Well that's all I have for today. Things are improving but still a long, long way to go. Our weatherman just dangled a carrot again. He said there is a chance of snow. See you!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Katrina Cottage
My daughter, Anita was my driver today. It was great because I didn't have to worry about someone rear ending me as I attempted to take a picture. She suggested we drive to Lowe's parking lot in Gautier where there is a model of a Katrina Cottage. Most of us speak of a home as being beautiful but the cottage can only be described as cute. The model I will show you is only 627 sq. ft.. Of course, it is better than a Fema trailer but they are not cheap. You would pay 50 dollar's a square foot for a kit that includes plans and materials. Then you would have to hire a licensed contractor to complete the inside and outside. It would then become a very expensive little cottage. It is open to the public to take a tour but we chose a day that we couldn't go inside as they were working on it. I would like to go back and see how much furniture would fit. This link can explain it.
Well that's all I have for today. Things are improving but still a long, long way to go. Our weatherman just dangled a carrot again. He said there is a chance of snow. See you!
Well that's all I have for today. Things are improving but still a long, long way to go. Our weatherman just dangled a carrot again. He said there is a chance of snow. See you!
On our ride today, Anita and I went through the subdivision she lives in, Delmas Estates. It's a nice neighborhood and is beginning to shape up again. I have been saying throughout my blog that the streets need repair. The main thoroughfares have been repaved but at this time Delmas Estates has not. Maybe shortly, as the pace on building has been picking up.
Gulf Coast News - Your Mississippi Coast News Source
Gulf Coast News - Your Mississippi Coast News Source: "Scruggs' Law firm May Receive $46 Million in State Farm Katrina Lawsuit Settlement - Clarion Ledger"
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Beauvoir Rising From Katrina
It's official. Beauvoir will rise again. On Thursday, the board president sealed a deal that will put more than $3 million into making one of the coast's oldest landmarks as good as new.
It's official. Beauvoir will rise again. On Thursday, the board president sealed a deal that will put more than $3 million into making one of the coast's oldest landmarks as good as new.
Gulfport Standoff Ends Peacefully
Tense moments Thursday morning in Gulfport's Loren D Heights subdivision. Officers initially thought a man had hostages in his home. But once they arrived, they realized the only person barricaded in the Liz Circle residence was the domestic abuse suspect. Brad Kessie reports.
 |
Although we had a break in the weather today and I woke up to sunshine, I didn't drive around snapping pictures. The realization came to me that it has become the focal point of my life and that didn't set too well with me. I am tired of living in Katrina's aftermath and wish I could just make it disappear. A steady diet of mayhem will bring the strongest down. When I write, what can I talk about? Who wouldn't be tired of the same subject. Diversified subjects but still all words lead back to Katrina.
State Farm made a settlement with policyholders which I don't agree with. Everybody knows insurance doesn't pay for water damage. As far back as 1969 when Camille hit the coast, I knew it then and so do the people that sued. Camille had very little rain with it but her fierce winds blew rain water under our front door and ruined "parquet" floors in the foyer. We knew we would not be compensated, the policy clearly stated that.. The wind blew every shingle from our roof and we were paid as the policy covered it. So what made it so different now? Nothing changed. My daughter, her husband, four children and myself stayed in their home during Katrina. There was lots of water ... had the storm lasted longer the house would have collapsed from the water pouring in. There are pictures of collapsed houses with the shingles still on the roofs. I shudder when I think of the repercussions that it will bring to policyholders statewide.
On a lighter note, someone sent me a song today and I have no idea what the title is .. maybe you can help!
Unknown Title
State Farm made a settlement with policyholders which I don't agree with. Everybody knows insurance doesn't pay for water damage. As far back as 1969 when Camille hit the coast, I knew it then and so do the people that sued. Camille had very little rain with it but her fierce winds blew rain water under our front door and ruined "parquet" floors in the foyer. We knew we would not be compensated, the policy clearly stated that.. The wind blew every shingle from our roof and we were paid as the policy covered it. So what made it so different now? Nothing changed. My daughter, her husband, four children and myself stayed in their home during Katrina. There was lots of water ... had the storm lasted longer the house would have collapsed from the water pouring in. There are pictures of collapsed houses with the shingles still on the roofs. I shudder when I think of the repercussions that it will bring to policyholders statewide.
On a lighter note, someone sent me a song today and I have no idea what the title is .. maybe you can help!
Unknown Title
Man dies when pickups collide
Man dies when pickups collide: "Man dies when pickups collide
Thursday, January 25, 2007
From Staff Reports
HURLEY -- Daryl Smith, 20, was killed just after midnight Thursday morning in a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway 614/Wade-Vancleave Road.
Two others were injured in the accident."
Thursday, January 25, 2007
From Staff Reports
HURLEY -- Daryl Smith, 20, was killed just after midnight Thursday morning in a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway 614/Wade-Vancleave Road.
Two others were injured in the accident."
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: "GULFPORT MURDERS
'Most gruesome case'
By ROBIN FITZGERALD
Teenagers accused in the Pine Hills capital murders first cased a home on Wildwood Drive, but decided too many people were around to pull off a break-in, a detective testified Wednesday."
'Most gruesome case'
By ROBIN FITZGERALD
Teenagers accused in the Pine Hills capital murders first cased a home on Wildwood Drive, but decided too many people were around to pull off a break-in, a detective testified Wednesday."
Grieving St. Martin Family Still Searching For Answers
Grief, shock, questions, and frustration. Those emotions are overwhelming a St. Martin family, after their mother was killed in a hit and run accident. On January 13th, 47-year old Thuan Nguyen was walking to her relatives' house on Old Fort Bayou Road when she was hit by a van, and her body left on the side of the road. Nguyen's five children want to know who killed their mother, and why the driver didn't stop to help that night.
 |
| Thuan Nguyen's family hopes someone will help investigators find the person responsible for their mother's death. |
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
No mention of Katrina disappoints lawmakers
WASHINGTON — President Bush steered clear of one of the biggest controversies of his administration during the State of the Union speech Tuesday, making no mention of the federal government's plan for Hurricane Katrina-ravaged New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
"Most Americans think it was not handled well so why bring it up?" said Ron Haskins of the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. Haskins also said a mention of Katrina could have prompted jeers from the Democratic majority in the audience.
I think I will stay in today as our weather is dreary, cold and downright depressing. We need the sun to rise again and stay around a little longer. You know, as I do, that it does its magic with our spirits. I tuned in the Regis show this morning and listened to discussions about children disturbing people on plane flights. The View was next. I don't know why I subject myself to what I consider a poor representation of the american people. Their views are certainly not mine. Due to being found discriminating, I can't elaborate. I have to laugh at this point ... why would my views be considered discrimination and theirs gospel? Was George Orwell's novel, 1984, really fiction?
I listened to President Bush's State of the Union speech last night and heard what everyone else did but I also heard something else. He told us of threats made against America that were stopped. He said withdrawing troops at this time will have far reaching consequences. we are that consequence. Do we want to take that chance? Surviving Katrina and living in the aftermath would be nothing compared to what could befall ALL of us. He talked about 911 but did not mention Katrina which I found strange considering a great part of the coastal United States is devastated. Could it be he didn't want to infer that it may not have been a natural disaster? Just a thought!
There is so much happening in our area that it is impossible for me to blog it all but I still intend to post whatever I can, especially on our progress.
I listened to President Bush's State of the Union speech last night and heard what everyone else did but I also heard something else. He told us of threats made against America that were stopped. He said withdrawing troops at this time will have far reaching consequences. we are that consequence. Do we want to take that chance? Surviving Katrina and living in the aftermath would be nothing compared to what could befall ALL of us. He talked about 911 but did not mention Katrina which I found strange considering a great part of the coastal United States is devastated. Could it be he didn't want to infer that it may not have been a natural disaster? Just a thought!
There is so much happening in our area that it is impossible for me to blog it all but I still intend to post whatever I can, especially on our progress.
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Barbour Defends Mississippi's Share Of Federal Money For Katrina Recovery
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Barbour Defends Mississippi's Share Of Federal Money For Katrina Recovery: "Mississippi's Republican governor, Haley Barbour, dismisses criticism from the Democratic governor of Louisiana about the role partisanship might've played in getting federal relief to the neighboring states since Hurricane Katrina.
Barbour told The Associated Press that Mississippi made more reasonable requests for federal aid and is further along in distributing federally funded recovery grants to homeowners."
Barbour told The Associated Press that Mississippi made more reasonable requests for federal aid and is further along in distributing federally funded recovery grants to homeowners."
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Pascagoula Comstruction
Pascagoula
Pascagoula
Pascagoula
Pascagoula
Pascagoula
Downtown Pascagoula
Pascagoula
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: "01/23/2007 04:26 PM CST
Remains identified as woman missing nearly 7 years
The remains found in a garage attic on Mills Avenue were identified as Deborah Bernstein, reported missing in September 2000."
Remains identified as woman missing nearly 7 years
The remains found in a garage attic on Mills Avenue were identified as Deborah Bernstein, reported missing in September 2000."
Human Remains Discovered in Garage Attic in West Gulfport
Human Remains Discovered in Garage Attic in West Gulfport: "Coroner Gary Hargrove confirmed Monday with GCN that the remains are not Katrina-related, and could be those of a person reported missing years ago. Hargrove says the skeletal remains were found this past Friday in a garage attic by the electrician who called authorities to the home on Mills Avenue in Gulfport. Hargrove would not release the actual address of the residence, or the name of the victim as the investigation is continuing and the possible next of kin have yet to be contacted."
Monday, January 22, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Biloxi
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Biloxi: "Guiding Light Stars Help Volunteers Find Their Light
It's the longest running daytime soap in history. But this week, the cast and crew of 'Guiding Light' are taking a break from their New York studio to help three south Mississippi families rebuild their homes after Katrina. The soap stars were in rare form Monday, donning tool belts and little make-up as they hammered away on a house in East Biloxi. Meggan Gray takes us to Midway Street for a behind the scenes look."
It's the longest running daytime soap in history. But this week, the cast and crew of 'Guiding Light' are taking a break from their New York studio to help three south Mississippi families rebuild their homes after Katrina. The soap stars were in rare form Monday, donning tool belts and little make-up as they hammered away on a house in East Biloxi. Meggan Gray takes us to Midway Street for a behind the scenes look."
Bittersweet Weekend
This past weekend was filled with various things that I could write about. All I had to do was choose one but instead I chose to touch briefly on a couple that impacted my life in some way. On Christmas Eve, a relative died in Texas ... a special cousin ... we found one another in a forum chat room. We sent messages, there was a visit and phone calls. I sent him an animated card on the 23rd. He answered and sent wishes to me and my family .. he died the next morning. I was shocked and wondered why our lives touched for such a brief time. Almost two weeks later, I received a call and an invitation to come to a memorial in Pascagoula for the cousin. January 21st at 2PM. When I returned to my hometown in 2003, there were my two brothers, a sister and their families but I wondered about the other relatives. Where were they? I didn't know their married names and I couldn't trace them. As the story goes ... the "others" didn't know that I was here. There is meaning to all of our lives. Sometimes we don't like or understand why certain things happen to us but in time we will know. When I walked into the roomful of people, I was home! Thanks Butch!
The poem below is not written by me. It is a version of one written by an unknown author.
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need
you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrong doing on your part
or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met,
our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered
and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON,
it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
those things you must build upon
in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
love the person/people (anyway);
and put what you have learned to use in all
other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
~Author Unknown
Now about the Saints... I am not a football fan per se but I like this team. They never give up, they can teach us all something about tenacity. I watched the last half of the game and my heart grew heavy for the guys. They slipped, fumbled, were penalized, BUT still they carried on to the end. I felt that they were playing for our storm ravaged areas. It took our minds off all the problems here. For a short time, everything was normal again. A local left a comment in one of our papers asking how we could be so foolish when there were more important things to be done here. I am sorry for that person because it is obvious that hope in that particular life for a future isn't alive.
I will take pictures during the week of new construction and anything else I find of interest. It has been raining every day and that makes it near impossible but I will be back!
The poem below is not written by me. It is a version of one written by an unknown author.
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need
you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrong doing on your part
or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met,
our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered
and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON,
it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
those things you must build upon
in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
love the person/people (anyway);
and put what you have learned to use in all
other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
~Author Unknown
Now about the Saints... I am not a football fan per se but I like this team. They never give up, they can teach us all something about tenacity. I watched the last half of the game and my heart grew heavy for the guys. They slipped, fumbled, were penalized, BUT still they carried on to the end. I felt that they were playing for our storm ravaged areas. It took our minds off all the problems here. For a short time, everything was normal again. A local left a comment in one of our papers asking how we could be so foolish when there were more important things to be done here. I am sorry for that person because it is obvious that hope in that particular life for a future isn't alive.
I will take pictures during the week of new construction and anything else I find of interest. It has been raining every day and that makes it near impossible but I will be back!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
The Saints
By now all of you know that the New Orleans Saints lost to the Chicago Bears. We in Mississippi have always loved New Orleans and their Saints. They were on a losing streak for about forty years but we were there for them, win or lose. Many fans would make a statement by sitting in the bleachers with paper bags covering their heads. I would laugh but I understood why. This time they almost made it. It was easy to see that they gave up when they realized that they couldn't win. They won all the way to the last play off and ALMOST fell into the Super Bowl. That's something to be proud of!
"GEAUX SAINTS"!
"GEAUX SAINTS"!
GCN - General News Update
GCN - General News Update: "Gulfport Mayor Brent Warr, who traveled to China this past week, is quoted in an article in the Chinese Press. The story is on a method of panel construction that could be used to speed housing rebuilding if adopted in the U.S. (More Here)"
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Chet Lott sings the blues
But it's for a good cause - he's happy to help the Red Cross
Chet Lott, son of U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, performed a two-hour concert before more than 150 people Thursday night at Scranton's Restaurant in support of his new album "Erased It."
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Biloxi
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Your Hometown News - Biloxi: "Saints Fever Sweeps South Mississippi
Saints fever swept across South Mississippi Friday. Businesses, hospitals, and schools showed off their team spirit and support for the Boys in Black and Gold. They are pumped-up and ready to cheer the Saints to an NFC championship victory. Store employees, nurses, and teachers got a chance to dress down, and go wild over the Saints."
Saints fever swept across South Mississippi Friday. Businesses, hospitals, and schools showed off their team spirit and support for the Boys in Black and Gold. They are pumped-up and ready to cheer the Saints to an NFC championship victory. Store employees, nurses, and teachers got a chance to dress down, and go wild over the Saints."
gulflive.com: News
gulflive.com: News: "Helena man charged with killing woman
HELENA -- The Jackson County Sheriff's Department is investigating the stabbing death of Carolyn Shelby Gattis, 23, of Jasmine Street, Moss Point. "
HELENA -- The Jackson County Sheriff's Department is investigating the stabbing death of Carolyn Shelby Gattis, 23, of Jasmine Street, Moss Point. "
Friday, January 19, 2007
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video
WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: News & Video: "FEMA Extends Housing Deadline Through August 2007
Governor Haley Barbour announced late Friday afternoon that FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security will extend the Katrina temporary housing program by six months through the end of August 2007. Barbour requested a year-long extension back in December. The official announcement by the Department of Homeland Security is expected early next week."
Governor Haley Barbour announced late Friday afternoon that FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security will extend the Katrina temporary housing program by six months through the end of August 2007. Barbour requested a year-long extension back in December. The official announcement by the Department of Homeland Security is expected early next week."
More winter heads for Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri - CNN.com
More winter heads for Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri - CNN.com: "MUSKOGEE, Oklahoma (AP) -- Still recovering from snow and ice storms that downed power lines and trees in a large swath of the country, residents of Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas braced for another round Friday.
With thousands of customers in Oklahoma still without power, Gov. Brad Henry on Thursday requested a major federal disaster declaration, which would make people in hard-hit counties eligible for housing grants and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. He had already declared a state of emergency."
With thousands of customers in Oklahoma still without power, Gov. Brad Henry on Thursday requested a major federal disaster declaration, which would make people in hard-hit counties eligible for housing grants and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. He had already declared a state of emergency."
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: "Mayor makes right turn on Main
Mayor Xavier Bishop has turned in the blue light he was using to make traffic stops, mostly along the city's Main Street.
( By KAREN NELSON, Klnelson@sunherald.com, 01/19/2007 03:01 AM CST)"
Mayor Xavier Bishop has turned in the blue light he was using to make traffic stops, mostly along the city's Main Street.
( By KAREN NELSON, Klnelson@sunherald.com, 01/19/2007 03:01 AM CST)"
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Saints Fans Grab Up The Black & Gold
Saints fans are snatching up all sorts of playoff merchandise for the exciting Saints-Bears NFC championship match this Sunday. Some schools are allowing students to wear black and gold on Friday, and several businesses are hosting Saints spirit day. Whatever the occasion, fans want to wear their colors with pride, ready to see the Saints gobble-up some Bear stew
 |
| Saints Quarterback Drew Brees' #9 jersey is among the most popular with fans this season. |
This morning I got an early start getting a few errands out of the way. A dreary day with a temp in the mid 40's. Usually it's sunny skies that prompt me to drive around looking for pictures but this morning I decided to at least swing by Beach Park in Pascagoula. From a distance, I saw that there was something "white and fluffy" on top of the fountain. Quickly, I decided that it couldn't be ice as it hasn't been cold enough. What I discovered was a "clean" form of vandalism that, I will admit, made me laugh.
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: "Many still on FEMA's bubble
No word on housing extension
The past 17 months for Bobby Hinson have included a lot of waiting - waiting for the storm to pass, for temporary housing, for rebuilding aid.
( By KATHERINE SAYRE, SUN HERALD WASHINGTON BUREAU, 01/18/2007 03:01 AM CST)"
No word on housing extension
The past 17 months for Bobby Hinson have included a lot of waiting - waiting for the storm to pass, for temporary housing, for rebuilding aid.
( By KATHERINE SAYRE, SUN HERALD WASHINGTON BUREAU, 01/18/2007 03:01 AM CST)"
Age No Factor For Habitat Volunteers In Biloxi
Dozens of volunteers strapped on their tool belts and began building a small Habitat for Humanity community near downtown Biloxi. There were college students hammering nails. Middle aged women carrying two by fours. And a senior citizen measuring where lumber should be cut. Brad Kessie has the story.
Dozens of volunteers strapped on their tool belts and began building a small Habitat for Humanity community near downtown Biloxi. There were college students hammering nails. Middle aged women carrying two by fours. And a senior citizen measuring where lumber should be cut. Brad Kessie has the story.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Can't life be a bummer sometimes? What about us as human beings, can't we become contrary as situations change? For instance, there are still people in Fema trailers that have been deprived, because of the storm, a decent place to live. At first, people were bending over backwards to aid their fellowman in a time of distress. Fema trailers sprouted everywhere to help the citizens who had no shelter. Now that time has passed, and many people are doing quite well again, there are complaints about where the trailers have been placed. The same people you willingly helped are still there. So what has changed? Unfortunately, it is obvious that when the situation improved for them personally, they had a change of heart.
Immediately after the storm when I had internet service again, I sent an email to a county supervisor offering my land for placing trailers there. I knew nothing of Fema reimbursements, I was willing to do it for nothing. I never received a reply but getting anything through in the earlier days was next to impossible.
I remarked in an earlier post that if you just name a subject that I can tell you a story. I have one on eminent domain which I think is a legal way of stealing what belongs to someone else. To use eminent domain requires a procedure of notification, signatures and maybe a ridiculous amount of money given to you to take your property. My daughter's boyfriend alerted us to the fact that the county was using a portion of our land and that there was a huge drainage ditch dug across it. The ditch was a requirement to collect the money on a couple of million dollar road project. All we asked for was the $2000 that was paid to other property owners that were involved. They said take them to court and we did. Seven years later we were awarded $15,000 .. the attorney received 40% of it. Was it worth the hassle? No!!! The land has been in our name for 22 yrs., so figure the taxes that have been paid. I just paid 2006 taxes this month. It's a catch 22, if you don't pay the taxes you can lose it and now we have eminent domain raising its ugly head again . Take if from one who knows, they do strike!
We have had stormy weather and lately it has been very cold. I wonder how the people in trailers are faring. Any news on them has virtually stopped. I guess I am old fashioned but I think the welfare of people should be of the highest priority. Please don't tell me I am dreaming again.
Immediately after the storm when I had internet service again, I sent an email to a county supervisor offering my land for placing trailers there. I knew nothing of Fema reimbursements, I was willing to do it for nothing. I never received a reply but getting anything through in the earlier days was next to impossible.
I remarked in an earlier post that if you just name a subject that I can tell you a story. I have one on eminent domain which I think is a legal way of stealing what belongs to someone else. To use eminent domain requires a procedure of notification, signatures and maybe a ridiculous amount of money given to you to take your property. My daughter's boyfriend alerted us to the fact that the county was using a portion of our land and that there was a huge drainage ditch dug across it. The ditch was a requirement to collect the money on a couple of million dollar road project. All we asked for was the $2000 that was paid to other property owners that were involved. They said take them to court and we did. Seven years later we were awarded $15,000 .. the attorney received 40% of it. Was it worth the hassle? No!!! The land has been in our name for 22 yrs., so figure the taxes that have been paid. I just paid 2006 taxes this month. It's a catch 22, if you don't pay the taxes you can lose it and now we have eminent domain raising its ugly head again . Take if from one who knows, they do strike!
We have had stormy weather and lately it has been very cold. I wonder how the people in trailers are faring. Any news on them has virtually stopped. I guess I am old fashioned but I think the welfare of people should be of the highest priority. Please don't tell me I am dreaming again.
Lott: Appropriately Skeptical - What's Next in Iraq
Lott: Appropriately Skeptical - What's Next in Iraq: "Welcome to GulfCoastNews.com
GCN Guest Opinion
Appropriately Skeptical
What's Next in Iraq
by: Sen. Trent Lott Filed 1/12/07 GCN
Leading up to President Bush%u2019s speech outlining the new strategy for Iraq, I was appropriately skeptical. There was a lot of preliminary talk about sending more forces to Iraq in a %u201Ctroop surge.%u201D Given that Mississippi%u2019s active military and guard members have made a large contribution to operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, I feel it my duty to carefully scrutinize the proposal. It would have been inappropriate either to adopt or dismiss the pending plan before it was presented to the nation. I talked to the President, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of State, the Defense Secretary and other officials, asking questions and raising concerns.
The plan recognizes something I%u2019ve said for months: The status quo in Iraq is unacceptable, and we%u2019ve got to dramatically change the dynamics there. This new approach has the capacity to do that."
GCN Guest Opinion
Appropriately Skeptical
What's Next in Iraq
by: Sen. Trent Lott Filed 1/12/07 GCN
Leading up to President Bush%u2019s speech outlining the new strategy for Iraq, I was appropriately skeptical. There was a lot of preliminary talk about sending more forces to Iraq in a %u201Ctroop surge.%u201D Given that Mississippi%u2019s active military and guard members have made a large contribution to operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, I feel it my duty to carefully scrutinize the proposal. It would have been inappropriate either to adopt or dismiss the pending plan before it was presented to the nation. I talked to the President, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of State, the Defense Secretary and other officials, asking questions and raising concerns.
The plan recognizes something I%u2019ve said for months: The status quo in Iraq is unacceptable, and we%u2019ve got to dramatically change the dynamics there. This new approach has the capacity to do that."
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
It's a very wintry day as far as temperature and appearance. Skies are a whitish gray and there is a slight drizzle. I absolutely refuse to think there is a chance for that white fluffy stuff. I have grown tired of disappointments. Also it would be very cold for the families still in Fema trailers. The propane tanks must empty quickly... they appear to be somewhat larger than the tanks we use for grilling. I am fearful of any heating system that can explode or emit deadly fumes. My home is gas heated and no matter how cold it is, I turn it off at night when I retire. There are all kinds of plans for getting the people out of the trailers. I have seen it in Pascagoula. Over the weekend I spent a day and a half in Gulfport and was happy to see that, although things aren't entirely back to normal, they aren't as bad as I thought. There are homes and businesses springing up all around the area but not on the beach. Biloxi has a few condos up and casinos operating but their beach is also devoid of new homes being built there.
The grant assistance program has not assisted at least 7000 people who applied in April 06. I really can't understand as the grants were said to be to assist all that were not in a flood zone but flooded anyway. My daughter received her grant but had to put a covenant on her home that if they ever sell that a buyer must also abide by that covenant too. Many people ran into problems with titles, liens against their property etc.. and if granted assistance they must deduct what is owed to the mortgage holder, SBA loans, anything they got from insurance which would leave nothing to build with. I understand the legality of all of this as we were in a business for many years that involved all I mentioned. BUT the grants were to help the people who have gone through a disaster get back on their feet. Something has to be set aside until they are living in what they call home. Fema trailers do not qualify. So, I am still with getting the people out of the miserable conditions they live under.
If one snow flake falls, you will hear from me!
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Monday, January 15, 2007
Biloxi
This post will take care of the pictures I took Sunday in Gulfport and the few that were taken in Biloxi. I had gone to visit my daughter, Peggy. She was the driver and I was the passenger trying to take pictures from her moving car. I remember saying, "Slow down Peggy!" I had leaned slightly out the window with my hand held digital camera and the wind created by her speed almost cost me the camera. That made for a good laugh. We were headed toward Biloxi and in the first picture you can't help but see the emptiness. I found something to appreciate about the cleanliness of the landscape. We had lived with so much debris that I felt this was a milestone.
Biloxi's skyline looks impressive with all the condos that are under construction, some nearly complete. I didn't take shots of anything that I felt could be described in words alone. The Beau Rivage is a massive casino that is very beautiful. The Grand casino is nice although my shots may not depict it. Treasure Bay's temporary casino shocked me after having fallen in love with the huge pirate ship they once had. We drove to where we had to turn back because of bridge not functional.
Treasure Bay
Grand Casino
We took the interstate exit and were on our way to my home in Pascagoula. My daughter arrived home safely too. Was a great weekend and I am glad I finally got to see this part of the coast that means a lot to me.
Biloxi's skyline looks impressive with all the condos that are under construction, some nearly complete. I didn't take shots of anything that I felt could be described in words alone. The Beau Rivage is a massive casino that is very beautiful. The Grand casino is nice although my shots may not depict it. Treasure Bay's temporary casino shocked me after having fallen in love with the huge pirate ship they once had. We drove to where we had to turn back because of bridge not functional.
Treasure Bay
Home or Business?
Grand Casino
Bridge Closed
Headed to Interstate Exit
How About That Guitar?
We took the interstate exit and were on our way to my home in Pascagoula. My daughter arrived home safely too. Was a great weekend and I am glad I finally got to see this part of the coast that means a lot to me.
Second Street - Gulfport
Second Street has long been one of the nicest area of picturesque homes in Gulfport. Most were nestled under oak trees that added a visual serenity to the peace that existed there. Many of the trees were lost to the storm but the charm and quaintness will return with the neighbors coming home.
There are a few homes that are in disrepair but still they have not been demolished ... so I haven't given up hope on their return. I will remind you that contractors are scarce in our area and that creates a very slow comeback in rebuilding.
This is Second Street 16 1/2 months later... definitely showing signs of returning. We have been so isolated because of two major bridges not functioning that this is the first time I have seen it. Earlier I told you I would be back in a day or two. I wasn't lying, I was tired at the time. Now that I have gotten a "second wind", I am okay to go.
I ask that you not forget us as we have to work through many obstacles to get as far as we have. We will return!
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