Hurricane Katrina, Post 6

We are in an area referred to in the newspapers as "south of the tracks." I've always heard of being on the wrong side of the tracks--now we truly understand the meaning. Yesterday I heard a reporter talking about middle-class families instantly becoming refugees. That is us! Our house is (was) about 1-1/2 blocks from the beach at the Long Beach-Gulfport city lines, so photos of rubble may be ours. Sorry if this sounds lacking in optimism, but we will pick up and start over, if necessary. We keep reminding each other that it is just stuff. Just wish we had packed more of that stuff, but when we packed on Sat. Katrina was only at category 3, not so big and that huge storm surge wasn't on our minds.

Until they will let us return, we are now at the home of one of Maurice's nieces here in Brandon. The house doesn't have power, phone, etc., but I'm writing this at her office that does have power, phone, and even air conditioning! It is hot and steamy here today.