1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class delights in the story, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach!

Friends:

Today was my fourth day in residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana, doing my Story Fest story theater activities. It was Pajama Day and teacher and students were dressed in the cutest jammies! My first class was a special ed Pre-K class. I told the story of “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle” and did movement with scarves to world music. They did very well, moving to the music with their scarves.

1-28-10 Working with Ms. Davis' PK Special Ed

My next class was Ms. Jones’ kindergarten class. The kindergarteners loved the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They were singing and dancing to the song and had a blast. Afterwards, we explored world music through scarves. It was a fun visit. I love the wonderment of the children when they are that young!

1-28-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Jones' kindergarten class

When I arrived at my next kindergarten class, Ms. Clausing’s little students were sitting on the carpet, criss cross applesauce, waiting for me. They were so quiet – until I started telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They loved Madame Poulet’s voice and antics. They laughted themselves silly. Then we danced with the scarves.

1-28-10 Ms. Clausing's kindergarten class dances La Morenada, creating butterflies, with scarves

Next, it was on to fifth grade to see Ms. Williams’ students. The students rehearsed their story, “The Lion and the Mouse.” It took a while to figure out a beat for the story chorus, but once they did, it was great. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and were unable to rehearse the story in its entirety. Fortunately, I have another visit with their class scheduled for next week.

1-28-10 Ms. Williams' 4th grade storytellers rehears their part

After lunch, I visited Ms. Mauer’s first grade class for the second time. As soon as I walked in, they said, “Mr. Roach” in that “roachy” sounding voice. This time, I told the story of Sody Sallyraytus and they loved it. We culminated with creative movement and dance to jazz music. Talk about a good time!

1-28-10 Ms. Mauer's class dances with scarves

Then it was on to Ms. Till’s class. The class is very large and very chatty. Today, they were really into talking amongst themselves in little groups and it was a challenge to settle them down. There are some self-control issues and I had to send one of the girls outside in the hall to “check” her attitude. When we finally were able to work, the class did a good job coming up with a fun story chorus and beat for their rap. There are a lot of creative students in Ms. Till’s class; they just lack self-discipline. With a firm hand, I was able to guide them through the entire story. It still needs to be polished. Thank goodness we have another class visit before our performance. I did have some outstanding students in the class – storytellers who learned their parts by heart. There were 2 boys and a girl. I gave them a special treat: an autographed bookmark.

1-28-10 A student in Ms. Till's third grade tells his part of the story without his script

My final class of the day was Ms. Johnson’s third grade class. When I walked into the room, the students were in their seats with their scripts on their desks, ready to work. It was such a pleasure working with this group of students. The last time I went into their class, they were a little rambunctious. But this time, they were so different! They were a model class. Four of the boys told me that they worked together outside of class to create a dance for the story chorus. It was awesome and I am so excited about what this class is going to do! There is expressive storytelling, rapping, a beat, and a fully choreographed routine. While I guided the students, they really came up with all the ideas. It was a delight to end my day in Ms. Johnson’s class. To reward them for their good work, I gave them all Madame Poulet bookmarks. Thank you, Ms. Johnson’s class, for this happy grin I am wearing today! You did a phenomenal job!

1-28-10 The story chorus in Ms. Johson's 3rd grade class POPS!

I am off on Friday and Monday. I was supposed to be taking a trip to New York for a conference. Circumstances changed and I am not going. However, I am taking a professional development class on Saturday in New Orleans. I look forward to returning to Strehle. The students and staff of Strehle are so wonderful. I love working with this school!

1-28-10 Ms. Creecy's 4th graders take time for a group pajama picture

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-10-09 Dianne de Las Casas and Santa Claus

Friends:

Today was my fourth day at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. I am in the midst of an arts-in-education residency, teaching grades K-5 handmade tales from my book, Handmade Tales.

When I first arrived at school, I came in through the back door of the library. Every day, I put my lunch in the library refrigerator located in a small room at the back of the library. The room has curtains for “doors.” When I parted the curtain to enter the room, was I surprised! I caught Santa getting dressed! Was I embarrassed! He was getting dressed for Santa pictures. Jolly Old St. Nick had a sense of humor and was kind enough to let me take a picture of him.

12-10-09 My accidental meeting with Santa

My first class was Ms. Morales’ cool 4th grade class. They cheered when I walked through the door. I taught them “Catching a Pest” and then we did the story, “April Showers.”

12-10-09 A talented student creates a flower in Ms. Morales' 4th grade class

The story turns a sheet of paper into a curtained window, a raindrop, a flower, and finally, a ladybug. It was so cool seeing the students transform their sheets of construction paper. Thanks for a great time, Ms. Morales’ class!

12-10-09 A student from Ms. Morales' 4th grade class makes a ladybug from the story, April Showers

Next, I traipsed over to Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class. Mr. Boone is such a fun teacher and his students were ready for my visit. After the draw and tell tale, I taught the class the story, “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle,” a story that uses only the hands. It’s such a cute tale. They loved the story and enjoyed telling it together.

12-10-09 Students from Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class learning Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle

After Mr. Boone’s class, it was on to Ms. Johnson’s kindergarten class. I told “Catching a Pest” and “Papa’s Teepee,” a cut and tell that turns a coffee filter into a teepee and then into a snowflake. They loved creating their fabulous snowflakes!

12-10-09 Ms. Johnson's Kindergarten class creates snowflakes

Ms. Vizzini’s 2nd grade class was next. I taught them how to draw a mouse using the numbers 1 through 7 in the story, “Catching a Pest.” They were awed at how the numbers formed a picture.

12-10-09 Drawing Catching a Pest in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class

Then they cut their snowflakes and had a ton of fun making a snow blizzard!

12-10-09 Snowflakes float in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class

After lunch, I visited Ms. Lemoine’s 1st grade class. It was fun working with her group and they adored the snowflake activity! I got lots of hugs from Ms. Lemoine’s 1st graders. So cute!

12-10-09 Snowflakes float in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class

My last class was two combined Pre-K classes. I told “Bandana Man,” and “The Pesky Skeeter” and “The Stubborn Turnip” with string. They had a ball!

12-10-09 Dianne uses a bandana to portray an old woman in Bandana Man for Pre-K

The Pre-K class practically mobbed me with hugs when I was finished. They are a loving bunch.

12-10-09 Dianne (way in the back) with the Pre-K classes

It was a great day and I look forward to Friday! After school, I have to head to Baton Rouge for a book signing at Barnes & Noble Citiplace at 7:00pm. It should be fun!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Note: The students’ faces are obscured to protect their identities.

Friends:

In these post-Gustav days, things are slowly getting back to “normal” in my area though today, tropical storm warnings and flash flood watches were issued for coastal Louisiana because of Hurricane Ike. Ike is headed to central Texas where people are under a mandatory evacuation. We have voluntary and mandatory evacuations in the lower-lying coastal parishes such as Plaquemines and St. Bernard.

Sometimes, I wish I could go back to being a child. Eliana is blissfully happy to be back home and in her normal routine. She is also oblivious to the chaos of our adult world (thank goodness). Here she is playing with her baby doll, Maya.

Eliana and Baby Maya

Yesterday, we went grocery shopping to restock our refrigerator, only to find many of the shelves barren of stock, especially in the produce aisle. Grocery stores have not yet been fully restocked since the hurricane. This is what the produce section at our Neighborhood Wal-Mart looks like. I forgot my digital camera at home so this photo was taken with my phone camera.

September 9, 2008 - Empty Grocery Shelves

Nevertheless, I managed to cook a delicious meal with leftovers for the following night. We had garlic chicken pesto tortellini with a side salad. Yum! It was our first meal cooked at home since we returned after Gustav.

September 9, 2008 - Garlic Chicken Pesto Tortellini

The most interesting post-Gustav news today was how bungled the Emergency Food Stamp program became. The government approved a program to provide one month of “emergency” food stamps to those affected by the storm (nearly everyone in Louisiana!). The program was to be administered by the Louisiana State Department of Social Services (DSS). In short, it was a disaster as big as Gustav.

Yesterday, only two sites serviced Jefferson and Orleans Parish. After passing our 2,500 cards, the DSS had to shut down and turn people away. People waited in blistering heat and lines that were hours long. The crowds were angry and the National Guard had to be called in for crowd control. An ambulance was summoned as people suffered heat stroke.

Today, two larger sites were opened in Jeffrerson and Orleans Parish only the DSS failed to inform the proper parties. They did not update their website either. There was mass chaos and confusion as again, people lined up for the food stamps. Traffic was backed up for 4 miles on the Westbank Expressway in Jefferson Parish as people anxiously waited for their chance to get their food stamps. The government will not allow online applications. Everyone has to apply in person, bringing bank statements, check stubs, drivers licenses, social security numbers, proof of residence, and proof of damage to your home. This ridiculous amount of paperwork causes lines to bottleneck and congest.

We had to fill up our car today and were happy to see a fuel truck refueling the gas pumps. Several of the pumps had plastic bags over them – they were out of gas.

September 10, 2008 - Gas Station Filling

Today, I stayed busy booking shows, answering emails, sending out manuscripts (3 new ones), and working on book promotions for the Spring 2009 release of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. It was an extremely productive day.

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Picture Book by Dianne de Las Casas Illustrated by Marita Gentry

I danced on Cloud 9 today as Robert D. San Souci, Children’s Book Author, provided a beautiful quote for the book:

“Dianne de las Casas mixes humor, high spirits, lively narration and a colorful setting to bring alive the timeless tale of The Gingerbread Boy (always a favorite of mine as a child). When a lonely old woman decides to cook up a cornbread boy in her magic skillet, her too-generous use of cayenne pepper in the batter brings about unexpected results and sets the stage for this droll, Cajun-spiced retelling. The author mixes her storyteller’s ear for concise, vivid description; rhythmic language; and exciting pacing, with tasty dollops of humor, as she recounts the cornbread boy’s meetings with various woodland creatures who want to gobble him up. But the storyteller here gives the ‘tragicomic’ tale a suitably happy — and logical — ending brought about by that ‘extra big dash of cayenne’ in the hero’s makeup. This delectable, delightful retelling is accompanied by lively, appealing watercolor illustrations by Marita Gentry that capture the zest of the tale and the distinctive bayou setting. A pronouncing glossary of Cajun words and phrases, an author’s source note, and a mouthwatering recipe for southern cornbread, help make this marvelous book what they would call on the bayou a thing delish!”
– Robert D. San Souci, author of The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South and Little Pierre: A Cajun Story from Louisiana

Thank you so much, Bob! You are the best!

I also did some fun research on a new picture book I am working on with Marita Gentry, illustrator of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. I will post more about that in my next blog… Keep reading!

Until next time…

Warmly,
Dianne

Friends:

Today, I made some headway in my office, tackling tasks that needed attention before Gustav reared his ugly head. I was able to finish a book proposal (Stories on Board! Crafting Board Games from Favorite Tales) and send it in to my editor. This is a picture of students working on a board game called “Tough Little Cookie,” based on the folktale, “The Gingerbread Man.”

Stories on Board - Working on Tough Little Cookie

Around midday, I had to pick up my 8 year old daughter, Eliana, from school. I was anxious to hear how her first day after the storm went. She told me that her classmates and teachers evacuated to various places all over the South: Vicksburg, Mississippi; Jackson, Mississippi; Alabama; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Alexandria, Louisiana; Texas; and Memphis, Tennessee. When Eliana came home, she had loads of homework in every subject: reading, spelling, math, English, and social studies. I guess they had to make up for all the school that was missed! Here is Eliana, doing her homework at her desk in her bedroom.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Eliana doing homework 9-8-08

On my way to pick Eliana up from school, I passed over the Harvey Canal. This was one of the vulnerable industrial canals on the Westbank that were discussed in the news during the Gustav storm coverage. Construction is under way by the Army Corps of Engineers on the $36 million floodgate to protect 250,000 people in the Westbank of Jefferson Parish in the New Orleans metro area from hurricane storm surges. In addition, a floodwall (which will protect my neighborhood) is also planned.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Harvey Canal 9-8-08

This is what the plan looks like. The area to the east of the proposed floodwall is where my neighborhood is located. We are very concerned about how storm surge may top the canals (there is no levee system in place at this time).

Harvey Canal Flood Gate Plans

When we moved into our neighborhood ten years ago, hurricanes didn’t seem like much of a worry. We didn’t evacuate as often as we do currently. Now, it appears that hurricanes have not only increased in frequency, but have intensified in strength as well. We are concerned that our pumping stations may not have the capacity to pump the water out if storm surge occurs. I also wonder what would happen if power to the stations fails.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Harvey Canal Pumping Station 9-8-08

Even with all of these issues, I still love living in the New Orleans area. My husband was born and reared here. I have lived here since I was 18 years old. It is home. It is the place that holds our family’s soul. From the Spanish moss-laden cypress trees in the mysterious bayous to the wrought iron balconies that frame dancing streets all year long, Louisiana is our home. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Dianne & Eliana 9-8-08

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today was our first full day at home since we evacuated from Gustav on August 30. The first good news I heard was that sewerage services in Jefferson Parish Westbank were restored. I was able to spend much of the day cleaning (you need water to clean!) – scrubbing down the refrigerator and freezer (we lost all of our food) as well as cleaning the rest of the kitchen – the microwave, the stove, and organizing the pantry. Here is a picture of our fridge now. It looks brand spanking new again!

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - The Clean Refrigerator 9-7-08

My husband went to the store to restock our fridge but the grocery store still didn’t have fresh food – no perishables. Our lunch consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, and and wings we microwaved. He did manage to find grapes!

While I cleaned the house, my husband and stepdad went downtown to the Saints Game. The New Orleans Saints played the Tampa Buccaneers and won! 24-20. It was a spirited win and the city needed that bit of good cheer.

After cleaning, I went outside to survey and document the damage to our property. A crepe myrtle was uprooted, we lost two window shutters, a ten foot section of the fence blew out, tree debris was scattered every where, and the ceiling of our patio is coming down from water damage to the roof. Inside, we were surprised to discover that the laminate floor in the living room is damaged. It is buckling in several places due to the extreme humidity (being without electricity I presume). Here is a picture of the fence we share with our neighbor.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Blown Down Fence 9-7-08

This is a section of our patio that is coming down. We have to wait for an adjuster to look at it before we can do anything.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Patio Ceiling 9-7-08

My next door neighbor had to cut off several limbs from our crepe myrtle to prevent it from damaging his roof and his car. We will have to cut it down soon, before another storm approaches. This is tree debris from our neighbor’s house and our house.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Tree Debris 9-7-08

After Antonio came home from the game, he went to work clearing the debris from the front yard. We still haven’t cleaned up the backyard yet. There is a ton of debris there.

Then Chef Josie (my mom) called and invited us to a homecoming dinner. She said that my brother would be coming home (for the first time in over a week) and bringing some officers with him. She cooked a down-home spread of swiss steak, green beans and potatoes, corn, homemade macaroni and cheese, and garlic bread.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Homecoming Dinner 9-7-08

When my brother, Gary, came in, only one officer accompanied him. Her name is Aline. Gary and Aline are part of the ERT (Emergency Response Team) at the Louisiana Medical Center of New Orleans (formerly Charity Hospital). Here is a picture of Gary and Aline enjoying dinner (their first home-cooked meal in a while)!

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Gary & Aline 9-7-8

They worked 24/7 during Gustav, for 8 days straight. He and Aline told me some stories about what their duties entailed. At first, they had 2 hours on and 2 hours off shifts. They barely got any sleep. They had to patrol on foot outside the hospital in the sweltering heat wearing nearly 50 lbs. of tactical gear, including a rifle. The ERT has been beefed up since Katrina. The hospital did not want another post-Katrina type scenario to occur in the event of another hurricane.

FEMA provided them with “EverSafe Meals” (MREs). Salt water activates a chemical pack that heats the food. The pack included a box of water, an energy bar, trail mix, M&Ms, and utensils. This pack you see is chili. The meal heats up inside the yellow sealed plastic bag.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - EverSafe Meal 9-7-08

This is what the chili looks like all cooked up. Thanks for the demo, Gary.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - EverSafe Chili 9-7-08

When they could sleep, they had inflatable single (very thin) air mattresses that, when deflated, are no larger than a normal sleeping bag. They placed their air mattresses on small hospital cots.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Gary's Mattress 9-7-08

Gary’s children, Jourdan (10), Camrynn (9), Ashlynn (7), and Jasmynn (6) were excited to see their daddy again, after being separated from him for over a week. He is a single father so the children evacuated with us while he had to stay to “serve and protect.” Here is the family together again.

Hurricane Gustav Recovery - Gary & Kids 9-7-08

Eliana has school in the morning and Antonio has to return to work. Life will resume as normal. Well, as normal as can be. Today, Governor Bobby Jindal declared another state of emergency for Louisiana in anticipation of Hurricane Ike’s appearance in the Gulf. We have to prepare for another storm and another possible evacuation. I am not even unpacking! Tonight, we tried to make hotel reservations to no avail. It seems that hotels within a 3-6 hour radius of New Orleans are booked. There are many evacuees who have not yet been able to return home. We will see what Ike decides to do and make plans accordingly.

Today, we clean up, repair, and recover. Tomorrow, we hope for the best.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

My husband, Antonio, commuted to work again today. Around 11:00 a.m., my mom and Clay found out that they had power. They decided to stay in Mississippi one more day to allow the house to cool down and give more time to the Parish to restore sewerage services. So they got their townhouse rental keys and moved out of our condo. They have a 2-story, 2-bedroom townhouse. Both bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and queen size beds. Mom and Clay got the master (of course), the three girls (Camrynn, Ashlynn & Jasmynn) are in the other room, and Jourdan sleeps on the sofa downstairs. This is a picture of the girls’ bedroom.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - The Girls' Room - 9-5-08

For most of the day, I was alone in the condo. Soleil and Eliana went with my mom. So I napped (a luxury) and worked (a necessity). Lots of news from home came today. Our power was restored around 6:00 p.m. Yay! There is still a sewerage conservation order in Jefferson Parish, where I live. Residents are asked not to flush, take showers, wash clothes, or allow any water to drain. This could cause sewerage to back up into residents’ homes and businesses. New Orleans has a curfew in place – 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for most of the city. Several sites are distributing ice and MREs. There are still people in shelters that are unable to go home.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Shelters on the News - 9-5-08

I spoke with my best friend, children’s musician and children’s book author Johnette Downing. She evacuated to Central Louisiana and got trapped by flood waters and had no access to Internet, television, or phones (land or cell). Fortunately, she is now home, safe and sound, in New Orleans. Her house has power and essential services. Here is a picture of Johnette in March 2008, at our house for Antonio’s Surprise Birthday Fiesta.

Johnette Downing 3-1-08

This evening, my mom called to let me know she had cooked garlic fried rice and homemade spaghetti. Evacuation means nothing to this woman when it comes to cooking. She can cook an awesome meal, any time, anywhere! The great thing about my Mom’s townhouse was that it had a washer and dryer. So we all washed clothes (who knows when we’ll be able to do that again?). Here I am waiting for my laundry to finish. This is a self-portrait. Say cheese!

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Dianne's Self Portrait 9-5-08

After dinner, we watched Georgia’s State Superintendent of Public Schools become the first person ever to win $1,000,000 on Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Here’s a picture of Soleil and Eliana, snuggling on the sofa.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Soleil & Eliana 9-5-08

My mom caught Soleil by surprise and attacked her. I guess you’re never too old to be a kid!

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Nana & Soleil 9-5-08

We’re just an ordinary family making our way through extraordinary times. Hurricane Gustav has been a big, expensive disruption of our lives but at least we still have our lives and each other. We are blessed. Wishing you and your family many blessings…

Hurricane Gustav Evacuat9on - Sweet Dreams Eliana! 9-5-08

Good night and sweet dreams!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Girls on the Cart 9-3-08

Friends:

Last night, I left Birmingham, Alabama around 12:30 a.m. I said goodbye to the kids (Eliana, Camrynn & Jasmynn picture above with Clay) and headed out. I was on my way to Diamondhead, Mississippi, migrating south to be closer to New Orleans. My husband had to report to work on the 4th so this was the reason for the decision. We are unable to return home yet because there is still no power and sewerage services are very limited. Jefferson Parish Officials have asked residents not to take showers, flush the toilet, wash clothes, or allow any water down the drain. This may cause sewerage to back up into people’s homes.

We decided to rent a condo in the resort area of Diamondhead, just a few miles from Gulfport, Mississippi. I only stopped twice, at a rest area and to gas the car.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Stopping for Gas 9-4-08

It was smooth sailing all the way. No traffic, thank goodness. My cousin and webmaster, Heidi, kept me company on the phone the whole way. (Thanks, Heidi!) She set up a service for me on Jott (turns voice into text messages) so that I could Twitter by voice. Unfortunately, Jott to Twitters aren’t always so accurate. One of my Twitters said, “Ran over a dead gunk. Hey you.” It was supposed to say, “Ran over a dead skunk. Pee yoo!” It also misinterpreted “I-59″ into “Aisle 59″ and “Just passed a rest area” into “just packed a guest area.” Heidi and I laughed until the tears rolled! I traveled I-59 South to US-98 East to US-49 South to I-10 East. I arrived around 6:30 a.m.

I was surprised at how nice the condo was. Very tastefully decorated. It’s a two bedroom – perfect for a family of four. The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom with a large soaker tub. The smaller room has a pair of twin beds, perfect for our girls. There is a full kitchen, living/dining room combination and two balconies (we are on the second story).

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Condo Living Room 9-4-08

Just as I was going to bed, it was time for Antonio to get up and go to work. He had driven to Diamondhead ahead of me because he had to report to work in the morning. Mom, Clay, Soleil, and the kids stayed one more night in Birmingham to get a full night’s rest and breakfast in the morning before hitting the road. They left Birmingham around 10:00 a.m. and arrived about 6:00 p.m.

While Antonio was at work, I worked as well. My friend and fellow professional storyteller, Rachel Hedman, interviewed me about my new book, The Story Biz Handbook, for her blog, Storytelling Adventures.

The Story Biz Handbook: How to Manage Your Storytelling Career from the Desk to the Stage

Rachel told me about a new service on the Internet called Ping.fm. What it does is link all your social networking sites so that when you update one, they are all updated simultaneously. It is genius. I pinged Twitter, Facebook, Plaxo, LinkedIn, Blogger, Hi5, and MySpace. When I update my status on Ping, it automatically updates the status on all my social networks. Ping is absolutely free and takes just minutes to set up! You should try it!

Heidi and I also worked on updating my website and blog. The front page of my website has new boxes and my blog has a new background. While it was a very productive day, I managed to slip in a trip to Dairy Queen. Yum! Eliana caught a picture of me working in my room.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Dianne Working in Bed! 9-4-08

While Antonio was in the city, he went to the West Bank and checked on our house. My brother, Gary’s, preliminary report was pretty accurate. We lost a tree, a 10 foot section of fence in the backyard, and some roof shingles. In addition, we lost the front window shutters and the patio ceiling is sagging from roof damage. There was no flooding and no broken windows. Hopefully, our insurance will be more cooperative this time.

When Mom and Clay arrived with all the kids, they went to the rental office. The office staff was supposed to leave the keys to the townhouse they rented in the mailbox. When they checked the mailbox, there were no keys! So they had to bunk in our condo. There are 10 of us in one small two-bedroom apartment. Soleil and Eliana are sharing a single bed. Clay is in the other single bed. My mom is on the sofa while my brother’s four children are sleeping on the floor in their sleeping bags. Antonio and I are in a double bed in the master bedroom.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Girls Sleeping on the Floor 9-4-08

It’s nearly 2:00 a.m. and here I am blogging, late as usual. Perhaps tomorrow will bring more good news. News that we can head home soon…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

It is Day 4 of our Evacuation journey. Today, I slept in. Exhaustion finally engulfed me. I skipped breakfast. My husband woke me up to tell me that he had to return to Louisiana by tomorrow morning. He works as Parking Director of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and was ordered to report to work. He has to ready the campus for returning doctors, medical staff, and students.

But we can’t return home yet. There is no power, no sewerage, no fuel, and no groceries available. City services are minimal. So we are migrating south to Diamond Head, Mississippi. Diamond Head is about 50 miles from New Orleans. We rented a 2 bedroom condo. It will be our “home away from home” until we can go back to Harvey. My husband will commute to work from there until we can return home. So he left for Diamond Head ahead of us at about 8:30pm. I will leave as soon as I finish this blog so that I can drive in the cool of the night (no AC in the van). Hopefully, there will be less traffic on the road as well. Mom, Clay, Soleil and the kids will leave in the morning. They need a full night’s rest. We will see them later in the day.

To add to all the chaos of having to uproot again, I had to finish a book. I reviewed the copy edits to my new book, Tangram Tales: Story Theater Using the Ancient Chinese Puzzle.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Tangram Tales Revisions 9-3-08

When I finished, I celebrated with a bottle of Johannesburg Riesling from V. Sattui Winery in Napa Valley. My husband and I picked up the bottle on a recent trip to San Francisco and a tour of Napa Wine Country. And yes, we evacuated with our wine!! Wine is good for relaxing, de-stressing, and pain relief. LOL

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Celebrate Good Times! 9-3-08

Yes, pain relief… I pulled a muscle in my right foot. I don’t know how I did it but it hurt like Hades! I had to apply pain relief cream and ice it down. The bad thing is that it’s my driving foot.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Icing Sprained Foot 9-3-08

Soleil was hard at work too. She had to complete an assignment from art class. The picture is of Cane and Abel. She is a freshman at LSU in Baton Rouge (most of the city is still without power). Not only did she finish her drawing, she had extra work to do as her teacher assigned “evacuation homework.”

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Soleil's Artwork 9-3-08

The highlight of our day was the “Mother of All Storms” – “Cooking Storms,” that is. My mom, using two small portable electric burners cooked a HUGE meal.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - The Kitchen 9-3-08

Now check out this spread. Mom cooked chicken adobo (a Filipino specialty), jambalaya, and lo mein, all on those tiny little burners. Clay and Mom fed the front desk (3rd night in a row) and hotel guest passersby. One of the guests from New Orleans, Angelle, said, “You guys taking camping cooking to a whole new level!” LOL

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Cooking Up A Storm 9-3-08

The kids went swimming today and tore up their toes on the rough pool bottom. It still doesn’t quell their unbridled energy. Several of the hotel guests commented that they were so “well-behaved.” That’s funny – they don’t get to see them inside our rooms! Hahaha Actually, they are pretty well-behaved in public. That’s where it counts, right? Here, I caught them having a quiet moment with Soleil, watching music videos on her laptop.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Kids Chillin with Soleil 9-3-08

Okay, now it’s time to get on the road to head to Mississippi. Let’s pray for a smooth, uninterrupted, safe journey there. It’s supposed to take 5 hours. Here’s hoping…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

When I woke up this morning to catch the news, I was so dismayed to see that most of the stations halted their coverage of Hurricane Gustav or provided only brief sound bytes about the damage Gustav caused. I guess an impending catastrophic storm and mass exodus makes much better news than a weakened storm that left little “catastrophic” damage in its wake.

At home the story is much different. 13 out of 14 power grids in Louisiana were damaged. Louisiana residents may be without power for days. Evacuees anxiously awaited news as to when they could return home. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin announced that residents would be allowed into New Orleans on Thursday, September 4 at 12:01 a.m. Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard announced residents could return on Wednesday, September 3, at 6:00 a.m. Bad weather pummeled parts of South East Louisiana – tornadoes touched down in Abita Springs, Franklin, and Westwego, Louisiana. A waterspout spawned off Lake Pontchartrain near the 25 miles Causeway Bridge.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Waterspout Over Causeway 9-2-08

Clay and Antonio decided that the kids needed to get out of the hotel and have some fun. I stayed behind to work. They took the children to The McWane Science Center, a hands-on science museum in downtown Birmingham. This is Eliana lying on a bed of nails!

Hurricane Gustav Evacuati9on - McWane Science Center - Eliana on a Bed of Nails 9-2-08

The children had a ball shadow dancing, experiencing hurricane force winds, watching a show on combustion, and hunting for dinosaur fossils in the archaeological dig. Below: Ashlynn and Eliana enjoying their new “digs.”

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - McWane Science Center - Eliana & Ashlynn Digging for Bones

I spoke to a good friend who expressed such anger over the fact that the national news coverage didn’t include stories of “real” people – the plight of the evacuees. She said that reading my blog was so enlightening because it shared so much of what the news didn’t cover. She said that she preferred reading the story of an ordinary family’s evacuation journey over Al Roker being blown around a little bit by the wind (Thank you, Sue. I appreciate it!).

After talking to Sue, I decided to head to the library so that I could focus on getting my book done. The final review of the edited proof for my book, Tangram Tales, is due tomorrow (Wednesday, September 3, 2008). I went to the Fultondale Public Library, just down the street from the hotel. Very convenient. Here is a picture of the dragon hanging over the Children’s Section. So cute!

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Fultondale Public Library - 9-2-08

The library was very quiet and I thought I could get some work done when I met with — frustration. I was unable to open the zip file that contained the edited copy of my manuscript. Ugh. So, I tried to personally answer all the emails and messages that have come in over the past few days. That was harder than I thought because I had so many messages, and from all over the world – Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, China, Canada, India, and even Ethiopia! I am so extremely touched by everyone’s care and concern for my family. I just want to say that if I didn’t respond to your message, I apologize. Know that I am sincerely grateful for every word, every hug, and every prayer you send our way.

When I returned back to the hotel (after a trip to Target), my family had laid out the most delicious meal — grilled steaks, pork chops, chicken breasts, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and rice. Again, the food was scrumptious, as usual. Look at the kids enjoying their dinner.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Kids Eating Dinner 9-2-08

Once more, we fed Miyoshi at the front desk, along with new front desk clerk, Melinda. Miyoshi could not stop talking about the steak. She said it was one of the best steaks she had ever tasted – “It needed absolutely no steak sauce!” Go Mom (the seasoner) and Clay (the griller). Miyoshi said she gnawed the steak to the bone. LOL

After dinner, I needed to work. So I took my laptop to the hotel’s business center. Eliana, Camrynn & Ashlynn came over to give me a shoulder massage and hugs. They were so sweet and comforting.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Dianne & the Girls 9-2-08

The day ended with great news. I spoke with my brother, MCLNO Police Officer Gary James, who was able to drive to the West Bank to check on my house. He said that a 10 foot section of fence in the backyard was blown away, we may have lost a Crepe Myrtle (leaning and uprooting), and we may have some roof shingles missing. He inspected our house at night in the pitch black (no electricity) so we can’t be certain but it’s a great preliminary report. No flooding, very minimal damage. Yes!

My brother suggested that we stay away until power is restored. He said that it is pitch black on the streets and in the neighborhoods – it is unsafe and uncomfortable. We don’t want to return until power is restored anyway because we have small children. In addition, essential business such as gas stations and grocery stores will need to get back in business.

The children are out of school until Monday so that is a relief. LSU Baton Rouge will resume classes on Monday so we have time to get Soleil back to college. Hopefully, power will be restored by this weekend so that we can return home and resume life as usual. I am concerned about the journey home. I hope it is not fraught with the same perils we encountered on the way to Birmingham – heavy traffic, no gas, no food, and no patience!

In the meantime, we will make the best out of our displacement and try to enjoy the Birmingham area. The people here have such beautiful Southern hospitality and the city is gorgeous.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Birmingham, AL 9-2-08

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

It’s been another long day but at least we were in the comfort of the hotel. The day started out like any other – we all gathered for breakfast around 8:30 a.m.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Breakfast 9-1-08

Except this was no ordinary day. We ate breakfast in the hotel lobby with tons of other evacuees, all glued to the television for news on Hurricane Gustav.

Once breakfast was finished, we headed back to the room. We watched national news capture Gustav’s fury. Making dramatic camera footage, news media caught New Orleans’ industrial canal levees overtopping. Because of storm surge and winds, the canal filled up quickly. Roaring winds caused surf-like white caps and spillage over the top of the levee, splashing into the 9th ward. Fear gripped us as we remembered Katrina. It was an eerie feeling to see the same levee that caused such heartache just three short years ago. Around 11:30 a.m., Gustav’s eye passed over the Houma area (Terrebonne Parish).

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Industrial Canal Overtopping 9-1-08

To get my mind off the news and because I had to, I prepped to remove stitches from Eliana’s (my 8 year old) knee. Last Monday, she had a little accident at school. Her foot got caught in a drainage ditch and she fell. A gash in her knee required a couple of stitches.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Eliana's Knee Stitches 9-1-08

Today, her doctor was supposed to remove the stitches. Since we were away from home, there were only a couple stitches, and it was an easy procedure, I decided to remove them myself. They needed to be removed otherwise, there was a risk of skin growing over the stitches and scarring. I used surgical gloves, created a tent over her knee, thoroughly sanitized the knee area with iodine and antiseptic cleanser, and sterilized my instruments (tweezers and scissors). There was a lot of drama at first, Eliana crying fearful tears. But once I began the procedure, she stopped crying and watched intently, Antonio behind her for support. Camrynn “documented” the event by taking these photos. In less than a minute, Eliana’s stitches were gone. No pain!

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Eliana's Stitches Gone! 9-1-08

Once it was over, I cleaned her up, applied some antibiotic ointment, and covered her knee with a non-latex fabric bandage. She was good to go. Later in the day, she even went swimming with her cousins. Thank goodness for military first aid kits. I felt like “Dr. Dianne.” LOL

The kids played games while we watched Hurricane Gustav make landfall midmorning in the Houma area (Terrebonne Parish). He came roaring into Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane. We watched news coverage and I Twittered what I learned, the live updates posted to my website.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Dianne twittering 9-1-08

My brother (MCLNO Police Officer Gary James) called to let me know that he had spoken to Antonio’s cousin, Lt. Cdr. Alex Norman of Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The West Bank was doing well. The Harvey Canal was holding its own. There was no flooding. We sighed with relief but still continued to monitor the news, both national and local, for information on the effects of Gustav.

Around 2:00 p.m., we had lunch from Zaxby’s Real Chicken. We set up our own little “restaurant” in the hotel lobby dining area. Here is a picture of Soleil, enjoying lunch.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Soleil Enjoying Lunch 9-1-08

Again, we watched media coverage on Gustav on the hotel’s large screen TV. Around 2:30 p.m. Gustav pounded Baton Rouge as a Category 1 hurricane, packing winds of 90mph. It is the strongest hurricane to hit Baton Rouge in quite some time. There was fear that the Mississippi River might crest and spill into the city. Baton Rouge was a staging area for medical teams and local and state government officials. We were concerned because my mother-in-law chose to stay in Baton Rouge with Antonio’s sister, Pam. We were able to get in touch with them and they were okay, albeit without power.

During all of this, my mom had to switch rooms. So they had to move all of their stuff into our room. Our room was stuffed with stuff. It’s a strange feeling to pack for evacuation, choosing what to take and what to leave, knowing you may not see your house again. What’s important? People are, of course. But after Katrina, we evacuated more purposely, choosing items that would help us in the event we had to be away for a while – sleeping bags, an air bed, folding chairs, kitchen ware, games for the kids, blankets, pillows, and of course, clothes and food.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Room Stuffed with Stuff 9-1-08

Here is a picture of Mom in the new room, which happened to be right next door to the room she was in previously. LOL

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Mom in the New Suite 9-1-08

Around 4:00 p.m., Clay decided to take the kids swimming. Antonio and Soleil went to Barnes & Noble to pick up a book for school. I decided to take a nap. I was so exhausted.

After I woke up, we decided to cook dinner, grilling steaks, hot dogs, Italian sausage, and hamburgers. We divvied up the tasks. Antonio went to the store to pick up dinner supplies. Mom prepared the meats for grilling, seasoning and marinating them. I cooked the side dishes in my makeshift kitchen consisting of two portable electric burners.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Makeshift Kitchen 9-1-08

Clay grilled the meats on the outside patio adjacent to the hotel lobby dining area. The steaks came out sooooo good. Mmm, mmm, mmm!

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Clay Chillin' n Grillin' 9-1-08

I cooked chunky mashed potatoes, green beans with real bacon, and corn. Dinner was delicious.

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Dinner 9-1-08

We ate like royalty and had enough to save for lunch on Tuesday. We made a friend at the front desk, Miyoshi, and fed her dinner too. All the staff at this hotel has been wonderful. Miyoshi is a sweetheart. This is Miyoshi, who lives up to her Japanese name which means “kind-hearted.”

Hurricane Gustav Evacuation - Miyoshi at the Hotel Front Desk 9-1-08

Soleil spoke with her at length and the kids really took to her. I can see why.

Speaking of the children, last time, the children all suffered with post-Katrina stress. My brother’s children lost everything, including their dog. They lived in Meraux, a town in St. Bernard Parish. Eliana had 4 kindergarten teachers while we lived in Houston, apart from my husband for a year. This time, we tried to keep a sense of normalcy while letting them know the truth, but not allowing them to dwell too much on the media coverage. While swimming at the hotel’s heated pool, I was told that they were invited to join another evacuee’s birthday party. So they had cupcakes and fun. On Tuesday, we plan on taking them to the McWayne Science Center.

All in all, today was paradoxical. We were nervous and relieved. By the end of the day, the levees held. Levees that were breaching or overtopping were repaired and water seemed to be receding. Still, Hurricane Gustav packed a punch and many Louisiana and Gulf Coast residents will have to deal with damage to their properties. I hope that damage is minimal. Hopefully, Tuesday morning will bring more good news. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin held a press conference today and I Twittered it live. We hope to be able to return home by week’s end.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne