p.1 #1 · Safe and Sound , Reflections on IDA and Adversity
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Thanks to those who have reached out or inquired about my safety and situation. I live in Southeast Louisiana about 20 miles west of New Orleans in Destrehan in St. Charles Parish. Our area had a lot of damage due mainly to wind and wind blown rain. It seems we were in the eye wall for many hours. We evacuated to the only place we could find that was pet friendly ( can't leave the dog ) in Alabama. It was only available for a few days, so now have moved to a hotel in Mississippi. We are very fortunate to have some place to go.
My home faired well compared to many. We are safe, family and friends have been wonderful. Very grateful for all those things.
My heart breaks for those that lost family members or friends , lost their homes , those who have no means to move forward. It is truly heartbreaking .
To those in the other areas Ida impacted, my thoughts and prayers are with you as well. This storm had far reaching effects and brought so much destruction ,death and heartbreak.
We lost a couple of trees. One split and took down a gutter , damaged and put a hole in the corner of the roof. Fences down , screens torn off of porch. My poor garden is flatten. However, these are minor and we are very grateful for that. I have a wonderful neighbor who checked on our home for us. Some of our neighbors had more severe damage, all siding blown off home, water damage from damage to the roofs, or wind blown under doors and windows .
We did not flood , that was a blessing.
The damage to the electric grid in our area is mind boggling. We are advised by Entergy that we probably will not have power until 9/29, hopefully sooner. In addition several barges broke loose on the river and damaged the water intake. That with loss of power has put us under a boil water order and reduced sewerage usage. Gas is in short supply and lines are long.
From our Parish Officials and Entergy, this is the damage in our area to the electric grid:
2820 Broken or down poles
2008 Damaged or broken cross arms
2142 Spans of Wire Down
617 Damaged Transformers
Sub stations damaged
Major Transmission lines down
Some of these things are not easy to get to as they are in the swamp/marsh or as Entergy describes - "Repairs to these structures is complex, requiring crews to navigate rough terrain and heavy vegetation"
For this past week, I admit , I have been in a fog of sorts and out of sorts . We are getting too old to keep doing this !
Trying to reflect , be grateful and put things in perspective, I have gone through some shots to try and express some of the emotions.
Birdie
"Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are". Arthur Golden
When you emotions and thoughts all seem tied in knots
And You are Just Hanging On
And Want to Hide Away
Or Want To Shed a Few Tears
Look in the Mirror
Look Deep Inside. Remember the Source of Your Strength
p.1 #5 · Safe and Sound , Reflections on IDA and Adversity
I am completely in shock as to the extent of damage and at the same time relieved that your family and you are okay.
This series is so inspiring and heartwarming. so glad that your dog is okay as well. YGMV
p.1 #7 · Safe and Sound , Reflections on IDA and Adversity
Hi Roberta,
As a fellow survivor, this post is incredibly inspiring. Your photo essay of stunning images expresses the emotion that overwhelm us as we deal with the inconvenience and tragedy for some.
I wish you a speedy return to normalcy and feel for those in much worse shape.
p.1 #8 · Safe and Sound , Reflections on IDA and Adversity
Incredible set in words and images Roberta ! I am so glad to hear you and yours are safe!
We have a Doberman rescue that was 1 year old when we got her. Zora is 8 now and just like one of our family. Wonderful to see that Chester found a great home.
p.1 #9 · Safe and Sound , Reflections on IDA and Adversity
I've been concerned about you since Ida was first predicted to make landfall there. I'm so glad you're safe and that your home was not damaged tremendously. Hurricanes are not fun events. I'm glad those "I" names are being retired. You know, Ike, Ivan, Ida and some others. These are magnificent images, dear lady.
p.1 #10 · Safe and Sound , Reflections on IDA and Adversity
You have such an amazing ability to not only find, but then convey the beauty in the little things that surround all of us. Your work never ceases to amaze me. So glad to hear that you're safe and sound. Thank you for these, all a joy to view.
Gary
p.1 #11 · Safe and Sound , Reflections on IDA and Adversity
Bobg657 wrote:
Wonderful you're ok and damage isn't catastrophic for you! What an awful experience for so many people.
Wonderful sentiments and images as well!
Bob
Thank you Bob. So much heartache for so many.
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louie champan wrote:
Glad to hear that you're safe damage can be fixed. I can't even imagine going through such an ordeal. BTW, your images are as always superb!
Much appreciated Louie, thank you. I am blessed in so many ways.
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kdacharya wrote:
I am completely in shock as to the extent of damage and at the same time relieved that your family and you are okay.
This series is so inspiring and heartwarming. so glad that your dog is okay as well. YGMV
Thank you so very much KD ! It is so shocking and gut wrenching. There are so many without the means or resources that are now stuck in the heat and aftermath.
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G.E. Smith wrote:
Birdie - I can't imagine what you, your family and friends along with everybody effected has and is going through. Glad you and your family are safe.
Greg
Greg, thank you . Funny how one grows up in an area and learns to accept the natural disasters that are endemic to the area. However as one ages, things get more complicated and not so easy to deal with .
p.1 #12 · Safe and Sound , Reflections on IDA and Adversity
Birdie,
Most importantly, glad you and your family are safe.
My brother in law and sister in law live in the Broadmoor section of NOLA and were headed back yesterday from MS after power was restored. They’re not sure how practical it will be to be home until seeing the impacts in the neighborhood.
What an inspirational post, showing the strength of your spirit.
I hope yours and all the other areas impacted recovery quickly and fully.
. We are getting too old to keep doing this !
