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Larry, that is the time that my web server has in it's memory. Like mine, the memory is a little clouded. ha ha. But the server is located in Atlanta, which is on EDT I think. Anyway, I need to reset the time on the server when I get a chance.
O. P. Ditch <oditch11@comcast.net>
USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 12:50:52 (EST)

Can someone explain to me how the time I sent the previous message was recorded as 10:10 EST when I actually sent it at 7:11 CST?
larry miller
USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 10:20:55 (EST)

Thanks for the Bowl History lesson Larry. I figured if anyone knew it would be you. You were always on top of the rules and regulations of sports. Now it all makes a litte more sense.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 10:17:10 (EST)

SORRY, but I had my alpha-bits mixed up in my bowl. The SBC champs going to the N.O. Bowl is ASU(ARK.ST.UNIV). ULM could not have gone because ULL beat the @#$%(hell)out of ULM.
larry miller
USA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 10:11:50 (EST)

The N.O. Bowl was established to host the Sun Belt champ aginst a Conference USA selection. ULL has an outside chance to be selected to another bowl. The basketball team will open the season at Blackham Coliseum against Charlotte. It was like the old Cathedral gym in it's hayday. Start of the art. The Cajun Dome is still not free from the hurricane displacements.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 22:50:13 (EST)

Larry: What college is ULM - University of La. at Monroe? I wish they'd leave the names of the Louisiana colleges alone - I hate change......
Betty
USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 22:16:24 (EST)

Marshall, I think the N.O.Bowl has a contract with the Sun Belt Conf. and Conf-USA. Although the SunBelt has Tri-Champs,ULM goes as conference champs because of the win over ULL. I think ULM will probably play Memphis of C-USA.
larry miller <larmil@bellsouth.net>
lafayette, la USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 20:45:50 (EST)

Ok, I have had to change my email address while I'm cruising. I am getting too many spam/junk emails at my normal email address. So if you sent me email in the last day or two, resend it at this address: oditch11@comcast.net
O. P. Ditch <oditch11@comcast.net>
Cruising, USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 19:11:43 (EST)

O.K. I read up about the ULL team in the Advertiser. So there are 54 bowl slots and 64 bowl eligible teams! Arkansas State will play in the N.O. Bowl held in Lafayette because they beat ULL in the regular season. BUT the article did not say who Arkansas will be playing and why is that team in the bowl?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 15:49:12 (EST)

Gerald thanks for the input on ULL. However I am still a little confused. Why doesn't Arkansas State and ULL play in the Bowl game in Lafayette?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 15:31:33 (EST)

Have been busy lately but ULL has not unpacked yet. They earned a share of their first conference title since 1994 and finished with their first winning season since 1995. I hope they don't have to stay home and watch Arkansas State play in Cajun Field on Dec. 20.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 11:54:25 (EST)

I was hoping a Lafayette resident would answer O.P.'s question. It is my understanding that UL tied for first place in their confererence! Am I right? Also this was their first winning season since '94???
Marshall <larr1710@comast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 21:28:11 (EST)

Ok, so what did UL do that is so great? for us who aren't watcing them all the time. I just put my first pics up from our cruise on my web site. Gotta go now to eat again....
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 16:26:15 (EST)

It's a shame they missed the N.O. Bowl played this year in Lafayette. Maybe some other smart bowl will see what a great team they have and invite them. Go Cajuns.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 15:14:12 (EST)

Way to go UL!!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 23:42:51 (EST)

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. JJ called Wed but we were out, but I forgot to call him back, then we went to my Son's house yesterday for Thanksgiving day dinner. You all can see my pictures on my web site. Leaving for our West Coast Trip/Cruise this afternoon.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 09:04:00 (EST)

Happy Thanksgiving to you all too. We had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!! Our young soldier was home this year to celebrate!!!!!!!!!! I am still marvelling at having him safely home. You know, you really don't realize what anxieties you go through sometimes, until it is all over. When it is happening, you just go through it like a zombie or something. But, when it is finally over, and everything is alright, it hits you. You realize, then, really how Good God Is to pull you through your crises. How He trully CARRIES you through it. We only had Mitch and his family of little ones and Jared, but it was great. The others were too far away or with in-laws.
Doris
USA - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 00:40:50 (EST)

I hope everyone had as nice a Thanksgiving Day as we had. I hope you didn't eat as much as I did. Its almost 4:30 PM and I'm still "stuffed." HAPPY THANKSGIVING.
Betty
USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 19:31:17 (EST)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE! We do have so much to be thankful for even after the terrible hurricanes which have hit our area. There are so many people who are still homeless and some who are feeling despondant almost 3 months after Katrina. Only God knows how they will be able to move forward now. Maybe you could take some family pictures of Thanksgiving at your house and let us see you. I suggested to O.P. that he put each family's pictures into their family pages and maybe he will do that with future pictures. He added my oldest granddaughter, Lauren, to my family page.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 15:04:55 (EST)

Have any of you made your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan decision-------I have been filling out all the forms on the www.medicare.gov website and I am about to pull my hair out. I cannot access #5 that would show me the lists, costs etc. of the different plans ---the druggist told me to make sure you specify the dosages because even though some plans have the medicines listed they don't always cover all dosages!!!!! Typical government red tape. Our insurance man is doing research so I thought I'd do my own, but I always get STUCK when I do research on "the xqxobxxyxxxya blankity blank" computer!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 19:25:18 (EST)

I really don't know. He sure did not drink or eat much last Friday and the dessert was sugar free. He wants to start playing golf with us pretty soon. I'll ask him and let you know.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 14:24:40 (EST)

We do indeed have much to be thankful for, Gerald. Your numbers on Rickey's weight indicate that he has lost a WHOPPING 130 pounds -----is he still dieting? HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL.
Betty
USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 13:31:12 (EST)

They say all the rich men always crossed their legs. That must be Donald. Rickey told me he went from 296 to 166 and that he really does not remember much about the surgery for a week or so afterward he was so sediated. He will be 69 on Nov. 30 and completes the mystery of the oldest in our class. He was held back a year because of some childhood sickness. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We all have plenty to be thankful for.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 13:09:23 (EST)

OPS!!! I had my "favorites" icons on and only had half of Donald in the picture on "my" screen..I moved it over and got all of him! Great looking bunch of ole men!!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! Especially for health... the greatest gift of the elderly!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 10:19:22 (EST)

Rickey is too thin??? Don is only 1/2 of himself in that picture!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 10:08:28 (EST)

Doris and Brenda: Didn't you love it when Avis yelled from her room "COME ON BACK AND SEE THE QUEEN OF THE YAYAS." Rebecca Wells YaYa books had just become popular. We all had lunch one day at Don's, I think it was, and Avis made the comment "SHE WROTE MY BOOK!!!" I think Avis had at one time thought about writing about us Mt. Carmel girls----maybe she'll still surprise us with her book!!!!
Betty
USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 01:52:36 (EST)

To the Cathedral group ------You all are still looking good!!!!!!! Is Rickey still on a special diet?
Betty
USA - Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 01:42:35 (EST)

I see that eating together is catching! Rickey, did you ever think you'd hear that you are too thin?
Brenda
USA - Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 22:03:32 (EST)

I too was one of the fortunate ones to be with Avis. Brenda, you are so right, she is and always has been "bigger than life". She always had the right words to say for any and all occasions. She has always been such a wonderful friend. Thank God for an inspiration like her. I will always remember the courage she displayed on Monday. I know it must have been hard for her, and yet, not a word of complaint. In fact, I will never forget her ,joking and yelling for us to come on back to her room and see the "Queen of the YaYa's".
Doris
USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 01:27:00 (EST)

Brenda, I was fortunate enough to have been there with all of you at the bedside prayer service you prepared for Avis (as well as the luncheon.) Your prayers were beautiful. I will never forget Avis gathering her strength to come to table and lead us in saying grace and the wonderful way she expressed herself----how she did all of that with her limited strength was and is an inspiration to me and to all of us. You selected the right words about her being "bigger than life" -----that is how she was and is even now and that is the way she will be remembered. I think her beautiful daughters have some of her strength. It was a day that will be in my memory always.
Betty
USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 23:30:29 (EST)

This morning I got a big surprise. Avis called me and we talked for a long time. She told me to tell all of you that she would have loved to speak to each of you, but she doesn't have the stamina to do so. She really did enjoy having some of her classmates visit with her last week. I told her how proud she must be of her two daughters who are taking care of her. She said that she has had a blessed life with her children, and grandchildren. I know that they are so blessed to have her for a mother and grandmother. She thanked me for my little prayer service and I reminded her of the grace she spontaneously spoke before the meal we had that day. I have spent the past 17 years preparing prayer services using many resources and she, using only the resource of her own mind, prayed in words that were so inspiring, so beautiful and meaningful. Avis has always been "larger than life" to me and will always continue to be so.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 12:01:46 (EST)

J.J., give me a call when you are in DC. I will email my phone number directly to you. We are leaving for our cruise on the day after Thanksgiving. We would love to meet you and Lita for lunch one day, if you all have the time. We'll drive to DC to meet you. It will be a "bipartisan" lunch... no politics... ha ha!
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 12:26:59 (EST)

I am up and working, not a full speed, but working. Dealing with the damage from the storms has been a chore. My Larose house needs a new roof and the only thing left of the cabana is the toilet sitting on the slab. The fence is gone and I will not put it up for a while. To rebuild the cabana I must get a permit. I need to have an engineering study, inspection from the La. Department of sanitation, a list of the people that I intend to buy my materials, to get my permit. . I think that I will keep the toilet on the slab. The nighbors keep asking about it and I tell them about the conditions of the permit. It is my permit add. My Grand Isle house has to have the deck replaced and the interior has been gutted down to the bare interior studs. The exterior had four outside wall panels blown off. Money is no good you cannot hire some one to work. And if you do find some one they want to make a years wages in one week. Lita and I are doing the work ourselves. Cheap labor. It just hurts when you get up in the morning. Lita and I are taking number one and three grandsons to DC for Thanksgiving week. No more hard labor for a week.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 08:20:50 (EST)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PATSY!
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 00:49:44 (EST)

Yes, Betty we watched the end of the game. We had gone to an art reception at U of H and was just suppose to come home for a minute and then go out to eat. Well we put the tv on just to check the score, it was 10 to 10, well needless to say we ended up staying home and eating sandwiches. Good game. Yeah LSU. Our young neighbors are from LSU and after the game I too Buster outsid and I could hear them cheering !!!!
doris
USA - Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 00:24:49 (EST)

Ditto the award for O.P.!!!!!!! Gerald you have a beautiful family. Did any of you see the LSU-Ala. game? Way to go, Tigers!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 21:53:21 (EST)

What can I say. Not only does our web master touch up my pictures, he also customizes them and publishes them at no cost. I want to nominate him for web master of the decade. Is there such an award? Due to my oversite there are three other Reaux's not shown in the picture, Raymonds two little girls and Paw Paw.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 11:24:02 (EST)

Brenda, I annotated the photo with their names. Refresh the picture.
O. P., <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 08:08:02 (EST)

Gerald, I wish you would identify your original children. One son is obvious, but I'm not sure of the rest. They all look so happy and Pat is beaming.
Brenda
USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 10:49:30 (EST)

Gerald, what a good picture.A Handsome crew. Your son behind Pat looks just like you.
Doris
USA - Friday, November 11, 2005 at 10:00:30 (EST)

Wow. Thanks for the info. Gloria. Darrell is 10 Months younger that I and no telling how much younger than Rickey. I heard he was back on line. Maybe we should ask Barbara. It worked for Darrell. Go Ragin Cajuns.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 18:17:00 (EST)

I believe that Darrell may be the youngest. His birthday is June 18th and he was 67 in June.
Gloria Girouard <girouardg@lsli.org>
Baton Rouge, LA USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 12:18:22 (EST)

By the way, that is a stamp on her hand. She got it at school. Betty, I am driving over tomorrow morning. I was so busy today and I didn't want to be driving at night. I hope it's not dark at 4:45 a.m.
Brenda
USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 23:57:48 (EST)

Brenda, the "extensions" look so cute on her she should wear those in her hair all the time. See you tomorrow. Prayers do continue for Avis.
Betty
USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 22:42:34 (EST)

You all are so sweet!! I asked Margaret about Grace's hair and she said that she had put extensions on her pigtails. Don't forget prayers are needed for our dear friend, Avis, who is so ill.
Brenda
USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 00:10:27 (EST)

I certainly can see you, Brenda, in that beautiful little grandchild.
Doris
USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 20:23:35 (EST)

BRENDA, your granddaughter is beautiful. Judy Garland move over -----I love those blue eyes-----is that her "real" hair?????? Off to 4 mass at Fatima. Msgr. has moved mass time up a half hour so all the "old ladies" can get home before its too dark. He's a terrific speaker. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 18:18:40 (EST)

Happy belated birthday, Pat. You all sure were having a good time. I like the picture of you Pat dancing with your son----with your lovely smile I can see how you caught Gerald's eye!!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 18:15:29 (EST)

Thanks for the complements girls. The clebration started at Judice Inn and finished at Randalls. The little one (she's 2&1/2) and her Paw Paw bonded for most of that night. You should see the picture Pat took of me when I hit that bed. She is adorable but I was worn to a frazel. Played golf with Donald last Monday and he told me that Darrell Girouard was the youngest in our class. If you are reading this Gloria. Let us know when is his birthday. Going to First Friday Mass and out to eat. Life is good.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 13:52:18 (EST)

Happy Birthday to you Pat. Looks like you guys had fun.
Doris
USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 10:06:51 (EST)

Great family pictures, Gerald and Pat! I'll bet one of those little dolls has you wrapped around her finger, Gerald.
Brenda
USA - Friday, November 04, 2005 at 09:57:31 (EST)

We have 10 also, 6 boys and 4 girls. And one great grandson.
Doris
USA - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 23:05:25 (EST)

We have 10 grandchildren: 6 girls and 4 boys.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 21:55:14 (EST)

Congratulations, Brenda, how many grandchildren do you have now?
Doris
USA - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 21:31:01 (EST)

We have a new grandbaby. Stephen and Bissera had a little girl yesterday in Palo Alto whose name will be Olivia Maria. She is their first child.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 10:35:06 (EST)

Forgot to mention that there was a large article and picture of Maugie and Pat and T'Frere's in the Baton Rouge paper because it is one of the "haunted" houses in Louisiana.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 14:14:16 (EST)

Thanks for all of the information about the Mt. Carmel nuns. The St. Joseph nuns lost their mother house also and are now here in Baton Rouge. All of the convents apparently enlarged the cells the nuns used to live in in the convents and so there really isn't room for them all there. Four of them are living next door to us. We have a lot of candy left over also, Betty. We spend the first hour of Trick or Treating at Kathleen's eating dinner and watching all of our grandchildren getting ready, etc., and so by the time we get home and turn on the lights, most of the children have come and gone. Everyone brings a spooky, ghoulish dish for the dinner. The dessert looked just like cat litter WITH you know what in it. Hardly anyone ate any!!!
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 11:31:37 (EST)

Doris, we only had 3 trick or treaters. Two came by while I was at mass and the third was a Great Dane puppy (who is already huge) dressed in a sheet - He was supposed to be a doctor and his owner had a nurse costume on. They were too cute!!!!! Billy surely has a lot of Hershey chocolate to eat.
Betty
USA - Monday, October 31, 2005 at 23:58:42 (EST)

Camille Miller (Larry's wife) called me today and told me that St. Leo's is on the north side of town. The house where the nuns are living (7 of them I think she said) is on the corner of Alexander and Darrell Street. I think one of the nuns knew Fr. Trahan and there was a house and/or building that was part of the school that wasn't being used so he let the nuns stay there. I just got the Sisters of Mount Carmel news letter in the mail today and it shows the extensive flooding of The Mount Carmel Motherhouse and Mount Carmel Academy in New Orleans. The gym and new classroom building was submerged in water. The Carmelite Spirituality Center in Lacombe sustained tree damage to the dining room as well as the loss of 80 tgrees on the property. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, October 31, 2005 at 23:53:30 (EST)

Ok, here is the link to a google map to that location:
Map
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, October 31, 2005 at 22:30:45 (EST)

Brenda if you have a Lafayette City map, St. Leo The Great Church is at 300 West Alexander St.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Monday, October 31, 2005 at 14:17:07 (EST)

Happy Halloween everyone. Isn't St. Leo's on Kasiste Saloom?
Doris
USA - Monday, October 31, 2005 at 09:46:59 (EST)

I thought St. Leo's might have been a Lafayette Diocesan parish. I don't know where it is of if that's what I heard. Maybe Henrietta knows where she is. She was the music teacher and an artist.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 23:07:44 (EST)

Brenda, we have to see what condition the chair is in ----Suzanne may have demolished it!!!!:))) About the Penguin movie, Timmy (Billy's nephew), who lives in Alaska, said the exact same thing you did------gorgeous photography and he couldn't understand how the film crew could do such work in that freezing weather. I'll have to go see it. Timmy did say it was not a children's movie - guess it bored them - at least they fell asleep so you could enjoy the movie. I didn't know Sr. Anne Carmel - she was gone by the time I got to Mt. Carmel. Where is St. Leo's ?
Betty
USA - Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 13:00:11 (EST)

I just heard that Sr. Ann Carmel is now living in Lafayette. I should have paid more attention to where she is living, but I think they said at St. Leo's??? O.P., from the looks of Suzanne's black eye, the caption under her picture might say, "I lost."
Brenda
USA - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 19:57:26 (EDT)

Betty, our children in the picture, left to right are, Jared, Pennye, Chuck (the oldest boy), Pam, and Mitch. Chuck is standing behind me.
Doris
USA - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 23:59:03 (EDT)

Betty, I brought two 5 year olds to see "the March of the Penguins" and they fell asleep pretty quickly. I, on the other hand, was fascinated and couldn't believe that they were able to get the photography that they did. Nature is so awe-inspiring! These penguins live in 50 degrees below freezing and manage to say alive, keep their eggs from freezing, and their offspring alive also. To see how they do it is fantastic. I can't say enough about the photography.
Brenda
USA - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 23:29:03 (EDT)

Doris, those are two wonderful pictures. Which son is standing behind you? Betty
Betty
USA - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 22:43:15 (EDT)

Thanks for all the movie reviews. I'm glad no one recommended Elizabeth Town ---I read a review of Dreamer and it sounded like an updated "Black Beauty" (which I dearly loved when I was a child) - sounds like you liked it, O.P., so I may go see it. Billy nephew told me that "March of the Penguins" was a pretty good movie---why older children, Brenda ----is it gory or something? I love to read the Harry Potter books ----I can see why they were blockbuster best-sellers. I will print out your reviews and keep it handy. Thanks. Betty
Betty
USA - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 22:39:10 (EDT)

Lovely pictures of a lovely family, Doris!
Brenda
USA - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 15:25:39 (EDT)

Ok, MOVIE REVIEW time here too. We just saw "Dreamer" and it was fantastic, a really good movie with a positive message. Highly recommended. We didn't really like the "Constant Gardner". Oh, we saw "Flight Plan" and I thought it was good too. The ending keeps you in suspense.
O. P., <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 07:11:13 (EDT)

Time for my movie reviews. I saw and highly recommend the following movies: "North Country", "In Her Shoes", "Proof", and "the Constant Gardner". We also saw and thought these others were O.K.: "Just Like Heaven", "Red Eye", and "Broken Flowers". AVOID: "40 Year Old Virgin" and "Wedding Crashers' unless you like crass language and situations. Bring your older grandchildren to see: "March of the Penguins" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and be watching for "Capote" and "Good Night-Good Luck" which are supposed to be two good movies. Of course, I can't wait for the next Harry Potter movie as I am a big fan of that series.
Brenda
USA - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 01:19:58 (EDT)

O.P. and Shirley, your granddaughter is indeed a beauty. Betty Patsy and I went to see Elizabeth Town this afternoon. I thought it wasn't very good. Am I just getting old or what----all these movies just seem "stupid" to me. Brenda, did you and John see it? What about North Country----did you see that? Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 23:20:56 (EDT)

Just finished installing our new computer and were able to download all of our files from the old to the new. This is my first entry and everything is zooming at a rate that is hard to believe. We went from Windows 98 to Windows XP. It is a huge upgrade for us. We can now spend much less time trying to communicate, especially on weekends.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 21:46:07 (EDT)

Gerald, did you get your new computer installed? I need to talk to you about it. Call or IM me.
O. P., <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 11:29:47 (EDT)

I am not positive but I think either Donald or Daniel are the youngest in our class and Rickey may be the oldest. I need someone to double check my memory. Do I have any takers?
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 13:37:51 (EDT)

I learned the other day that Patsy isn't the youngest in our class. Janet DeClouet Whiteside's birthday is November 28. Jeanette told me that last week because she and Janet call each other on their birth dates. Happy to hear the storm wasn't bad at your house, Marshall.
Betty
USA - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 21:58:15 (EDT)

I have been asking John all day where you live in relation to the storm. He thought it was below you, as it was. Thank heavens that you are not going through what so many people from Louisiana and Miss. are going through. Sue told me that her daughter drove around New Orleans and thought she was in a science-fiction movie because there were NO people, nor cars, nor anything and there was devastation everywhere. That is a very erie situation and sad! J.J., how are you feeling? I hope one day everything will be o.k. for you and your family. So sorry to hear about Rickey's brother. Everyone should be keeping Avis in their prayers. She is very, very sick.
Brenda
USA - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 21:12:15 (EDT)

Thanks a million for all the prayers! We "lucked out again"! Let us keep praying for those who did get hit on the West Coast of FL and those who will get hit on the East Coast. Where this Hurricane hit on the West Coast it is very sparcely populated...MOSTLY... and there is nothing between us and the East Coast except the Everglades...so it slowed down very little accross the peninsula! The center hit at Everglades City about 135 miles South of where I live. We had gusts of maybe 45 mph. I didn't even lose electricity...except a flicker and I don't even have to clean my yard of leaves!!! Thanks for your love, concern, and prayers...they mean a lot to me. I love you all.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 11:42:13 (EDT)

O.P., would it be possible for you to put the map of Florida and indicate where Marshall lives? It seems to me that his home is right near the path of the hurricane, if not in it.
Brenda
USA - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 11:01:49 (EDT)

You do have a couple of Beauties there, O.P. Your grandaughter looks just like her grandmother.
Doris
USA - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 10:33:33 (EDT)

Happy Birthday to Shirley and Lita. We were in town Sat. to celebrate our 50th Anniversary at a great Celebration. We renewed our Vows in the Cathedral then had a surprised dinner party afterwards with our Family and a couple of life-long friends. After which, our children had reservations at a Bed and Breakfast for us along with all kinds of little romantic surprises. They worked so hard and did such a wonderful job to make our Anniversary so very SPECIAL, I am so proud of my talented children!! The videos, decorations, art work and even a book of memories of the family. Everything was so special and meaningful.
Doris
USA - Monday, October 24, 2005 at 00:47:44 (EDT)

I got a call from Rickey last night. His brother G. J. died yesterday. He had been sick with (forgot what it was) but then he got blood poisening and it went to his lungs and then his heart stopped. Be on the lookout for the wake and funeral notice in the Advertiser. Rickey will be coming on line next week again. He will be getting a NetZero account.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 11:49:32 (EDT)

J.J., in case Lita doesn't read the web site, please wish her a very happy birthday also. I met her at the reunion and she is charming and seems like a lot of fun to be with. O.P., your granddaughter looks very much like Shirley. Congratulations of that young beauty.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 10:07:56 (EDT)

Happy birthday Shirley. You and Lita were born on the same day. J. J.
J.J. Erny <judgeerny@ mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 09:36:48 (EDT)

I too want to wish you a very happy birthday, Shirley. I remember you at the Neuman Club meetings at S.L.I. almost 50 years ago and you really were and are a beauty.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 00:15:47 (EDT)

Doris and Charles were in town to celebrate their 50th anniversary with their family. We all went to dinner tonight. I'll send pictures in later on. Had a fun evening.
BETTY
USA - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 23:35:53 (EDT)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Shirley HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 23:34:26 (EDT)

O.P. you were one smart young man when you fooled the S.L.I. beauty many, many years ago. Happy Birthday to a great friend.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 13:34:07 (EDT)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! to my wife Shirley. I wanted to surprise her when she reads the Guestbook. he he he....
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 07:52:01 (EDT)

You got that right O.P. Last night was an easy win but that last game in Houston was what I call the Jeasus game. In the top of the 9th the Stro's had St. Louis 4 to 2 with two outs and two strikes on the lead off hitter. They rose from the dead and won 5 to 4. We were flaborgasted over here but lived to win again. We have the pitching to go all the way. Just purchased a new computer and will be installing it tonight. So I'll be out of pocket for a few days. GO ASTROS!
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 16:47:40 (EDT)

Congrats to Houston. Doris, there are lots of Astros fans in Louisiana too, not the least of which is Gerald Reaux! He must be happy too!
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 07:42:32 (EDT)

Yeah!!! The Astros are going to the World Series. There are a lot of happy people in Houston tonight!!!!!!!!
Doris
USA - Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 01:21:35 (EDT)

Marshall, forget about the lawn furniture and pack some things and leave. This storm is HUGE.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 13:51:01 (EDT)

As long as we don't get hit Betty, I'll gladly put my patio furniture in the pool! It keeps them clean if nothing else!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 13:50:58 (EDT)

Suzanne, my daughter, Elizabeth and I were in the mall last week and saw that McRaes is closing. Dillard's is not that different from McRaes. Betty, Marilyn Adams is my first cousin. She's a sharp cookie! Oh, we are probably going to get a new computer also. I might keep the old one for me as John loads his down with so many sites that it might be faster with just my own Favorites which include the CathedralCarmel site, the Library, E-bay, Studioatkinson, my greeting card sites, etc. Betty, that would be an interesting way to get to know people better--what are their favorite sites?
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 11:54:36 (EDT)

Marshall, your lawn chairs must be showing the ill effects of their frequent trips to the botton of your pool. I hope this hurricane fizzles!
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 11:43:14 (EDT)

It will be nice and cool here in the morning so maybe the storm will go easterly. I will have to call Suzanne ----what snake is she talking about - I must have missed something.
Betty
USA - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 22:19:48 (EDT)

Here in FL they are predicting the hurricane to hit Key West or maybe even further South than that! O.P. even wunderground has it headed to Key West on Saturday. But as we all know, movemenet is really difficult to predict until it actually gets into the Gulf.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 20:45:42 (EDT)

OP, your map didn't pop up until after I sent my message. Our local weatherman said this morning that USUALLY when the storms are that far south at this time of the year they will take a turn to the northeast. I wouldn't want to wish bad storms on anyone but I sure hope he's right.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 13:11:36 (EDT)

Last message for a while. Yvette is packing up so the computer will be on its way back to New Orleans. The boys are very excited to be going home for good and Granny has mixed feelings. I won't miss the snake! Yvette got a call from John Besh over the weekend. He owns Restaurant August and can't find people to work. He has several crews in the area feeding workers but his own place needs people - she is getting ready to remodel and this will put granite countertops in the kitchen. Hope she can find someone to do the work. Betty, I didn't go to sale at Abdalla's but I heard it was wild. We went to the LSU game. I came home with a headache. They drive me crazy. Brenda. do you ever shop at McRaes? We went shopping there Saturday and found out that they are closing. I am so disappointed, it was my favorite place to shop in BR. I have to get serious apout buying a PC, maybe before Christmas. See yall soon.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 13:00:10 (EDT)

Batten down the hatches again.

O. P. ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 10:50:12 (EDT)

AMAZING.
Betty
USA - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 14:29:52 (EDT)

Betty, the keyboard is a "display" keyboard when you tap an icon, it appears, either on the bottom or the top of the screen. The picture below shows it on the right of the email form.

O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 12:06:42 (EDT)

WHERE IS THE KEYBOARD to type an e-mail? Gerald isn't the only one who asks lots of questions-----
Betty
USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 22:27:42 (EDT)

Ok, Gerald and Marshall..... I can delete some of his questions too.... he he.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 15:42:30 (EDT)

I don't know if you ask too many questions, but I do know you ask them often!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 13:45:43 (EDT)

OP always told me I asked too many questions. Now I know why.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 11:17:15 (EDT)

Well Gerald you got your picture! But in all honesty, do you really know more now than before you asked?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 09:52:09 (EDT)

The handheld is called a "LifeDrive" by Palm. It has 4 Gigabites of disk space and has Wi-fi and Bluetooth networking. Email and the Web. It's not a telephone. It does store and play photos, music & videos. You can download your digital camera pics to it and then email them. Here's a picture of the little thing.

O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 07:27:05 (EDT)

Brenda, I didn't know you were Marilyn Adams first cousin---- O.P. is that hand held computer the same thing as a Blackberry? Eliz. has a Blackberry (for work) ----I can't keep up with all the computer advances ---if yours is like a Blackberry than I have seen one before!!!!!!!! Does it really send pictures too?
Betty
USA - Friday, October 14, 2005 at 22:35:49 (EDT)

Ok, we need a validation for this "handheld computer". How about a pic. for us uncyber smart people.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, October 14, 2005 at 19:13:51 (EDT)

testing from my new handheld computer. Good morning all.
Op
USA - Friday, October 14, 2005 at 08:53:51 (EDT)

Betty, I still have two aunts living in the house behind the Johnston St. Walgreens (the other two died this year) and one who lives by herself. She is Paul Fournet's widow and is a remarkable person. She is legally blind, but she is an artist who's paintings illustrate a book of poetry. She is also a Master Bridge player.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 11:24:29 (EDT)

Did anyone go to the Abdalla's closing business sale today. I understand it was a zoo around the store. That is definitely an end to an era. Lafayette without an Abdalla's store!!!!!!!! ---- seems impossible!!!!
Betty
USA - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 21:19:01 (EDT)

Brenda, I often wonder if the person who has Alzheimers realizes that he/she isn't remembering things the way he/she once did ----it must be horrible for the spouse, but think how awful it must be if a person realizes its happening to them ----scary thought. Its a TERRIBLE disease. Do you have one aunt or two still living here?
Betty
USA - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 21:15:02 (EDT)

I had my first experience talking to a person with alzheimers today. I had lunch with a lovely woman who seemed to be enjoying herself so much; eating her lunch and carrying on a lively conversation. After lunch I was talking to her caregiver and she told me that the woman wouldn't remember the lunch tomorrow. I was so shocked. What an insidious disease!! She still remembers the past, but it must be short-term memory loss which she has. Imagine if your spouse started over every day with no memory of what you two had done the day before. I hope the Lord takes me before that happens.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 19:09:08 (EDT)

Betty, I'm actually about to leave for Lafayette this morning. I'm bringing a priest friend of Marshall's and mine who will spend the day visiting a relative of his. Reading about Julian's recovery reminds me of all of the displaced deacons and priests from the New Orleans area. Right after Katrina, I saw so many of them at our Catholic Life Center who had lost homes, jobs, and parishes. They just seemed lost. Archbishop Hughes and his staff set up here and worked so hard to keep the diocese going. They eventually had to lay off so many people because they couldn't pay them and their jobs were wiped out. I hope Julian and his wife can return to their ministries.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 10:37:12 (EDT)

Marshall, thanks for the update on Julian. Caring for a stroke victim is physically exhausting. Getting a nurses aid to relieve them so they can sleep will really be helpful to the family. Sleep deprivation just adds to the depression. I know when Mother first had her stroke and she was at my house I lasted about 5 days and nights before I was totally and utterly exhausted. I hired someone to stay at night for a while (that was prior to the assisted living place) because I could NOT get a good night's sleep. I always had an ear tuned in to Mother's every move. Its a lot different than tuning in to a baby sleeping in a crib. I'm sorry that his prognosis doesn't include his continuing his ministry. So sad.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 22:54:14 (EDT)

This is the latest I got on Julian from Fr. Paul Metrejean: Julian is back at the rectory (St. Catherine's) in Leonville. His speech has improved immensely and he is undergoing therapy three times a week for the left side of his body which has been paralyzed by the stroke. He also needs therapy, of course, for the knee surgery he had the day before the stroke. He is not able to walk yet. Jan has been patiently and heroically taking care of him, as has their youngest son, Patrick. They recently hired a nurse's aide to spend a couple nights a week to enable Jan and Patrick to get a full night's sleep. They are all, of course, going through a certain amount of depression. Whether Julian will ever be able to function in ministry again is questionable, but they don't want to consider that yet. It's a rather sad situation.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 22:45:06 (EDT)

I'm just trying to get a discussion going here -----where are all of you ----Doris, Henrietta, Brenda, Gerald-----the dog days of summer are over ----so where is everyone??????
Betty
USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 22:39:53 (EDT)

It would be interesting to know what the rest of you think when you think about God - Betty
Betty
USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 22:37:44 (EDT)

I understand your explanation, but I don't think of God as It or She-----I was just expressing that I always think of God as Father (male), Son (male) and the Holy Spirit as "Wisdom" -----that's just how I personally think of God - in my mind's eye he is male ----not female.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 22:35:22 (EDT)

Betty the Son is the only Person of the Trinity revealed as gender spicific in Scripture! The Father is used to describe God in the role of Creator, and The Spirit is used to describe God in the role of Sanctifier. The Divine Nature however, The Supreme Being, is the Power of the Universe...He/She/or It are pronouns we finite beings use in an attempt to communicate thoughts about that Supreme Being.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 09:52:20 (EDT)

Suzanne, HAPPY BIRTHDAY a couple days early. I have your birthdate as Oct. 13th----hope that is correct. But if it isn't HAPPY BIRTHDAY anyway because it has to be coming up.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 00:00:25 (EDT)

Marshall, how interesting that you think of God as HE/SHE -----I never think of God as female.
Betty
USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 23:58:00 (EDT)

I can't even spell my own name, What a shame!!!!
Doris
USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 18:32:25 (EDT)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARVEY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Doris
Dpris
USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 18:31:42 (EDT)

I have been without cable for a few days. I don't need God's help to disable me...I do well enough on my own!!! "I" cut my cable working in the yard! No I don't think anything unusual is happening Suzanne. I like to think that God sometimes sends us MORE than we can handle to remind us that HE/SHE is still in charge!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 15:29:36 (EDT)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARVEY!! This beautiful weather is enough to make golfers out of all of us. Betty, Sherlock is doing well and it's hard to keep him from running and climbing. It's been three weeks and that's how long we were supposed to keep him quiet.
Brenda
USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 14:28:58 (EDT)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARVEY. I bet you're playing golf today!
Suzanne
USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 12:32:48 (EDT)

Brenda, how is Sherlock doing?
Betty
USA - Sunday, October 09, 2005 at 20:45:57 (EDT)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARVEY. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, October 09, 2005 at 20:44:21 (EDT)

Marshall, I plan to bring Jibber to Lafayette with me this week. While I am visiting my aunts, he will visit a widowed sister-in-law of his. I don't know how it will work out, but he is anxious to drive over there. Suzanne, I'm sorry to see your family move out again. It's usually such an adjustment when someone else is staying at your home, that's it's so peaceful when you can get back to your routine. My neighbor just brought me a copy of today's New Orleans Times-Picayune because it has a large picture and an article about Garland Robinette of WWL radio, whom the article refers to as the "Voice of New Orleans. He and his wife and child were the people we had staying with us after Katrina. They were very nice and fell in love with Sherlock. They bought a home in Covington and won't be returning to live in New Orleans.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, October 09, 2005 at 19:11:31 (EDT)

Have been absent for a while. Mostly because of Rita, work and Golf. Went to Pecan Island to help my son retrive some of his belongings Tuesday and saw divistation worse than Audrey over 48 years ago. At that time I was attending S.L.I. and a member of a 5 man survey crew sent to map a new road which is now the high ridge road. Almost everyone there was traped near the low ridge Road and depended on the Red Cross for survival since they could not leave. Those poor people over their have a very hard life to start with and now it's going to be very difficult for them to return. Reminds me of N.O. Everything 10 to 15 miles from the Gulf was covered with salt water. The vegitation is turning brown and there will be no duck season this year. It's hard to find reasons for all this distruction. On a lighter note Harvey is 68 today and enjoying Lafayette more than San Antonio. He has a computer but is a technophobe. Not too interested and would prefer playing golf. Good to hear from all of you and let's pray that we don't need Greek letters to identify our Hurrcanes this season. Go Astro's.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Sunday, October 09, 2005 at 17:25:51 (EDT)

Well, in spite of what she saw last week, Yvette took the children home this weekend(just for the weekend) They will be coming back today but she thinks that they will return next weekend for good. Her friends are encouraging her to return. The groceries are opening every day and now that WalMart is open again what more can you want? I know she is anxious to return to a normal life with her family but in spite of the trouble I will miss them. They aren't that far away. Betty, you are so right, what is happening in our world? Is this a sign? Marshal, what do you think?
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, October 09, 2005 at 13:45:25 (EDT)

Brenda, you are right---we really shouldn't complain about anything. Until they fix those levees to withstand a Cat. 5 hurricane, I wouldn't move back to New Orleans. Sue, its hard to imagine New Orleans being a ghost town.Its got to be eerie. And, Marshall, in my mind an earthquake would be the most frightening thing to be in----what is happening in this world of ours ----its just one major catastrophe after another---kind of scary. Plus that Avian flu looming on the horizon is a "major" scary thing. J. J., sounds like you are being waited on hand and foot ----enjoy it!!!!!!!! Oh, if anyone is interested in getting their flu shots here in Lafayette, I understand they will be giving them at Albertson's tomorrow and the Stafford Walk-In clinic starting at noon tomorrow. I think Billy and I will go to the Walk In Clinic ( that is where we got the shots last year) and get that behind us. Hasn't the weather been wonderful the past 2 days!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 23:08:44 (EDT)

Wow 3,000 dead in Asia from one earthquake! I guess in perspective hurricanes are not that bad after all! At least we get a warning!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 21:28:52 (EDT)

The streets of New Orleans are silent. It is a vacant city. It like a scene from an apocalyptically novel by Steven King. We have finally remove the debris from the yard. It is piled in a huge mound on the side of the street. This includes the wreckage from the cabana. We, meaning Lita and the young man we hired to work a couple of days a week and the lumber jack that took down three of our large, damaged pine trees. I still can not pick up more than 8 pounds. It is driving me crazy. To add to my frustration I have yet to see an insurance adjuster. I guess it does not matter. Money is no good. There is no one that you can hire to repair the roof and re build the cabana. It will be at least a year or more before you can get a contractor to work on Grand Isle at a none rip off rate. I suppose that I will have to do it myself. I have not been to Grand Isle. I only have the pictures and the descriptions of my family. They will not let me go. They do not want me there. They complain that if I went there I would be working on the house on the Island and end up back in the hospital again. If I attempt to pick up any thing more than eight pounds Lita complains long and loud. It is frustrating; but kind of fun. If I need to have something more than eight pounds I ask her to do it and she does. Role reversal at its finest.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 08:28:11 (EDT)

Hey, you know what, I think that Patsy may be the youngest in the class. Her birthday is Nov. 14. Unless someone has one after that. Does anyone?
Doris
USA - Friday, October 07, 2005 at 22:52:40 (EDT)

The people who have been staying with us are not going to go back to live in New Orleans either and I don't think that their house was very damaged. They just bought a house in Covington and he will commute to work at WWL radio station. However, the people staying at the Z. house are planning to go back as soon as they can. Some other people I know from Pass Christian want to go back to rebuild, but there is no city, no schools, nor any stores any more. I don't know what they would do there. It reminds me again that I really don't have a thing to complain about.
Brenda
USA - Friday, October 07, 2005 at 00:07:19 (EDT)

Good morning. Doris, Yvette lives on the west bank close to Belle Chase. She went home Sunday to check things out because school started over there. She will NOT return at this time. Her description of what it was like is hard to take, stores on the west bank are open only at certain times and you are limited as to what you can buy. She says the city is a ghost town and destruction is all over.What the water didn't destroy, the winds did. I didn't realise just how far into the city the water went. The air smells of mold and there is a film of dust that moves with every gust of wind. Cars are everywhere and it is very easy to see the water line on them. She says she just can't imagine how the city can rebuild, EVERY business on Carrolton Ave. is closed, that's a very long street and it was like that everywhere she drove. Blake is back at work at the air station but there isn't much to do. He flies and there aren't any planes left over there. My children are doing well here and I will hate to see them leave.
Suzanne
USA - Thursday, October 06, 2005 at 11:17:50 (EDT)

Brenda, I don't know what time of day you were here, but the traffic is absolutely horrible EVERYWHERE ----Johnston Street is now like Johnston Street during the Christmas Holidays. Of course, I understand Baton Rouge traffic is horrendous too. You must have been in town in the morning because after 11:00 and until about 6 I find it very annoying. Oh, Patsy has a birthday in November ----she must be the baby.
Betty
USA - Sunday, October 02, 2005 at 17:37:27 (EDT)

Sue, it is so good to hear from you. I am glad your children are with you. I am sorry for their loss. I hope it wasn't too much. My brother's family are really lucky. They live in Belle Chasse so they were able to go back after two weeks of Katrina. I haven't heard from all my friends from Lake Charles, only a couple of them. Their houses were saved from too much damage. But they said Lake Charles won't look the same with a lot of the trees now down. I would hate to see what would happen to the Woodlands if a hurricane would come through here.
Doris
USA - Saturday, October 01, 2005 at 20:54:07 (EDT)

Hi everyone, I've been catching up on all the news of the last month. Yvette is here with her computer. Doris, I'm soo happy the your baby boy is home safe and sound. My New Orleans children are still here and will be staying for a while. The boys are enrolled at Fatima and say they don't want to go back to their old school. Matthew, the youngest says the he will be staying with me because he gets ice cream every night. My dining room is now my sewing room. The costumes are a little behind schedule because it was hard to work on them with all that was going on. Mardi Gras seems so unimportant, but life goes on and I do have to earn a living. I'm glad we are all safe from the storms.
Suzanne
USA - Saturday, October 01, 2005 at 20:11:53 (EDT)

Boudreaux was praying to find a parking place which he eventually did. Then he said, "Never mind, I found one."
Brenda
USA - Friday, September 30, 2005 at 21:26:19 (EDT)

Betty and O.P., you all must have been the babies of the class. I know we go through this every year, but I can never remember who is the youngest. Happy Birthday! I just returned from Lafayette where I have been dreading to go because of the traffic. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't seem much worse than usual. I didn't see anything but Johnston Street and it didn't seem affected. I heard that thousands of evacuees were sent out of Bossier City because of a soccer game and now Lafayette has even more people to care for. I know that they are doing a great job! We are still housing people from N.O. and I can't see what the future holds for them.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 16:54:18 (EDT)

Happy Birthday O.P. Have a good one!!!! Doris and Charles
Doris
USA - Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 15:26:01 (EDT)

Happy Birthday to my good friend whome I have known for 63 years. That was first grade at Mount Carmel. Have a wonderful day. You have kept us connected in a way we could have never imagined.
Gerald Reaux <ggr@fenstermaker.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 11:22:23 (EDT)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, O. P. -------HAVE A GREAT DAY. :))))))) BETTY and BILLY
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 11:00:43 (EDT)

Glad to hear you all made it back O.K. I remember in 2001 you guys were stuck in Cal. and couldn't fly back either. I have only heard from two of my friends from Lake Charles so far. All of Jared's belongings is in a storage unit over there on Lake Street. Hopefully it is high enough not to be in water.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 16:17:05 (EDT)

Home safe and sound. It took 9 hours to fly from DC to Lafayette. I will spare everyone the details. My outside cable connection is out and will be repaired hopefully today. Other than that a few broken outside potted plant vaces and a few branches. Went to work this morning and will check in from home as soon as I can. It could have been worse. Don't think I will fly again during hurricane season.
Gerald Reaux <ggr@fenstermaker.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 14:02:27 (EDT)

I'm waiting to hear from Gerald and Pat. I saw on line that their flight from Memphis came in later than planned. But I don't know if they were on it. Gerald, please let us know you are home safe.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 10:12:41 (EDT)

Happy to hear your brother, Melvin, is safe and sound at his home.
Betty
USA - Monday, September 26, 2005 at 11:21:26 (EDT)

Ok, Melvin is home again. They had taken him somewhere with electricity. He called me last night. He is safe and sound. thanks for all the suggestions.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, September 26, 2005 at 07:01:10 (EDT)

O.P., The Daily Advertiser has a Help Line -----337-289-6394 ----that just flashed across the tv screen.
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 17:55:06 (EDT)

O.P. They had asked not to use cell phones to save space for emergency use. Perhaps she can't call out. The army helicopters are out in force. Just now about 6 flew over the house heading southwest. Its a mess south of here because of the flooding.
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 17:38:18 (EDT)

O.P. We have had non-stop news coverage on KLFY-tv since Thursday and also KATC tv -----they just stopped about noon time. They are still having periodic updates on both stations. You could also call Acadian Ambulance and maybe they would have some suggestions. go to www.Rita@katc.com ----they ask that you send e-mails there--perhaps an e-mail to them might give you additional help. People are sending in digital pictures from a lot of the flooded areas. The Convention Center at the CajunDome is also a shelter. You can also e-mail news@katctv.com because their phone lines are down ----that just flashed across the screen. If I see anything else on TV that might help you, I'll let you know.
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 17:30:19 (EDT)

O.P. have you tried the Red Cross? I don't know if they can help in a situation like that. But maybe they could get to the T.V. station better than you can. Are they in Lafayette?
Doris
USA - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 14:25:37 (EDT)

Glad to hear from Doris and that you all are ok. Gerald & Pat didn't get thier flight for today that they expected into Laf. So they are now booked through Memphis then to Laf on Monday. They decided to stay close to the airport tonight in case something else opens up. I have one problem, I can't locate my Brother Melvin. He was being watched over at his house by his grand daughter. Their power went out the night of the storm. He needs power for his oxygen machine. Last we heard was that they were going to someone's house that had power. But the young lady has NOT called anyone yet. My sister and I are at a loss as to how to locate them. We don't have any phone number to call, but she saId that they would call when he got settled in the new place they were going. Are the local TV stations in Laf working now? But I guess they would not broadcast a call for him. We are at a loss as to find him. I had a lot of confidence in that young lady, but I am loosing it now.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 13:44:34 (EDT)

Doris, glad you all went thru the storm with minimal tree damage. How's Charles today? Marshall, I did see Abbeville and Perry on CNN. My sister, Nancy, and her husband's home was not flooded ----they live in Abbeville ----they were lucky because they live about l/2 block from the Vermilion and have a big, big coulee behind their house-----water was about 3 feet from their back door. Thank God we didn't get the torrential rains they predicted we would have after the hurricane because the coulee's are half full here and can't drain into the Vermilion. Went to 9 AM mass this morning at Fatima. The electricity was still out so it very hot ----the AC came on about right before mass ended. It was so hot in there and it reminded me of going to mass when we were young----people were fanning and sweating!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 25, 2005 at 13:22:45 (EDT)

O.P. I am so glad to hear Brooks is home. It's wonderful to have our boys back with us, isn't it? I hope Louisianna will be able to give them the celebrations they deserve. I know everyone has had their minds on the hurricanes and not our soldiers, lately, and rightly so. But when things settle down,I hope they will remember our 256th deserves a BIG WELCOME HOME.
Doris
USA - Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 23:51:54 (EDT)

We did just fine, thanks for the concern. It was not nearly as bad as we expected. In fact I slept downstairs at Chuck's house in what I think was the safest room. I didn't hear a thing. Roxanne's mom, Betty, was there also and her and Chuck were up when it came through at 4:30 this morning. But I didn't hear it. This morning when we got up it was just drizzling and the wind blowing about 35 or 40 mph. Then the sun came out around 2:00 this afternoon. We came home, and our yard was a mess. Totally covered with pine needles. Chuck, Roxanne and Betty came over to help Charles unboard the windows and help me rake the front yard because Charles fell down the stairs last night trying to carry Buster, our dog, up to the bedroom, he didn't want to go up there. So Charles has a bad shoulder today as a results of the happening and we slept downstairs in the safe room. After seeing all the people run out of gas along the hiways we were happy we stayed put. Pam has been without electricity since yesterday, but they are alright. She lives on Maryview Farm Rd. Jared just called, he is in Alexandria, without electricity also. He said it is so hot, but not as hot as Iraq. I have only talked to one person from Lake Charles, that is Jared's good friend and they had evacuated to Tennessee to family up there. I am wondering about my friends there. Lake Charles flooded a lot in just the least little rain. We feel so Blessed in so many ways. I feel like God is really looking out for our family. We came home from our Anniversary trip to San Antonio a day earlier and I am so happy we did. We would've gotten stuck in the traffic in Houston, big time, if we hadn't.
Doris
USA - Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 22:25:03 (EDT)

Have you all be watching CNN? They have been in Abbeville and Perry for the last couple of hours.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 22:20:28 (EDT)

Good news, O.P.-----Doris, where and how did yall do through the night?
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 13:35:25 (EDT)

Ok, I just talked to Essie, they made it ok into BR yesterday and go home to Laf ok too. No damage at their house and only lost power for 45 min this morning. It's back up now. Looks like power outages in Laf are sporatic. Found out that Shirley's Neice's son (Brooks) made it back from Iraq a couple of days ago, safe and sound. He is in Laf with his mother and Shirley's sister-in-law staying at another sister-in-laws house. They are safe. I talked to my brother Melvin's granddaughter who is taking care of him. They lost power last night, but he has enough bottled oxygen to last a few days. I'm sure power will be back up soon. I talked to Rickey and they are ok. Barbara's father came there from his Sulpher to ride out the storm, good thing. That's all the news for now. Going out to lunch with Gerald and Pat today, and maybe dinner theater tonight (life is good up here in Virginia).
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 13:24:33 (EDT)

We did OK here last night. Never did lose power here at the house. I just saw pictures of Intracoastal City sent it via e-mail to KATCTV - pictures show about 8 ft. of water in Intracoastal City. Don't know about flooding in Abbeville. Just had a bad rain squall and its calm right now. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 11:19:35 (EDT)

Any word if Don and Essie made it to B.R. Doris looks like you and Charles relocated to Houston just in time. Lake Charles looks like it really got hit hard. No word from Lafayette and other parts of LA other than N.O. How did Verillion Parish make out?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 10:31:52 (EDT)

J.J. thanks for telling me where the 9th ward is located. I used to live in the Claiborne Towers so I guess its beyond the cemeteries catty-corner from Claiborne Towers and goes on to the edges of the French Quarter. What canal is down there?---The Old Irish Channel? Did you work down there before or after you and I worked at Gulf Oil Corporation? I really need to go to the Times-Picayune and find a map. The 9th Ward is flooding again right now. We've had a couple heavy rain showers and some gusty winds, but nothing bad yet.
Betty
USA - Friday, September 23, 2005 at 17:21:26 (EDT)

The ninth ward of New Orleans. You go there by going along Claiborne away from Canal on the same side as the french quarter. It is a neighborhood that is mostly black and poor. It is a rough place. I worked there while in college. I worked for the Orleans Parish School Board. I dug ditches and broke cement with a sledge hammer. Most of the time I worked a school called , appropriately, Lawless. We were well protected while we worked there. Drops of milk on a chocolate bar.
J. J. Erny <judeerny@mobiletel>
Larose, LA USA - Friday, September 23, 2005 at 13:57:23 (EDT)

10 AM, Friday - we just have cloudy skies, a little breeze and sprinkles every now and then----all of my expected company decided to go on up to Alexandria so it will be pretty quiet here---just wind and rain I guess.
Betty
USA - Friday, September 23, 2005 at 12:46:32 (EDT)

Don/Essie, and Gerald/Pat's flights into Houston for today got canceled, but Don & Essie are booked on a flight into Baton Rouge today. Gerald and Pat are waiting until Rita passes and trying to go though Houston/Laf again on Sunday. We spent a couple of hours at the airport last night trying to get them flights.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Friday, September 23, 2005 at 05:45:36 (EDT)

I think things are going to be a lot worse here than they were for Katrina. I've got my supplies in and my sister and her family PLUS 4 daschshunds and 6 baby ducklings are due here tomorrow afternoon ---(Nancy and Jack live in Abbeville) ---with that menagerie and the storm it should make for an interesting evening. Jack North, Jr., my nephew, who lives in the Woodlands, left at 5 A.M. this morning to go to Alexandria to stay with his sister. After 9 hrs. on the roadf he got as far as Livingston, Texas ----so after the storm turned a little eastward, he turned around and drove home on US 59 and got home in an hr.-----unbelievable isn't it. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 22:20:07 (EDT)

No more chairs left to throw in the pool. We are here for the duration. I did remove four the 100 foot pine trees that loom over my house. There are still 3 more that need to be taken down. If the gales come with 50 mile an hour wind all loose objects will become projectiles.. All we have here is loose objects, in the from of debris left from K.
J. J. Erny <Judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 16:14:42 (EDT)

Happy Birthday, Betty. As I told Betty in an e-mail. We are evacuating to my son's house. He has less trees. We have 32 in our yard. Of course some of them are not big at all, but we have at least 8 tall, tall pines and a one story house. I am afraid that if the winds get the top of the trees they will snap and come through our roof. The news people have asked that unless you live in a low lying area and are in danger of flooding, just stay haunkered in and treat it like you are in a tornado. There are so many people on the hiways from Galveston and the coast of Texas now. They roads look like a parking lot. So we are going to haunker down at Chuck's house. It is suppose to last at least 12 hours they predict. That is a lot of haunkering I think. I don't know how Crispin and Mitch will keep the boys occupied for that long. But they want to stay home. Brandon, Chuck's son would like for us all to go there and have a family party. My sister-in-law from Belle Chasse called tonight and wanted to know if we wanted to go there. She was here for a couple of weeks after Katrina. Her and her family were lucky, they had no great damage to their homes. Well, I will let you guys know how things are as soon as I can after the storm. Pray for us and all the people in the path of the storm. Thanks.
Doris
USA - Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 00:04:37 (EDT)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BETTY!!!!! Sherlock sits in his cage looking so mournful. He needs stricter parents. I take him out about every 30 minutes and walk him around. He can't lift his leg nor squat outside, but he keeps trying. You can see the pain in his eyes because I'm sure his back hurts him a lot. The evacuees we have staying with us fell in love with him. They have an 8 year old girl who misses their two dogs. Hope you're doing something fun for your birthday other than watching the approach of Hurricane Rita!
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 20:14:18 (EDT)

Brenda, how are you and Sherlock doing?
Betty
USA - Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 17:22:23 (EDT)

I found out where the 9th Ward is located. Anyone interested in knowing?
Betty
USA - Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 17:21:28 (EDT)

O.P. These are great pictures of all of you. I really enjoyed viewing the pictures. Looks like you all are having a great time. Gerald seems mighty relaxed in the SUV!!!!! Doris and Brenda, I think you should paint the bunches of grapes -----I think that would be a great picture. Also, I've never seen the WWII monument ----its beautiful. Today is my 68th birthday! Wow!!!!! DORIS, are you and Chas and your families evacuating----keep us posted on your plans so we can keep track of you.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 17:20:32 (EDT)

Brenda, keeping him in a kennel for 3 weeks is going to tough, but it might help him walk again. Did you lighten up your screen - it is a good picture of all of them.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 21:31:01 (EDT)

Since no one answered my question, I guess no one knows where the 9th Ward is located in NO. Those poor evacuees are now being moved to Tenn. and/or Ark. to make room for the "new" evacuees from Rita. How horrible for them all. Good pictures of all of you. Have fun.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 21:02:10 (EDT)

Brenda, you might try brightening up your monitor, using the monitor contrast/brightness controlls.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 18:54:22 (EDT)

If those are pictures taken with a digital camera, could you lighten them a little? It's difficult to see the three men. I think it would have been a good picture as is the one with the ladies.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, September 20, 2005 at 12:25:40 (EDT)

Betty, thanks for caring about Sherlock. The vet said that he's not sure what caused the paralysis, but he thinks it has to do with a disc in his spine. He gave him a steriod shot and said we have to keep him in a CAGE for THREE WEEKS, just walking him outside to go to the bathroom, to let him heal. That won't be easy!
Brenda
USA - Monday, September 19, 2005 at 23:00:36 (EDT)

Brenda, I'm sorry to hear about Sherlock. I'm a dog lover too----although we don't have one at this time. Do you think he had a stroke? I hope he recovers because I know you love him. I have a friend who has a cocker and he's been going to a doggie cardiologist for about 8 years now ----Cappy is still going strong and is about 15 years old.
Betty
USA - Monday, September 19, 2005 at 20:44:29 (EDT)

Betty, I sent in the basketball picture. There must have been some team members missing as I think we had to have six to play and we must have had substitutes. It's a shame not to remember better than that. Yesterday our dog, Sherlock, was running as fast as he could toward some dogs,and all of a sudden, he was dragging his back legs as he ran. He didnt seem to realize that he couldn't use them. Anyway, he can walk a little and we brought him to the vet's. I am waiting to hear what's what. John doesn't think it looks good. With everyone's tremendous losses, I guess his loss wouldn't seem to matter, but it is VERY scary for me.
Brenda
USA - Monday, September 19, 2005 at 15:57:34 (EDT)

O.P. Thanks for the hurricane tracking map -------this will make it very easy for us to track.
Betty
USA - Monday, September 19, 2005 at 11:33:26 (EDT)

Here comes Rita!!

O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, September 19, 2005 at 07:37:46 (EDT)

Marshall, if Rita goes to Galveston that will mean we will be on the "bad" side of the eye -----I hope its not a real rain maker----of course, Galveston is a good distance from New Orleans. As the crow flies, I wonder how far apart NO and Galveston are ---do you know???????
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 23:18:20 (EDT)

I'm probably repeating myself because my computer shut off just as I sent my last note. Could someone tell me exactly where the 9th Ward in New Orleans is located. J.J. you'd probably know the better known street boundary lines. I've looked it up, but can't find a map showing the different wards.
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 23:14:21 (EDT)

Looks like Galveston might get to check out if they built their sea wall high enough with Rita!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL - Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 23:07:05 (EDT)

Don't tell me we have to batten down the hatches again!!!!!!! Rita might be heading into the Gulf. Pray to God she falls apart. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 21:18:02 (EDT)

I didn't get to Mt. Carmel until the 9th grade so I didn't get to see Avis, Brenda and Jeanette play, but I did get to see Maugie and Lorraine play in high school. Who sent it the picture???????
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 21:16:43 (EDT)

Yes, Doris, happy anniversary to you and Charles! You're a fine example for all of us.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 20:10:10 (EDT)

Thanks, Betty. We do have a lot to celebrate.
Doris
USA - Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 16:38:55 (EDT)

HAPPY, HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY, Doris and Charles. You have much to celebrate today!!!!!!! Have a wonderful, blessed day. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 11:05:16 (EDT)

J.J. I am sorry that you lost the camp at Grand Isle----you seem to enjoy fishing so much I am sure you will rebuild -----after you get back on your feet, think how much fun you'll have getting it all back together. Good Luck.
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 17, 2005 at 11:02:53 (EDT)

The good news is that Jared is home safe and all of mine came through alive, well and not injured. What you see in the picture is inside of the outside shower. It has one side blown out. The water was just about to the top of the outside shower. The building in the back ground is the good side of the camp. The walls on the other side have three wall panels blown out. The inside of the camp had water about up to my chest. Almost every thing on the inside is either gone or ruined. That included the wine cellar and about six bottles of good wine. There was about six inches of muck on the floor of the camp. Open a cabinet door and muck and water run out. The doors are stuck and the tidal wave caused the camp to buckle and there is a lump in the floor. The 20 foot by 30 foot deck is tilted at a 30 degree angle. The camp is a total loss. The micro wave is still attached to the wall. So it must be small TV that you see. We lost two of them. Lita took the pictures. She used my camera and the date is wrong because she did not know how to set it. I would feel superior except that I looked at the camera and realized that I did not know how to set the date. I have not been to the camp. The will not let me go. I cannot drive. In order to get to the camp you have to park your truck on one side of the bridge to the island and then ride your four wheeler across towing a trailer to haul stuff out with. I cannot use the four wheeler. My restrictions are 8 pound lift limit for 8 weeks.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Friday, September 16, 2005 at 21:12:25 (EDT)

J.J. is that a microwave or a small TV I see------which is your camp the damaged box or the building next door to it?
Betty
USA - Friday, September 16, 2005 at 15:39:42 (EDT)

J.J., that picture looks like the bad news. Is there any good news?
Brenda
USA - Friday, September 16, 2005 at 00:26:28 (EDT)

Marshall: I'd been getting yellow postcards in the mail - no phone calls. Carleen is the one who told me they wanted $80 to update your info and for the "book" ------I should have mentioned it, but just forgot. Now that I know I just know for sure I don't want the alumni book. From the card it seems that this was "OK" by Cath/carmel ----but I am not sure of that endorsement.
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 23:23:12 (EDT)

Doris, we all need to give prayers of Thanksgiving for Jared's safe return. I know you are so happy.
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 23:20:10 (EDT)

JJ, I see the date on your camera is wrong. But what are we looking at in that picture? See the link on the front page.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 08:00:26 (EDT)

Doris, your family deserves all of the happiness it can get for going through the year you have. I hope all of the other families share your happiness soon.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 18:54:28 (EDT)

Yes, HE'S HOME !!!!!! And he looks great. I can't tell you how happy we are to have him home with us. Next to my wedding day it was the happiest day of my life. Charles had asked me what I wanted for my 50th Wedding Anniversary and I had said all I wanted was for Jared to be home from Iraq. Well, THANKS TO THE GOOD LORD. I got my wish I will send in some pictures of him.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 16:06:13 (EDT)

Allelulia!!! Jared is home!!! HAIL TO THE PATRIOT! AND THANK GOD FOR HIS SAFE RETURN.
I just got off the cell phone with Doris. He arrived in Alexandria yesterday at 8:30 AM. He has a few days off and is staying with his sisters place, before he goes off to school. He will be released from active duty after the school. Doris and Charles are on their way back to TX right now.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 12:59:37 (EDT)

Have you all been getting mailings and phone calls from Harris Connect INC? They are doing a Directory of Cathedral-Carmel. I finally got tired getting their mailings and e.mails because "we want to get your information correct" I called them. What they REALLY WANT is "two easy payments of ONLY $39.99 plus tax and shipping. I told them I would probably die before I could read it all! So if you also have been pestered by their calls...that's what it is all about.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 11:56:47 (EDT)

O.P. I have an old cell phone # ----I'll send it to you. I'm on pins and needles too.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 22:38:43 (EDT)

Anyone have Doris's Cell phone number to call her? She might be in Alex. Don't put it on here, just call and get a status on Jared. I'm on pins and needles over here. Let us know status.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 13:39:09 (EDT)

Doris, Tuesday will be here before you know it. I know how excited all of you are. You have to be bursting with joy and pride -----Love, Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 14:03:53 (EDT)

He called from Kuwait last night. He does have to wait 3 days before coming home. So he should be home on the 13th. They are bringing them home in waves.
Doris
USA - Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 09:55:16 (EDT)

Doris, I saw on Fox News tonight that some of the 256 were arriving at Alexandria, LA. They showed them coming off the airplane.... getting close.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA United States - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 21:11:08 (EDT)

HE IS IN KUWAIT. Don't know how long he will be there. He said there are some kinks in the plan, he said it was very frustrating!!! Well he is OUT of Iraq!!!!
Doris
USA - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 17:59:05 (EDT)

Gerald, I'm sure you have reminded him Lafayette was not in the "devastated area". I'm sure JJ will have some photos of his camp to share here with us. But he needs to see NO and the Gulf Coast to see the devastation.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 10:52:36 (EDT)

Good news all around for Doris and Charles. Persistance sometimes can be a virtue and homecomings always touch your heart. We have decided to take in a reporter from Canada for a couple of nights. He is now setup with his lap top connected to our phone line to broadcast live about the aftermath of Katrina. It is 6:50 AM our time on Friday and in 10 minutes he will brodcast is French. Can't wait for him to start. He is 35 years old and reciently married. He claims the devestation was not as bad as the tv reports it. Got to go now.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 09:34:19 (EDT)

Hooooaaaaahhhh to your Patriot! A Hero is coming home! And he is going to Officer School, what a man! I bet you and Charles are P R O U D.
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 07:03:10 (EDT)

Oh, Brenda, you are so right. We do THANK GOD. He has blessed us in so many ways. We have to remember also that our family (my brother's family from Belle Chase) was saved from Katrina, and all of their homes are O.K. No water damage, just wind damage. I want to thank all of you for the prayers, concerns and support that you have given to us this past year. I know it was all of your prayers that have kept Jared safe and brought him home safely to us. He was so excited today he said it felt like he was little and getting ready to go to "Disney World". Brenda, be sure to tell your sweet little grandchildren Thank You for us.
Doris
USA - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 01:12:07 (EDT)

Doris, when that boy's feet touch the ground in America, my grandchildren and I will have a party!!!! That is such encouraging news and I know you are thrilled. How fitting that Charles was able to get a refund. Thank God.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 23:12:00 (EDT)

Forgot to add this note------the Woodlands really does sound like a terrific place to live ----aren't you happy you moved?!!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 22:50:55 (EDT)

Great news, Doris. Especially about Jared. Charles did the right thing -----ask for the President or the CEO and it scares the devil out of the regular employee. I am happy you got the refund. I still don't think I would use them because you shouldn't have to go thru all that Be sure to let us know when he will be coming home. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 22:49:46 (EDT)

"Ask and you shall receive!" Just be sure you are asking the right person! I'm so happy all your news today is positive.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 20:01:19 (EDT)

Well, can you believe, we got our full refund from Travelocity. It took Charles calling and asking, first of all, for someone who talks English, than he asked for the President or the CEO of the company. Also Jared called and said he was 90% sure he was getting on a plane tomorrow. But he may be in Kuwait one day or maybe three days. BUT HE IS COMING HOME.!!!!!!! All these good things that is happening, I can't believe it.
Doris
USA - Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 18:56:58 (EDT)

No,Betty, O.p. was the first one I asked. He suggested you or maybe it is Jared. I haven't had the chance to ask Jared yet. No it isn't a Bayou or a canal. It is just a little man-made river that goes half way around the Woodlands Mall, the Marriot Hotel and the Pavillion, they have built Lofts on one side for residances and they plan to build little shops and eating places along the walk. It is really pretty. It is a small replica of the Riverwalk in San Antonio.
Doris
USA - Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 09:59:42 (EDT)

Doris, maybe it was O.P. ----as I said, it wasn't me. O.P. is probably on a first name basis with GW and he just isn't telling us!!!!!!!:)))))))) Betty
Betty
USA - Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 21:23:13 (EDT)

I meant Pres. and Mrs. Bush!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 19:53:50 (EDT)

No, Doris, I didn't have anything to do with the card you received from Pres. and Mrs. Busch -----I wish I did know them that well!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE TRAVELOCITY would do such a thing. Thanks for the heads up - I for one will never use them. I think Marshall has a terrific idea -----contact the TV stations----Travelocity deserves all the bad press they can get. Is there a canal through the Woodlands? Or is Buffalo Bayou? Sounds like a fun evening. Better run or else I'll burn supper. Betty
Betty
USA - Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 19:53:11 (EDT)

Brenda, I called the hotel. Since I made the reservations online there was nothing they could do. I will NEVER, NEVER make reservations online again. Marshall that is a great idea. We have two t.v. stations here that do that. My son also suggested to call the credit card co. and have the charges reversed. So I will be busy tomorrow. I have to tell you guys one good thing did happen tonight. We went out to eat at Landry's which is on the "riverwalk" over here in the Woodlands. After dinner we thought we would take a boat ride, the night was so pretty and the boat ride so relaxing. We were the only ones on the boat and the young man who was driving the boat sang for us. He had a beautiful voice. He sang "Amore" "The way you look tonight" and another romantic Nat King Cole ballad that neither Edmae nor I can remember. Well maybe we will get good news in the next couple of days that Jared WILL be coming home this week-end. J.J. I kept thinking about your new kitchen in Grand Isle all through this hurricane. I am sorry that all the work you did on your new kitchen was in vane, but the good news is none of us have lost loved ones. I have two nephews now working with rescue efforts in New Orleans. Poor Edmae ,their mom, keeps thinking she is going home next week or so.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, September 07, 2005 at 00:46:13 (EDT)

Doris why don't you call one of the T.V. Stations in Houston. I know in FL we have these "Action Reporters" who are LOOKING for something to report on. A soldier coming home from Iraqi and Travelosity trying to Screw his parents!!! I think that would not only made the local news but the national news!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 22:55:02 (EDT)

Doris, is it possible to contact the hotel directly? They might be more understanding. I might be worth a try.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 22:43:03 (EDT)

Betty, Our anniversary is Sept. 17th. We recieved a Anniversary Card from President and Laura Bush today. Betty, was that any of your doings? By the way guys, DON'T EVER EVER make hotel reservations online using Travelocity!!!!! I called today to postpone our trip and they would charge us 100% to do so. In other words twice what we paid. We don't know if we can go to San Antonio when we planned because Jared called today and said he was not coming home this week-end, maybe the middle of the month or even maybe the end of the month. If he isn't here before we planned the trip on the 18th, I just can't leave knowing he may be calling at any time to tell us he is coming home. He said he may not be able to call until he gets to Germany!!!!
Doris
USA - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 20:12:14 (EDT)

Doris, when is your 50th anniversary -----??????? Any word from Jared?
Betty
USA - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 17:47:44 (EDT)

My aunt and one of my cousins went to Grand Isle Saturday to check on their camps ----that's how they got through, J.J.-----on a 4 wheeler-----their camps on still standing, but heavily damaged. One of these camps withstood Betsy I think she said.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 17:47:00 (EDT)

O. P. you are right the bridge to Grand Ilse is intact. The problem is that the structure is so seperated and weak that only way across is by foot, or four wheeler. They will let you pull a small utility trailer across behind your four wheeler. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 05:45:27 (EDT)

I just ran across some post-hurricane arial photos of Grand Isle on the Web. I sent the info to JJ & Gerald. Here is a snippet of one of the photos. The picture is from an area right next to the bridge (which appears to be intact).

O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 18:17:37 (EDT)

Hey, thanks for the suggestions. Betty I like the idea of going around Christmas that certainly is an alternative that sounds good. Charles said just don't worry about it and play it by ear. So O.K. that is what we will do. I know that whatever happens will be for the best. Hey, my family is all alive and alright. That is what is important. Thank God.
Doris
USA - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 13:10:17 (EDT)

I saw in this morning's paper that some people who have either returned to the French Quarter, or never left, have formed tribes like on Survivor. They have some to guard the place, some to go to the river and wash clothes, etc. Betty, I think that they are asking for items for people who are starting over with nothing. I heard that Dillards was taking 75 % off any purchase if you can prove that you are from a hurricane affected area when you buy clothes and things there. That's a great deal.
Brenda
USA - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 11:23:05 (EDT)

Doris, I'd try the hotel in San Antonia again. During hardship times such as these are and with a son returning from Iraq, I am sure they will let you cancel or reschedule - maybe go around Christmas ----the Riverwalk is pretty during the Christmas season. I am gathering items for the Catholic charities and will then make a shopping trip to Sams for toilet articles. Msgr. Provost had a printed list in Fatima's bulletin yesterday. All those little children and babies -----I went to Target yesterday to buy pillows and pampers - there was an ad in yesterday's paper---------there was ONE pillow left and ALL THE PAMPERS that were on sale were GONE. I wonder how all that linen gets washed and cleaned up in the Cajundome. I thought about that during the night. How do you wash clothes, linens, socks, etc. Its a nightmare. Lets pray that the flu doesn't breakout in those confined quarters. Have a nice Memorial Day.
Betty
USA - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 10:48:00 (EDT)

Doris, I agree with Brenda about canceling your reservations. We just recently canceled five rooms in Lake Charles because of Katrina. They were very understanding and only asked why. Hang in there everyone. This too shall pass.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 10:28:21 (EDT)

Doris, I was just rereading your letter. Are you certain that you won't be able to get your money back? I can't imagine anyone refusing to refund your money with a reason like you have. We had to cancel similar reservations because we had to put our dog to sleep that day and I was a basket case. They were very understanding and that reason can't compare to a son coming home from Iraq AND the hurricane here in Louisiana. Have you asked them? J.J., I'm so sorry that all of your pre-operation hard work on your camp was destroyed. I wonder what condition Grand Isle is in. I've heard it's not too bad.
Brenda
USA - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 00:55:30 (EDT)

Some out of state emergency aid workers will be staying at our house and evacuees are arriving at the Zachary house tomorrow. I am so worried about those out there because it is not like an apartment. There is no phone and it's pitch dark out there at night. If they walk in the yard, they will get chigger bites. It doesn't sound too bad, but it is no fun!!
Brenda
USA - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 00:47:21 (EDT)

My Sister-in-law from Belle Chase is here with us. She will be staying until they can go back home. Which will be a while, I am sure. Her daughter is still in Lafayette at Pam's house. We have not heard anything on the news about Belle Chase. My nephew, who is still over there working in the hospital, said he heard from rescue people that their neighborhoods are high and dry. I keep telling her that "No news, is good news". All they report is the bad news. Hopefully I am right. Please pray for them. By the way Jared was suppose to come in Sat. but he called and said he didn't know when he will be coming home. It may be Sat. or the middle of the month or around the 20th. The bad thing is we have reservations in San Antonio for a few days to celebrate our 50th Anniversary and it may be when he is coming in and we can't get our money back on the reservations. Oh well!!!
Doris
USA - Sunday, September 04, 2005 at 23:39:38 (EDT)

J.J., I am glad that you and yours are OK ----I thought about your Grand Isle kitchen the other day. My relatives from Houma spent a couple days here and I haven't heard how their camps fared. I'm like O.P -----I won't get into a political discussion about the response in New Orleans-----its just a tragic, horrific mess down there. I've heard a lot of people will be moving to Lafayette. My nephew did some volunteer work yesterday at the Astrodome. I do think the Cajuns in your area have the right idea about the looters. Richard Zuchlag, Acadian Ambulance, was on TV the other night he and was saying some pretty strong things and his helicopters were shot at too. I wish I had nursing skills because they are calling for volunteers at the Cajundome----I think they have set up some kind of Clinic there.
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 04, 2005 at 18:44:17 (EDT)

Glad you and your family are safe JJ. You all who have lost have the high ground on who is to blame, so I will try to stay away from the political arguments on this guestbook. I'm sure that will be a never ending argument over time. I have heard a lot of good people in other parts of Louisiana, including Lafayette are helping. As an example, Gerald & Pat (and their kids) are participating by helping getting temporary homes for some refugees in Lafayette. Gerald's son rode with the Acadian Ambulance crews into NO to evacuate people. We also talked to Shirley's Sister-in-Law (Gert) in Laf who has been volunteering at the CajunDome. I'm sure there are other CC55 people who have been helping. Our nieces and nephews in Slidell got out before the storm and are safe, but have damage and loss to their homes. We have contributed on line to a couple of charities. I'm sure others have also. God Bless the people of LA, MS & AL
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, September 04, 2005 at 08:23:51 (EDT)

Well we made it. We spent the time of the storm with my sister in Alex. All that I love are O. K., although some are moist. My house is intact. The out buildings look like an Asian tidal wave came though. Lita has been cleaning since we got back. They told me and raised hell with me not to lift more that eight pound. I feel like a slug. My place on Grand Isle is a mess. Much more damage than insurance. Lita, my oldest son and a friend went down to the Island today. The had to use four wheelers and a refugee card to get to their camps. They climbed on the roof the house of my youngest son and covered the holes. He had to go off shore to keep all of us in fuel. He was not happy about it. All that the owned is in his camp. The roof is off and it is full of water. The boat shed is gone. Five feet to water in my camp and the inside is covered with mud. The hard part is that I had just put in the new kitchen and cabinets. All destroyed. The inside it full of mud. Well it is just things. The big news is that electrify and the internet are not working. Looting has began from the desperate people from New Orleans trying to take what they need from all of us who need. They have stopped here. They have discovered that the Cajuns believe that here is no limit on looters and they have taken the plugs out of their shot guns. We have kept ourselves safe. The federal government has been slow to react. In Asia the spent in ships and sailors to help. The president has been slow to react. The news media have not reported the full extent of the damage. They have ordered 20,000 body bags. New Orleans will not be anything other than an bowl full of water for a long time. God help the people who live there. The will not be function as a city for at least six months. Thank God I have the resources to take care of me and mine. Has any one else h any damage?
J. J. Erny < judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, September 04, 2005 at 00:49:48 (EDT)

What we are seeing on t.v. is heartbreaking. All you have to do is imagine you or your children and grandchildren in that 99 degree heat with no water, no food, no place to go and no future. I think most of us would act like those desperate people we are watching.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, September 01, 2005 at 19:53:09 (EDT)

Here is a photo of a houseboat in Grand Isle I found on theadvertiser.com

Here is the link to that photo page:
Photos
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, September 01, 2005 at 14:40:04 (EDT)

We were so fortunate to get our utilities back before many people including my three daughters and their families who still don't have any power. John and I didn't receive any damage except a front window which was broken when a limb hit the window. He was able to repair it the next day. Because we couldn't watch t.v., we couldn't see the terrible scenes of devastation in New Orleans. My daughter, Kathleen, spent today volunteering at the refugee area downtown and another daughter, Margaret, spent the day trying to locate housing for people. I'm happy to hear that Alice and her family are all right. Has anyone heard from J.J.?
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 23:43:06 (EDT)

i'm on Suzie's lap top. She came home to escape the storm along with Yvette and her family. Yvette's house in Algiers is not under water but she doesn't know what damage if any there is. Blake is in the city helping rescue people. It is really a terrible situation. They have to have an armed person on the boat with them. It will be a long time getting home for them. We were in Gulf Shores last weekend and decided to get back home Sunday. It took us 12 hours. I hope everyone is safe and dry. Those people really need our prayers.
suzanne
USA - Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 23:02:02 (EDT)

Just got word from Mary Alice. They are now in Montgomery, Ala. with her daughter Carol Ann. They were in Mobile during the storm ----a big pine tree fell over in ttheir backyard. They are without electricity so they went to Carol Ann's. At least we know they are safe. Betty
BETTY
USA - Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 18:12:06 (EDT)

Doris, haven't heard a word about Belle Chase either. My relatives from Houma stayed with us Sunday thru Monday and were able to go home late Monday evening----well, the highway was open to Houma, but no further. They had no damage ----just tree limbs down. No electricity though. We were really lucky being on the West side of this destructive storm.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 12:49:21 (EDT)

Saw some pictures of Grand Isle on CNN this morning! The five people who stayed behind survived! Destruction there not half as bad as I expected. Spoke to a classmate last night who is Bishop of Jackson, MS. He said Katrina hit them as a CAT 2 Hurricane! They have been without electricity since Monday!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 12:18:34 (EDT)

It is terrible!! I have been almost in tears all day seeing what has happened to New Orleans. My brother's family all live in Belle Chase. They left in time, except for one who is working at the hospital. One of my nieces and her husband is at Pam's. I have been trying to call, but can't get through to them tonight. All of us want them to come here to the Woodlands. But I think they want to stay close in case the Gov. says they can go back. Has anyone heard anything about Belle Chase? We have been listening all day but haven't heard anything about that area.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 00:10:10 (EDT)

The devastation in N.O., MS,and AL is impossible to fathom! If you have friends or relatives in any of the destroyed areas, they are all in my daily Mass intentions. J.J. any word on your home and also Grand Isle? Haven't heard anything about that part of the State in all the T.V. coverage. Great time to count our Blessings!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, August 30, 2005 at 23:01:14 (EDT)

J.J. I heard reports from Homa/Thibodeaux say that Grand Isle will be cut in half by Katrina! Any word on that?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 16:09:38 (EDT)

You guys in Louisiana better batten down the hatches!!
O. P. Ditch <op@@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 09:01:41 (EDT)

I hope all of you in harms way have evacuated! This looks like it will be a bad one. You all are in my prayers and Masses.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 07:50:49 (EDT)

Time to throw the lawn chairs in the pool and head North.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Saturday, August 27, 2005 at 06:26:41 (EDT)

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