What in the heck is going on? Looks like DU was hit by Katrina!

[merh]

What is all the mass chaos here about? Level 2 - did I miss primaries - I know I am living in a alternate realm of reality and time is really weird, but what the heck is going on?

Don't know how long I can last, telephone systems are messed up around here and I keep getting kicked off line. Am at the office, trying to see if I have a job --

Thank you all for your prayers and concerns. I know that all the good energies and prayers kept the water from coming into the 2nd floor.

Life has changed as I once knew it, the Coast is no more, but I am alive and my family is alive -- I am much better off than some.

Sending hugs and thanks to all of you (((((((((( :hug: :grouphug: :hug: ))))))))))))

:grouphug: :loveya: :loveya:

[progmom]

1. darling!!!

:hug:

what can we do for you??

[merh]

9. It is so odd - I have no car, no house and no idea what tomorrow

will bring but I can't tell you anything I need right now. I have no way of receiving mail (my mailbox floated away with the outside wall to my house) but seriously, mail isn't running, they are collecting it and there will be distribution centers set up for us to go retrieve it.)

I have stood in more lines than you can imagine for period of times that I never knew I could tolerate. To obtain anything is a line, gas, water, ice, banking

The freedom I feel being able to get on the internet was equalled only to the freedom I had when I was allowed to use my brother-in-law's truck to run errands. (Gas line, water line, ice line, MRE's and then to see what was left of my house.)

I appreciate the offers, but I have no place to put anything and no way to receive anything. When I get in a better place, I will let you know and I thank you for the offer. :hug: It is so good to read your replly and to feel the love of DU. :loveya:

[progmom]

11. hell - i have a spare room if you want to come up to michigan

i'll even drive halfway to meet you.

when you know what you need, and you have a way to get it, you let me know. i adore you and want to help.

[merh]

37. I'll be hitting you up for music - I have been without it for too long

I thought I would lose my mind!!! Am playing what I had downloaded to my office computer before the storm -- My hard drive was in my truck that was covered in the storm waters and all my cd's are gone! :-(

I need music -

Your love and good wishes are a godsend, as is your opening your home to me. :hug:

Too many tears -- now tears because you and others have touched my heart so! :loveya: :hug:

[progmom]

38. that would be my pleasure

:hug: let me know what type of music and i'll put together a package. :bounce:

[merh]

58. I will and thanks again!

:hug: :loveya:

[Ladyhawk]

72. I've got a shitload of MP3's I could send you, too.

It depends upon what kind of music you like. I have over 2000 songs.

[tblue37]

89. Are your dogs OK?

[merh]

92. My dogs survived - we had to rescue them from the rising waters,

but they are safe and loving it in the country. :hi:

[tblue37]

106. Thank goodness.

I can't even think about all the animals who were abandoned and who suffer and die all alone. I am so glad yours are safe.

[merh]

108. My sister and her husband have been wonderful.

They have a few acres and the dogs are in heaven. They do look at me when sometimes with that look - sort of like they are asking "When we going home?" :cry: It is sad, they know they had a home and they want to go back to it too.

[coffeenap]

64. Merh--"angels" watching over you--so good to hear you're ok.

:loveya:

[merh]

75. Oh coffeenap, you just don't know how Angels were watching over

me and my family -- I am fully aware of the power of my God, not to offend those who do not believe here at DU. When you are standing in the rushing waters of the hurricane, with trees falling around you and windows giving way, furniture and large appliances falling around you or washing by, you can't help but know that God and his angels were with you keeping you save.

I can't shake the face of my 4 year old niece as I took her in my arms from my brother-in-law as we helped my brother and his family leave their one story home to the safety of the 2 story home next door. We watched the waters rise to the 9 foot ceilings of the 1st floor, making plans to go out the sunlights to cling to the roof if we had to. Fortunately that was not necessary as after several hours the water began to receed. We survived and all of my family is alive - despite the destruction and the chaos. My life is altered, my corner of the world so much smaller, my expectations now the most basic and primative.

I am grateful that I can now post for a bit, I don't know how often I will be able to post but I am so glad to be able to reunite with my DU family.

Hugs to you, coffeenap. ((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))

:loveya:

[Shell Beau]

2. Sorry! I know you've had it really tough this past week!

It was only a Cat. 1 when it hit my town and that was rough. I can't imagine what it must be like for you. Sorry! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[merh]

17. I am so glad you are alright - JimmyJazz has been kind enough

to keep me current and I knew you hadn't checked in and am glad they got power to you guys and you did well through the storm. :hug:

Katrina was a bitch of a storm - she had winds, rains, high storm surge, tornadoes -- you name it, she was packing it! :scared:

So glad you are safe. :hug:

[Shell Beau]

19. I am glad that you are safe!

I know it is chaotic right now. My brother is down there rescuing, giving out food and water, finding people. He says its rough! You just take care! :hug: My thoughts and prayers go to you and all of the others.

[crispini]

3. hola! how good to see you!

:hug:

and yes, L2 is an improvement, actually, we've been at L3 for DAYS. There are a lot of pissed people online right now.

[merh]

18. Good to see you too!

(((((((( :hug: )))))))))))))

I see folks are pissed off - Glad to see that DU is in a fighting mood, I hope the other dems stand with DU.

[supernova]

4. So glad to see you mehr!

:hi: Glad you and yours are alright! :hug: for all of you.

[merh]

20. Thanks so much

:hug: Hugs back to you! :hug:

[JimmyJazz]

5. Hey there, Sunshine! How wonderful it is to see you on DU!

I know things are rough for you right now, but we're ready to help as soon as the mail starts running. I sent cookies for the test run! :o We miss you terribly!

[merh]

22. Hello Lady - how the heck are you?

Thank you so much for all of the support and laughter! :hug:
You have been a life line! :loveya:

[JimmyJazz]

23. It's been my honor.

:)

[merh]

59. Honor - your patience and kindness have been a Godsend!

I am the one that has been honored! :hug:

:loveya:

[Redstone]

6. Double damn, is it good to hear from you!

Write more when you can. Let us know if you need anything.

Redstone

[merh]

24. It is so good to see you, too, Redstone!

:hug:

I will write more and I have some video footage of the storm, one day I can figure out how to, I will post it.

[no name no slogan]

7. mehr!!!!

Glad to hear from you!!! You are in ALL our thoughts and prayers! Please let us know how things are going and what you need from your DU family

:grouphug:

[merh]

25. Thank you. It is good to be posting.

And your prayers and good wishes have helped, I know they have. :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. Oh, my dear merh!

I was just frantic with worry about you...I'm so grateful that you are OK, and your family too...

Let me know if there's ANYTHING I can do to help...even all the way across the country, I stand at the ready for you...

You are a bright light for me, and for so many of us here...

Take care, my dear merh!

:woohoo: :woohoo: because you are OK!

[merh]

27. Hey ya Peggy!!

:hug: :loveya:

It is so good to see you!

Everything is okay - just taking it one day at a time, enjoying small pleasures like a hot shower using a solar camp shower -- things will work out. :hug:

[redqueen]

10. Sooo glad to hear you're okay.

:hug:

:hi:

[merh]

28. It is so good to be posting -

Heck, I am even in air conditioning - small pleasures! ;-)

Thanks so for the concern & good thoughts. :hug:

[Hugin]

12. MERH!!!!

Whew! I'm so happy to see a post from you.

:hug:

My best to you and your family...

[merh]

30. So good to see you too Prag!

I am so happy that I have this chance to post - I just can't tell you.

Thanks for your prayers and concerns. Things will be okay - one step at a time! :hug:

[greatauntoftriplets]

13. merh.....

Happy to hear from you. Be safe.

:hug:

[merh]

34. It is so good to see you too greatauntoftriplets!

:hug: I am save - things are slow, but they are not dangerous - patience is a gift that I will be developing. ;-)

Thank you for your concerns and hugs! :hug: :loveya:

[GOPisEvil]

14. Hey you!

I'm glad you and yours are well.

:hug:

[merh]

35. Thanks GOPisEvil! I am so glad to see you too!

:hug: Things are okay here, sort of like living in another century, but we are fine. My sister lost her house, my brother his, my other brother had 3 feet of water in his, mine is flat and splintered, but we all are alive.

There are others in worse shape than I am. :-(

Things will be okay! :loveya:

[Misskittycat]

15. Best of luck to you and your family. n/t

[merh]

36. Thank you.

:hi: Welcome to DU! :-)

[KitchenWitch]

16. merh - I am so glad to see you here

PM me if you need anything at all!

[merh]

39. Hugs to you KitchenWitch!

:hug: It is so good to be able to post again! :-)

I promise - when I am at a place to know what I need, I will let you know. :hug:

:loveya:

[khashka]

21. Great to see you mehr!

The good energies and prayers are still coming at you :)

(Level 2 surprises you it's been worse than that recently!)

with love and hope,
Khash.

[merh]

41. Thanks so much for the good energies and prayers!

:hug: We need them - thousands homeless, thousands jobless, no idea what the future holds. Keep those energies flowing.

I am better off than many - :grouphug:

Yes, the levels have surprised me -- it is as if Katrina caused havoc outside of the south! ;-) If she sinks the GOP, then she did something right!

:loveya:

[khashka]

74. You are more than welcome...

Ever since you let us know that you and your family were safe...., well, I think I can speak for everyone here that we have still been worried about you.

It's great to see you so upbeat in spite of your losses :)

And when the dark times come (and rebuilding your life is hard and scary and the dark times will come - been there) never forget you are part of a community that cares about you...

Keep us updated as best you can, OK?

Khash.

[merh]

77. I will keep folks updated, I promise.

I know the dark times will come -- but all I know to do today is take each day as it comes and do the best I can. All I can do is keep moving forward, even if it is but an inch a day.

Fortunately for me, I have a great support system surrounding me and many DUers who call just to make me laugh. I am blessed, despite the destruction and the losses. There are others not as fortunate as I am. :-)

[Misunderestimator]

26. Oh MERH!!!

:hug: :grouphug:

So glad you're here!

[merh]

42. Hey ya MissU!

How are you? I hope you and nothingshocksmeanymore are doing well! :grouphug:

It is good to be here! I have missed you all! :loveya:

[Misunderestimator]

43. Everyone has missed you Merh!

We're doing as well as we can be with all this horror. Please let me know how I can help. I'm SO glad you're ok.

:loveya:

[merh]

46. Right now it is as if I am living in another dimension

What is going on here is so much larger than my world - my world shrunk on August 29 - my view is very limited.

When I get to a place where I know what I need, what my future holds, I will let you know. :hug:

:loveya:

[billyskank]

29. Merh, I don't know you, but

:hug:

[merh]

44. Thanks so much for the good wishes and hugs!

:hug:

[WCGreen]

31. Mrs. WCGreen has all sort of clothes....

If you could PM your size, we will get them too you as fast as we can. Fed Ex or whatever....

We are going to donate to the relief fund but thought it might be better to "keep it in the family". Please, if there is anything you need and we can get it too you, not just me and the Mrs, but if you could get us a list, I am sure it would be a great to lend a hand to one of our own....

[merh]

47. I so appreciate your kind offers, WCGreen.

I don't know what I need now - it is all so unreal - we can't get mail or fed ex or ups - we are limited in what we can do.

Thanks so much for your concern. :hug:

[cally]

32. Great to see you posting

Let me know when there is a way to help you. I think of you and others when I turn on my hot shower with running water. I'm learning to be grateful for the small things I took for granted. I hope life is more normal very soon. :hug:

[merh]

48. Thank you.

:hug:

Keep those prayers and good energies flowing for us. ;-)

[Theres-a]

33. Hey lady!

:hug: Glad to see you're ok,although it's a relative term,I'm sure.Take care! Theresa

[merh]

50. Glad to be here.

So good to see you! :hug:

[yvr girl]

40. I'm glad you're safe

I can't believe how upbeat you sound.

Stay safe.

[merh]

51. I am safe and what you gonna do but remain hopeful - that is

all I have left - things are so bad now - they have to get better! ;-)

I'll stay safe, thanks! :hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

45. And what to my wondering eyes did appear...but merh!!!

Gosh, I was worried...so very worried...If I could hug you now, your ribcage would be broken. Anything you need, you just ask and I'm there. :hug: :loveya:

[merh]

53. I feel that hug over the internet and I so thank you!

I am sorry to have worried you - I am safe and I appreciate your offer -- when I know what my future holds, I will let you know.

It is so good to see you too :loveya: :hug:

((((((((((hug))))))))))

[xmas74]

49. It's great to hear from you

and realize that ya'll made it through safe as a family.
Please let us know what you need and when you can get mail service again.

[merh]

54. Hello there xmas74 - it is good to be able to post and so good

to see you! :hi:

When things have been set up and established, I will try to post again and let folks know.

Thanks so for your care and concern. :hug: :loveya:

[xmas74]

55. Just glad to know that you are safe.

We posted back and forth the night of and I was worried for you.

[merh]

57. I am safe - we had to rescue my brother and his family from their

one story house as Katrina was gutting it and get them in the 2 story house we were in - waves were rolling and winds were kicking, but we got them to the 2nd floor and after what seemed like forever the water stopped rising and then receded -- we all survived and are trying to rebuild our lives.

Thanks so for caring! :hug:

:loveya:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

52. It's so great to see you back!

I'm sorry for all you've been through and I'm so glad you're alright!

:grouphug: :loveya:

[merh]

56. Thanks so much, it is good to be back!

I appreciate all of the prayers and concerns. :hug: :loveya:

[In_The_Wind]

60. ((((((((( merh )))))))))

NOW ... I am happier than I've been in days!

I have missed YOU so very much!

Please - let me know if there is anything at all that I can do to help you and your family.

[merh]

76. Sweet Joani! Thank you for the hugs and the love.

(((((((Joan_Alpern))))))))

I do appreciate your offer for help - when I get to a place to better know what my needs are outside of the basics, I will let you know. I am fine for now - I have a roof over my head, I can get ice and water and gas as needed. The love of DUers has helped out tremendously, it is so hard to know what to say beyond thank you and I love you. Please know that the sentiments are not empty, the statements not just words.

I so appreciate the support, prayers and concerns that many here have sent my way.

:loveya: :hug: :grouphug:

[Darth_Kitten]

61. welcome back!!

:hug:

[merh]

82. Thanks, Darth_Kitten!

:hug:

[sundog]

62. hey merh!

:hug:

:grouphug:

[merh]

83. Hello sundog!

:hi: I hope progmom hasn't been mistreating you. :hug:

I have missed you all. :grouphug:

[bliss_eternal]

63. So good to see you, merh!!

What do you need? Please let me know--I'll be happy to help!

((((merh))))

So happy you are still with us!

[JimmyJazz]

65. merh is subject to curfew - yes, it's true, her parents won't let her post

after 8:00 p.m.. Seriously. She is under curfew, but will probably be back tomorrow. I just wanted to let you know that she isn't on line any longer. :(

[merh]

84. Thank you so much -- it is far to early to know what I need.

I have to find a home and a car, then go from there -- it will happen, I have no doubt, I just have to be patient (waiting on FEMA, the insurance companies, etc) -- I do appreciate your kindness & love. :hug:

[Tellurian]

66. Hey, merh! Tellurian here...

Good to hear your voice this evening, merh..
After what we're seeing on tv, at least we know you are alive and in one piece. Thank God for that!

I'll be waiting for the info to send you money direct...
If anyone else wants to help our dear friend, merh...
when she e-mails me a contact point, I will post it back to
whoever e-mails me here, via DU e-mail.

Thought you could get away easy, merh?

Not gonna happen!!!

I know you need to have cash to buy gasoline (when you can find it)
to run the generator and your car, while sorting things out..

DU'ers, I know you all feel the same way I do about merh...

We always open our doors and hearts to those DU'ers in need..


Thanks All...

Tellurian

[merh]

86. Hello sweet friend!

:hi: It was so good to hear from you yesterday! :hug:

I will let you know more when I know more. :loveya:
Your kindness and love have touched me more than I can ever express. :hug: :loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

67. Merh, you crazy woman....

Just as soon as you hang up, this thread pops up!

Seriously, folks, I just talked with Merh tonight. She is amazed at all the responses from DUers, and all the love, prayers and best wishes.

As soon as she has someplace to put stuff, she'll let you know what she needs.

[merh]

88. Pope Cheesy - I will never be able to understand or fully

comprehend why, but I am eternally grateful. It was so good to hear from you last night - the support of so many has helped me more than I can ever express. I know that I am blessed. :hug:

:loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

68. Nominated/Recommended - just for the hell of it...

and because it's something I can actually DO for Merh! :)

[greatauntoftriplets]

69. Same here!!!!

I responded to merh hours ago...but was at work and had to get off DU. Great idea...thanks for it.

[bettyellen]

70. :hug:

:hi:

[Tellurian]

71. Merh is going to...

set up something at the bank near her sister's house tomorrow...

When she does, I'm going to wire her money direct from my bank to hers.

It's the only way we could think of for her to get cash in her hand without using FedX or US Mail (because there's no Fed-X and the mail is too iffy!)


more later!

:hugs: to all

g'night..

[Tellurian]

73. kick

:kick:

[auntAgonist]

78. merh, I'm thankful that you and your family

survived. The rebuilding for all of you will be hard (I cannot imagine or pretend to imagine).

Thanks for letting us know you're ok!


:hug:

take care of you and check in as often as you can.


aA
kesha

[merh]

93. Thanks so - I will check in as I can.

:hug:

[bear425]

79. HI Merh! So good to hear from you!

We've been thinking good thoughts for you and your family and other DU'ers who have been affected by Katrina and the FEMA fallout.
:hug:

[merh]

94. It is so good to read and post here.

Thanks for the good thoughts and support! :hug:

[fudge stripe cookays]

80. It's merh!

Hey look everybody! It's merh!

Merh! merh! We missed you! Check back soon!

Hey everybody! It's merh!
FSC

[merh]

95. Hello fudge stripe cookays!

:hi: it si good to see you and so good to be able to post! :hug:

[bleever]

81. merh!!! So happy to hear from you.

((((((((:hug:))))))))

Glad you family is okay too.

:)

[merh]

96. Bleever, my favorite Believer - so damned happy to see you.

Thanks for your love and concern. :hug: :loveya:

Keep believing, I know I have too - that is all I have left :hug:

[ClayZ]

85. Glad to hear you and yours are OK!

How can we help?

:loveya: :loveya:

:grouphug: :grouphug:

:kick: :kick:

[merh]

97. Thanks so for the offer to help and the good wishes.

I am in a place where I don't even know what I need -- it would help if FEMA and my insurance company got back with me -- I don't know what to expect or what I need - basics are covered for now - rumor is red cross will stop shipping water this way - they have "hurt" the supplies to the grocery stores around the nation :cry:

Ya'll don't let them -- don't let them forget us! :hug:

[Verve]

87. HI Merh! Glad to hear you're o.k.

God Bless you!:loveya:

Btw, let us know how we can help you after the chaos settles a bit.

[merh]

98. Thanks so much for the prayers and love - I am fine for now -

I haven't a clue what the future holds -- I will let folks know when I know more. :loveya: :hug:

[Ladyhawk]

90. Just wanted to give you a hug, merh.

I wish with all my heart that Katrina had never been.

:hug:

[merh]

99. I so appreciate the hug and the offer for music.

I will let you know when I am in a better place. :hug: :loveya:

[babylonsister]

91. Merh, so very good to see you back!

You were and will be in our prayers; take care of yourself, and let us know if there is anything we can do!:hug:

[merh]

100. It is so good to see you too, babylonsister!

Thanks so much for the prayers and the concerns. :hug: :loveya:

[Tellurian]

101. Good to see...

your spirits are still high-

Our eyes are on you, merh- we won't forget you're out there
until we know you're back on the way to normalcy again. We'll
do our best to help all we can until things turnaround for you.


{{{{{HUGS}}}}} sweet, merh..

Tellurian

[merh]

109. (((((((( Tellurian )))))))))))))

Hugs and love sent your way! :hug: :loveya:

Thanks so much - :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

102. merh!!!!!!

I am so glad to "see" you here! I've kept up with how you've been doing through JimmyJazz, and was so happy to see the first post that you two had been in touch!!

I'm going to PM you about something. Get back to me when you have a chance.

AND WELCOME BACK!! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[merh]

110. So good to see you too, SeattleGirl

JimmyJazz told me that you have been worrying about me - I so appreciate your love and concern. I am alive and taking it one day at a time - I am not a refugee or a victim or a detainee - I AM A SURVIVOR!

I look forward to your pmail and I thank you so much :hug: :loveya:

[SeattleGirl]

103. Hi merh!

Don't know if JimmyJazz mentioned this to you or not, but for a long time, I saved all the little soaps, shampoos, etc. from hotels. I used to give them to this one place that is not operating right now. Anyway, when I read JimmyJazz's first post that you were okay, I thought that I could send them to you. I have quite a few.

I know you can't receive mail right now, but if you let me know when you can get mail, I will send them right out. Or, if you don't need them, if there is someone in your area who does, let me know and I'll send them on that way.

So so glad you are back!

Ruby

[Catherine Vincent]

104. Hi Merh!

It's so good to hear from you. Thank God you and your family came out alive.:hi: You should have put this thread in GD, I'm just now seeing this thread. But nevermind, we miss you and your ((((((((((ripples.)))))))))

Let me know if you need anything and I will try my darndest :-) to get it for you!! Okay?

:hug:

[merh]

111. Hello my dear friend! ((((((waving)))))))

I am so glad to see you - :bounce:

Yes, my family is doing fine, given the circumstances - we are all alive and well. :grouphug:

When I am in a better place, I will let you know what I need - it is so hard now to know what to do and what to expect, I'm just taking it one day at a time.

Much love to you Cat. :hug: :loveya: Thanks so much for your love & support. :hug:

[fortyfeetunder]

105. merh! How are you?

Hope things are getting better...and wait for your return to post.
Take care!

[merh]

112. Hello fortyfeetunder!

:hi: I am alive and well, taking things one day at a time and doing what I can. I look forward to the time when I can post from somewhere that is a place I can call my own again. It will happen, given time.

Thanks so for your good wishes, I promise, I will take care. :hug:

[Nothing Without Hope]

107. merh!!! so glad to "see" you! Never any shortage of good thoughts and

hugs for you around here, and if there are other things we can do to help you put your life together, well, you've got your computer going again and you've got the URL.

((((((((((((our merh))))))))))
:loveya: To The Ties That Bind!

[merh]

114. Thanks so for the good thoughts and warm wishes and love, Hope!

:hi: I can't be on line all day - limited access, limited time and ways to get to the computer, but eventually, I will get things worked out.

:toast: To the Ties that Bind! :toast:

Love to you and thanks so much. :hug: :loveya:

[Nothing Without Hope]

117. Now you PM me if there is anything I can send you. I am a yard sale

maven and take "orders" from my friends here when they need something. You and your brother's family surely need things at this time that I can find for you. Kids' things are especially plentiful, but there are plenty of adults' things, music, household items. Lots of yard sales Saturday (tomorrow) with proceeds for hurricane victims. I know you escaped with little but your life.

And of course, no matter what, you get lots of these:

((((((((((((((merh))))))))))))))) :loveya: :hug:

[Skittles]

113. OMG MERH; THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CHECKING IN

*choking up* *tawk amongst yourselves* :D

[merh]

115. Hey ya, Skittles!

:hi: I am taking advantage of the internet when I can - things are kooky here, but at least I am here to experience the kookiness of this adventure in my life - don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I will stick it out to find out!

I am not a refugee or a victim or a detainee -- I AM A SURVIVOR!

It will all work out, eventually. :hug:

[Skittles]

116. YES

that's what I'm calling the families they are moving into my apt complex. Hurricane SURVIVORS!!!

[havocmom]

118. merh! Now I am happy.

Posted link to (((ripples))) a few times while you were, ahem, otherwise occupied. It helped a lot of us get through a lot of fear for you and others.

Glad to hear from you. So very glad.