Day 8

8 days. Eight long, long days. In some ways seems like BK (before Katrina) was only 8 days ago. In others, it's still 8 days. Eight long, long days. Kids went back to school today. We found all of the book sacks, beaten and battered by the wind--how else would everything get strewn from one end of the house to the other.

I asked Elizabeth's teacher not to give too much homework. She didn't seem to get it, I'm just too fried to do homework. She's too stressed. She thought w had too much to do. Whatever.

Skippy barks all the time now. Too many sirens and strange dogs. Barking feels good. So does licking your own ass--but I can't do that either.

Airplanes, big whoppa-whoppa helicopters all day long, hummers, rv's, semis, news trucks. the streets are packed. Traffic has more than doubled. Hillary is so frustrated that I won't let her drive. People are so crazy though. New Orleans people drive like maniacs. Coupled with the stress and our stupid roads, and their unfamiliarity. Accident waiting to happen. I'll try to let her drive more

Norwegian cruise lines is sending a cruise ship for evacuees. Wonder if they will keep the dress code for the captain's dinner. I'm homeless but by golly I look good in a tux. Now where is that all you can eat buffet.

Heard they were going to bulldoze the superdome. I would before I cleaned those toilets. That would be sad, but there are too many horrible memories. My high school band was the one to perform at a half time show for the Saints. 1977 I think. They showed my picture on the overhead screen and even said my name over the loud speaker. Bet there are still people talking about that tall, skinny girl, with the big hair and the bowed legs.

I left work today at 4:30. Hit a wall about 3:00. Got a lot done today though. Got a TV interview tomorrow. TV shows to shoot on Friday. The president of my organization will probably be a guest. Seems like I haven't shot a show in years.

I do think we have some momentum going now. We have so many good stories. A hospital called about a women and a 2 day old baby that needed to be discharged. She may have given birth in a shelter for all I know. We found her a home with a couple in Baton rouge. They set her up with everything she and the baby need. She found her family in Shreveport. Her host family drove her there about 5 hours one way.

I've got another landmark. ABD, i.e., After Bob Denver. Life will never be the same.