Watermelon and Time

Today I arrived at the Holiday Inn Express in Dehnam Springs. Our outpost was changed as a result of no one being allowed into Hammond. The extent of damage I have seen so far, basically from the highway, has been very little. I know there are some area's around here with out power, but nothing too major. Our biggest concern, as sad as it is, is the high speed internet is not working and we have to make due with dial-up.

Everyone I come in contact with seems to be at the end of their ropes. Seeing how this is only the second day and rumors have it of not letting anyone in New Orleans for some time, I don't think the hope is going to get any better. These people do not know the condition of their homes and getting through on the phones if virtually impossible, even for me. The attitude is very somber, with the exception of five people staying a few rooms down from me. When I opened the door to leave the makeshift office, I was nearly barreled down by flashes of kids running the balcony. They ranged in ages from three to eight, and each one of them had no shoes and a mouthful of watermelon. They were laughing, screaming, and generally being kids. But judging from the smiles on their faces you would never have known Gov. Blanco had declared Marshall Law a few hours earlier or how wives were sucked away from the hands of their husbands as flood waters filled the homes. Today was just another adventure to them, a different playground for the innocent of mind. Don't we all wish for such a time we can be so light hearted and not thought of as a fool.

I am not completely sure, but I think I will be working claims in a parish around Baton Rouge. This will keep me away from the majority of the flooded areas. My biggest fear now is the disease and "Toxic Soup" as it has been called. I think I will be away from that area and out of most harms way. Most of the adjusters I have talked to, ones with 15-20 years experience, say this is the worst they have ever seen. Suddenly I have a craving for watermelon and the hope of pleasant dreams.

Paul Revere Rides again

Every time a hurricane comes through it reminds me of when Paul revere made his ride. It is a bunch of "the storm is coming the storm is coming." This is usually followed by mass hysteria and the occasion tears from loved ones. But I see it as a way to hurry up, pack virtually everything I own, and wait around for the command to leave. Then I sit as plans crumble and change all around me. Some may say we follow the military's Hurry up and Wait policy. But, as all of you hopefully know, and some may be even harboring refugees, Katrina did some damage. This means I am leaving.

So, tomorrow, maybe, I will become a resident of the Days Inn in Hammond, LA. That is assuming they have power, and open roads, and means for our company to operate. I figured trying to work 15 hour days and keeping in touch with all my friends and family will be a little difficult. So I have decided to try and post updates on my blog every couple of days or so. This way any who is bored can say "I wonder what David is up to," (knowing you spend most of your time doing that already) can simply log on to the internet and say..."Damn, I'm glad I'm not him." So let the good times roll South Louisiana, here I come.