The news looked better when I woke up at 4 am. The pressure readings improved, the winds went down a little to I think 150 mph and the north western quadrant is breaking up as it goes onshore. I think she turned a little further east too, better for us and for N.O. We are about 70 miles north of New Orleans, also on the far west side, by the Mississippi river.
We are having a lot of wind, small twig type debris is everywhere. We secured all our plants, lawn furniture, basketball hoop post yesterday. Not many folks on the road. We obviously still have power, a lot of people in B.R. don't according to local radio. Ours may not last long, it has flickered. We have a whole lot of trees, in our yard and throughout the neighborhood but the power lines are underground. Schools are out at least until Wednesday.
No work today.
Our neighbor lent us a generator (Sams had sold their last one when DH went to get one yesterday). Hoping we can keep the fridges going anyway.
We have lots of ice, batteries, drinks, non-perishables as well. Also, the bathtubs are filled with water in case we lose water pressure.
We went to three stores yesterday until I found some battery operated fans, got one for each person here. It is going to be hot without a/c. I don't think the generator will power that. I just can't handle the heat and after the storm is over it will go back up into the upper nineties, we will be miserable.
I feel sorry for the people in the superdome, without A/C and possibly with out potties they will be far worse than us.
The worse thing is knowing how bad New Orleans will be. Last night my friend who lives 800 feet from Lake Pontchartain watched the coverage all night, she was sure she was not going to have a house after this is over, the news looks better this am. Still will most likely have water damage but maybe she will at least have a structure standing.
Worried about another sis in law and her family who stayed in Slidell.
They decided not to evaucate, she and her husband are not in good health and really had a hard time when they evacuated to our house last year during a storm. They are on high ground, on a ridege but close to the Pearl river. The storm sort of veered off that way. Hope to hear from them soon.
I gotta get away from this window, I am watching the tree limbs whip around.
Thanks for your prayers. It looks like the worst case scenario is not happening. Not over yet but it could have been far worse. I am just glad we no longer live in the city (we lived in Metairie west of N. O. for 17 years until 1999).
I'll post later if we don't lose power soon. Not much sleeping going on around here. Mostly, eatting and drinking. I am going to gain 10 pounds this week I don't watch it.
GAGWTA!
to Laura.
snappy - let us know how you're doing, ok? 
how old is your daughter? 
so I'll catch you all tomorrow! 
