Misery Before Light
I have to be honest with you. It has been pure hell. Let me paint a picture of what Louisiana is going through. While big media reporters converged on New Orleans to capture Hurricane Gustav's fury, the city has escaped relatively unscathed. The biggest blow to New Orleans is economic as businesses closed and workers fled.
The worst damage actually happened to the power grid of Parishes west of New Orleans all the way up to Baton Rouge. Without electricity, people cannot buy food or gas. For those of us living in rural areas, we cannot run our water pump without electricity. The few businesses that are open are being run on generators.
As you can imagine, there are cars stretched out for miles to fuel up. Gas is being rationed and limited to only 10 gallons per vehicle. Your VISA, Mastercard, and even American Express are worthless. Cash is the only form of payment being accepted.
Just think about it. You cannot drive to work because you are afraid you'll run out of gas. While you may have stocked up on a week's worth of canned goods, you are now frightened because they tell you it may be a month before electricity is restored to your home. You are running out of food, gas, and money. The misery index is indeed high for those of us that live in the Baton Rouge area.
I am fortunate that my suffering ended yesterday. My buds, Brian and Greg, have graciously allowed to me evacuate to their home in the Marigny. It is a beautiful house that sits just outside the French Quarter. They are even taking care of my dogs for me today while I am at work.
For those less fortunate, I hope no one goes hungry today. May your electricity and economic well-being be restored SOON! I am praying for you.
The worst damage actually happened to the power grid of Parishes west of New Orleans all the way up to Baton Rouge. Without electricity, people cannot buy food or gas. For those of us living in rural areas, we cannot run our water pump without electricity. The few businesses that are open are being run on generators.
As you can imagine, there are cars stretched out for miles to fuel up. Gas is being rationed and limited to only 10 gallons per vehicle. Your VISA, Mastercard, and even American Express are worthless. Cash is the only form of payment being accepted.
Just think about it. You cannot drive to work because you are afraid you'll run out of gas. While you may have stocked up on a week's worth of canned goods, you are now frightened because they tell you it may be a month before electricity is restored to your home. You are running out of food, gas, and money. The misery index is indeed high for those of us that live in the Baton Rouge area.
I am fortunate that my suffering ended yesterday. My buds, Brian and Greg, have graciously allowed to me evacuate to their home in the Marigny. It is a beautiful house that sits just outside the French Quarter. They are even taking care of my dogs for me today while I am at work.
For those less fortunate, I hope no one goes hungry today. May your electricity and economic well-being be restored SOON! I am praying for you.
posted by Brettcajun at Friday, September 05, 2008
16 Comments:
It is good that you and your loved ones are OK and not hurt!
I was wondering what happened to you. Glad you are finding shelter.
Hang in there, buddy -- the whole nation is thinking of yall down there.
Happy to hear that you and the kids are ok.
Keep smiling!!! :-)
Sara Palin will save you!
she has a gun.
I'm sorry you are having to go through this. At least you have good friends to help you through.
It is very thoughtful of your friends to do this for you. You are very lucky to have freinds like this. Others do not. hopefully the light will shine soon.
Hugs
Ray
Does help right now... but when things get back to normal consider:
http://www.gcpsolar.com/
This hasn't been covered at all by the media. I am sorry for you guys.
The international media has barely touched on this at all, it's rather frightening to see what it's like from your perspective. I'm glad you've managed to find accomodation and things aren't looking so bad for you. I certainly hope everything is restored soon though and life can get back to normal for all those involved. Thanks for keeping us updated, It's good to hear you're okay - After not hearing from you for a while I was starting to worry!
I'd be damned thankful for good friends...and I know you are. My continued prayers and good energy are all yours, Brett.
We are glad you found a place with power to keep us posted... we are about to get the wraths of Hanna... but she is a pussy compaired to what you all got, but we are not even used to thunderstorms here... so a day of rain and wind has shut the city down... cancelled a big NASCAR race and all... means that there will be lovin' going on...hehehe... glad you guys are okay... power will be back soon...hang in there and thank your friends for us... smooches!
kelly and jeff and chris
i remember how it felt. good luck! hopefully a slight breeze won't keep knocking it out for hours at a time. anything has gotta better than new orleans after katrina.
You need anything, you holler.
Take care of yourself Brett. I hope things in and around the Baton Rouge area improve so everyone can get back to their lives.
The people of Lousiana are in my prayers.
Thanks for all the well wishes! I appreciate it. Today, I got the very good news that electricity is now running at my house. YAY! So, this is my last day as a Gustav refugee. My buds Brian and Greg have been very good hosts.
I'll be more "plugged in" the blogworld, FB, and emails tomorrow.
Thanks everyone! :)
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