Hi

[sunny]

We made it to Baton Rouge on Saturday afternoon. Just got Internet service.

I went down to Gretna yesterday. I still can't believe the sites I saw. Unbelieveable. Military convoy after military convoy. The New Mexico National Guard were stationed in my neighborhood. People on guard at gas stations with shot guns. It was like something out of a movie.

When I went into the foyer of my building, the ceiling was on the floor. The windows in the apartment next to me were all broken. By the grace of God I was completely spared!! I suffered no damage whatsoever. I was so very lucky, and am grateful.

I will be a resident of Baton Rouge for a few months at least - my firm will be working out of BR. I am one of the lucky ones.

[breeze]

Sunny, it is SO good to hear from you! Thank the Good Lord that you
are safe, my friend! I imagine that you are seeing so many things there
that seem so strange and out-of-sorts. Do keep in touch!

[azsnowman]

Praise GOD sunny......it's SO good hearing from you!! I cannot even BEGIN to imagine what the conditions are down there, sure, I've been watching the news almost NON stop since that fateful day and yet, I know the pictures do not do justice to the damage. You're in our prayers and thoughts!

Dennis

[Skywatch_NC]

Cindy,

It's great to have you BACK, Wxbuddy!

((((HUGS))))

Eric

[Stephanie]

I'm so glad that you checked in! I'm so sorry about what had happened down there and how Katrina has affected so many people. I'm gald to hear that you are safe and sound.

[Dee Bee]

Welcome back, Cindy -- you have been in my thoughts and prayers! Be safe.

[sunny]

Thank you all so much. I'll tell you, my nerves are shot. I have lost 10 pounds - can't eat.

[Miss Mary]

Ciindy - it was just wonderful logging on and seeing a topic from you. It is so good to hear from you, you just don't know how that feels to me. I am glad your apt. was spared - that is very good news too. Like someone else said, I cannot begin to imagine the situation in NO or where you're living in the meantime. You're right, it must feel like a scene out of a movie. I wake up everyday and ask myself, did this really happen? This entire country feels terrible and want to help, in any way Cindy. That is the good thing - this is a very generous country. And we do take care of our own (still wish help had arrived within 24 hours though, we all do).

Hugs and tears.....so glad you're able to check in with us!

Love ya, lil' sis....(eat something!)

Mary

[sunny]

I'm trying to eat Mary. I just don't have an appetite.

I have to tell you, I am SO proud of my nephew Ricky. He is a junior here at LSU. He and his friends from school have been spending every spare moment volunteering and helping out with the evacuatees (sp). He was tickled because he served Fats Domino a hamburger.

They are bringing Brandon and all home early and they will go straight to New Orleans. They will be on Federal orders for at least a year there. Tells you something, doesn't it?

[TexasStooge]

Great to see you back!

[Miss Mary]

They are? I hadn't heard that......that is awesome news. First to have Brandon back and on US soil. Second b/c he's needed, by family and his city.

Didn't mean to hound you about eating. I'm sure you don't feel like eating. Just go thru the motions though, to keep your strength up. You'll need it. Are you back to work yet?

Mary

[southerngale]

It's great to hear from you, sunny! I'm so glad you're safe and how awesome that your home wasn't damaged. That's a rarity over there.

[sunny]

Thanks, Kelly!

I report to work tomorrow, Mary. I will find out how long we expect to be operating out of Baton Rouge and housing then. My niece and I are going to take a ride to the office today so I can get a feel of things here in Baton Rouge.

[Miss Mary]

That's a good idea, check it out before you report. Do you have enough work clothes and your computer? I'm assuming you do, since you're logged on again. I can't imagine what this all feels like Cindy. I wish we could go back to the days of telling funny jokes or gender wars, or discussing Lost......

We're all here for you, please ask for help if you need it.

Mary

[sunny]

I took my laptop when I evacuated. I gathered some work clothes when I went in on Tuesday. So I guess I'm set for a little while at least. I am fortunate - I have my job to go back to. Shelby will be relocating to Birmingham (change of plans from what I told you before). I think her boss did that on purpose - he knows doctors at the University of Birmingham and wants to make sure she is somewhere he can get her medical treatment if necessary.

I just feel so bad for the people who are not as lucky as we are.

[Miss Mary]

That was very thoughtful of Shelby's boss. I read an article about a breast cancer patient, in the middle of chemo treatments. I forget where she relocated to but the local hospital there was trying to find her doctor and get her records. So not much time lapsed.

Yes you and Shelby are lucky Cindy. And I know you're most humble and appreciate too. And if I know you, you'll be giving back when you're on your feet again.

Mary

[azskyman]

Hi Sunny....indeed we are glad to see you back and know that you have been spared the rebuilding. I'm sure it seems so unfamiliar to be surrounded by military.

Remind Ricky that the LSU/ASU football game has been moved here to Tempe, Arizona, just down the street from me. After expenses, every nickel they make goes to the Katrina relief fund. They are anticipating hundreds of thousands, perhaps a million dollars from that event. In addition, the several thousand victims who have been displaced and now are being housed in Phoenix are all being invited to that football game...compliments again of the generosity of other Americans.

God bless you Cindy...and may your own light be a source of power and spirit for others around you who were not so fortunate.

Steve

[LAwxrgal]

Hi Sunny, glad to hear from you! And also glad to hear your house suffered no damage! You were lucky indeed. Praise God.

[sunny]

Hi Sunny, glad to hear from you! And also glad to hear your house suffered no damage! You were lucky indeed. Praise God.

Thanks LAwxrgal. How did you make out? I hope everything is good with you.

[j]

keep your chin up Cindy and just remember.....you will come out of this a stronger person in all ways.

God bless