Thanks....

[speedyf]

Just wanted to thank everyone that is contributing to Red Cross and other organizations to help people in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

I live about 60 miles south/southwest of New Orleans in Golden Meadow, Louisiana. Although most news efforts are focusing on New Orleans, the tiny island of Grand Isle (just 30 miles south from us) was devastated. Also, an area about 20 miles south of us called Port Fourchon (pronounced FOO-SHAUN) was hit very badly. This is where most of that 20% of the nation's oil from the Gulf of Mexico passes through and that's one of the reasons why the price of gas is rising.

We were very lucky and were just about 30 miles to the west of the eye. We had winds up to about 120mph. A majority of the damage is just roof damage, downed trees, and downed power lines. We will probably be out of Electricity for a few weeks. My company has a big generator that runs the entire office, so we are back up and running. I work for a tug boat company that helps to keep the oil companies drilling and running in the Gulf of Mexico.

Anyway...I really don't know how New Orleans will recover from this. If people can't get back to the city because of the water for another 2 or 3 months, I have a feeling that most people will relocate. I can't imagine that many people out there have 3 or 4 months worth of income saved up to wait it out in a hotel or apartment somewhere while they clean up New Orleans. Many people are settling down where they evacuted...including Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, etc from what I've heard so far on local radio call-in shows. Most offices that are able to...like law offices, etc....are setting up shop in Baton Rouge....only 70 miles west of New Orleans. I don't know if that will be temporary or permanent.

Well...I have to get back to work. I just wanted to thank everyone for their contributions and prayers and let everyone know that even though we don't get any press on the national news, our surrounding communities are responsible for a big chunk of domestic oil and natural gas. We are rebuilding as I type this and will do our part to try to get these resources back down to a reasonable price for America.

Thanks again...
Speed

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Hi Speed!

How great are you, to take the time to post and reassure all of us that you're working hard to get everything up and running!

Anyway, I'm sure this horrible ordeal is going to require patience and understanding from everyone in our country (and especially those that were hit the hardest). I am hoping and praying that recovery is a.s.a.p. -- but in the meantime, know that we are thinking of you all and appreciate everything you're having to go through.

 

[BethR]

Oh Speedy! I had no idea that you are so close to this devastation. I am glad that you are safe and life is nearly normal - at least as compared to those in the worst of it.

We are waiting for my DH's company to announce how they are going to help before we make our donation. If they are going to match donations, we would hate to miss out on that.

Please take care, Speedy...

 

[precious pixie]

I am so glad you are ok. Please let us know in the coming weeks of anyway additional ways we can help those in need.

 

[indylaw99]

I approached Vermont Teddy Bear Company this morning about donating some bears to the children who have lost so much in the hurricane. They set up a deal with us where 15% of the price of everything sold through the Connect with Kids Campaign will buy bears to send to the kids. It is only a little thing, but I would appreciate if if you could spread the word. It just makes me cry thinking about so many children being tired and scared and lacking so much.

http://www.helpingmomsconnect.com/hurricane_katrina.htm

 

[speedyf]

Thanks for all the prayers and help....

The situation is bad in New Orleans. Everything is getting better here by the day. They are close to reconnecting our electricity and more stores, gas stations, and businesses are starting to open each day here. We actually received mail for the first time in a week today....so, things are looking up.

New Orleans is another story. Of course, the national media is probably protraying it worse than what it actually is.....but, it is still pretty bad.

Besides praying for the people of New Orleans...please also pray for our troops that will probably have to deal with some idiot people in New Orleans shooting at them. I can't imagine what the backlash will be if one looter gets shot by a military person in the city....but, I'm almost positive that our military will probably be shot at somewhere in New Orleans as Wal-Marts and other stores have been looted and guns have been taken in every instance....so keep them in your prayers as well. We have well armed looter roaming the city like freakin' terrorists.

Other communities around the state are taking in people from New Orleans...such as Lake Charles, LA, Baton Rouge, LA, etc... and these places have reported an increase in crime. Schools were robbed of computers in Lake Charles and other crimes are being committed in other cities.

These people want help....then they terrorize the place that puts out the hand to help them....it's just crazy.

Anyway...gotta go. Again...thanks for everything!

Speed

 

[Pryncess'mom]

Prayers and pixie dust!!


deb