Re: All systems go again

[Guest guest]

Lottie, Welcome back I missed you !!! God Bless ; Eva

From: Lottie Duthu

Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 4:04 PM

CML

Subject: [ ] All systems go again

Dear Group,

I know some of you were aware that Jimmy and I left town when Gustav approached

and we were told to evacuate. We were without some utilities for 2 weeks and

today, the last vestiges of going without has been once again made available to

us - the internet. Up until last night, even after we finally got electricity,

it was a cat and mouse game. When I opened my mail box, there were 606 emails

waiting to be opened. Thank all of you for your concern, prayers and offers to

take us in.

Rhonda was kind enough to invite Jimmy and I early on to her home in Houston for

Gustav. We returned home after 11 days when my son invited us to stay at his

house because they had electricity. We still have an 8 o'clock curfew and trying

to get around some streets is like an obstacle course.

In most places, they didn't even have sewerage, because everyone had left their

post and evacuated and there were no services available. My son said he had to

bathe in his swimming pool and haul water from the same pool to flush his

toilets. He was one of the few who could still flush because he has a septic

tank. Others were not so lucky. Another son stayed in his travel trailer in his

driveway, as they had a holding tank. We weren't even able to return home

because the city was surrounded by National Guard.

After a while they stopped the pumps because there was no place to pump the

water to, the gulf waters kept overlapping the levees. When water service was

returned, it had to be boiled if you didn't have bottled water to drink. While

away, we were completely cut off from home, there was no telephone service in

the homes or cell phones, just when we have come to depend so heavily on them.

It's a long, long story, but I am ever so grateful to Rhonda for taking us in.

She was a most gracious hostess, along with her daughter, Lili, a perky, popular

teen ager, who gave up her bed for us and I must say it was a most comfortable

bed. Thank you, too, Lili. Of course, I am also thankful that my family and

friends are safe and unharmed, except for some having extensive damage.

Now Rhonda is without electricity because Houston was hard hit by Ike. She has

the option to come here and I hope she does come if things become too austere

for her family. During the storm, all motels here were closed, because of the

evacuation mandate, and now there are no vacancies, with all of the out of state

volunteers coming to get us up back and running. Every body of water overflowed

and for the first time in history, Main Street took on water. Our home did not

flood, but we were surrounded by water and it was fast encroaching and no chance

to leave at that point. Yesterday was a very low day in our lives that we had

survived so many storms and it looked like a record would be broken and our

house would take on water. Today, I called one of my best friends when I heard

her house had taken on water, but it was not as deep as reported. Still

devastation everywhere, this place looks like a war zone, debris piled roof top

high in many places, all allong the streets. My backyard neighbor's tree is in

my yard and part of my oak tree is in my side neighbor's yard, like a domino

effect. Bags and bags of leaves and branches sit out on the curb, along with

tall tree branches, obscuring most houses. Perhaps we should take note of the

little children's book " from little acorns do mighty oaks grow " . People plant

tiny trees that grow into enormous ones that fall on power lines and cause

obstructions with roots pushing up cement in the streets.

Being cut off from the internet was like having withdrawal symptoms. If you

think you are not addicted, then try by voluntarily turning your computer off

for 2 weeks. LOL Good to be back, y'all.

Blessings and thanksgiving,

Lottie

[Guest guest]

--

Lottie, so glad you and Jimmy are ok we really missed hearing from

you,hope you get your house and yard in order without to much strain.

Esther

- In , " Eva " <evaob365@...> wrote:

>

> Lottie, Welcome back I missed you !!! God Bless ; Eva

>

>

> From: Lottie Duthu

> Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 4:04 PM

> CML

> Subject: [ ] All systems go again

>

>

> Dear Group,

> I know some of you were aware that Jimmy and I left town when

Gustav approached and we were told to evacuate. We were without some

utilities for 2 weeks and today, the last vestiges of going without

has been once again made available to us - the internet. Up until

last night, even after we finally got electricity, it was a cat and

mouse game. When I opened my mail box, there were 606 emails waiting

to be opened. Thank all of you for your concern, prayers and offers

to take us in.

> Rhonda was kind enough to invite Jimmy and I early on to her home

in Houston for Gustav. We returned home after 11 days when my son

invited us to stay at his house because they had electricity. We

still have an 8 o'clock curfew and trying to get around some streets

is like an obstacle course.

> In most places, they didn't even have sewerage, because everyone

had left their post and evacuated and there were no services

available. My son said he had to bathe in his swimming pool and haul

water from the same pool to flush his toilets. He was one of the few

who could still flush because he has a septic tank. Others were not

so lucky. Another son stayed in his travel trailer in his driveway,

as they had a holding tank. We weren't even able to return home

because the city was surrounded by National Guard.

> After a while they stopped the pumps because there was no place to

pump the water to, the gulf waters kept overlapping the levees. When

water service was returned, it had to be boiled if you didn't have

bottled water to drink. While away, we were completely cut off from

home, there was no telephone service in the homes or cell phones,

just when we have come to depend so heavily on them.

> It's a long, long story, but I am ever so grateful to Rhonda for

taking us in. She was a most gracious hostess, along with her

daughter, Lili, a perky, popular teen ager, who gave up her bed for

us and I must say it was a most comfortable bed. Thank you, too,

Lili. Of course, I am also thankful that my family and friends are

safe and unharmed, except for some having extensive damage.

> Now Rhonda is without electricity because Houston was hard hit by

Ike. She has the option to come here and I hope she does come if

things become too austere for her family. During the storm, all

motels here were closed, because of the evacuation mandate, and now

there are no vacancies, with all of the out of state volunteers

coming to get us up back and running. Every body of water overflowed

and for the first time in history, Main Street took on water. Our

home did not flood, but we were surrounded by water and it was fast

encroaching and no chance to leave at that point. Yesterday was a

very low day in our lives that we had survived so many storms and it

looked like a record would be broken and our house would take on

water. Today, I called one of my best friends when I heard her house

had taken on water, but it was not as deep as reported. Still

devastation everywhere, this place looks like a war zone, debris

piled roof top high in many places, all allong the streets. My

backyard neighbor's tree is in my yard and part of my oak tree is in

my side neighbor's yard, like a domino effect. Bags and bags of

leaves and branches sit out on the curb, along with tall tree

branches, obscuring most houses. Perhaps we should take note of the

little children's book " from little acorns do mighty oaks grow " .

People plant tiny trees that grow into enormous ones that fall on

power lines and cause obstructions with roots pushing up cement in

the streets.

> Being cut off from the internet was like having withdrawal

symptoms. If you think you are not addicted, then try by voluntarily

turning your computer off for 2 weeks. LOL Good to be back, y'all.

> Blessings and thanksgiving,

> Lottie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Lottie,

Welcome back. I am glad that you and yours are all healthy and

safe. The group has not been the same without you.

Love,

>

> Dear Group,

> I know some of you were aware that Jimmy and I left town

when Gustav approached and we were told to evacuate. We were

without some utilities for 2 weeks and today, the last vestiges of

going without has been once again made available to us - the

internet. Up until last night, even after we finally got

electricity, it was a cat and mouse game. When I opened my mail

box, there were 606 emails waiting to be opened. Thank all of you

for your concern, prayers and offers to take us in.

> Rhonda was kind enough to invite Jimmy and I early on to her

home in Houston for Gustav. We returned home after 11 days when my

son invited us to stay at his house because they had electricity. We

still have an 8 o'clock curfew and trying to get around some streets

is like an obstacle course.

> In most places, they didn't even have sewerage, because

everyone had left their post and evacuated and there were no services

available. My son said he had to bathe in his swimming pool and haul

water from the same pool to flush his toilets. He was one of the few

who could still flush because he has a septic tank. Others were not

so lucky. Another son stayed in his travel trailer in his driveway,

as they had a holding tank. We weren't even able to return home

because the city was surrounded by National Guard.

> After a while they stopped the pumps because there was no

place to pump the water to, the gulf waters kept overlapping the

levees. When water service was returned, it had to be boiled if you

didn't have bottled water to drink. While away, we were completely

cut off from home, there was no telephone service in the homes or

cell phones, just when we have come to depend so heavily on them.

> It's a long, long story, but I am ever so grateful to Rhonda

for taking us in. She was a most gracious hostess, along with her

daughter, Lili, a perky, popular teen ager, who gave up her bed for

us and I must say it was a most comfortable bed. Thank you, too,

Lili. Of course, I am also thankful that my family and friends are

safe and unharmed, except for some having extensive damage.

> Now Rhonda is without electricity because Houston was hard hit

by Ike. She has the option to come here and I hope she does come if

things become too austere for her family. During the storm, all

motels here were closed, because of the evacuation mandate, and now

there are no vacancies, with all of the out of state volunteers

coming to get us up back and running. Every body of water overflowed

and for the first time in history, Main Street took on water. Our

home did not flood, but we were surrounded by water and it was fast

encroaching and no chance to leave at that point. Yesterday was a

very low day in our lives that we had survived so many storms and it

looked like a record would be broken and our house would take on

water. Today, I called one of my best friends when I heard her house

had taken on water, but it was not as deep as reported. Still

devastation everywhere, this place looks like a war zone, debris

piled roof top high in many places, all allong the streets. My

backyard neighbor's tree is in my yard and part of my oak tree is in

my side neighbor's yard, like a domino effect. Bags and bags of

leaves and branches sit out on the curb, along with tall tree

branches, obscuring most houses. Perhaps we should take note of the

little children's book " from little acorns do mighty oaks grow " .

People plant tiny trees that grow into enormous ones that fall on

power lines and cause obstructions with roots pushing up cement in

the streets.

> Being cut off from the internet was like having withdrawal

symptoms. If you think you are not addicted, then try by voluntarily

turning your computer off for 2 weeks. LOL Good to be back, y'all.

> Blessings and thanksgiving,

> Lottie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lottie,

Wat an ordeal I am just happy you are safe.Hope thing get back to

normal as quickly as possible.

Bless you

SharonS

In , " Lottie Duthu " <lotajam@...> wrote:

>

> Dear Group,

> I know some of you were aware that Jimmy and I left town

when Gustav approached and we were told to evacuate. We were

without some utilities for 2 weeks and today, the last vestiges of

going without has been once again made available to us - the

internet. Up until last night, even after we finally got

electricity, it was a cat and mouse game. When I opened my mail

box, there were 606 emails waiting to be opened. Thank all of you

for your concern, prayers and offers to take us in.

> Rhonda was kind enough to invite Jimmy and I early on to her

home in Houston for Gustav. We returned home after 11 days when my

son invited us to stay at his house because they had electricity. We

still have an 8 o'clock curfew and trying to get around some streets

is like an obstacle course.

> In most places, they didn't even have sewerage, because

everyone had left their post and evacuated and there were no services

available. My son said he had to bathe in his swimming pool and haul

water from the same pool to flush his toilets. He was one of the few

who could still flush because he has a septic tank. Others were not

so lucky. Another son stayed in his travel trailer in his driveway,

as they had a holding tank. We weren't even able to return home

because the city was surrounded by National Guard.

> After a while they stopped the pumps because there was no

place to pump the water to, the gulf waters kept overlapping the

levees. When water service was returned, it had to be boiled if you

didn't have bottled water to drink. While away, we were completely

cut off from home, there was no telephone service in the homes or

cell phones, just when we have come to depend so heavily on them.

> It's a long, long story, but I am ever so grateful to Rhonda

for taking us in. She was a most gracious hostess, along with her

daughter, Lili, a perky, popular teen ager, who gave up her bed for

us and I must say it was a most comfortable bed. Thank you, too,

Lili. Of course, I am also thankful that my family and friends are

safe and unharmed, except for some having extensive damage.

> Now Rhonda is without electricity because Houston was hard hit

by Ike. She has the option to come here and I hope she does come if

things become too austere for her family. During the storm, all

motels here were closed, because of the evacuation mandate, and now

there are no vacancies, with all of the out of state volunteers

coming to get us up back and running. Every body of water overflowed

and for the first time in history, Main Street took on water. Our

home did not flood, but we were surrounded by water and it was fast

encroaching and no chance to leave at that point. Yesterday was a

very low day in our lives that we had survived so many storms and it

looked like a record would be broken and our house would take on

water. Today, I called one of my best friends when I heard her house

had taken on water, but it was not as deep as reported. Still

devastation everywhere, this place looks like a war zone, debris

piled roof top high in many places, all allong the streets. My

backyard neighbor's tree is in my yard and part of my oak tree is in

my side neighbor's yard, like a domino effect. Bags and bags of

leaves and branches sit out on the curb, along with tall tree

branches, obscuring most houses. Perhaps we should take note of the

little children's book " from little acorns do mighty oaks grow " .

People plant tiny trees that grow into enormous ones that fall on

power lines and cause obstructions with roots pushing up cement in

the streets.

> Being cut off from the internet was like having withdrawal

symptoms. If you think you are not addicted, then try by voluntarily

turning your computer off for 2 weeks. LOL Good to be back, y'all.

> Blessings and thanksgiving,

> Lottie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lottie,

It is wonderful to have you back.

We missed you so much.

Can you believe how warm and caring this group is?

Rhonda . you are a treasure.

Zavie

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Lottie

Duthu

Sent: September 15, 2008 4:05 PM

CML

Subject: [ ] All systems go again

Dear Group,

<snip>

Blessings and thanksgiving,

Lottie

..

<http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=14762801/grpspId=1705061628/msgI

d=11895/stime=1221509085/nc1=5191946/nc2=5191951/nc3=4507179>

[Guest guest]

Dear Lottie,

It's wonderful to " hear your voice " again. I thank God that you and

Jimmy are safe, but sorry to hear of all the trials and tribulations

you've been through. I hope life can return to normal as soon and

smoothly as possible, and I hope that Houma stays out of the news for

a good long time.

All my prayers and best wishes to you.

Love,

>

> Dear Group,

> I know some of you were aware that Jimmy and I left town

when Gustav approached and we were told to evacuate. We were

without some utilities for 2 weeks and today, the last vestiges of

going without has been once again made available to us - the

internet. Up until last night, even after we finally got

electricity, it was a cat and mouse game. When I opened my mail

box, there were 606 emails waiting to be opened. Thank all of you

for your concern, prayers and offers to take us in.

> Rhonda was kind enough to invite Jimmy and I early on to her

home in Houston for Gustav. We returned home after 11 days when my

son invited us to stay at his house because they had electricity. We

still have an 8 o'clock curfew and trying to get around some streets

is like an obstacle course.

> In most places, they didn't even have sewerage, because

everyone had left their post and evacuated and there were no services

available. My son said he had to bathe in his swimming pool and haul

water from the same pool to flush his toilets. He was one of the few

who could still flush because he has a septic tank. Others were not

so lucky. Another son stayed in his travel trailer in his driveway,

as they had a holding tank. We weren't even able to return home

because the city was surrounded by National Guard.

> After a while they stopped the pumps because there was no

place to pump the water to, the gulf waters kept overlapping the

levees. When water service was returned, it had to be boiled if you

didn't have bottled water to drink. While away, we were completely

cut off from home, there was no telephone service in the homes or

cell phones, just when we have come to depend so heavily on them.

> It's a long, long story, but I am ever so grateful to Rhonda

for taking us in. She was a most gracious hostess, along with her

daughter, Lili, a perky, popular teen ager, who gave up her bed for

us and I must say it was a most comfortable bed. Thank you, too,

Lili. Of course, I am also thankful that my family and friends are

safe and unharmed, except for some having extensive damage.

> Now Rhonda is without electricity because Houston was hard hit

by Ike. She has the option to come here and I hope she does come if

things become too austere for her family. During the storm, all

motels here were closed, because of the evacuation mandate, and now

there are no vacancies, with all of the out of state volunteers

coming to get us up back and running. Every body of water overflowed

and for the first time in history, Main Street took on water. Our

home did not flood, but we were surrounded by water and it was fast

encroaching and no chance to leave at that point. Yesterday was a

very low day in our lives that we had survived so many storms and it

looked like a record would be broken and our house would take on

water. Today, I called one of my best friends when I heard her house

had taken on water, but it was not as deep as reported. Still

devastation everywhere, this place looks like a war zone, debris

piled roof top high in many places, all allong the streets. My

backyard neighbor's tree is in my yard and part of my oak tree is in

my side neighbor's yard, like a domino effect. Bags and bags of

leaves and branches sit out on the curb, along with tall tree

branches, obscuring most houses. Perhaps we should take note of the

little children's book " from little acorns do mighty oaks grow " .

People plant tiny trees that grow into enormous ones that fall on

power lines and cause obstructions with roots pushing up cement in

the streets.

> Being cut off from the internet was like having withdrawal

symptoms. If you think you are not addicted, then try by voluntarily

turning your computer off for 2 weeks. LOL Good to be back, y'all.

> Blessings and thanksgiving,

> Lottie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Lottie!

We are so glad you are back! Many prayers were said on behalf of

you and your family, and you are proof that they were answered! We

all marveled at how you were able to cope with something which must

have been so exhausting and stressful and difficult, particularly

with health issues involved for both of you, too. May God bless and

keep you both continually in His hand! And may the Hurricanes go

somewhere else for a change--like out over the ocean where no human

souls will be harmed.

Hugs and love,

Vicki

>

> Dear Group,

> I know some of you were aware that Jimmy and I left town

when Gustav approached and we were told to evacuate. We were

without some utilities for 2 weeks and today, the last vestiges of

going without has been once again made available to us - the

internet. Up until last night, even after we finally got

electricity, it was a cat and mouse game. When I opened my mail

box, there were 606 emails waiting to be opened. Thank all of you

for your concern, prayers and offers to take us in.

> Rhonda was kind enough to invite Jimmy and I early on to her

home in Houston for Gustav. We returned home after 11 days when my

son invited us to stay at his house because they had electricity.

We still have an 8 o'clock curfew and trying to get around some

streets is like an obstacle course.

> In most places, they didn't even have sewerage, because

everyone had left their post and evacuated and there were no

services available. My son said he had to bathe in his swimming

pool and haul water from the same pool to flush his toilets. He was

one of the few who could still flush because he has a septic tank.

Others were not so lucky. Another son stayed in his travel trailer

in his driveway, as they had a holding tank. We weren't even able

to return home because the city was surrounded by National Guard.

> After a while they stopped the pumps because there was no

place to pump the water to, the gulf waters kept overlapping the

levees. When water service was returned, it had to be boiled if

you didn't have bottled water to drink. While away, we were

completely cut off from home, there was no telephone service in the

homes or cell phones, just when we have come to depend so heavily on

them.

> It's a long, long story, but I am ever so grateful to Rhonda

for taking us in. She was a most gracious hostess, along with her

daughter, Lili, a perky, popular teen ager, who gave up her bed for

us and I must say it was a most comfortable bed. Thank you, too,

Lili. Of course, I am also thankful that my family and friends are

safe and unharmed, except for some having extensive damage.

> Now Rhonda is without electricity because Houston was hard hit

by Ike. She has the option to come here and I hope she does come if

things become too austere for her family. During the storm, all

motels here were closed, because of the evacuation mandate, and now

there are no vacancies, with all of the out of state volunteers

coming to get us up back and running. Every body of water

overflowed and for the first time in history, Main Street took on

water. Our home did not flood, but we were surrounded by water and

it was fast encroaching and no chance to leave at that point.

Yesterday was a very low day in our lives that we had survived so

many storms and it looked like a record would be broken and our

house would take on water. Today, I called one of my best friends

when I heard her house had taken on water, but it was not as deep as

reported. Still devastation everywhere, this place looks like a war

zone, debris piled roof top high in many places, all allong the

streets. My backyard neighbor's tree is in my yard and part of my

oak tree is in my side neighbor's yard, like a domino effect. Bags

and bags of leaves and branches sit out on the curb, along with tall

tree branches, obscuring most houses. Perhaps we should take note

of the little children's book " from little acorns do mighty oaks

grow " . People plant tiny trees that grow into enormous ones that

fall on power lines and cause obstructions with roots pushing up

cement in the streets.

> Being cut off from the internet was like having withdrawal

symptoms. If you think you are not addicted, then try by

voluntarily turning your computer off for 2 weeks. LOL Good to be

back, y'all.

> Blessings and thanksgiving,

> Lottie

>

>

[Guest guest]

So glad to see you are reconnected Lottie!!

No internet yet here except for my blackberry which we charged at a friend's

grandmother's house about 5 miles away. Finally a real store near me opened and

although we had to wait in line to enter the store it was really nice to get

some fresh veggies and fruits!!! Trying to make as much veggie food as possible

and we have had several big neighborhood dinner parties where we cook our

melting frozen food. So some fresh was a nice change.

Finally got ice yesterday and that was wonderful! No power still and no home

phone only cell.

My office should be open by thursday or friday, lili doesnt go back to school

until sometime next week.

The weather is great now with cooler nights so we actually slept in our beds!

Now to wash dishes from a dinner party for 10 last night!!! It was lots of fun

with great red wine and funny company but the dishes... I'm tired just thinking

of it!

Today my goal is to find some kids for lili to hang out with as she has been

with me and only adults for 5 days and she is itching for something other than

boring adult talk! Hahah.

We are fine and so appreciate all the prayers and support. Mainly it is

patience and strength required as we try to make repairs and get electricity!!!!

Thanks and love,

Rhonda

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

[ ] All systems go again

Dear Group,

I know some of you were aware that Jimmy and I left town when Gustav

approached and we were told to evacuate. We were without some utilities for 2

weeks and today, the last vestiges of going without has been once again made

available to us - the internet. Up until last night, even after we finally got

electricity, it was a cat and mouse game. When I opened my mail box, there

were 606 emails waiting to be opened. Thank all of you for your concern,

prayers and offers to take us in.

Rhonda was kind enough to invite Jimmy and I early on to her home in Houston

for Gustav. We returned home after 11 days when my son invited us to stay at

his house because they had electricity. We still have an 8 o'clock curfew and

trying to get around some streets is like an obstacle course.

In most places, they didn't even have sewerage, because everyone had left

their post and evacuated and there were no services available. My son said he

had to bathe in his swimming pool and haul water from the same pool to flush his

toilets. He was one of the few who could still flush because he has a septic

tank. Others were not so lucky. Another son stayed in his travel trailer in

his driveway, as they had a holding tank. We weren't even able to return home

because the city was surrounded by National Guard.

After a while they stopped the pumps because there was no place to pump the

water to, the gulf waters kept overlapping the levees. When water service was

returned, it had to be boiled if you didn't have bottled water to drink. While

away, we were completely cut off from home, there was no telephone service in

the homes or cell phones, just when we have come to depend so heavily on them.

It's a long, long story, but I am ever so grateful to Rhonda for taking us

in. She was a most gracious hostess, along with her daughter, Lili, a perky,

popular teen ager, who gave up her bed for us and I must say it was a most

comfortable bed. Thank you, too, Lili. Of course, I am also thankful that my

family and friends are safe and unharmed, except for some having extensive

damage.

Now Rhonda is without electricity because Houston was hard hit by Ike. She

has the option to come here and I hope she does come if things become too

austere for her family. During the storm, all motels here were closed, because

of the evacuation mandate, and now there are no vacancies, with all of the out

of state volunteers coming to get us up back and running. Every body of water

overflowed and for the first time in history, Main Street took on water. Our

home did not flood, but we were surrounded by water and it was fast encroaching

and no chance to leave at that point. Yesterday was a very low day in our lives

that we had survived so many storms and it looked like a record would be broken

and our house would take on water. Today, I called one of my best friends when

I heard her house had taken on water, but it was not as deep as reported. Still

devastation everywhere, this place looks like a war zone, debris piled roof top

high in many places, all allong the streets. My backyard neighbor's tree is in

my yard and part of my oak tree is in my side neighbor's yard, like a domino

effect. Bags and bags of leaves and branches sit out on the curb, along with

tall tree branches, obscuring most houses. Perhaps we should take note of the

little children's book " from little acorns do mighty oaks grow " . People plant

tiny trees that grow into enormous ones that fall on power lines and cause

obstructions with roots pushing up cement in the streets.

Being cut off from the internet was like having withdrawal symptoms. If you

think you are not addicted, then try by voluntarily turning your computer off

for 2 weeks. LOL Good to be back, y'all.

Blessings and thanksgiving,

Lottie

[Guest guest]

Lottie, I'm so glad to see your post and know that you're OK. Our youngest

son lives in Houston. He and his family (5 little children) evacuated to

us, but we took them back to Houston day before yesterday. They still don't

have power, but they're staying with her parents who do. The devastation

was unreal. There were 1-2 mile lines at gas stations and all the radio

stations were filled with post-hurricane information. It was very

depressing. I thought so often of you and the fact that you'd been hit

twice now.

Lots of thoughts and prayers,

Gay

[ ] All systems go again

Dear Group,

I know some of you were aware that Jimmy and I left town when Gustav

approached and we were told to evacuate. We were without some utilities for

2 weeks and today, the last vestiges of going without has been once again

made available to us - the internet. Up until last night, even after we

finally got electricity, it was a cat and mouse game. When I opened my mail

box, there were 606 emails waiting to be opened. Thank all of you for your

concern, prayers and offers to take us in.

Rhonda was kind enough to invite Jimmy and I early on to her home in Houston

for Gustav. We returned home after 11 days when my son invited us to stay at

his house because they had electricity. We still have an 8 o'clock curfew

and trying to get around some streets is like an obstacle course.

In most places, they didn't even have sewerage, because everyone had left

their post and evacuated and there were no services available. My son said

he had to bathe in his swimming pool and haul water from the same pool to

flush his toilets. He was one of the few who could still flush because he

has a septic tank. Others were not so lucky. Another son stayed in his

travel trailer in his driveway, as they had a holding tank. We weren't even

able to return home because the city was surrounded by National Guard.

After a while they stopped the pumps because there was no place to pump the

water to, the gulf waters kept overlapping the levees. When water service

was returned, it had to be boiled if you didn't have bottled water to drink.

While away, we were completely cut off from home, there was no telephone

service in the homes or cell phones, just when we have come to depend so

heavily on them.

It's a long, long story, but I am ever so grateful to Rhonda for taking us

in. She was a most gracious hostess, along with her daughter, Lili, a perky,

popular teen ager, who gave up her bed for us and I must say it was a most

comfortable bed. Thank you, too, Lili. Of course, I am also thankful that my

family and friends are safe and unharmed, except for some having extensive

damage.

Now Rhonda is without electricity because Houston was hard hit by Ike. She

has the option to come here and I hope she does come if things become too

austere for her family. During the storm, all motels here were closed,

because of the evacuation mandate, and now there are no vacancies, with all

of the out of state volunteers coming to get us up back and running. Every

body of water overflowed and for the first time in history, Main Street took

on water. Our home did not flood, but we were surrounded by water and it was

fast encroaching and no chance to leave at that point. Yesterday was a very

low day in our lives that we had survived so many storms and it looked like

a record would be broken and our house would take on water. Today, I called

one of my best friends when I heard her house had taken on water, but it was

not as deep as reported. Still devastation everywhere, this place looks like

a war zone, debris piled roof top high in many places, all allong the

streets. My backyard neighbor's tree is in my yard and part of my oak tree

is in my side neighbor's yard, like a domino effect. Bags and bags of leaves

and branches sit out on the curb, along with tall tree branches, obscuring

most houses. Perhaps we should take note of the little children's book " from

little acorns do mighty oaks grow " . People plant tiny trees that grow into

enormous ones that fall on power lines and cause obstructions with roots

pushing up cement in the streets.

Being cut off from the internet was like having withdrawal symptoms. If you

think you are not addicted, then try by voluntarily turning your computer

off for 2 weeks. LOL Good to be back, y'all.

Blessings and thanksgiving,

Lottie