Yummy Tactical Weapon

Pollished off yet another spctacular example of Uncle Sam's fine cuisine. (This time the menu included Chili and Macaroni, hot chocolate and Skittles. Mmmmm.)

I'm sitting on the floor out of necessity: Katrina seems to have washed away the chairs.

The all-important heating element. (Which smells like poop.) Sure it works, but a microwave is better. The box still cracks me up though:

Food, Water and Exercise are Tactical Weapons

And the picture of the little soldier on the left, gripping a gun in his beefy arms and screaming wildly. He's so angry. He wanted tootsie roll instead of skittles.

French Folks

I've waited years to see New Orleans. After Katrina, I thought my chance had passed. Thankfully, whole sections were spared; including the illustriously beautiful French Quarter. I do not, however, negate those regions devastated by the storm and the suffering of their inhabitants. Having been there, seen the destruction and eaten the emergency food, I have some kind of understanding of the loss of one's history and home and a deep admiration of people's survival.

More Disaster Tourism

These pictures were taken from the newly-opened coastal road from Bay St Louis to Gulfport. Both towns were obliterated by the storm. In many areas, only homes' concrete foundations remain. Rebuilding has barely begun.

Mississippi Christmas

Forget New Orleans, Gulfport Mississippi is the real disaster area. My aunt and uncle moved to Diamondhead just before Katrina and were left with a soggy house and not much else. They were the lucky ones though; at least they don't have to live in a FEMA trailer. They did have to eat MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat) for a few months. Yummy! If you should ever come across the box labled: A, meals 12 -24, try to avoid the Beefsteak dinner -- even if it does come with Tootsie Rolls for dessert.