Game Over
Alright, in a rare display of common sense, the old lady and I, along with the whiskey, are moving to higher ground. The National Hurricane Center’s forecast track hasn’t changed in 24 hours; usually a pretty good indication that it’s going to do exactly what they say it will. And now Katrina’s a pretty intimidating category 4, 145 mph winds, and the hurricane center has even amused the thought of it strengthening to category 5. In short, this is no longer something that I’m comfortable joking about.
We live in a one story single shotgun in Mid City, we don’t have storm shutters, elevation is 1.5 feet below sea level, and there’s not a room in the place without windows.. hardly a safe shelter in a category 4 or 5 storm. At this point I’m going to be pleasantly surprised if we return to find it in livable condition.
I think the plan is to go to Jackson, which is still in the path of the storm, but at least high enough up and far enough inland to weather this thing a little better. The other option was to stay with a friend in Galveston, but frankly I’ve always preferred Johnny Cash’s “I’m Going To Jackson” to Glen Campbell’s “Galveston.”
Related posts:
Do what ever you have to do to be safe.
I hope the whiskey holds out….and don’t forget to eat.
My thoughts are with you all in NO.
Please post when you can.
I’m glad your leaving, I was worried that my earlier glib comment would encourage you to stay.
My mother still talks about how scared they all were in my grandmother’s shotgun house on annunciation during hurricane betsy, and this looks worse.
by now you’re outta there I fervently hope. if you’re connecting from jackson or wherever, hang in there. I pray that there will be stuff left, I’m in tampa and we were spared at the last hour last year, something I will never cease being thankful for, although what happened south of us was searing. Stay safe, reconnect when you can, and god help us all.
I happened across your blog yesterday. Good luck to you and your family.
Ruth (cleveland, ohio)
i happened upon your blog too, as is surf for New Orleans blogs to see what her citizens are saying aboutthis storm. God be with you and I hope your home takes little or no damage.
Pam
Portland, OR
Uh, good idea. I used to live two doors off the bayou on St. Philip. Get to the Dome. If you try to leave, best head due north and then cut over. Vaya con Dios, neighbor!!!
I hope the rest of my friends are as smart as you and wish you and everybody back home the best of luck.
joe said:
>>My mother still talks about how scared they all were in my grandmother’s shotgun house on annunciation during hurricane betsy, and this looks worse.
Wow, that’s strange, I was actually ON Annunciation street during hurricane Betsy. The roof sprouted leaks everywhere, but the most exciting thing I remember was cars and telephone poles floating down the street. (I was young enough to enjoy the excitement.) Pretty incredible stuff - and that was only category 3?
I no longer live there but family has gone to Picayune - here’s hoping N.O. isn’t washed away…
The live report on NPR at 6 AM EST does not mention levee failures overnight. Thank God for that. When will the storm surge hit? My wife and daughter vacationed 3 year ago at St. Peters Guest House on St. Peters and Dauphine, 3 blocks from Bourbon. We heard stories of coffin floating down the street in the early 1700s due to below sea level elevation. Hard to imagine that grand, exotic city emptied. We’ll raise a glass to you and pray for the best.
I am looking for anyone from Annunciation Street who knows George and Isabel Reynolds. Need to know whether they got out, where they could have gone, if they are OK. Thanks and God bless.
oops, my last name is Anglade, which is also Isabel Reynolds’ maiden name.
To all New Orleanians, mine and my family’s prayers are with you. If not for the movement of that high pressure system into Texas I would be in the situation ya’ll are in now, being as I live 25 miles from the mouth of the Brazos River. It hurts me terribly to see your beautiful city go through this.
We have some of your evacuees staying in our small community and we are taking care of them. If you wish I will attempt to gather their names and post them in case someone may be looking for lost loved ones or friends.
I am a builder, and although I do not wish to jump into this too early, I believe we need to start looking at how New Orleans will be rebuilt and I would like feedback from those that live there.
A couple of people mention the shotgun houses that are throughout the city and are a major historical link to the citys’ past. My question is, would the citizens of New Orleans prefer to rebuild in the style of architecture that is now prevalent and so historical in the city or would they prefer more “modern” construction? The size of the city lots will probably dictate some of this, but I would like the citizens’ opinions.
May God be with you.