Katrina Update #37Katrina Update #37Everyone was allowed back in the city today, but only during the daylight hours unless you had a place to stay in an "open" zip code. So there were more people in the formerly flooded neighborhoods. We finished cleaning out Cary's stuff today, and also grabbed a few more things from Adam's house. This was the first time we saw other people in the area.
Cary's landlord did something a bit strange. He put a case of Leinenkugel's Red on the curb. We almost missed it, as it was underneath a lot of debris. (It was actually holding up part of it.) Ah, what a wonderful thing leverage is. With just a little leverage from a discarded mop handle, we were able to prop up the debris just long enough to slide the beer out from under it. It is now safely ensconced in a cooler in the company of a couple of bags of ice.
Cary and I went across the river to see what stores are open. We picked up a rake and shovel to help scoop up debris at a Lowe's that was open. Most businesses that are open are only open until 4PM because they don't have enough staff to keep the stores open. We then went to Metairie because we couldn't find a grocery store open on that side of the river. It took us about 45 minutes to drive what normally takes about 15 due to all the people leaving the city after spending the day retrieving their possessions. We drove back around 7:30, which was after dark. It was very strange, looking over the city from the I-10. Some parts are lit up, and others are completely dark.
I am working on editing the video I took the other day. I still hope to have it up by the end of the week. In the meantime, I found a site with a lot of pictures, some of which are near our house. I know where most of the pictures were taken, so if there is one you are curious about, click on it, then email me the link and I will see if I can identify the area for you. I have also decided to participate in the Uptown/Garden District forum on nola.com. This forum has questions and answers about our area. I want to help make sure people aren't getting the wrong information about what is going on in the city.
Several people who stayed in New Orleans for a while after the storm have noticed something worth mentioning: the stars. It was the first time they saw the night sky in all its glory from Bourbon Street. Usually, the lights in the city make it difficult to make out the stars. People have told me it was the weirdest thing they experienced, even over the looting, flooding, etc.
Coop's Place had Red Beans & Rice for the first time today — yet another "normal" experience.
- Jesse made it back to New Orleans. He was at Coop's today.
- Janis will leave Manteno on Friday. She, Andrea, and Jarret should be back in New Orleans on Saturday evening.
- Coop's ex-wife Julie was at Coop's Place today. She says her place, near the 17th St. Canal breach, will probably be condemed. She originally went to Picayune, MS with her Mom and Jordan. The eye of the storm passed very near them. They went outside the house on the porch when a tree fell and hit the other side of the house. After the storm passed, they decided not to stay where there was no power and drove to Houston. She almost was going to stay there, and then her mother was able to get a house in Covington. Jordan has his third first day of 8th grade there on Monday.
The EPA conducted water tests in various areas in New Orleans today. They should announce their results later today (Thursday) or Friday.
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