Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Companies make big $ off Katrina clean-up

Shut up, you say! I'm having trouble getting links to work so I'll just give you the addy.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12875663/


More later. "Denial" is today.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

The Weekend, Breaux Bridge, and Work

Over the weekend I watched CSpan2. There was presentation by phtographers of the Dallas News touting their book, Eyes of the Storm, which was published with all proceeds to go to recovery efforts. Stunning stories and photographs! It's available from the Dallas News for $19.95.

I went to Breaux Bridge yesterday to look around. It is so pretty. I love those little Bayou houses with the french doors. I went to a shop called "Louisiana Purchase" that had beautiful yard art and actually BOUGHT something because I can put it in the car! I got lots of ideas from the shop and made notes. I am ready to go home to my cottage and get with it.I had a French lunch at Jacqueline's Cafe and oo lala. First came half a cantaloupe. It had port wine in the center hole with blueberries floating. Nice and cooling for a hot afternoon. Then came a composed salad of tomato, asparagus, egg on greens. A great shallot-y vinegrette covered it all. Then came Coquilles St. Jacques and I was done for. I had to go back and take a nap.

On Saturday I walked and shopped downtown. I found lots of things to buy but fought the urge. I also went to the knitting store but managed to hold back. Thay have SnB on Thursday and I hope to go this week. I went to the sushi place Tsunami and was very pleased with dinner. I was a little burnt out on gravy dishes and sushi helped me balance. Whew.

On Sunday I went to Abbeville LA, supposedly the Oyster Capital of Acadiana. I didn't get to go to the Oyster places in Roadfood-they were closed. But I did find a place that had a deck over the Bayou Teche (I gravitate towards waterside, even in the heat) and had a nice catfish lunch. I drove down to the Tabasco Plant and bought some stunning chile pepper Mardi Gras beads!

I scheduled a training on denial for Friday, but no one much was here in the office. A three day weekend can bring on some well-desrved flex time. So I'll be denialling tomorrow.



Friday, May 26, 2006

More notes from the trip down, Boudin Ball, and Mulate's again

Highway 90, the coast road, was closed in Pass Christain. I got really lost trying to find I-10, but I didn't mind. I like getting lost. It's how you find out stuff. Most of the ruined house debris was removed, but some rubble still remained. People who are trying to recover from a disaster need organization in their lives. Having to look at this stuff is demoralizing and retraumatizing. It make me sick that we have built an entire city in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Coast is still a wreck.

Okay, anyway, I found I-10 and drove to the Pearlington exit. I found out about Pearlington from my friend Sorka(Can that girl knit or what!). I wanted to see it for myself. It's a campsite.

People seem to be making do-I didn't see anyone to stop and talk to, so I kept going. It looks like they still need help to me. I'll try to find out more on my way back through. As I turned of the Pearlington road, I found the storm surge remains. Trees, and shrimp boats were stacked up on the side of this road. Here was my beautification spot. I knew I'd know it when I saw it. As I left there I finally picked up the Ragin Cajun Radio Station . My favorite show "Talk of the Bayou" was on. Those guys are so great. They discuss current local events. It helped me when I was in Thibodaux to hear the show-I heard what was on the minds of the citizens. They take calls and answer the phone "Bon Jour". They get really mad at injustice-my kind of fellas! When I heard them I knew I was back. I left the byways and proceeded to Lafayette.

I have been somewhat busy at work. I was to present a training for the Staff at the Agency this morning on Denial. Surprise-everyone (almost) had taken the day off to have a 4 day weekend. Too bad. I was going to use Kenneth "I am Innocent" Lay as the #1 Prime Example of Denial. I'll do it next week. He'll still be guilty.

I'll be doing assessments next week and going to court. Child Protective Service cases are always so complicated and the workers are so dedicated. They have to be-everybody hates them. They are always having to defend themselves to parents/children/judges/quality assurance/head honchos/the public. All this for $20,000 per year. Nice, hard working people. I am here to support them. That, it seems, is my mission this time around.

I have discovered Boudin Balls. I had dinner at Prejean's on Wednesday night and had Boudin Balls, Duck Gumbo that was dark, smoky and delish and a salad. I am going to search for more Boudin Balls when I leave this here public library.

I went to Mulate's again last night and met some fine forty somethings born and raised in Breaux Bridge. They all grew up together and married each other's cousins/brothers/sisters, etc. They were great and very hospitable. Thanks yall.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Some notes about the trip down

Mobile AL is a neat place. In the Old Spanish Fort part ( I am sure there is a real old Spanish Fort-I just didn't get a chance to look for it) there are restaurants on stilts overlooking the Gulf. Of course I had to stop at Ed's Seafood Shed. They sell fun gifts.

I was seated at a big table in the shade right on the water. That is a big deal because quite often not-young women get ignored and stuck in corners. These young people treated me like a queen and I thank them for that. I got a dinner that had fried grouper breaded with cornmeal, oysters breaded with cornmeal (you can request regular or firm. Firm is for those who have not acquired a taste for raw oysters by themselves). I of course chose reular. Apparently oysters are available year round here-yay. The plate also had big fried shrimp. I skipped the fries (I always do-why waste calories and room on soggy fries?) and went for the hush puppies.

Now, I know there are people that get all single minded about their cornbread. I am from the South and grew up eating a certain type of cornbread (not committing myself). As I have matured I have decided to keep open-minded and enjoy the good in every hush puppy I eat. These were cakey and sweet with sugar. There were hints of onion and jalapeno, but nothing to overpower the overall effect. The grouper crust was as crisp as a potato chip from a just-opened bag, and tender in the middle-not at all dried out. Fabulous I say. I recommend this spot to anybody-apparently the locals like it too.

I left Mobile on Monday morning early (yay for time change) and stopped at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Sanctuary and got out the binocs. I didn't see any. They are nesting right now. I'll look again on the way back.

I cut off I-10 at Gulfport. I was almost to the shore when I began to see the real damage. Shops in the town are still closed. The oncewhat -must -have-been vibrant beachfront was deserted. Live oaks were still there by the grace of God. The only rebuilding going on in earnest were the historic homes.

When I pulled over to take a picture of that shut-down Walmart, I just sat there for a while. It's right across the road from the beach, which should have had bathers on such a beautiful day. There were only a couple of brave souls. It was so quiet I could here the breeze. I'll post the pictures as soon as I get them. Later gaters (no gater mocking!)

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Here I am at the Local Agency

It's been so long since I sat at a desk in an agency in a cubicle. Everyone is here is really nice, but I remember why I made the life choice that I did to go into private practice. I hear variations on the Protective Service theme: can't find parent, making poor choices in the face of the court system. Parents jockeying for control in situations where they have no control at all. So sad. I'm doing a staff training on Denial. I'm working on it now. Sorta.

Yesterday I went to Mulates
outside Breaux Bridge.
By the way, that town made me suck in air.
It is SO great.
Anyway, I had crawfish and
more crawfish. It was fabulous, dirty rice, hot garlic sauce and all. I'm going back in the evening when I can do some dancin. It's been a while since I cut a rug and I think it's time. This may just be the spot.

More later I think I hear the boss.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

I'm here. What a trip!

I am currently at the Lafeyette Library. My room has no computer and the no-tell motel doesn't have one for guests. SO I may not be able to report every day. I'll do what I can.

When I got to the motel I saw that I had no fridge. 2 weeks in a box with no refrigeration? I think not. I got them to give me one.

I left about 5 am Sunday, took the Wiregrass Highway through Georgia. It didn't look all that wiry to me but it's early in the season yet. I have a cute sunroof so I opened up once I got on I-10, immediately closed it again in order not to get BURNT to a crisp. I hung my rearview Elvis in the rental car so it wouldn' look so rental-y. He enjoyed Mississippi.

I stayed in Mobile and left early Monday. I cut down at Gulfport to see what was still there. There's one word: nothing. Nothing at all. People's clothes were still hanging from treetops.

I have many things I want to say about this part but my 30 minutes are up. I'll post photos later on in the week. Wal Mart haters will be please to know I took a picture of the closed Walmart at Pass Christian.

More late, and believe me it's a lot including restaurant reviews and child protective service updates from the Bayou. Bon jour chers

Saturday, May 20, 2006

The Road

I have spent the morning looking up Barbeque Places in Southern Georgia. What a mistake. I am now starving and I'll have to go to Momma Brown's for supper. MMMMM collards. My friend Julie will be joining me, then taking me to pick the rental car. I may upgrade to Something Special if they plan to give me a 2 door Speck. I will travel through Valdosta and Waycross. Hopefully somebody will have Sunday lunch for me. I am taking Cheerwine, and will buy the peanuts to go in the bottle when I get to the Peanut State. I hope to make it to Mobile tomorrow, then I will take I-10 to Lafayette.

I have knitting books, I have an Atlas, I have new Bare Escentials cosmetics. I have a bag for shoes. I have wildflower seeds, and rose cuttings. I think I am ready. Thank goodness for that Girl Scout training. I am officially Prepared.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Here's the Plan

Here's my plan. I'm leaving for Lafayette, LA early Sunday morning. I am driving this time, therefore I will be able to be Susie Roseseed. I have many Noisette roses in my garden that are the old-timey stick-in-the-ground roses. I am taking cuttings along with canna lilies, mums, asclepias and other seeds that will beautify the roadsides. The hurricanes destroyed many gardens, and they need plants. So I will do my best to make it better.

I will be an actual team member this time, and I'm looking forward to a different experience. I don't know yet what I will actually be doing task-wise, but I am flexible, as we all know. I got a copy of revised Roadfood and a big ole map. I think I'm ready.

Since I'm driving I will be able to take along much knitting paraphernalia without the airline worry. I like to have different books and projects on hand to fit my every mood.

Wish me luck, friends.

Okay, Thibodaux it isn't.

Oh well, the Thibdaux site is closing this week, so I have been re-routed to Lafayette. I do not yet know what I will be doing there but I trust it will be enlightening. I'll give a full report on activity or lack of, that I observe. I am currently researching restaurants. I think I may be part of an actual team this time so I'll have people to pal around with me. More later..

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Thibodaux it is!

I recieved deployment orders today and I'm going back to Thibodaux. HelLOOOO Half Shell! And I'll be staying with my former hosts! Good news!

Driving Myself

I want to drive to Louisiana. Last time I flew down and I had to haul all my stuff everywhere, got ill even with Echinecea and Airborne (my left ear stopped up. Ever been to a deaf therapist? Hmm?), and ate crappy food. If I drive I can leave early in the morning on May 22, make it most of the way, find Roadfood spot or two, leave early the next morning for the drive into New Orleans. I can take Miss Sorka's suggestion and drop down to Highway 90 and pass through Pearlington. I will take pictures for all to view. I don't know if the I-10 bridge is fixed yet so I think it's better to take the by-way. If anybody knows better please tell me.

I spoke again with the Good Dr. Chu Chu last night. She asked me if I could be available to go into trailer parks instead of schools. I, of course, being fearless/ dumba$$ that I am and always have been, said Of Course Absolutely. Since there are no trailer parks in Thibodaux I am guessing New Orleans is my next destination.
No problem!













*SIGH*

Look out yall.

Monday, May 08, 2006

Crawfish, here I come!


There are many altrustic reasons for wanting to return to Louisiana and some not so. I cannot wait for crawfish.

I requested to return to Thibodeux, but they may not need me there. If not it will be New Orleans. Since I have only been there to fly in before, now's as gooda time as any to go.

Hurricane season is almost upon us. Those of us in areas prone to such weather know that June is not usually a problem. Neither is July. When the water gets hot and the air does too, that's when the "fun" begins. I have volunteered to go back during high hurricane season because it does not scare me and I know what to do-throw your stuff in the back seat of the rental car and get out of Dodge. You don't wait around and ask questions or watch it while it's on its way to kick butt. You Leave. Which is what I will do.

Anyway, I called my hosts at Naquins BB and told them of my immenent return. Boy I hope I can stay with them again.

If I go to NO I may to wear agency shirts that are very bright orange, a shade that makes no white girl look good. I didn't wear them in Thibodeux, and I don't know why I wasn't required to do so. I did not ask questions because that shirt would have lit me up in the dark as someone from Somewhere Else, which is what I was avoiding.

All the FEMA people in NO have gone home. Wonder why? Does everybody have a lovely trailer now? Is everything back to business as usual. I cannot comment because I have not been there. HOWEVER, as you all know, I will be reporting from the ground.

Thanks for all y'all's support.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006




Okay dusty here you are!

NPR Today

I left the DMV at lunchtime (it was suprisingly efficient! I have to say!) NPR was in progress reporting on a study done at Columbia University regarding the health of Katrina Evacuees.

"Children do not have the ability to absorb six or nine months of high levels of stress and undiagnosed or untreated medical problems" without long-term consequences, said Dr. Irwin Redlener, the director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Mailman and co-founder of the Children's Health Fund.

This has been my fear all along. The window of opportunity that is currently open for these children won't be that way for long. Long term chronic mental health problems (and subsequesnt costs of housing/jailing/treating/institutionalizing) will likely result from the disaster. Maybe I need to get Oprah on this. Yeah that's the ticket......