Hi Guys :-)
Just got my Internet connection restored and want to check in. I
haven't had time to read through the last two weeks messages here but
I'll try to get to 'em tonight.
I'm also way behind on the current news as we're just now rejoining
the civilized world (no bath for the first 8 days sucked the worst)
and I'm a little baffled by the media controversy re Federal response.
Personally, as a guy who's lived through dozens of hurricanes
including two Cat 5's, I can tell you the Federal response in South MS
has been second to none from my point of view. Better and more
comprehensive this time than after any storm I can remember in the
past. Beyond that, the response from the rest of the world has been
unprecedented. ..... actually that's an understatement. Even "totally
amazing" sounds a bit inadequate. Help is STILL pouring in from every
direction and from every State plus several foreign countries.
My little town owes the rest of the world a debt I doubt we can ever
repay.
Anyhow, things are getting better. The power is coming back in many
areas and the long gasoline lines are dwindling. I'm lucky to have a
roof (tarp covered) over my head so I've been helping my newly
homeless friends/neighbors search through rubble for bits and pieces
of their lives. Our little town took quite a whack but the resolve to
rebuild and keep on keepin' on is alive and well.
Anyhow, just want to check in and thank everybody for their thoughts,
their prayers, their concern and their help.
Thanks y'all....
M2
PS Seems I've developed an unusually strong but unhealthy emotional
bond with my chainsaw. Anybody know of a help group for that?  ;-)