Back home with power!

[DollFin]

I came home yesterday afternoon. I live in Uptown New Orleans, and was VERY happy to see that not only did I have power, but there was clear evidence that my power had only been out a very short time (Usually I seem to be among the first to loose it and the last to get it back when there is any major outage).

Unfortunately, my evacuation experience didn't turn out so well. I went to stay with a friend who lived far enough outside the city to be safe although we knew we'd still get a fair amount of wind and rain. Well, it turned out my friend is VERY OCD (more like ANAL RETENTIVE) and, while I am not a slob by any means, I'm not totally consumed with cleanliness and organization. So, I spent the entire time being nitpicked and criticized for everything I did, was belittled in front of her neighbors as being "useless" even though I busted my butt trying to help her clean up after the storm passed, I am covered in bruises, scratches and mosquito bites from doing yard work for her, and for my effort, I was told I was not welcome back. I did get slight vindication when she drove me home and I discovered I had full power while hers still hadn't been restored.

It's very frustrating not being able to drive, since I have to depend on others for transportation, and it limits my options for evacuation (especially since I also have 2 cats), and now and then, it puts me at the mercy of "friends" who end up making me feel like crap for having needed to depend on them.

[unclepooty]

Hate to hear that about your friend, but glad to hear your home.

[Rockhound76]

My mother inlaw and brother inlaw are both back home in New Orleans East. Although they lost everything in Katrina (his house was "down to the slab"), they rebuilt a single home, which was just finished and were very worried about it.

They came home to find only minor roof and patio damage and ELECTRICITY. Even the looters stayed away this time, despite their home being one of the few rebuilt iand reoccupied in the neighborhood. After Katrina, everything not detroyed in the flood was stolen.

My wife's best friend lives in Metairie and her power won't be back for two or three weeks. Interestingly, the guy down the street had his working the next day, but the crew there wouldn't come to her house.

I guess his being a JUDGE helped them set priorities.

[mwhities]

What's the address? I have connections in NO with the sewage department.

Michael

[dallasdivergirl]

Glad to hear that you and the cats are ok. that's most important.

[DollFin]

If anyone is or knows anyone in N O who's still without power, you are welcome to get in touch with me. I have tons of ice (I loaded up my freezer before I left just in case, and I can make more very easilly) and central air conditioning. I'd be happy to let people come here and "chill out" for a bit, check email, whatever they might need.

[Rockhound76]

Super nice offers. I'll call my wife, she'll talk to her friend and I'll PM ya'll if they need any help (her and her husband are great people, btw).

Last I heard, they were back in Mandeville at a relative's house, trying to decide what to do.

[Foo2]

Dollfin, I'm glad you made it home ok...although I'm sorry your friend was such a jerk.