This is exactly as it came out of my camera because I do not have a program to crop etc.
It was a hard day. We worked in the house in Metairie for the sixth day and there doesn't seem to be much progress. The mountain of personal belongings and flooring in front of my house grew larger. The one thing I regret losing is a steamer trunk that was full to the brim of my four children's books--all their books we had bought and read to them since they were born. I now have one pair of shoes, the ones that were on my feet when I evacuated. I had packed a pair of tennis shoes in my bag but ruined them the first day in the water of the house. Maybe I can call Emelda Marcos for shoes.
My husband was so exhausted I sent him back to Perilloux Place ahead of me. Our 89 year old neighbor had a massive stroke and probably won't live the night. His wife has Alzheimer's. I had gotten them to our local hospital to ride out the hurricane and they stayed there a week.
I went to Lafreniere Park and fed the ducks, geese and swans about 150 pounds of cracked corn. Not a National Guardsman to be found so I hauled them myself. Next time I'll bring a wagon. There are so many egrets in one area of the Bird Island--it was as though they were having a meeting--about 100 of them. The trees over the water are full of dead herons, egrets and ibises. Broke my heart to see that, and if anyone tells me that is nature's way I'll scream.
The Park is full of activity of construction equipment that has been allowed to take up headquarters there for use throughout the region. The soccer fields are being used for a dumping ground for tree debris and trucks were going in and out constantly. There were mountains of debris.
Tomorrow I was promised a ride in a police car to go to City Park and also to photograph the oaks on St. Charles Avenue both areas that are still offlimits and patrolled by National Guardsmen.
I am back at Perilloux Place and will soak myself in Epsom Salts--the best thing in the world for a tired body.
Tomorrow is another day and hopefully the mountain in front of the Metairie house will be picked up and taken to wherever they take storm damage.