Aftermath Update 2: Misery and Desperation (Updated)

[Solly Mack]

Last edited Mon Aug 31, 2020, 09:15 PM - Edit history (3)

While I have some battery time.


1. Still no electricity. September 3rd timeline pushed back.

2. City was without water in some places and boil advisory in others. Water restored locally.

3. Some hard hit areas won't have water or electricity for months.

4. Can't boil water without the means to do so.

5. Almost nothing is open for business locally.

6. Mad rush for what is available. Limited supplies, thousands of people trying to get them.

7. Gouging is taking place.

8. Money, if you're fortunate, can't buy what isn't available. We're fortunate and can't get everything we need.

9. 5 hour lines for gas. Which runs out daily. First 36 hours no gas to be had.

10. Well known home improvement store finally opened with restricted hours. 3- 4 hour waits, with a lottery, to buy much needed items. Generators, propane (running low all over), grills, batteries, flashlights, solar lights.

11. Walmart is shuttered. Cardboard covers doors so people can't see inside. This was done after the hurricane. Biggest all in one store in parish closed.

12. One and only one other available to all grocery store is open. Limited hours and goods. Selling out quick.

13. Military Commissary not open. Keep saying they will but can't seem to pull it off.

14. PX closed indefinitely. Military shopping mall.

15. Gas is running out all over.

16. People angry, tired. It's getting ugly and desperate.

17. Forget Covid19 precautions. Few are following the state mandate right now.

18. Grills of all types gone in minutes. Fire pits, too. Fans and AC window units sold out.

19. Mail delayed. Shipping delayed. You can order but it's going to take weeks.

20. Parish has 1 civilian hospital. ONE. Lots of clinics but those lack power.

21. There is a military hospital but civilians can't use.

22. FEMA excluded my Parish from hotel vouchers for those without electricity. The elderly and sick needed those vouchers. I've seen the official list of aid. I know this for a fact.

23. The very few businesses that are open are running on generators.

24. Both the military and civilian hospitals are as well.

Water systems, a shitload of them, were destroyed or contaminated.

We were not the hardest hit. Though we do have millions in damage and a lot of problems. I feel so incredibly scared for those worse off. If a parish that took less damage can't get it together or get the help needed, how bad must it be for those who lost everything?

Weather: Sustained Heat advisory. Yesterday we hit 99. Before that, 102. 100, 101, 101. Today will be no better.

I've got coffee. Still miserable. Husband is working extended hours as an "essential" worker. I'm trying to keep the animals comfortable, as well as checking on friends who are disabled.

Got some time off today so one of us can stand in a line and hope our ticket is a winner. We need essential items, enough to share with our friends who can't stand in line.

Some kindness of strangers is taking place. Some. But people are being mean, rude, selfish, angry, greedy, impatient and all around assholes.

I can't stay online long. I'm rationing my battery charges.

Again, Thanks for listening.


EDIT to Update again.

Husband left work at 5 AM to go stand in lines. Just got home.

1. Walmart opened at 10 AM today. Limited hours. Limits on certain items.

2. National Guard is now in control of gas stations in the Parish. They control the lines. They control how many get in, etc..

3. We got a winning "lottery" number and bought a generator. Could have bought a grill but had one we lucked into the other day. We sold our old one last year and was meaning to replace it. Oh, well. Live and learn the hard way.

4. Catch: no drop cords, no charcoal, no propane. Long gas lines. He's going out again to look for drop cords and to stand in line for gas.

5. A couple of auto repair shops are up and running.

As for donations. Give to the Red Cross and direct the donation for Hurricane Laura relief.

We have given locally to a couple of places sheltering people and feeding them. We gave cash and goods. Shared our pantry because some things are hard to find. Money can't buy what isn't there.

Regards FEMA: Today our Parish was added for hotel vouchers and other assistance. Thankfully.

Got the updated updates once husband got home. He stopped off by his office on the way home and got the FEMA update.

Emergency shelter for pets went into place for displaced people.

Thank you to everyone!

PS

Took my husband's phone. Mine died. Once generator is set up I can keep my phone charged easier.

NEW EDIT

Thank you all for your kind words and helpful info and suggestions. Great bunch of people are DUers.

Love you all!

Battery dying again. Took it off charge too soon. Wanted to check in and let y'all know you lifted my spirits greatly.

[SheltieLover]

1. Sounds like dystopian trumpistan!

No water or electricity for months? Omfg!

Ty so much for your update! Glad you & yours are ok!

[Rebl2]

16. This is

how trump makes America great again?

[SheltieLover]

17. Right!

Not much FEMA help, from what I've read.

[Rebl2]

20. In the past

it seems like FEMA gets into position ahead of the storm when they know it’s going to be a bad one. They learned that from Katrina. Welcome to trumps America.

[SheltieLover]

47. Yup

Never seen anything like this. Dystopian don.

[Doremus]

57. I seem to recall a storm named Katrina.

This kind of shit has happened before and will again the next time a repuke steals the presidency.

[SheltieLover]

62. Absolutely!

I will never understand how or why anybody votes for them!

[mercuryblues]

73. That's what FEMA does under Democrats

[The Mouth]

74. Months?

Wasn't the hurricane a few days ago. Sounds bad enough as it is

[SheltieLover]

88. That is what Solly reported.

Dystopian tRumpistan.

[Solly Mack]

128. Yes. In some parishes they were told it would be months for power and water.

The majority of Louisiana's water services in the affected areas were destroyed or contaminated. Many people are still under a boil advisory. Many don't have any water.

Power lines snapped in two. Trees took many of them out. One street where I live, and we didn't get hit as hard as others, every single power pole was snapped. On just one street. Lines were down all over the parish.

It's far worse in Lake Charles and Cameron.

Someone joked, in a not meaning to be funny way, that Cameron will be remapped after this. Loss of land, flooding, and wind damage.

[The Mouth]

138. Whoa. Thanks

I was wondering why someone said months when it had just happened two days prior. Now I understand. Appreciated. And yeah, that's just wrong.

[Solly Mack]

140. You're welcome. We had a September 3rd time here for power but that was pushed back the other day.

We weren't hit as hard but I think the emergency crews were being optimistic. They didn't know the extent of damage until they actually went out and saw it all.

[uponit7771]

87. +1

[Solly Mack]

129. A lot of outside workers are pouring in but the expected time is still months for

some people.

Water faster than power, I've heard.

[SheltieLover]

130. So sorry to hear, Solly!

[Solly Mack]

131. No one lost water here though there was a boil advisory.

Still no power though. Expected date was the 3rd but were told they moved that date back. We'll see.

I feel so sorry for those without power and water, as well as their home, their job...their everything.

[SheltieLover]

132. Sounds so awful!

I'm glad you & yours are ok! And I sure hope you get your power back soon!

Wishing well for others. I can't even imagine...

[spanone]

2. Thanks for the update Solly!

[Solly Mack]

127. Thank you, spanone

[hlthe2b]

3. I'm really sorry, Solly Mack. Since you mention military base, I assume you are not in Lake Charles

Texas maybe?

I've been helping with horse evacuation and burn/injury care from the all-too-close wildfires out here, but I am very cognizant of the hurricane aftermath. It is overwhelming, but I can only pray that help is on the way-- from other states if not FEMA. We are so fortunate to have Canada and Australia sending in teams to help us and especially the fire-fighting efforts in California. What a statement that makes.

[Solly Mack]

5. I'm above Lake Charles. When they get hit, we get hit.

Never this bad though. Not in a long while anyway.



Indeed. What a statement. Awfully glad they are helping though. Fuck Trump.

Stay safe!

[malaise]

4. Thanks for the update

I've been hearing that the situation is becoming more desperate particularly for folks with no water.

[Zoonart]

6. More Trump genocide.

Evident when one probes who DID and who DID NOT get room vouchers.

[Solly Mack]

126. Many people won't have water or power for months.

Mayor of Lake Charles told people not to even bother coming back. Nothing to come back to and only emergency workers and hospital staff should be in the city.

He knows they have to come back eventually but right now things are still dangerous. Different kind of dangerous but still a hazard.

[kentuck]

7. Thank you so much, Solly Mack !

For the information. It sounds catastrophic.

Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your community.

Sometimes the best of people comes out and sometimes the worst of people comes out.

It's over-whelming.

If you have any battery left, would you know how far north the damage reaches, on the level that you describe?

Take care.

[Solly Mack]

26. A tiny amount left. Shreveport is the nearest big city

with all its power and water intact. It had some easily repaired power outage. As far as I know now, that is.

[Faux pas]

8. Kickin'

Sending the best vibes I have your way, take care

[Solly Mack]

125. Thanks, Faux pas

[Javaman]

9. repeat of Katrina only worse...

while george w. moron* was inept and installed horse trainer brownie to fix things (we all know what a fuck up that was), the orange asshole just doesn't give a shit. I honestly believe that dickhead in chief will do nothing so that people down there won't be able to vote.

Like I said in another thread a while back: the orange asshole doesn't give a shit it everything burns to the ground. that means he still wins. Why? because there will be no one left to oppose him.

[Evolve Dammit]

41. Agree; sociopath leader is running this and could care less. Katrina showed us you're on your own.

[Solly Mack]

124. I think you're right. Polling places have been demolished, along with everything else in some

parishes.

He doesn't give a shit.

[gademocrat7]

10. Take care, Solly Mack.

Thanks for the update.

[Solly Mack]

123. Thanks, gademocrat7

[sheshe2]

11. My heart goes out to you all.

Stay safe, Solly.

[Solly Mack]

122. Thanks, sheshe2

Gonna try. Been a very long time since I've been that scared. (if ever)

[colorado_ufo]

12. Truly sorry for your situation!

This is life with hurricanes. I wonder how Puerto Rico is doing?

I grew up with this, for 22 years. First hurricane for me was when I was an infant in 1947, a bad one. When Betsy hit, we were without water for two weeks except for the trickle we could get from a fire hydrant in front of the house. No electricity for weeks. We had a gas stove, so we could cook, and the neighbors brought us food from their freezers which was defrosted and going to spoil anyway. Heat and humidity. For a while, could hardly get out our front door due to fallen trees. Our beautiful pecan tree, gone! The oak, the elm, our little swing set that my Daddy built with his own hands. The setup that Mom and Daddy had just completed, to try to start a day care center. And on and on. There was no FEMA. There was no help. A relative in Pennsylvania sent money for Daddy to get a little chain saw, so we could cut up the trees - no money for professional help. He worked and worked and worked.

One hurricane found us with Grandpa in a hospital bed in the house, following a massive stroke (no Medicare then). Sister was a baby. Daddy secured a big sheet of plastic, and we all planned to just try to hold it over Grandpa, if the roof didn't hold on our little house. No where to go. When the winds were at their worst, Mom and Daddy literally pushed on the walls with their hands, to help keep them from buckling. Thank God, they held.

One year after we were married, my husband and I moved to Colorado and have been extremely thankful to be here. We just up and left, with all we owned in a 5 X 8 U-Haul trailer and a tiny Toyota Corona. No friends, no family, no money, no jobs. But we made it. Everyone else has passed or remains in Louisiana and Mississippi; their ties to the area and friends and family and tradition are too strong, I guess, after the family being there for maybe 150 years. Even after multiple evacuations and the nightmare of Katrina. We visit, we do what we can, but we have started a new branch of the family here in Colorado, and now our grown children and grandchildren are branching out - so happy for them!

Sometimes you have to make your own Brave New World.

Prayers for all those who continue to suffer these tremendous storms.

[appalachiablue]

36. Thanks for this great post, you folks are true survivors

and fighters. Made your own brave new world indeed. Inspiring.

We're also watching a 'new branch of the family' begin, for different reasons and it's providing much hope for the future in spite of enormous challenges bearing down. ~ Stay strong and well.

[colorado_ufo]

51. Thank you!

[Solly Mack]

53. Incredible story! Wow!

Thank you for sharing it.

[colorado_ufo]

64. Thank you so much for taking the time to read it.

So many hurricanes, so many names!

After Flossie, my poor cat Tom went missing and was gone for almost two weeks. We all assumed he had died in the storm. Then one day, he showed up - caked in mud! He looked like a clay statue. We figured that he had taken refuge in a ditch.

Multiple baths later, his gray coat was back to normal, but the baths were unappreciated: I almost needed a transfusion!

[Solly Mack]

66. Cats want their needs met but they can be resentful

about it.

My kitten got her claw caught in her bell and was making such sounds I thought she was having a seizure at first. Her body twisting and jerking, trying to release herself.

I got her freed but not without penalty. She climbed up my arm to my shoulder and bit my ear hard. Jumped off and glared at me.

She's still wearing the bell though.

[colorado_ufo]

77. LOL! Did you rename her Mike Tyson?

[Solly Mack]

121. Nah. She's still a baby. Can't help herself. :)

[Rebl2]

13. Where is FEMA?

[Solly Mack]

28. Lake Charles and Cameron and points inbetween.

Hardest parts hit.

[VA_Jill]

32. Tweeto McCheeto sez

"FEMA? Oh, I don't have any money for that, sorry." Or something similar.

[DanieRains]

14. I'm Sure Trump Was Thinking Of You On The Golf Course

Now watch this drive!

[Solly Mack]

120. You know he was. Hoping the Democratic voters suffer and die. We're not his base, you know.

[LuckyCharms]

15. I'm very sorry you are going through this.

[Solly Mack]

119. Me, too, LuckyCharms. :)

Thank you!

[Dustlawyer]

18. I know we are a couple of hours away from you here in Beaumont, but you can get food, gas,

ice, and other supplies here. Most power has returned here (except my office) so you might be able to get things you need or that can help.

Hang in there and try and stay cool.

[Solly Mack]

118. Thanks, Dustlawyer. We've considered a drive to Texas. We are near the border.

We've scouted at least 50 miles from home to find stuff. Then we had to stand in a gas line again. A lot of people had the same idea and place in mind. Traffic.

Got a generator and it's up and running now. Big help.

[cally]

19. So, so terrible

Sharing this is helping to spread the word that help is desperately needed.

[Solly Mack]

117. Thank you, cally

We had a good day today - generator up and running. Helps greatly.

Tomorrow we share the good fortune.

[niyad]

21. ((((((()(Solly Mack))))))))) sending vibes for strength and endurance. Thank you for keeping us

Updated. Such a dreadful slam on top of CoViD. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. Your DU family is here, holding all of you close.

[Solly Mack]

116. Thank you, niyad. DUers have always been here for me over the last almost 20 years.

DUers give great shoulder.

[greatauntoftriplets]

22. Thanks for the information, Solly Mack.

I'm so sorry that you and your community are going through this. Take care.

[Solly Mack]

115. Thank you, greatauntoftriplets

It'll get better...even for the assholes, unfortunately.

[shrike3]

23. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. Is there anything like the Red Cross in your area, that

people might donate to? Any way outsiders can help?

[Solly Mack]

114. Thank you, shrike3. You can donate to the Red Cross and direct your donation to a certain area.

So many need help right now. Not just here either.

[Pepsidog]

24. Hang in there, so sorry you must endure this suffering.

[Solly Mack]

113. Humor helps. That and coffee.

But especially DUers.

[Traildogbob]

25. Help us coming

Sell trump autographs on EBay. $10,000 a pop. How many autographs will it take to cover the billions needed for help?
FEMA money shifted to the 3 miles of wall, for billions $$$.
And you guys got no paper towels or truck loads of Play Doh. Trumps America. 3/4 trillion untraceable cash to billionaire Corps, KanyeJarod et al.
And how will the Black/Brown and poor people there even vote. (His plan)

[Solly Mack]

112. Ha! True, though.

I've been wondering how people will vote as well. Especially in Lake Charles and Cameron. My polling place is still standing. They suffered a total loss of home, job, their security.

[ananda]

27. Is your parish blue?

Is that why it was excluded?

[Solly Mack]

30. No. Red. We are better off they said.

Not exactly true when people are in need. The elderly, the sick, the poor.

[ananda]

33. I know. I'm sorry.

It sounds so unfair.

But the whole recovery effort doesn't sound
as though it's getting much from Fema
or the GOP.

[Solly Mack]

55. Lake Charles and Cameron were more or less devastated

so they should have been the priorities.

Still, we need some help too. Takes time, I know. But I have been worried about the sick, elderly and poor.

Fema included us today in hotel vouchers. Guess someone finally realized we needed that help too.

I updated my update.

[ananda]

61. Good to hear.

Best wishes...

[Scarsdale]

29. Who is running FEMA now,

Jared? You folks need help NOW, and lots of it. No time for twiddling thumbs. I saw a lady crying, saying they get food and it is gone in minutes. So much need. Citizens should not have to beg for help, it should have been ready to ride right in ASAP. Our tax dollars at work, eh? Apart from donating to the Red Cross or Salvation Army, what can we do? The warnings came way ahead, help should have been waiting to jump right in. This is what happens when the gop is in the WH.

[Solly Mack]

111. Thanks, Scarsdale

Donations help a lot.

Trump and republicans, not so much. Trump wants people to beg. Makes him feel big to hand out crumbs. Then he demands constant praise for those crumbs.

[steve2470]

31. What is the Governor doing ?

Hope things get much better very soon.

[Solly Mack]

59. He's a Democratic governor of a red state. He is doing

everything he can at the state level.

I think, maybe, years of not preparing re: all manner of infrastructure throughout the state is landing at the Governor's feet. Prior administrations under Republican rule. Both at the state and local levels.

[roamer65]

34. Hang in there Solly.

[Solly Mack]

110. Thank you, roamer65

I'm gonna. Got to vote come November.

[BlueWavePsych]

35. Misery index ...

[I_UndergroundPanther]

78. Great ad. Go Biden!

Haven't seen that one,thanks

[Solly Mack]

109. True.True.

[mountain grammy]

37. I'm so sorry. Feeling helpless

[Solly Mack]

108. No, don't feel that way. DUers help simply by being there as a shoulder and a sounding board.

I'm so very grateful for you all.

[mountain grammy]

135. Please let us know about any local groups

or charities helping people that could use some help from us..

Stay well and safe. Shoulder always available. Wish I could send my generator..

[Solly Mack]

136. We got a generator. Stood in line, got a winning "lottery" ticket and bought one.

Had it up and running yesterday. Took an additional day to find the necessary drop cords and waiting in line for gas - can only fill one gas can per visit. For the generator. Limited to 5 gallon cans only.

Best ways really are the tried and true ones.

Donating at redcross.org
Calling 800-RED-CROSS
Texting LAURA to 90999 to make a $10 donation

Thank you!

[mountain grammy]

141. Gave to Red Cross and will again

sometimes I hear negative things about them, bui I iived in Houston when Alicia hit in 83. The Red Cross helped tremendously ..

Good luck, Solly Mack. From Colorado ..

[oasis]

39. Thanks Solly Mack. Your report is a down to earth, eye opener. Please

stay well and keep hope alive.

[Solly Mack]

107. Thank you, oasis

We got the generator up and running on Tuesday. Made a difference in keeping hope alive.

[appalachiablue]

40. Thanks for the report Solly Mack. What a nightmare you

and your community are coping with and conditions that few of us could weather.

Such perseverance, strength and compassion for others worse off is inspiring and rare. Stay well.

[Solly Mack]

106. Thanks, appalachiablue

I'm a grumpy, spoiled, hooked on AC softie.

I grew up poor, though it took other people to drive that point home. Hardships leave a memory for survival.

[Evolve Dammit]

42. Good God. That is an extensive list of hardship. Stay safe and I hope you get some services restored

ASAP. Thanks for posting. This needs to go far and wide.

[Solly Mack]

105. Thank you, Evolve Dammit

This will pass. Hopefully with less suffering than could be. But with Trump...

[Evolve Dammit]

134. Yeah. Have you sent this to any news editors or contacted any media outlets? It's needed.

Very thorough and eye-opening for those in other parts of the country to understand the situation. Hang in there.

[BobTheSubgenius]

43. This IS miserable and desperate!

A terrible weather event is all it takes to plunge parts of the mightiest and wealthiest nation in history solidly into the Third World. It wouldn't take much more to turn it into Lord Of The Flies.

I try to imagine myself in your place, and it's impossible. F'ing thoughts and prayers, anyone?

Please stay indomitable and rational.

[Solly Mack]

104. I have been thinking about Katrina each time someone says this event or that event exposes the ugly

underbelly of America.

Katrina exposed the damaging effects of poverty and racism and republican rule to anyone with a mind to see it and people of color have been screaming for decades about police brutality and racism. Other tragic events, previous ones over the years did the same.

Some people either forget or bury it until the next time. Then they treat it like an OMG! This isn't to be borne! epiphany they were having for the first time.

I get angry sometimes.

As for rational...lol. I'll try.

[OneGrassRoot]

44. Does anyone know...

of a comparison between natural disaster FEMA response under Obama versus Trump?

I know the response to Florida's panhandle being devastated by Hurricane Michael two years ago was dismal; they still haven't recovered.

Thank you for the update, Solly Mack. I'm sorry so many are suffering. Stay safe and well.

[BumRushDaShow]

48. Whenever Obama attempted to get aid ditributed through FEMA, the GOP always balked

like with Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (yet 5 years later, when it came to Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the rules suddenly changed).

And before that, Hurricane Irene (2011) as well as that EF5 tornado in Joplin, MO (2011) - both required shaming and arm-twisting and whatnot.

Bottom line, when a Democrat is President, the GOP fights tooth and nail to block any assistance and when a Republican is President, they do nothing at all to help.

[OneGrassRoot]

52. Thank you. n/t

[ooky]

45. Sorry this is happening to you. I know from experience it's

fucking miserable. You are describing exactly like what we went through for a while post Hurricane Floyd. After about 4 days the water cleared enough from some of the roads that we were able to navigate a way out of town and we started driving west until we could find civilization again with water and air conditioning. We decided to keep going until we reached family who was further west about 200 miles, and waited it out from there until the water and the power and AC came back. I feel for you, and hope you get your infrastructure back in place as soon as possible.

[Solly Mack]

103. Thanks,ooky

No power yet but we did get the generator up and running. That helps a lot. Every little win helps.

[nolabear]

46. Where's the National Guard? Where's the media? Where are the feds?

Jesus, I’m so sorry. I went through Camille as a kid and family went through Katrina. At least they got a ton of attention and there was a sense people were aware. I think there’s so much shit floating elsewhere that the actual shit floating gets lost.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[BumRushDaShow]

49. The NG there is deployed

https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/2330024/louisiana-national-guard-continues-hurricane-laura-response/

[Solly Mack]

54. NG are here now. We didn't get hit as hard as others so

I think some in charge didn't understand how bad it was here.

But the NG arrived today in the parish.

[nolabear]

56. Thank goodness. Hope they help. Stay safe!

[BumRushDaShow]

58. Glad to see they deployed down your way!

They are usually needed everywhere to clear the roads of debris so utility crews and aid trucks can get in.

[Solly Mack]

60. Right now they're keeping order at gas stations.

Yes, it's that bad. People being idiots.

[BumRushDaShow]

63. The gas station fiasco happens with every severe storm

even here if there is a forecast of a blizzard (including people standing in line between the cars, carrying plastic gasoline jugs to fill for generators and/or snow blowers).

And in a way, those that are open are fortunate to have the power to even run the pumps because in many cases, they can't even open a station without electricity for those pumps unless they have some kind of generators somewhere.

[hunter]

69. I remember the oil crisis of '79

I was waiting in line at a gas station in Los Angeles when they ran out of gas. I'd been in line an hour or two.

People went crazy and some were banging on the doors accusing the poor night clerk of turning off the pumps. Others were vandalizing stuff.

I could see the night clerk behind the glass looking terrified as he called the cops.

I wiggled my car back and forth about a zillion times to get out of line and drove off just as the cops were pulling up.

People being idiots...

[calimary]

82. These calamities sure can bring out the worst in people. DAYUM...

[peacebuzzard]

50. Thanks Solly for your ground zero report, service hopefully will be up

shortly for at least communication and some comfort.
By your description it is mostly destroyed. I do hope your home survived with minimal damage.
I am so sorry for you and your community; and thank you for your description, so we can know firsthand regarding the truth and the impact.
You are a hero&survivor, so glad to hear from you again.
Please take care.

[Solly Mack]

102. We weren't hit as hard as Lake Charles and Cameron. Both catastrophic damage.

Had a better day yesterday. Generator up and running. Power is still out but the generator sure helps. Almost everything still closed but more things are opening up. Houses and buildings that need repairing once able (power). Still having to hunt for needed items and gas is still a long line. Everything still running out too soon but more trucks are coming (they said).

My house got no real damage. I was very fortunate.

[peacebuzzard]

142. take care, hope all roads are passable&you have a good stock of coffee

what a blessing to have a generator.
Every home should have one.
coffee and communicate...essential basic stuff.

[Maeve]

65. Hang in there! Good vibes continue!

I know' thoughts and prayers' has become trite, but just sent money to Red Cross.

[Solly Mack]

101. Thank you, Maeve!

Much appreciated!

[Kali]

67. sorry you are going through this

made a small donation to red cross for the area. good luck and keep us updated.

[Solly Mack]

100. Thank you so very much, Kali.

Much appreciated!

[Mersky]

68. Oh gosh, y'all are really going through it

The scramble, the what’s open?, and the sweating it all out... post hurricane hell. I’ve been there, and don’t wish it on anyone.

Am reminded what wonders eating a pickle and drinking some water can do - will it be awesome? No, but can help you hydrate and cool down a little. Also, foods with potassium like fruit (citrus, kiwi), dried apricots, and pumpkin seeds taken with water over the day can help your body regulate better in the heat. Replenish those minerals (calcium, too) to reduce the possibility of muscle cramps, and flagging energy. Sorry to nag if you already know all this, figured I’d mention it just in case.

Y’all are making it work, and you can get through it. Am rooting for you, and will contribute to the Red Cross Laura response.

[Solly Mack]

99. We are better off than most. Still been sucky though.

Thanks for the info.

And Thank You! for the RC donation. Lake Charles and Cameron were devastated.



Got the generator up and running today. Got some real sleep. Makes a difference.

[Mr.Bill]

70. Trump is taking immediate action.

He's going to Wisconsin to stir up more violence. Priorities, you know.

Thanks for the update, Solly. Good thoughts sent your way.

[Solly Mack]

98. Oh, he sure is...by doing his usual. Making it all worse.

Thanks, Mr.Bill.

Still no power but the generator is up and running.

[AllaN01Bear]

71. if i recall ,, a provence called Puerto Rico after a few storms a year ago and some devistating

earthqaukes is still without power . it threw paper towels at i Puerto Rico.also there is a swath of the northern states that had a particulary severe thunderstorm 110 miles long and 112 straight line winds . still no power .

[Solly Mack]

76. And California fires. Yes, I know how bad the people

are being destroyed under Trump.

How he happily ignores the needs of citizens. As if he has no obligation to help as head of the federal government.

That adds to my sour mood greatly.

[JudyM]

72. Yikes!

Hang in there... whew. Great that you’re helping others in your community . Unlikely that any trumpers are helping others, willing to bet.
Hoping that getting back to normal will happen fast for you.

[Solly Mack]

97. Thanks! Had the best day on Tuesday.

Generator up and running and got the house cooler with fans. Got some sleep.

[Kitchari]

75. Sending good wishes (sounds inadequate), but truly caring

And hoping things get better soon

[Solly Mack]

96. Never inadequate when you know the person means it. :)

Thanks, Kitchari.

No power yet but we got the generator up and running.

[Kitchari]

133. Glad you got a generator

[Hekate]

79. Thanks for checking in, Solly. We're thinking of you and hoping you stay safe.

[Solly Mack]

95. Thanks, Hekate

Got some real sleep today because of the generator and fans. Way cooler in the house.

[Greybnk48]

80. Stay safe! I think you may be getting cooler weather soon

which should help. Thinking of you and others in the middle of Laura.

[Solly Mack]

94. You were so right! It was cooler today and with a nice breeze.

Got the generator up and running too. Big day!

[MLAA]

81. Hoping for the best for you and your community

[Solly Mack]

93. Thank you, MLAA

[calimary]

83. What an ordeal!

Thank you for keeping us posted, Solly Mack.

Hang in there, and let us know how it goes. Your own kind gestures to help others serve as a reminder that all is NOT rotten in the world of trump.

[Solly Mack]

92. Thanks, calimary

Had a better day. Generator help and running. Got some good sleep with the house cooler. Got a hot meal too.

Tomorrow I go and spread the joy.

[herding cats]

84. I am so terribly sorry to read of your personal plight!

This is literally the worst possible time for a disaster such as Laura to strike, on many different levels. Covid is a scary complication not to mention we have to competent national leadership at this moment. I'm in Texas and I've been chewing my fingernails off every time there's a chance of a storm heading our way. I know if one does hit us directly, we're well and truly screwed here, too.

Please, do what you can to be safe, but know I fully realize how difficult that actually is when your living through something like you are now. Even in a normal year it's extremely difficult to navigate a full fledged disaster situation. I truly do know. I endured one a few years ago. I still horde bottled water to this day. Unless a person has been without potable water they won't understand, but if you have you know it's devastating to be without for an extended period of time. I now feel blessed to have done it then rather than now.

My heart and thoughts are with you. Hydrate, rest as much as you can manage and know eventually this will be behind you.

[Solly Mack]

91. Thank you, herding cats!

I can't even look around town without fuming about that orange blob.

But, on the bonus side...got the generator up and running. Got everything needing charged, charged. House has cooled down a lot - got a few fans going.

Got some real sleep finally and a hot meal. It's been a reinvigorating day. I am so grateful.

[Woodwizard]

85. A solar charger works really well for the phone

I have one it comes in handy and will charge as fast as a wall plugin in full sun.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/20W-USB-Solar-Panel-Folding-Power-Bank-Outdoor-Camping-Hiking-Battery-Charger-66-/333351455643?hash=item4d9d4b8b9b

[Solly Mack]

90. Neat! Thanks!

[Pacifist Patriot]

86. Wow!

That is horrific! I am so sorry. The aftermath of storms is often so much worse than the storm itself. I hope you get power soon and restoration proceeds quickly. Thank you for checking in!

[Solly Mack]

89. Thanks, Pacifist Patriot

No power yet but we did find a generator and now my home is less hot. Way less hot.

That's a plus.

[steve2470]

137. on-topic Twitter thread which validates everything you said and more

Link to tweet

[Solly Mack]

139. Once the storm surge wasn't as bad as some seemed to be hoping, it became a non-story. So it seems.

Never mind the history making high winds Laura brought. Not thrilling enough. Well over a hundred miles inland and we still got hit with a category 2 Hurricane.

This area has a lot of logging and there are a lot of trees to cause damage. Trees that went into homes and businesses and took down power lines. Trees and power lines everywhere. Entire streets were every single power line pole snapped. 72 water service systems taken out across the storm's path. 72 either contaminated or destroyed.

The tree branch that landed on my fence didn't come from my oak tree after all. Came from a sweet gum and I don't have a sweet gum on the property.

Bel Edwards had to request that FEMA go from virtual centers of help to actual boots on the ground because that's all people got - go online, they said. Request help there.

With no electricity. Homes destroyed. Nothing open. Nothing left to open in a lot of cases.

People from the harder hit areas came here to shelter and got hit anyway. Some are stuck here since they can't go home. Hotels lost power and some of them have damaged generators. No backup.

On the plus said. Yesterday, local food places went mobile and gathered together in a vacant lot to set up food stands. Had to pay but you could also donate to cover the expense for others.

We got Jamaican food from the local owner/operator of an incredibly good Jamaican restaurant. Immigrants to America and now citizens. We donated for others and had our own first hot meal in days.

The word was out that the displaced - hate that term - could swing by and eat. That people could donate to help others get a hot meal. Seems a bit questionable of motive but after days of warm sandwiches of canned whatever and water, or the daily supper of red beans and rice at the shelters, hitting that vacant lot felt like a piece of normal. Almost. Not saying people weren't grateful for the shelters feeding those in need but a little normal can improve how you see things. It helps, is all.

Locally owned businesses serving pizza, burgers, Mexican, curry dishes and more. Course, like everything else now, had to stand in line.

Still, my curry vegetables stewed in coconut milk and served with rice was wonderful. Came with a side of steamed cabbage and I enjoyed every bite.