The view from upstairs, August 29, 2005.We survived Hurricane Katrina. I've been a bit reluctant to actually state that publicly lest someone would suggest I change the name of this blog... But it's true. Today as we scurry around stowing the hatches full of whatever can't be tied down and tying down whatever can't be stowed in the hatches I realize we have everything under control that we can control.
We've done this a million times before... Checking emergency food and water supplies, stocking up on fresh batteries for flashlights and radios, trimming dead tree limbs, taking home inventories and pictures of possessions for insurance purposes, declaring the freezers off-limits until further notice, checking in with the neighbors, planning for last-ditch evacuation, putting an axe in the attic....
But this time feels a little different. I'd be lying if I said we're not on edge. We're wondering if the unimaginable can really happen again in our lifetime...
Practically, things are different too. Three years later only a handful of houses in Pascagoula between here and the water in any given direction have been rebuilt (contrary to reports of the area having 'almost fully recovered') and of course lost trees haven't had the lifetime they need to be replaced.... What this means is that neighborhoods such as this one will become the new frontline when it comes to storm surge. We no longer have a yardstick. We're in new territory here.
Those of us in homes which took a beating during Katrina also have no idea how much more the structure can take. How close did we come to losing the entire thing three years ago? How much has rotted, shifted, corroded, or otherwise weakened quietly and unseen while we made our cosmetic repairs?
We have a lot riding on this one.
Stay safe, people.
9 comments:
I worry about you guys, and Christine that we built the Habitat Carter work project house for, but especially about those old houses around her neighborhood. Some of them will stand storms OK (though they're at ground level, so flooding is always a worry), but some look pretty rickety to begin with.
New Orleans is what I really worry about. It sounds like not much has really changed there.
May Gustav (and Hannah) peacefully pass you by.
Hang in there. We're thinking of you.
Post when you can to let us know how you are.
Good luck... we'll be thinking of you.
I'm totally on edge too. I'm hoping for the best for my online friend.
We're staying in Slidell. Hope you guys have a safe evacuation if you go. I think we'll both be okay with this one.
Dear Anita and family,
I have corresponded with your Mom during the last few years of reading her's and your blogs. As I have commented to her, a friend way up in Michigan is keeping track and I am concerned for you during this storm. Although it can change, it looks now like you could be on the most outer fringes of this storm, and I wish you all the very best. I pray for a safe passing of this storm for you.
Good luck with the storm...you'll be in our prayers this week.
We have never met, although I feel like I know your situation well. All I can say is that you are in our prayers in New York.
I am thinking you guys should bundle up your kids, your Mom, etc. and start driving.
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