It is raining here today much the same as five years ago. We know however that there is no Katrina waiting to destroy us, It is just a gentle summer rain that seems to go on and on now for days. I am lucky I sit on top of the highest level thirty six feet above sea level and even here I have flood insurance. Looking back at the sites on tv today that we were unable to see five years ago is very depressing one minute and uplifting the next because we can look around and see how far we have come. We rebuilt bigger and stronger and our area is looking like it did before but with many new houses built by people escaping the NOLA city. The schools are overflowing and new ones are being built to handle the load of students. There was no communication for days no electricity for weeks and we did not get ice and water for five days. Again I was lucky I managed to get a generator for lights and water. Of course it had to have gas which was very hard to get. Baton Rouge one hundred miles away was the only place with gas and electricity for days. Sandy went to BR with a stranger to her to get gas and a friend from North Mississippe brought us sixty gallons knowing we would need it. I know how miserable we were and I just cry at the sites I have seen. Why did it take so long to get help??? Who knows. It just did. We got through it but not without scars and memories. We handled our problems at the time in the best way we could. It was truly a battle for survival without the threat of all the water. The heat was awful. Food was MRI or MRE whatever they are called I can never remember. Tasted very good and was very welcome also kept PP happy. He loved to check out what was available and fix them for us. Which is itself was an experience. Here is hoping we never go through that again. That was our third major hurricane and I hope never to see or feel another. TMI I know but I want everyone to be prepared for the unexpected. Three days of necessities on hand at all times seven would be better. love you guys shirleyt