IXOLIB - Quick Check In

[Ixolib]

<<<Also posted in the "new" forum>>>

Hello All - In looking back at some of the initial posts immeditely following Katrina's landfall, it is quite obvious that those of us here on the MS coast were certainly in everyone's prayers and thoughts. For that, my family and I are eterneally grateful to our S2K family.

Secondly, I want to pass on my sincere appreciation to two of our members/moderators. First to Cajun Mama for initiating the contact thread just before the storm and then taking care to ensure my info was passed on to the appropriate person. And my sincerest thanks to Southerngale for the tireless effort in trying to contact me over and over again for the ten days following the storm. Unfortunately, my cell phone went floating away and I was without communication until the 9th when I finally got a new phone from Cellular South. To my amazement and gratification, Southerngale was on the other end - in fact, her's was the first call I received on my new phone!! It's just so amazing how everyone here was and is truly concerned with their fellow members here on the coast - all of you are forever in my thoughts for the concern and compassion you dispalyed for my safety and on my behalf. When I get my ISP back, I'm gonna go back and look at every thread since 8/30!!

I still don't have internet (I'm visiting my Mom-in-law's house in Ocean Springs). But I wanted to quickly drop in and say hi, thanks, and to let you know I can't wait to get back on. I STILL don't have any idea of the point of landfall, winds, initial surge reports, etc... You know, the basic stuff we always talk about!!

Right now, we're tearing out the walls, insulation, and floors in the hopes of reducing the mold. We had about 4 feet in the house, and as you might have seen in other posts, my driveway is 30.5 feet above sea level. You can imagine my amazement when Biloxi Back Bay ended up in surging through my entire home. It was truly a morning to remember - no doubt about that... Lost all the furniture, four cars, and a ton of memories that can never be replaced. I guess that's one of the prices for living in this beautiful part of the world... But, we're all safe and my company (Harrah's/Grand Casino) is taking good care of us - at least for the short term.

Hope to see ya'll soon. Cableone says it won't be long!! I've got pics too...

Take care all, and thanks again for the thoughts and prayers - they really helped!! The S2K family is truly awesome!!

[cycloneye]

Glad that you are fine and safe my friend.

[baygirl_1]

Ixolib--
So sorry about the loss of your furniture and other "stuff," but so glad you made it through safely. Take care as you clean-up your home. I know some folks over here in Mobile who had water in their homes and are doing much the same as you (tearing out sheetrock, carpet, etc.). Some found strange critters in their homes and some have had to get tetanus shots because of cuts, etc. So take care!

[KBBOCA]

I'm not that frequent a post-er and don't know any of the other S2K members personally, but it is stories and threads like this that demonstrate why I have chosen S2K as the forum I use to follow the tropics. The personal concern for others' well-being is inspiring.

So glad Ixolib and so many others on the Gulf Coast are safe. Continuing to pray that all will check in "safe and sound". And know that even as we prayed for your safety as Katrina hit, many of us will be continuing to pray for you all on the coast as you rebuild.

May God grant you daily strength and wisdom.

[CajunMama]

Thank you ixolib but you get the credit for the check in thread...you were the one that requested it! I just had to dig through 56 pages of posts since the search function was disabled at the time!!!!!!!

When frack told me she got through to you I was so elated! Knowing you had stayed in your home had me and many others so worried. But you are safe and sound minus some material possessions.

[HurricaneQueen]

Ixolib:

We have all been so worried about you and were thrilled to hear that Southerngale had finally reached you. You were one of the last. These Mods worked tirelessly trying to find everyone and share the information here. What a wonderful group of people!

I am so pleased that you and yours are OK and that your spirit isn't broken. My heart goes out to you and all the others who lost so much. 30+ ft. of water is beyond comprehension. In a well built house you would certainly think you were safe to stay. Hope you never have to find out again and that you are able to contain the mold.

Lynn

[Droop12]

Awesome to hear from you Ixolib. You seem to have a great attitude about all this. Just keep your head up, things will evenutally get back to normal. Keep safe.

[beachbum_al]

Glad to hear that you are okay but I am sorry that you lost everything. Is there anything you need?

[Lowpressure]

My father just called from Ocean Springs. He said he just now has phone service. Very educated guess of 155 mph gusts in his area. He lives on Choctaw Circle about 1 1/2 miles inland elevation 45 feet. He said the mail ran Sunday, but that is it so far. They are getting food from the red cross and National Guard, they are eating MRE's. He is still stunned at the intensity. Glad you are o.k.

[Radar]

Ixolib--- So glad to hear that you are safe and still of sound body and mind. I know the general area of where you live and I know first hand of the horrible devastation in that area. I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope you have plans to rebuild as our community needs to retain good citizens like you. I have had moderate damage myself so I understand the tedious task of salvaging what is left. But I feel fortunate that I have something to repair as so many have lost their homes and their whole life work. I hope you will be able to recover what you have lost as far as material possesions and I'm sorry about your loss of any sentimental property. When you see this post if there is anything you need at all don't hestitate to ask, I would love to help. My gas grill survived so I can grill you and your family a great steak dinner. Anything at all I would love to do. IF you need a place to do some laundry my washer and dryer are available to you. Please stay safe and hold your loved ones close.. May God Bless you! Just PM me if you need anything at all!!

[MBismyPlayground]

I am so sorry to hear of the devastation done to your home and your city.
So happy to hear you and your family made it through.
Honestly, I was pretty worried there for awhile. Looking forward to hearing of your experiences and your reactions to the posts here during this time. If there is anything I can do for you and yours, be sure to let me know.

I am just so darned tickled you and your family made it safely!!!

[iceangel]

Glad to hear that you are safe but sorry to hear that the Sea Wolves won't be playing this year..
http://pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pb ... 50340/1002

[Ixolib]

Yee Haa!! After, uhm, how many days?? - My ISP is functional again!! As of 5:30pm today, CableOne is added to our list of new heros!

For those here who followed and responded to not only this thread, but the many others where my welfare was followed so closely, I remain indebted and thankful for all the well wishes and offers of assistance. The folks here at S2K really know how to make a guy and his family feel humbled by the thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much...

As things stand now, the lights are back on... The A/C is working (kinda)... the range is half-way working... The dryer I was able to fix with a new ignitor - but the washer bit the dust. And our house is very empty of "stuff" - but that'll help as we begin replacing the floors, the insulation, the walls, and much of the wiring. For sure, a time to begin anew!!

Thanks again, everyone, for your thoughts and compassion.

Now - what about Rita....

[tracyswfla]

Yee Haa!! After, uhm, how many days?? - My ISP is functional again!! As of 5:30pm today, CableOne is added to our list of new heros!

For those here who followed and responded to not only this thread, but the many others where my welfare was followed so closely, I remain indebted and thankful for all the well wishes and offers of assistance. The folks here at S2K really know how to make a guy and his family feel humbled by the thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much...

As things stand now, the lights are back on... The A/C is working (kinda)... the range is half-way working... The dryer I was able to fix with a new ignitor - but the washer bit the dust. And our house is very empty of "stuff" - but that'll help as we begin replacing the floors, the insulation, the walls, and much of the wiring. For sure, a time to begin anew!!

Thanks again, everyone, for your thoughts and compassion.

Now - what about Rita....

So very happy to see you, alot of us were thinking about you!
Tracy

[Ixolib]

So very happy to see you, alot of us were thinking about you!
Tracy

Thanks, Tracy...

[LAwxrgal]

Sorry to hear about your home, but glad to see you are back and safe. (((((HUGS))))))

[southerngale]

No need to thank me Ixolib. I got the greatest joy when you actually picked up and said "Hello." I had called so many times, to no avail, I guess I was surprised, yet thrilled, when you actually answered. I first asked if you were there (in case I had dialed the wrong number) and then just shouted "George!!!" as if you knew who it was. Of course I then explained it was Kelly (southerngale) from Storm2k. It was a pleasure talking to you and I hung up with a huge sense of relief!! I wasn't the only one trying to contact you though. GalvestonDuck tried countless times to reach you as well, and MBismyPlayground helped with online searches, maps, etc. trying to find out how you/your home fared. CajunMama, senorpepr and others searched for info as well.

I'm so glad you're ok and now you have internet again. Woo-hoo!! My prayers go out to you while you continue with repairs...

[Ixolib]

No need to thank me Ixolib. I got the greatest joy when you actually picked up and said "Hello." I had called so many times, to no avail, I guess I was surprised, yet thrilled, when you actually answered. I first asked if you were there (in case I had dialed the wrong number) and then just shouted "George!!!" as if you knew who it was. Of course I then explained it was Kelly (southerngale) from Storm2k. It was a pleasure talking to you and I hung up with a huge sense of relief!! I wasn't the only one trying to contact you though. GalvestonDuck tried countless times to reach you as well, and MBismyPlayground helped with online searches, maps, etc. trying to find out how you/your home fared. CajunMama, senorpepr and others searched for info as well.

I'm so glad you're ok and now you have internet again. Woo-hoo!! My prayers go out to you while you continue with repairs...

And I think you might have sensed that I was equally thrilled to hear you!! So, thanks anyway. Certainly this whole situation has given me new hope for mankind. Out of this storm comes an awareness of many wonderful things, not the least of which is the true and heartfelt concern of folks like you and many other S2K members and moderators. It absolutely drives home the point of how close and caring this particular family of tropical wx watchers really is. Simply amazing, but surely humbling... As for being back on the net, it's strange how weird it feels to use a mouse again!!