THE Mississippi Gulf Coast Pre-Gustav Chat

Sunday, Pre-Gustav. I started the day by attending church service accompanied by three lovely young woman who had just attended a spectacular sleep over. Afterwards we headed for Sonic on HWY 49 in Gulfport and found the store closed down and boarded up as were all other fast food places in that area. Not wanting to disappoint the girls I thought we would check the Sonic in Long Beach before taking them home.

Surprise! The Long Beach Sonic was still open and packed. We counted at least 8 assorted Humvees and Jeeps loaded with National Guards. It should be reassuring to see the National Guard. In a way it is reassuring, but it also evoked memories of that long period of time after Katrina thatt we felt like prisoners because of the Armed Guards and constantina wire. Then I bumped into this crew. They said they were part of a 200 emergency group sent down with ambulances to help as needed, and in evacuating those who could not help themselves. Some of the guys have never been exposed to Hurricane weather.

I'v seen a lot more boarding up this time than with Katrina. It makes me feel like folks think they will have something to come back to this time. We went out about 6PM and found major stores closed. The smaller stores were packed, but quickly running out of popular basics -like bread-.

So, our choice is to stay for this one. Some people may think it not so smart--last time, we would have had far less financial loss had we stayed and tended to our home before mold set in.

Its raining off and on...with occasional wind gusts.

I understand the concern for Louisiana. But, my thoughts turn to Bay St. Louis/Waveland. It doesn't take much for some areas in Hancock County to flood. I had an opportunity to meet many residents this Summer and wish them safety and preservation of their homes.