Postby Jake_Norwood » Sun Sep 04, 2005 8:37 am
This is from an email I got from Jeanry today, he wanted me to give y'all a heads up.
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Hi, this is Jeanry
I'm ok. To save time I'm sending the same form letter to everybody, but trust
me, you are all in my heart in a very individual way. We have to hurry because
we have to get oil and gas for the generator and be back before the curfew. I
am in the LSU library using their computer in the wonderful air conditioning.
We (Marjorie our three cats and I) are staying in Abita Springs in Marjories
parents fortress-like ranch house. We were very lucky, several huge trees
snapped but missed the house. I'm spending most of the day clearing brush and
chainsawing logs. All night lying on the marble floor trying to sleep in the
heat, listening to the radio in the darkness. The stars are spectacular.
We have intermittent water and electricity (when the generator is on) but only
twice a day for a little while because we have to conserve gasoline. It's very
trying. Only cold showers! When I see the people in New Orleans on the
expressways and the convention center I realise how good we have it though.
The Abita area is wrecked, every street is choked with shattered trees and
snapped light poles, with power lines snaking like giant serpents through the
bones of dinosaurs. They have been going through clearing holes with chainsaws
and bulldozers. I am proud of these men and women who are working so hard to
fix everything.
I am also very disgusted with the grandstanding self congratulatory politicians,
other than Mayor Ray Nagin who I think is trying his best and speaks honestly.
I can't believe they slowly let my home town drown. I cant believe it has been
5 days and they still aren't pumping the water out. This is the country that
went to the moon? I thought fixing levees and pumping water was something they
have known how to do since the Dutch reclaimed Holland from the sea.
We are ok though. There has been reports of looters, one was supposedly shot in
Abita Springs last night. But I have my shotgun (and my swords!) Marjorie and
the 3 cats and I are ok. Getting along ok with her folks too so far. Her
brother and his family (wife, two kids, 4 cats) were here but left for New York
city today.
I gather there is at least a foot of water inside my house in New Orleans and
it's probably completely looted. I hope to possibly recover what can be got.
If we can get back into town in the next month or so, Earl has offered to let us
use one of his places in the Quarter which was spared (though might be looted)
to live in while we try to sort out what will be done with our home. If we
can't get back to New Orleans after several weeks we may go and travel for a
while and visit some friends around the country.
For now we are ok in Abita. Everyone should be pleased I'm definately losing
weight dragging logs and brush around in the 96 degree heat. I miss you all,
you are in my thoughts in this very lonely time.
Jeanry
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Sen. Free Scholar
ARMA Deputy Director
