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

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

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

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

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

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Mississippi Back To School Campaign

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

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

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

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

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

Yours,

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

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

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

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

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

Circle Of Light

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

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

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

weather.com - Hurricane Central

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

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

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

WLOX-TV - The News for South Mississippi: Home

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

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

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




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

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

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

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

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

weather.com - Hurricane Central

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

New Construction

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

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







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

250 homes to be rebuilt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moody Yellow

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

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

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

My thanks to a friend in Michigan for this bouquet!


Thanks to my daughter, Anita, Dave and GrandKids!

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

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

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

Cowboy Boogie - Randy Travis