Simona is bringing the dogs up later and she should be here about five, but I have no idea when Harris or Noel will get off their lazy but it's and get out of meterie.  If they wait too long they can he stuck in traffic on the causeway, and possiblybe caught on the road with a full force of this monster hits.  All I can do now to make what corporations I can, charge from my batteries and ensure the radios are working condition.  But now think I need your Red Cross and see what's going on their, our communications department is in poor shape and I was hoping we have another year two to make it ready for such hurricane.  But looks like times up!
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I'm not sure what was the scariest aspect as I walked out of the Red Cross office carrying one of the OEP 450 mHz radios, could be the fact that they actually trusted me with parish communications equipment?, or could it be that in their haste to leave, they did not care if they could talkback to St. Tammany are not? Needless to say, I don't have much faith in the OEP radio system.  However, I do have a that with one of the guys from emergency management that a 450MHz system will crash and burn if the winds reach over 100 mi. an hour.

Either way it did not and still meet with a great deal of confidence of our ability to survive the oncoming storm. So now it seems that all Red Cross communications for St. Tammany Parish will be conducted out of my house.  Joy! Joy! I had at least one advantage, that being everyone else evacuating to my house was a ham radio operator.  So finding people to stand radio watch would not be difficult, the difficulty arose when I remembered that there were only two general class operators,Harris -- KB5BFK, and myselfto stand HF watch.  But once the FCC declared the area to be a communications emergency, and that its there were general press operators on the premises that problem one away quickly.

The bad part about running all Red Cross communications out of my house was that we had to set up in the living room as the Windows in my hand shack were destroyed, and with only a low plastic to keep what about I wanted to get my radios to a dryer area. however, in giving up my dining table and forcing everyone to eat off of the coffee table in front TV. but was no surprise to me that hereby was very happy to sit down from the TV eat as everyone needed a little break from reality, sell after the news was over with, somebody would go to my DVD collection and readout titles.  Once we had a consensus on a title, it was stuck into the player and was almost like while as a child everyone would gather around the TV for a few hours entertainment. however, there were times we had to turn down the radios to use TV, and other times we had turned down the TV sort operator to use radio.  That was the only part was damned inconvenience, but we made it work.

I called Harris, but it took over 30 minutes to get through since all cell sites are being overloaded.  This is something I preached about for years but no one listened as it seems that was nothing more them big mouth crackpot and had no concept what she was talking aboutI hate to be somebody who's that I told you so, and is to be the only place I say, I am very sorry that I am right.  Anyway, Harris is on the south end of the causeway with Noel Sr. following, but Noel Jr. is still screwing around and Metairie. if you wait too long he made just not get out and I have no idea where if it sounds above sea level were not.  And no one knows how deep the will get if the levies breach.

With branches still falling off the trees not as dared go outside.  There is just too many things flying about, and someone else's injured there is no way to get medical assistance other than what is available from my trama kit, and the first aid training that is Noel Sr. and I have had in the past.  But we are no means trained or with four major trauma incident. I am not even sure if we can get to the gas meter, can we turned off.  It all depends upon where the tree broke the pipe, if it's after the cutoff valve we will be in good shape.  However, if it's busted on the street side of the valve, there is a very good chance we could have either an explosion or structure fires if the gas ignites.

It seems we got lucky with the broken gas line, as the valve was on the outside the break.  Noel and I crawl across trees and a round down power lines until we reached the gas meter.  There was only enough from one person to get in there, so Noel took a crescent wrench and a rag, and crawled through the branches until he reached the meter. after soaking the rag Noel placed it over the valve, and gently turned it into the gas stop flowing. once the gas flow was stop, life at my house began to get better as my gas pressure returned allowing us to cook and heat water.   Having hot water may not sound like much, but when it's going to be in the mid-nineties with no air-conditioning a hot shower is one luxury everyone looks forward to evening.  And having gas to cook with means there's a hot meal in your future and more importantly I hot cup of coffee in the morning to get out.

However, was still trapped in my neighborhood as there are trees down everywhere.  A few years ago they elected a new mayor who is the tree hugger from hell who is part of our campaign promise that no more trees would be cut down, not even the sick ones like the tray that almost what my house. so when the winds reached 80 mi. an hour, trees began to fall everywhere and in some places covered the entire street for city block. the only reason the street House was cleared quickly, is that the fire department is just down the street and 25th Ave. is more the primary routes to the west side of town.  So within three to 4 Days That St., along with 21st which is part of Highway 21 was cleared to allow emergency traffic to move around town.  In addition the local hospital is on Highway 21, and access to the hospital had to be clear.

September 2, 2005 - today I was able to make it over to the office of emergency management.  Normally this would be a five-minute drive, However, today it took almost 30 minutes because of down the trees and power poles.  Getting into the building was a lot of fun also as the first person I ran to the very tired deputy sheriff who had losses since the humor with unauthorized people trying to gain access to the EOC.even wearing a red cross T-shirts with pictured identification hanging my collar, I had trouble gaining access. It only took 30 seconds for me to realize that he was not only tired, but he was also hungry and thirsty, so I went back to my vehicle and return with MRE's and bottled water.  You're not believe the expression on his than a feeling, he even asked why I was giving it to them.  My response was, American Red Cross, as I pointed to the logo on my shirt and with that I had no further problems getting into the EOC. however, that was just beginning because once I reached the EOC office entrance there is another deputy that I had to get past.  Luckily, he was in a little better mood being that he was an air-conditioning, one sites play now is there to see the director, Dexter Accardo, he sent a runner to tell Dexter that I was outside.   About 10 or 15 minutes pass before Dexter came out and his first words to me were I don't have any time what do you want?  I informed him that was there find out what we can do for him as far as communications went home.  once I told him that we can get a message to Baton Rouge which is the capital Louisiana, he said I have only one message a need sent. any rabbit pencil and paper and scribbled down notes and stated that this message was to be sad until we got apply he needed. this question was "where is a National Guard?".

Began in a message, Turner went back into the EOC. Intern, I handed the message to one of my operators with very simple instructions. they were to get on whatever frequency necessary and send Dexter's message every 15 minutes until he received a response.  Once he got a real answer, he was to deliver it to the deputy sheriff at EOC office door. before the hurricane, EOC and most of its place that had very little knowledge of amateur radio, and therefore had no use for us calling hams glorified CB'ers. well now is time for us glorified CB'ers to show them that we not only had the means to communicate over long distances even during a disaster, but we were professional in a manner of our operations.  Once Dexter got his reply, he began to rely on us more and more until I had to station and operator added to ask outside of the EOC office door so they can hang and messages, and he could relate them back to my house, or other stations so messages can be sent and received, and then relayed back to the operator at the EOC. I don't think emergency management will ever have the same view of amateur radio again.  I'm not trying to say that we were his savior, we'll provide a service that he needed at that time and if he ever needs as the future the amateur community will be at his service.

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Needless to say it wasn't much of an issue to me, and was solved within an hour, but they seemed very relieved.  And their gratitude they ask what they could do for me, and my response can you cut trees from in front and off of my house?  The very next morning there were 10 or 12 volunteers with chainsaws and other gear removing all the trees for my house.  Then they began to clear the street from 20 5th Ave. to my front door. I guess as it was for me to solve their problems, and considering it to be simple, when they cleared my street so we could drive to the front door my house, and actually walk up the stairs without crawling over the remains of 100-year-old tree was nothing less than wonderful.  It was becoming a task to carry water and other supplies one half block while climbing over in under felled trees, and it also added to our security than if a fire did breakout, the fire army could reach the house quickly.

Then stormy circled in front of him and sat down showing are pearly white teeth. it is about this time that I began to inform him that it was time to come to Jesus as I was about to introduce him personally, I continued this line of redbrick for a few minutes until a disturbing odor rose from his pants letting me know that I had scared them so badly that he had had a bowel movement. with this signal I knew that he was no longer threat and was actually scared death, so I called the dog off and soda and it was time for him to leave, but before he could stand up I let him know that I, or anyone else here caught him or one of his buddies around my house after the sunset, well there would be slow walking in sad music next day.  I don't think all having more problems around here even though there have been many break-ins in the area.

Is has actually gotten to the point where some subdivisions have posted armed guards at the entrances with large signs that stated "you loot, we shoot".  In New Orleans the police and the National Guard running gunfight with relief helicopters being fired upon as they drop food and water, and rescue those trapped by floodwaters. Is amazing how quickly the animals have crawled out of their holes and are trying to take over the city. News helicopters from outside the area are showing pictures of looters, these people aren't stealing food or water, or even dry clothes. Their stealing plasma TV's, stereos and the new cars from car lots that were not flooded. it is my understanding that even the drugstores are being stripped of all the drugs and cases of bottled water are being left behind. the Governor signed an Executive Order giving law-enforcement and National Guard permission to use deadly force if they felt their lives or the lives of civilians were in danger. I always thought that if a major disaster was to strike, the criminal element would come out in force almost like some Third World disorganized army try to take control of the city.  In the past I hope that this was nothing more than a worst-case scenario that would never happen, however it seems to be happening now!

As with every day since Katrina it has been oppressively hot with no breeze to speak of. if you'd ever spent anytime in the deep South in the summer, you know that September is not a cool monthas temperatures during the day can reach into the mid to upper nineties, and the nights can be in the low 80's,and upper 70's is usually the Norm until midnight or later. Even with a few floor fans is almost too high to eat, and all you want is a hot shower to help you cool off. I'll be damned glad when the electricity comes back on, but I'll think that's the before least another week.

I am not a racially motivated person, and as the Red Cross volunteer race never played any part when someone was in need. it away with all black-and-white, but that was the papers are was reading from to see what I could give a family which is lost everything! what I heard that I had no response, all I could do is turn around and walkout wondering why he wouldn't say such thing. so when I came home I got out the duct tape and repaired the stairs in the plastic and reattached screen where the wind blown it free. I will never, as long as I live ever asked Habitat for Humanity for anything, nor will I ever donate materials or money to that organization.  And when the day comes that somebody asked me about Habitat for Humanity, I will be more than happy to tell my story to them in hopes that they too will never donate to that organization.

For the next hour I took him around like to the puppy showing him all the damage and explaining what happened because a damage since the down the tree has been removed.  As I expected, he started in saying that he was not sure if he could put what I said in his report since he had no evidence.  This was another thing I had been expecting, and I had taken pictures of everything and burned them to CD in anticipation of his arrival, and line of crap. Needless to say,  having a CD with over 50 pictures on and a Word document with the pictures embedded , a description of the damage that appeared in each photograph and arrows pointing to the damage spots was more than enough evidence that what I was telling him was the truth.

However, who knows what runs through the minds of insurance investigators and the agencies they work for. So I guess out of step away to sea with the insurance company says when they send me their conclusions.  But I will not hold my breath that this happens anytime said as mostly insurance companies that you hear about it and use these days are screwing everyone in sight without kissing them when they're finished.

At least I can still stay in my house, I have electricity and plastic over the windows, or what I should say the holes were the windows once were.  But it's so much better than white thousands of people have nowas all they can do is what about other cars so they can remain at their homes to protect what will they have from thieves that no nothing more than to steal instead of work.  their shower is a garden hose, and I don't even want to imagine what their toilet is. since they have no place to cook their meals come in the form of MRE's and handed out by the National Guard and the Red Cross. I have been some of these areas doing damage assessment, and the stench from the rotting debris in the hot sun is overwhelming at times.  I do believe it or those homes belong to me, I would be living in Texas, or the State.  Anyplace other than a reclaimed swampthat in many cases has reverted to its natural state.

In some areas I have seen houses that have been cut in half by trees, and that there is one less than a block from me that the whole back of the house has been crushed by a pine tree, and the people who own the house are still living there.   My house to considerable tree damage when no tree slammed into it, but did not care gaping holes in the walls.  The only damage was the Windows being destroyed and the fireplace was separated from the structure so when it rains water cascades down the face of the fireplace, much like a small waterfall. So, with a little plastic and a roll of mosquito screening I was able to stop the little flying critters from visiting at night and the plastic helped keep in the cool air from the air conditioner.  Both summer houses are seen I have no idea or what they're doing other then draping a tarp over the roof and down to the ground anchoring it with stones in tree branches.  As I see all the destruction around my home, neighborhood and the region, I wonder how long it will take for all of us to get back to what I laughingly referred to as normal?

To be perfectly honest, I really don't care. this might come as a surprise, or maybe even a shock but there have been times I have given serious consideration to putting a bullet between my ears and the only thing that stopped me, the only reason I found stay alive with my dog.  I did not know what happened to her once I was gone, what kind of people would take her or even if she would be put down because no one had time for her, just like many my dear friends have had no time for me.

After spending over 30 minutes on hold, she came back on the line to tell me that it will be taking care of within a week, and I have nothing to worry about.  However, knowing the speed and efficiency of the United States government, and how fast FEMA came to our rescue at the beginning, I am not to hold my breath. However, at least it's a warm place to sleep as the winds blow through the destroyed windows as if it were not even covered. So I guess I should be grateful, or not sure what to happen around a propane, I guess others have to wait and see.

My response was, yes, bring the computer or over and I'll get too soon as I can.  However, it will be $25 an hour for the repairs.  That way I could take the money I earned to pay someone to come and help me pack my house.  You would've thought I had shot in the foot with cannon when they realized that my services were no longer free, and their response was just as I expected. "if I have to pay for someone to fix my computer, I will take into a real computer store".  needless to say, I had no problem in giving him directions to the only computer store in town that is open, and which then the best of luck the idiots that work there. So it seems I have a few less friends now, and I thank God for it as these people are not worth the powder it would take to blow them to hell.  I'm beginning to give serious thought to moving out of the state once my house repaired.

Anyway, when I called a woman checked her computer and said that there has never received a requestfor trailer swapout, and my files did not indicate that I was eligible for a ADA trailer.  At that very moment I knew I was in for a long time on the phone having them check the into my FEMA records to prove that my disability get qualified me for the handicapped trailer.  needless to say, my apprehension about the delays was well founded as the freshly charge batteries on my cordless phone die for I can finish my conversation with them.  So I called back of my cell phone hoping that we get the same person, however, as it always does United States government's I that somebody different, and we started all over again. finally, the woman discovered that yes, I did qualify for a ADA trailer and they would do their best to get one out in a few days.  Why is it I cannot find any solace or reassurance in her words?

Problem is every time stormy hears a noise, she first goes into a low growl as followed shortly by a high-pitched bark that tends to get everyone's attention and would give away the fact that someone is home. so I guess going to the store for a candy, and hope they has to sugarfree candies for me.

As for the rest of the day the insurance company called to let me know that my claim was still being processed.however, they must send another claims adjuster because they don't believe all damages that the house stained were due to the hurricane.  I can see now it's not be long drawnout fight, held most likely have a higher journey like everybody else.  I was hoping it would get this point, but I think I will pass to hope.   meanwhile my house continues to take damage from rain, and is not a whole lot I can do about it.

with all the help I've asked for, and none that I received a measure of my house survive until repairs can be started.  All I can do is try to get someone to the proper my house.  I called the Corps of Engineers would start a program blue-roof to hopefully have a tarp install to cover the gaping hole between the fireplace in the house.   They're supposed to be accurate tomorrow a day after take a look at a sign all papers giving them access to the property, and a hole harmless agreement, I am not holding my breath as far as federal government goes!

I'll leave this in your capable hands to decide if you're right or wrong.  When the to tree hit, a crushed for the hood down onto the engine, stripping off the front and bumper tearing off all of the whites of the front and shoving the radiator into the engine.  But I guess that's wrote worthy! I tell the woman said she thought it was so road worthy, why don't they send someone out to drive and around the block. and if they make it without burning up the engine, they can help me duck tape the lights back on! Apparently I did not amuse her, and she said there is nothing else I have people with real problems to deal with. before she could hang up I asked her if she had a vehicle?  And her answer was yes.  Then I asked her how would you like to walk to the store, or anyplace else care to go?  Her answer was "just take the bus". so I just had to break the bad news to her that there is no bus service where I live, but it made no difference you said I hope you have a nice day and hung up.  I hope now you understand why I have developed a bad attitude when it comes to getting any assistance from our federal government.  I would have more luck if I took over small Caribbean island and declared war United States, lease that way I can get foreign aide, but my luck they would just drop a small nuke.

I just wish I could find a job as having an income other than my VA pension would help me do the necessary repairs so I could move back in, and get rid of this damned the trail.

After I did mathematics, I found that after I pay my mortgage, lights, water and other bills I will have a whole $15 left over to buy groceries with.  Man oh man, I can eat high on the lot with that amount of money every month. it's now looking like I may have to do something I had never wanted to do in my life, and that is applied for food stamps just so I can have something to eat it really looks like it's going to be a great new year! will at least tomorrow I have a good meal to look forward to add my sisters.  So about 10 o'clock a pack of the mutt and will head down there.

I know this is going to sound strange but all I could do was laugh uncontrollably, and when he asked why I was laughing I informed them that my last job paid $45 an hour and $700 a week per diem, and he wanted me to do more work for considerably less money! well, last thing I heard was in slamming the phone down and all I can say is that hope you can find somebody with my training and education go to his work for $9.50 an hour.  But I don't think he's going to.   So is turning out to be of great 2006, no job prospects, a damaged house that is being damaged more with each rainstorm and a mortgage company that seems to have the strangest sense of humor I've ever heard of.  I am not sure how much more is crap I can take for I lose what mind I have left.