Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Hurricane Katrina

Hello from Florida and Mr. Casserole. St. Casserole is fine, sitting in a condo in Florida, and trying to reach friends and family in Mississippi on the phone. I, the husband, found a Wifi coffee house and called St.C, who wanted me to post note. Being somewhat unfamiliar with her blogging format, bear with me as I give the run-down. As an old hurricane hand , I was not frightened about the storm until it took the Camille turn, and ran up the 89th due North toward us. We packed, took some important personal possessions (never enough and never enough room) and headed to a friend's condo, who wanted to stay behind. The drive took 8 hours for what normally would be a three hour drive. 8 hours feels like 20 when there is mewing, moaning and groaning in the back... and, besides the kids, the cats were unhappy. We are all safe. On the other hand, we have little cell phone service with our area. We know our house is safe, though all the trees are down. We understand there is no water inside and a friend opened up the house and removed all the food. My office, just recently built, is gone. There are old concrete tabby steps and nothing more. We have rented a Uhaul, bought as many ice chests as we can, gotten lots of gas cans and water containers, and are intending to leave St. C and daughter here and take food, ice, water, gas and food home to friends, family and needy. I will pack up as soon as we can get home.

Right now, the roads are impassable. No power. Trees down. News is that my office area is flattened along with the tons of stuff that was meaningful to me as regards my career, my family history, and loving family here. Replacable in other ways. Not really important since we are all alive and well. But, sadly missed. Things are icons for one's sadness. Here is a wierd one: my shed is standing. this is a joke among my friends and family. I have been meaning to tear the shed down for years and just have not gotten around to it. It is an old corrugatged plastic greenhouse looking thing and is about 12 x 35. It is literally held together by muddauber spit and beetle dung. It survived 145 mile an hour winds when my building, expertly crafted by my beswt friend, a contractor, cannot be found. No phyme, no reason. Like why some people live and others don't; why some houses get nailed by trees and others are unscathed. No way to wrap one's mind around the whys and wherefores. We find out about friends in odd ways. Daughter is expert text messager and son has cell friends away from area. They seem to be able to send messages to people who send messages and get notes back. We hope all friends are safe. We know that some lost houses, businesses, places they loved. We know friends at churches who no longer have church buildings. We know food and water will be needed in days. We are nervous about staying here and unsure how to get back. We see friends interviewed on tv and they are shell shocked. Anyway, nothing to do but make lists, buy everything in sight that might help, and wait for the roads to clear. St. C will write when she has time I am sure. Mr. Casserole, from our evacuation spot in Florida.

25 comments:

aola said...

thanks for the update. We have all been wondering and praying for your family.

Unknown said...

Dear Mr. Casserole,
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your situation. You are so good to be going in with ice, etc. Traveling mercies to you.

reverendmother said...

Bless you, and all the Casseroles. Thanks for checking in.

will smama said...

Thank you for posting. We all have been very anxious. Be careful on your return and give our best to all Casseroles and friends.

Phantom Scribbler said...

Thank you for updating us. We are so glad to hear that you're ok!

Sue said...

Thanks for the update. Blessings to you all.

HeyJules said...

So glad to hear that so far, all you know are safe. We're all thinking about your family and those you love and praying for your safe return.

Jan said...

Mr. Casserole, thank you so much for taking the time to let us know that you and your family are safe. You have all been on my mind and in my prayers constantly - as you will continue to be. Godspeed to you as you return to help others.

Anonymous said...

Oh! WHAT a relief to hear from you! Thank you so much for contacting us.

I'm praying for you all. Blessings to your family as you take refuge and as you travel to minister to those in so much need.

mibi52/ The Rev. Dr. Mary Brennan Thorpe said...

Thank you so much for letting us know you're all safe. Please be careful about going back - if your home turf is anything like what we're hearing about in LA, you might be better served to stay away for a bit longer. Hugs to the whole family, esp. the little ones (2 legged and four legged).

Jules said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you. My church prayed mightily on Sunday for the "Cass" family and those whom they love.

Emily said...

Blessings to your whole family and please let us know how things continue to be.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Casserole, thanks for the update. I can also tell from your writing style just how you and the Saint are such a good match!

Traveling mercies.

Princess of Everything (and then some) said...

Thank you more than you will ever know for letting us know. We are still praying. If you need any other place to stay, Texas is open for you. Just come on over.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you are okay. We have yet to hear from BSL. We are very anxious to hear if we have a home or church. It doesn't look good. We are without power with family north of the coast, but i'm using my sister's office computer. Hope to be in touch soon.

Jody Harrington said...

Just had to add my thanks for the update. You have been in my prayers.

Karen Sapio said...

How did your church survive--or not?

jo(e) said...

Thanks so much for the update. We've been worried. You've all been in my prayers.

Jane Ellen+ said...

Gratitude for your taking the time to update our community... sorrow for your losses... joy for your survival... and continued prayers for your well-being...

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Mr. Casserole. I'm so glad you're all ok. Have safe travel back and please send along a hug to your wonderful Mrs. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

LutheranChik said...

It's good to hear that all are safe and sound.

Theresa Coleman said...

Praise God for you safety -- sorrows for you loss.
I'm still praying for you and yours.

Kathryn said...

So glad of an update: thank you Mr C...Take care, and be wise as well as compassionate in your relief plans.
We'll keep on praying here.
Love to all x

Jaye Ramsey Sutter said...

Whew!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant post Mr C

I loved the story of the shed. The Lord truly gives and takes away, but as you say there doesn't appear to be any rhyme or reason to what stays and what goes.

Our prayers for your area as you pick up the pieces, reach out to the lost, lonely, the hungry and homeless.

God with you, every step of the way. We thank Him for your safety. Amen