New Orleans

My life has gotten entirely too busy and too interesting lately. Between Dad's death, learning a new job, and traveling five days per week, it has been really tough to get time to update this blog. I did try on several occasions down in New Orleans, but I kept getting pulled away. I'm not exactly in New Orleans, I'm actually in Laplace. It's about 20 miles west of New Orleans. While Katrina wasn't strong enough there to rip the place apart, it was still strong enough to do damage that still has not been corrected. There are massive old trees all over the area for instance that were blown down, and have been left where they lay. In addition, you can see high water marks on buildings on occasion. By far though, the hurricane left its largest impression on the people. All have stories, all want to share them, I get the impression that there is a type of therapy going on as they share their stories. I rode down sitting next to a lady who worked for the Post Office. Her job was to try to get a list together of who was living in the flood damaged ninth ward, and where they were living. She said that it was amazing to see where people were living. You would think that a house was too destroyed for anyone to live in, and there would be someone at the door.

The people there are friendly, the climate is agreeable. At least it is in May. I'll let you know about July later, and the food is outstanding. In fact, the most abusive thing about the assignment is getting there. There is no way to get to New Orleans from Detroit without a layover somewhere. I do not enjoy racing through mega airports, but that appears to be my fate. I have three choices: Atlanta, Chicago, or Dallas Fort Worth.

The job itself, keeps me indoors and pounding on a computer. I have enjoyed the breaks under a live oak tree sitting at a picnic table listening to the mockingbirds. It is summer there, and the living is easy. I'm hoping as the job requirements ease off, I'll be able to tour some of the plantations and historical sites. I specifically want to see if there is any really cool antiques out there. I wouldn't mind stopping in a few antique stores in the area.

That's about it for right now.