer parks forced to move from Pascagoula."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Slabs Dominate Once Thriving Biloxi Strip
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Slabs Dominate Once Thriving Biloxi Strip: "Highway 90 traffic passes barren lots that once made up a thriving strip. Visitors who may have enjoyed water front dining in Biloxi, would not recognize the place."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Young Detroit Builders Construct Homes For Pascagoula Families
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Young Detroit Builders Construct Homes For Pascagoula Families: "At 19, Krystal Wright never finished high school and admits her life was on a downward spiral. That is until she joined Young Detroit Builders.
'It makes me feel good,' Wright said."
'It makes me feel good,' Wright said."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Two People Killed in Separate Accidents on South Mississippi Roads
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Two People Killed in Separate Accidents on South Mississippi Roads: "Tuesday was a deadly day on South Mississippi roads. Two women were killed in two separate accidents, one in Biloxi, the other in Gulfport. A child is also hospitalized with injuries from one of the accidents this evening."
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
SunHerald.com : Victim identified in fatal I-10 crash in Biloxi
SunHerald.com : Victim identified in fatal I-10 crash in Biloxi: "BILOXI --
Coroner Gary Hargrove has identified the victim of a fatal crash on Interstate 10 as Carolyn Redd, 46, of Gulfport.
Hargrove said Redd was ejected from her car near the Cedar Lake exit around 5:30 a.m. when her vehicle struck the back of a pickup. Both vehicles were westbound."
Coroner Gary Hargrove has identified the victim of a fatal crash on Interstate 10 as Carolyn Redd, 46, of Gulfport.
Hargrove said Redd was ejected from her car near the Cedar Lake exit around 5:30 a.m. when her vehicle struck the back of a pickup. Both vehicles were westbound."
Monday, April 23, 2007
No Forgiveness for Loans Borrowed by Cities to Help Recover from Katrina
No Forgiveness for Loans Borrowed by Cities to Help Recover from Katrina: "Over a year ago GulfCoastNews.com was reporting that cities and counties in the Katrina Disaster Zone were struggling to get by borrowing money to help them keep going and pay to restore services. At the time, they did not know for certain whether they would actually have to repay the money and hoped the loans would eventually be forgiven. Now they know."
SunHerald.com : Authorities identify crash victim, arrested driver
SunHerald.com : Authorities identify crash victim, arrested driver: "James Harms, 56, died of blunt-force injuries in the crash on Interstate 10, said Harrison County Coroner Gary Hargrove. The crash was reported at 3:37 a.m. Sunday between mile-markers 34 and 35."
Lately, I have slacked off on news about Katrina's aftermath in the coastal area of Mississippi. Since many things in my life need attention also, at times it will seem as though I have discontinued my "diary".... I haven't. I have written from my perspective on my experiences and have, hopefully, touched on the experiences of others as they struggle to survive.
Time has had a strange effect on me. I see the date on calendars and newspapers and realize that on April 29th that it will be 20 months since Katrina upended our lives. It has to be longer than that. What happened? In a normal life, we go about our daily business without much thought to time other than in relation to keeping appointments, celebrating birthdays or saying there isn't enough time in a day to complete all chores. Imagine spending 20 months actually hearing the ticking of a clock as you WAIT on everything. At this writing, I have bronchitis which is either a complication of the flu I had in March or as a result of the continuous sheetrock dust, mold or emissions from a refinery that we ALL breathe each day. Foolish perhaps but I hesitate to go to the doctor as I don't feel well enough to wait
I have a dead tree in the front yard that I had made arrangements for the lawn service guys to take down. Although the price for the tree was separate from general lawn cleanup, it was the reason I hired them. They based their price for lawn clean up on 4 days of work which in actuality they finished in 6 hrs. (1 hr. eaten up repairing a water pipe they burst). When they arrived to start the work they said they couldn't take the tree down as there were power lines in the way and that they couldn't trim the bushes at front of house as they didn't have a ladder. (I got them a ladder) Can you see what we "put up" with?
Yesterday I went out to visit my daughter who is also sick. Workers were there stirring up dust and discovered more mold as they removed the sheetrock. This morning I got a message from her that she couldn't breathe. It seems we have more threats to our safety in the aftermath.
On my way home, I snapped a few pictures.
Time has had a strange effect on me. I see the date on calendars and newspapers and realize that on April 29th that it will be 20 months since Katrina upended our lives. It has to be longer than that. What happened? In a normal life, we go about our daily business without much thought to time other than in relation to keeping appointments, celebrating birthdays or saying there isn't enough time in a day to complete all chores. Imagine spending 20 months actually hearing the ticking of a clock as you WAIT on everything. At this writing, I have bronchitis which is either a complication of the flu I had in March or as a result of the continuous sheetrock dust, mold or emissions from a refinery that we ALL breathe each day. Foolish perhaps but I hesitate to go to the doctor as I don't feel well enough to wait
I have a dead tree in the front yard that I had made arrangements for the lawn service guys to take down. Although the price for the tree was separate from general lawn cleanup, it was the reason I hired them. They based their price for lawn clean up on 4 days of work which in actuality they finished in 6 hrs. (1 hr. eaten up repairing a water pipe they burst). When they arrived to start the work they said they couldn't take the tree down as there were power lines in the way and that they couldn't trim the bushes at front of house as they didn't have a ladder. (I got them a ladder) Can you see what we "put up" with?
Yesterday I went out to visit my daughter who is also sick. Workers were there stirring up dust and discovered more mold as they removed the sheetrock. This morning I got a message from her that she couldn't breathe. It seems we have more threats to our safety in the aftermath.
On my way home, I snapped a few pictures.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
SunHerald.com : Barbour declares Friday day of mourning for Va Tech students
SunHerald.com : Barbour declares Friday day of mourning for Va Tech students: "Gov. Haley Barbour, in conjunction with other governors across the nation, has officially proclaimed Friday, April 20, 2007, as a statewide 'Day of Mourning' in remembrance of the victims of the recent Virginia Tech tragedy.
As part of the 'Day of Mourning,' the Governor is asking for all bells to chime at 11 a.m. as a sign of respect for the victims and their families."
As part of the 'Day of Mourning,' the Governor is asking for all bells to chime at 11 a.m. as a sign of respect for the victims and their families."
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Where do I begin? I have writer's block I suppose or maybe I have grown tired of submerging myself in the aftermath of Katrina. I still drive around looking for progress but we have again reached a plateau and construction is stalled. The homes on the beach were/are occupied by many doctors, lawyers executives from corporations and those who will, like their ancestors, pass their homes on to the next generation. Skilled contractors are needed to get the homes moving at a faster pace. It would be interesting to know the exact number of contractors in the Pascagoula area. Watching the snail's pace as my daughter's home is repaired .. there aren't many. After skylights were installed in her roof, one was cracked. Then it rained torrents and two of three. leaked. It will be weeks before work can again begin on the skylights. Their fireplace doors finally arrived and I applaud my daughter ... she installed them.
I see some progress in Pascagoula but there is still much to do. As after Camille, businesses had to start again and many of the buildings have been "nipped and tucked". Actually, it is the logical thing to do. People can't wait forever to get back to their livelihood.
Personally, I have been working in my yard planting flowers. Last summer there was no pollination... flowers were stunted and colorless. This year the birds, butterflies and squirrels are back. I have never seen so much pollen fall at one time. Claritin did not help the resulting allergies so I have switched to benadryl.
This afternoon, Anita and I took the children to the park. The "splashpad" is almost complete. Benches, tables and swings are scattered picturesquely under the oaks.. Lighting has been restored. Overall it is very nice. The color scheme is blue. The fence that encloses the park is the icing on the cake.
Before I close, I am still reeling from the tragedy that happened at Virginia Tech. My heart and prayers go out to the families of the students who became victims of a deranged young man. I am so sorry!
I see some progress in Pascagoula but there is still much to do. As after Camille, businesses had to start again and many of the buildings have been "nipped and tucked". Actually, it is the logical thing to do. People can't wait forever to get back to their livelihood.
Personally, I have been working in my yard planting flowers. Last summer there was no pollination... flowers were stunted and colorless. This year the birds, butterflies and squirrels are back. I have never seen so much pollen fall at one time. Claritin did not help the resulting allergies so I have switched to benadryl.
This afternoon, Anita and I took the children to the park. The "splashpad" is almost complete. Benches, tables and swings are scattered picturesquely under the oaks.. Lighting has been restored. Overall it is very nice. The color scheme is blue. The fence that encloses the park is the icing on the cake.
Before I close, I am still reeling from the tragedy that happened at Virginia Tech. My heart and prayers go out to the families of the students who became victims of a deranged young man. I am so sorry!
Friday, April 13, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Gulfport
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Gulfport: "Fork Lift Operator Crushed To Death In Gulfport
A fork lift driver was killed Friday morning at the Harrison County Industrial Park on Seaway Road in Gulfport. According to Coroner Gary Hargrove, Michael Walker, 44, was moving an I-beam when his fork lift flipped over. It fell on top of him, and pinned him underneath the large piece of equipment, crushing him."
A fork lift driver was killed Friday morning at the Harrison County Industrial Park on Seaway Road in Gulfport. According to Coroner Gary Hargrove, Michael Walker, 44, was moving an I-beam when his fork lift flipped over. It fell on top of him, and pinned him underneath the large piece of equipment, crushing him."
SunHerald.com : Drugs blamed in two killings
SunHerald.com : Drugs blamed in two killings: "Henegan, 45, is accused of robbing and beating Delphia Fitts, 61, and Anthony Caranna Sr., 77, in November in Broadmoor, one of Gulfport's oldest neighborhoods. Authorities believe Henegan struck both in the head, stole their cars and traded the vehicles for cash to buy crack cocaine."
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
At 10AM this morning I received a phone call from the lawn service asking if they could come and get started on the yardwork. At first I was hesitant because thunderstorms were predicted. Actually, it never did rain ... the sun came out at noon. As the guys worked I was working with them, you know, taking care of things they missed. To see all the sword fern disappear was great but I also know that it grows so fast that I will be out every other day trying to stop the invasion.
The above pictures will give you an idea of the work that was done in my yards today. Everything was going smoothly until they attempted to dig up a small bush at the side of the house.
Severed Pipe
Turning Off Water to House
The yard work came to an abrupt halt until they went to Lowe's to buy what was needed to restore the pipeline. All in all they did a great job, the yard has never looked better.
I skimmed through the news today and didn't see anything that I care to talk about. I want to read about progress on the Coast. So much money was payed to planners and architects to help us design well functioning cities. I don't know everything that is going on down here but I do know that we haven't progressed as far as we should have. There is something about living in destruction, one tends to get used to it and be jolted back to reality when those who are not from the area come in and say, "It looks like the hurricane just happened." There are plans for a highway that will be done in three phases. Sounds great doesn't it? It will be completed in 2030. Many of us will not be alive. It is things like this that drive me up the wall. We need normal things restored, like housing for the people who are alive today. All these grand plans are not happening here ... the "boom" seems to be in the northern part of the state. Katrina struck the coastal area.
Tomorrow I will be riding around to see if any new construction is underway.
The above pictures will give you an idea of the work that was done in my yards today. Everything was going smoothly until they attempted to dig up a small bush at the side of the house.
Severed Pipe
Turning Off Water to House
The yard work came to an abrupt halt until they went to Lowe's to buy what was needed to restore the pipeline. All in all they did a great job, the yard has never looked better.
I skimmed through the news today and didn't see anything that I care to talk about. I want to read about progress on the Coast. So much money was payed to planners and architects to help us design well functioning cities. I don't know everything that is going on down here but I do know that we haven't progressed as far as we should have. There is something about living in destruction, one tends to get used to it and be jolted back to reality when those who are not from the area come in and say, "It looks like the hurricane just happened." There are plans for a highway that will be done in three phases. Sounds great doesn't it? It will be completed in 2030. Many of us will not be alive. It is things like this that drive me up the wall. We need normal things restored, like housing for the people who are alive today. All these grand plans are not happening here ... the "boom" seems to be in the northern part of the state. Katrina struck the coastal area.
Tomorrow I will be riding around to see if any new construction is underway.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Waiting, waiting, waiting! Today was forecast to be a day of thunderstorms which haven't made an appearance yet but nevertheless has stopped progress. The lawn people I hired were to come today. Oh! I don't doubt that some wild, horrific storm will slam into us either during this cloudy day or in the blackness of night but, one too many times in these past months, my hopes to take care of a problem has been put on hold. Also it seems, in these post Katrina days, the courtesy of a phone call is never extended. I know as the grass and weeds continue to grow that I will be cutting, weeding and bagging.
On a brighter note, Easter was a nice day only because of what the season is about. We got wet running through a downpour to get into the. Church. Our "winter" attire made it more cumbersome. We didn't have snow but it sleeted. On an even brighter note, my plants didn't die.
As usual this morning I have been skimming through the local news. The State wants to make it possible for the obese people to get bariatric surgeries done (stomach stapling) and thus cut the cost of spending taxpayer's money to take care of them. Also Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease was mentioned and it was related to smoking as the cause. I agree that air emissions are killing all of us everywhere but not from cigarette smoke. It is from big refinery industries ... Chevron is expanding it's operations. Public Hearing on Chevron Refinery Expansion to be Held Thursday - Sun Herald
Pascagoula was shafted.... never knew what hit them. Tax bill: A dream come true or nightmare? While I was out and about yesterday I snapped several pictures.
CVS Drugstore-Market & Hwy 90
On a brighter note, Easter was a nice day only because of what the season is about. We got wet running through a downpour to get into the. Church. Our "winter" attire made it more cumbersome. We didn't have snow but it sleeted. On an even brighter note, my plants didn't die.
As usual this morning I have been skimming through the local news. The State wants to make it possible for the obese people to get bariatric surgeries done (stomach stapling) and thus cut the cost of spending taxpayer's money to take care of them. Also Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease was mentioned and it was related to smoking as the cause. I agree that air emissions are killing all of us everywhere but not from cigarette smoke. It is from big refinery industries ... Chevron is expanding it's operations. Public Hearing on Chevron Refinery Expansion to be Held Thursday - Sun Herald
Pascagoula was shafted.... never knew what hit them. Tax bill: A dream come true or nightmare? While I was out and about yesterday I snapped several pictures.
CVS Drugstore-Market & Hwy 90
Monday, April 09, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video: "Faith Based Volunteers Still Busy
Faith based volunteers began arriving on the Mississippi Gulf Coast shortly after Hurricane Katrina's winds subsided. Nineteen months later, those groups are still sending work crews to help repair and rebuild the coast. Steve Phillips reports on the North Carolina Baptist Men and spends time with some volunteers from the Church of God in Virginia."
Faith based volunteers began arriving on the Mississippi Gulf Coast shortly after Hurricane Katrina's winds subsided. Nineteen months later, those groups are still sending work crews to help repair and rebuild the coast. Steve Phillips reports on the North Carolina Baptist Men and spends time with some volunteers from the Church of God in Virginia."
Finally, some of my observations during Hurricane Katrina were not as farfetched as they may have sounded. The article below is very interesting.
Katrina's Storm Surge Has Much in Common with 2004 Indonesian Tsunami - princeton.edu
Katrina's Storm Surge Has Much in Common with 2004 Indonesian Tsunami - princeton.edu
Sunday, April 08, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Local Soldier Killed In Iraq, Says Family
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Local Soldier Killed In Iraq, Says Family: "An Army soldier from Picayune who had already received Purple Hearts or injuries he sustained in previous deployments has died in Iraq, according to his family. Army Staff Sgt. Jerry Clark Burge Jr., 39, was killed Wednesday by a roadside bomb, his family told The Picayune Item newspaper."
Saturday, April 07, 2007
SunHerald.com : Nearly 850 Miss. Guard soldiers put on alert, could be mobilized
SunHerald.com : Nearly 850 Miss. Guard soldiers put on alert, could be mobilized: "JACKSON --
Members of at least six Mississippi Army National Guard units, including two from Gulfport, have been told they might be mobilized for duty in the Middle East, military leaders say.
'We've got about 850 soldiers that have been alerted in various units throughout the state,' said Maj. Gen. Harold A. Cross, Mississippi's adjutant general. 'The alert order means to get ready... It stabilizes the unit and gets them prepared to be mobilized.'"
Members of at least six Mississippi Army National Guard units, including two from Gulfport, have been told they might be mobilized for duty in the Middle East, military leaders say.
'We've got about 850 soldiers that have been alerted in various units throughout the state,' said Maj. Gen. Harold A. Cross, Mississippi's adjutant general. 'The alert order means to get ready... It stabilizes the unit and gets them prepared to be mobilized.'"
Once in awhile I go through my blog and read some of the things I have written, many times I am impressed, a few times I have wondered why I wrote what I did. I look back and compare this year to last and have seen growth albeit slow. Last April started out as normal springtime weather with frightening thunderstorms that quickly proceeded into a drought. Lawns either burned completely or were weakened enough that bugs invaded and finished the job. I did not plant flowers in the ground, I had a few container plants. No matter how much I watered, everything withered and died. This year , nearly 20 months away from Katrina, I planted many flowers in the beds and now we have a blast of cold air coming down on us. Global warming caused this, right? And the bitter cold weather this past winter? A suggestion was made that we water the flowers well so that they do not dry out. I did water to the front of the house but when I went to the faucet in the back where most of the flowers are, I couldn't turn the knob ... it was as though it was frozen. Unexpectedly, late last night, my daughter, Anita, arrived with a wrench in hand to turn the knob for me. She managed to to do just that but found that it had broken away from the rest of the mechanism. Today I am thinking of how to water the back beds. Okay! I did it! There is a wobbly spigot in the front side yard (no more than a pipe stuck in the ground) and I put a hose over the back fence. There wasn't enough pressure to use the sprinkler but a hand held nozzle did as well. They are all watered. That method used to work for bushes but I have never tried it on flowers. We shall see!
There are many things happening on the coast. People are still being bilked by contractors, people still live in Fema trailers, people are still waiting for grants and my daughter is still repairing her home. As for myself, nothing is really any different than it has been for the past 7 years especially in regards to trees. Before coming back to my hometown, I lived in the Lumberton/Poplarville area and the yard was filled with pines and huge water oaks. For a consecutive 3 years, I had trees removed. One had grown so huge that it's limbs were pushing the shingles off the roof. Another pretty one at the front entrance was struck by lightning. Within those 3 yrs., a tornado touched down and ripped the raingutters from the house. You would think with my experience with those things that I wouldn't have trees or keep raingutters clean , wouldn't you? I have said in my writings, name it and I can tell you a story.. I really can.
Still ... there is much to be grateful for. Easter is a perfect time to say thank you and I have!
There are many things happening on the coast. People are still being bilked by contractors, people still live in Fema trailers, people are still waiting for grants and my daughter is still repairing her home. As for myself, nothing is really any different than it has been for the past 7 years especially in regards to trees. Before coming back to my hometown, I lived in the Lumberton/Poplarville area and the yard was filled with pines and huge water oaks. For a consecutive 3 years, I had trees removed. One had grown so huge that it's limbs were pushing the shingles off the roof. Another pretty one at the front entrance was struck by lightning. Within those 3 yrs., a tornado touched down and ripped the raingutters from the house. You would think with my experience with those things that I wouldn't have trees or keep raingutters clean , wouldn't you? I have said in my writings, name it and I can tell you a story.. I really can.
Still ... there is much to be grateful for. Easter is a perfect time to say thank you and I have!
Friday, April 06, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video: "Easter Cold Blast Hopping Toward Coast
One final blast of cold air will blanket south Mississippi this weekend. Sleet and frost are both in the forecast. And the timing couldn't be worse. If predictions are correct, Easter sunrise services and egg hunts will be quite chilly. And if temperatures dip low enough, there's also a concern about all those spring plants that so many people have already put in their gardens. Brad Kessie reports."
One final blast of cold air will blanket south Mississippi this weekend. Sleet and frost are both in the forecast. And the timing couldn't be worse. If predictions are correct, Easter sunrise services and egg hunts will be quite chilly. And if temperatures dip low enough, there's also a concern about all those spring plants that so many people have already put in their gardens. Brad Kessie reports."
Today I am stopping by to let you know I haven't given up on taking pictures of progress in our area ... things in my life have to be put in order first. It has been difficult to find help to keep my yard at least neat. I love Sword fern but it is an invasive plant. It used to be a defining, appealing circle around the broad based oak (shown below) and now it is out of control. It is my fault due to not going in the area as a huge dead pine was hovering overhead. The pine has been taken down and still there is no way that I will attempt cleaning that area ... who knows what lurks in the midst of such beauty and I don't intend to find out. The fern has taken over the length of the fence that encloses the backyard.
I suppose I would have continued my search for someone to come once in a while to do what I couldn't but fate, so it seems, stepped in. It has been only a couple of weeks that the neighbor's threatening huge dead pine was removed and in August 2005, I had a smaller pine taken down at a cost of $900. Last week while working in the front yard I noticed that a smaller water oak was dead. "Shoot"! What's this with me and trees"?
It was time for me to do what I should have done a long while back, I made an agreement with a Lawn Service to take care of all my problems. Sure they charge a lot but this time, to me, it will be worth it. They will be here next Tuesday. Today is "Good Friday" ... a day that reminds me that there is One before me who went through many trials. We all have trials in our lives as He did. A few of mine were monumental. The important thing is how we accept these trials and go on. I intend to "gripe" less about things that are inconsequential.
Happy Easter Everybody!
I suppose I would have continued my search for someone to come once in a while to do what I couldn't but fate, so it seems, stepped in. It has been only a couple of weeks that the neighbor's threatening huge dead pine was removed and in August 2005, I had a smaller pine taken down at a cost of $900. Last week while working in the front yard I noticed that a smaller water oak was dead. "Shoot"! What's this with me and trees"?
It was time for me to do what I should have done a long while back, I made an agreement with a Lawn Service to take care of all my problems. Sure they charge a lot but this time, to me, it will be worth it. They will be here next Tuesday. Today is "Good Friday" ... a day that reminds me that there is One before me who went through many trials. We all have trials in our lives as He did. A few of mine were monumental. The important thing is how we accept these trials and go on. I intend to "gripe" less about things that are inconsequential.
Happy Easter Everybody!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula: "Striking Workers Vote To Accept New Contract With Northrop Grumman
Union members at Northrop Grumman have voted to accept a new contract with the company. The vote was 60 percent to 40 percent to go back to work."
Union members at Northrop Grumman have voted to accept a new contract with the company. The vote was 60 percent to 40 percent to go back to work."
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home: "
Thousands of striking workers at Northrop Grumman could be back on the job this week. Wednesday, all 14 unions will vote on a new three year contract with the shipbuilder. The terms of the new contract were negotiated Tuesday as company officials and union leaders met with a federal mediator. Union leaders told WLOX they were pleased with the negotiations and will recommend their members vote in favor of the new contract."
Thousands of striking workers at Northrop Grumman could be back on the job this week. Wednesday, all 14 unions will vote on a new three year contract with the shipbuilder. The terms of the new contract were negotiated Tuesday as company officials and union leaders met with a federal mediator. Union leaders told WLOX they were pleased with the negotiations and will recommend their members vote in favor of the new contract."
Northrop Grumman and union leaders have reached a new contract agreement after a few hours of negotiations Tuesday morning. Under the proposed contract, wages would increase $1.68 in the first year, and 55 cents in second and third years. For family health insurance, the coverage is similar to the last contract. Union leaders told WLOX they were pleased with the negotiations and said they did the best they could.
Monday, April 02, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Pascagoula: "Still No Contract For Striking Ingalls Workers
Union officials and Northrop Grumman leaders met with a federal mediator for several hours Monday afternoon. But that meeting wrapped up without a contract agreement. Both sides will be back at the negotiating table Tuesday"
Union officials and Northrop Grumman leaders met with a federal mediator for several hours Monday afternoon. But that meeting wrapped up without a contract agreement. Both sides will be back at the negotiating table Tuesday"
The Sun Herald | 04/02/2007 | Unions go back to the table
The Sun Herald | 04/02/2007 | Unions go back to the table: "PASCAGOULA - Northrop Grumman and representatives from the unions at its Ingalls shipyard have been called back to the bargaining table by the federal mediator assigned to the negotiations.
They are to meet today, and Northrop Grumman is expected to present a new contract proposal in an effort to get thousands of striking crafts workers off the picket lines and back to shipbuilding."
They are to meet today, and Northrop Grumman is expected to present a new contract proposal in an effort to get thousands of striking crafts workers off the picket lines and back to shipbuilding."
Sunday, April 01, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Gulfport
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Gulfport: "Police Investigating Murder In Gulfport
Police are investigating a murder that took place in Gulfport Sunday afternoon. Authorities say a 32-year-old woman was found dead at Sun Suites Inn, just west of Highway 49. Police responded to the scene after getting a 911 call from the nearby Racetrac gas station. That's where they found a man with an apparent gunshot wound to his hand."
Police are investigating a murder that took place in Gulfport Sunday afternoon. Authorities say a 32-year-old woman was found dead at Sun Suites Inn, just west of Highway 49. Police responded to the scene after getting a 911 call from the nearby Racetrac gas station. That's where they found a man with an apparent gunshot wound to his hand."
Today is Sunday and I will save any serious news to the last. I will catch you up on what I have been doing. Yesterday I took my pollen covered car to the best invention that ranks high on my list. I put it up there with a digital camera. Gone are the days of washing your own car and I certainly am happy about that. I can't reach the top without a ladder and the center of my windshield was always dirty because of the broad hood that I had to reach across.
I'm Next!
Our weather hasn't stabilized since Katrina. There has been so little rainfall that we remain in a perpetual drought. Our winter was unusually cold. Combine those two elements and there will be dead trees, lawns and plants. Knowing that, I decided to go buy lots of plants with the thought that if I planted all kinds that perhaps a few will survive.
After a visit to my daughter and my sister, who gave me many more plants, I came home and began cleaning out flower beds with a watchful eye that there weren't snakes just hanging around waiting for me to turn on the sprinkler. It was hot and humid but in my determination to get some of the many plants into the hard ground, I persisted. I turned on the sprinklers and watered a few areas for a couple of hours and then called it a day. Several hours later the sky fell out and it rained all night long. I read an article that said it won't do us any good as we are too far behind. I believe that the rain was beneficial so I will continue planting the flowers today. To give up hope would be more of a disaster than the disaster.
All news seems to come to an abrupt halt on weekends but there are some things that came to light during the week. One of them is the Chevron dilemma. Pascagoula receives revenue from Chevron and all businesses as well as residents within the boundaries of the school district. Since 1961 this agreed upon arrangement with Cheron has been in effect. Pascagoula would be the most affected by any hazards that Chevron could subject the people to who live in the area.
Currently, only the Pascagoula School District receives tax revenues from Chevron. Under legislation entered by State Sen. Tommy Robertson, R-Moss Point, revenues from future expansions at Chevron, including a proposed LNG plant, will be split among the county's four school districts.
My daughter and four of my grandchildren live in close proximity to Chevron and I lived with them for two years. Every morning when we went outside we had grit covering our cars. On many occasions we could smell the fumes from Chevron. An equitable split doesn't seem fair. The saddest thing is the State of Mississippi did this to Pascagoula. It is setting a precedence that one district can take from another district what is rightfully theirs. By the same token, why can't citizens with the casinos surrounding them demand revenue or if Ocean Springs has a big industry come in, Pascagoula should get revenue from that too. There seems to be a bigger picture here and we aren't getting the facts of the repercussions.
No news on the strike at Northop Grumman ... maybe next week.
I'm Next!
Our weather hasn't stabilized since Katrina. There has been so little rainfall that we remain in a perpetual drought. Our winter was unusually cold. Combine those two elements and there will be dead trees, lawns and plants. Knowing that, I decided to go buy lots of plants with the thought that if I planted all kinds that perhaps a few will survive.
After a visit to my daughter and my sister, who gave me many more plants, I came home and began cleaning out flower beds with a watchful eye that there weren't snakes just hanging around waiting for me to turn on the sprinkler. It was hot and humid but in my determination to get some of the many plants into the hard ground, I persisted. I turned on the sprinklers and watered a few areas for a couple of hours and then called it a day. Several hours later the sky fell out and it rained all night long. I read an article that said it won't do us any good as we are too far behind. I believe that the rain was beneficial so I will continue planting the flowers today. To give up hope would be more of a disaster than the disaster.
All news seems to come to an abrupt halt on weekends but there are some things that came to light during the week. One of them is the Chevron dilemma. Pascagoula receives revenue from Chevron and all businesses as well as residents within the boundaries of the school district. Since 1961 this agreed upon arrangement with Cheron has been in effect. Pascagoula would be the most affected by any hazards that Chevron could subject the people to who live in the area.
Currently, only the Pascagoula School District receives tax revenues from Chevron. Under legislation entered by State Sen. Tommy Robertson, R-Moss Point, revenues from future expansions at Chevron, including a proposed LNG plant, will be split among the county's four school districts.
My daughter and four of my grandchildren live in close proximity to Chevron and I lived with them for two years. Every morning when we went outside we had grit covering our cars. On many occasions we could smell the fumes from Chevron. An equitable split doesn't seem fair. The saddest thing is the State of Mississippi did this to Pascagoula. It is setting a precedence that one district can take from another district what is rightfully theirs. By the same token, why can't citizens with the casinos surrounding them demand revenue or if Ocean Springs has a big industry come in, Pascagoula should get revenue from that too. There seems to be a bigger picture here and we aren't getting the facts of the repercussions.
No news on the strike at Northop Grumman ... maybe next week.
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