Hurricane Gustav hit us Monday, Sept. 1st. The madatory evacuation did not allow residents who left to return until Friday, Sept. 5th. The curfew in our parish (Terrebonne) was finally lifted last night Tuesday, Sept. 9th. Our neighboring parish (Lafourche) is still under curfew from 10 pm to 6 am. Damage in our area was extensive, ranging from structural damage to businesses and homes, to uprooted / snapped trees, down utility poles and powerlines. Electricity is being restored as quickly as possible. Many are still without power, and there are boil water and no burning advisories in affect in most areas. We are in the process of recovery and believe me it is a process. At this point we are all wishing to return to our "normal" lives. This post is not meant as a complaint; it is simply trying to convey the fustrations of recovering from a natural disaster. It is difficult to watch your community suffer. Damage to homes ranges from simple broken windows / a few missing shingles, to trees through homes, and entire roofs missing. My neighbors roof, ceiling fans and light fixtures are strewn about the yard. My family was very fortunate in we only had a broken window, but it serves as a view into a reality of how quickly everything can be taken from us. The materials can always be repaired and replaced, a hassle yes, but lives can not and the lives of loved ones is far more important. I came back to work Monday, Sept. 8th. However many are still out of work and will be for an indefinate period of time. The exhaustion of cleaning up and trying to find out information on what martial laws, curfews, etc. and what resources are available when and where is stressful. The financial losses incurred during an event of this nature: the costs of evacuating, the costs of repairs, the loss of food and other valueables, the loss of work. Yes, there are services if you qualify, but the application process and waiting in lines for long times. I did miss a week of work, but I don't have quite enough vacation time to cover the whole week. It will only be a day or two short but that's part of an income that I rely on, especailly when encountering additional expenses. Then you think about the next person that didn't have vacation hours or that ... you know.. and you feel guilty for even thinking about yourself in a time like this when so many others are suffering through so much more. Then there is the underlying fear of Hurricane Ike in the Gulf, which to the best of my knowledge at this time is heading toward the Texas / Louisiana border. Not wishing it on anyone else, but at the same time you know that it's the last thing needed in this area. Then will it be another Rita situation? Which hit more in the western area of the state but still caused damage and flooding in our area. I just can't wait until all of this chaos is over. I want to be sure and state that WE all thank those who kept us in their thoughts and prayers. WE thank everyone who has volunteered or donated (clothing, food, toiletries, toys, etc.) People helping People seems to be so much more effective in these situations - God has blessed us through you!
Ya'll stay safe -
Operation Gustav Recovery 
YNOMAX Resonaters:Strange3:90 gears:TCI 3000:BMR upper and lower control arms with relocation brackets:Power house drive shaft:cervini ducktail wing: cervini side scoops
