September 2005 Archives

Christina sent these images a few hours ago. Worth a look.

Carol asked me to post these pictures. Ashley and Nicole are at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, MN
Ashley's passion is designing costumes of that era. The dresses the girls are wearing were designed and made by Ashley. Beautiful, beautiful work Ashley!!!

Josephine Mary

Julia Claire

Julia and Josephine

Introducing Julia Claire and Josephine Mary.
Born Saturday, September 17, 2005.

Julia Claire: 6 lbs. 5 oz.
Josephine Mary: 7 lbs. 1 oz.

Katie sent these pictures by email and hoped Robbie would post them. Robbie doesn’t have telephone or Internet service yet, so I decided to do it for him. I know Mary will post some more pictures and details when she can.

Katie said Mary and babies are doing well. Samuel weighed 6lbs. 5 oz. and I can’t even imagine having another 7 lb. baby in there with him! I spit him out 4 weeks early as it was. Mary, you did great!

Going home. Going home. Now what? I can't remember the next line of that old song, though if you call me I'll hum it for you. Anyhow, that's what we're doing tomorrow. Sue and Scott are going with us to help with the driving. And also to take any overload of luggage and so on. We all came away with three outfits (well, I did anyway) but then there was a trip into town to pick up some more things so we have a bit more now than we had at the start.

Yesterday the authorities invited us to return. The water is good. Telephones are up and running. Electricity is going and so is cable TV. There is one grocery store near us open from 9 to 3 but I'm guessing more will open next week. The filling station on the corner from me is open and doing a brisk business at $2.39 for regular. That's a good bit less than we're paying in Lawrenceville. I could have stayed another few days, but the others are very anxious to get back. Elizabeth is going to a rent house near Katie's in Madisonville. She's not moving all of her furniture; it will be a sort of camping out for a month or two. No work has started on their house, but the FEMA and insurance adjusters are supposed to show up any day.

Christina has to report to school next Wednesday and classes will start on Monday. She heard today they may be platooning to accommodate displaced students. Jackson and Jacob will start school on Wednesday at St. Rita's. St. Tammany parish will start school on Monday. The children of Orleans and St. Bernard parishes will be out of school the entire year and that includes public, private, and parochial. What a shame.

Thank you for all of your kind words, good thoughts, prayers, and cash. We are so appreciative of our wonderful extended family.

Love, Aunt Ginnie

How's everyone doing?? After watching the news, it looks like some areas are slowly recovering and others have a long way to go(before it even starts). Any idea when you may be allowed back into your homes? Is there any talk of when/if school will start in New Orleans? Such a massive job to be completed.
How are Janine, David and Katie doing? I assume Angela, Christina, Elizabeth and Aunt Ginnie are still at Sue's. What's the latest from Robbie?
John is "stationed" in Laurel, Mississippi---have lots of crews there working on the cleanup. He said he's met a lot of nice people(workers and residents). Weather is HOT(95) and humid which takes a toll on everyone. He's spent parts of some days lost, trying to find the dump sites, crews etc due to streets not being named or just poor maps. Kind of frustrating for him(who has a pretty good sense of direction). After 3 days of sleeping on the floor of the Ramada Inn ballroom, they finally were able to get rooms(with beds!). They are working 12hr. shifts so really appreciate the shower,bed and roof over their heads. He's talked to others who have only had tents to sleep in, cold showers(if any) and certainly no amenities---this is probably the norm in the hardest hit areas.
Meanwhile, life is "normal" here. We think and talk of you often. Our continued prayers for safe and speedy recovery.
Also, even though they don't have a computer---Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad. 55years!!
Happy Anniversary to Dan & Pam tomorrow too.

From columnist Chris Rose of The Times-Picayune www.nola.com


Dear America,

I suppose we should introduce ourselves: We're South Louisiana.

We have arrived on your doorstep on short notice and we apologize for
that, but we never were much for waiting around for invitations. We're
not much on formalities like that.

And we might be staying around your town for a while, enrolling in your
schools and looking for jobs, so we wanted to tell you a few things
about us. We know you didn't ask for this and neither did we, so we're
just going to have to make the best of it.

First of all, we thank you. For your money, your water, your food, your
prayers, your boats and buses and the men and women of your National
Guards, fire departments, hospitals and everyone else who has come to
our rescue.

We're a fiercely proud and independent people, and we don't cotton much
to outside interference, but we're not ashamed to accept help when we
need it. And right now, we need it.

Just don't get carried away. For instance, once we get around to fishing
again, don't try to tell us what kind of lures work best in your waters.

We're not going to listen. We're stubborn that way.

You probably already know that we talk funny and listen to strange music
and eat things you'd probably hire an exterminator to get out of your
yard.

We dance even if there's no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too
much and laugh too loud and live too large and, frankly, we're
suspicious of others who don't.

But we'll try not to judge you while we're in your town.

Everybody loves their home, we know that. But we love South Louisiana
with a ferocity that borders on the pathological. Sometimes we bury our
dead in LSU sweatshirts.

Often we don't make sense. You may wonder why, for instance - if we
could only carry one small bag of belongings with us on our journey to
your state - why in God's name did we bring a pair of shrimp boots?

We can't really explain that. It is what it is.

You've probably heard that many of us stayed behind. As bad as it is,
many of us cannot fathom a life outside of our border, out in that place
we call Elsewhere.

The only way you could understand that is if you have been there, and so
many of you have. So you realize that when you strip away all the
craziness and bars and parades and music and architecture and all that
hooey, really, the best thing about where we come from is us.

We are what made this place a national treasure. We're good people. And
don't be afraid to ask us how to pronounce our names. It happens all the
time.

When you meet us now and you look into our eyes, you will see the
saddest story ever told. Our hearts are broken into a thousand pieces.

But don't pity us. We're gonna make it. We're resilient. After all,
we've been rooting for the Saints for 35 years. That's got to count for
something.

OK, maybe something else you should know is that we make jokes at
inappropriate times.

But what the hell.

And one more thing: In our part of the country, we're used to having
visitors. It's our way of life.

So when all this is over and we move back home, we will repay to you the
hospitality and generosity of spirit you offer to us in this season of
our despair.

That is our promise. That is our faith.

John has departed this morning for Vicksburg, Mississippi. On Tuesday at work they asked for volunteers to go to the gulf coast to help with cleanup. John put his name on the list (as he's done for other hurricane,floods, and 911 disasters) but figured he wouldn't get called or be allowed to go. By the time he got home that evening, he'd had a call to say he would be leaving on Thursday! So, off to the clinic to update his tetanus and the to shop for some lighter weight jeans after work. The Corps of Engineers arranged his flight ot Jackson, car rental and living arrangements. John isn't exactly sure where he'll be sent or what he'll be doing. The Corps of Engineers has an office in Vicksburg so he figures he'll get instructions etc there later today. When he left he figured he'd be gone for a month!
The hospital where I work will also be sending volunteers to New Orleans or other areas to assist. They also had a sign-up list for help at Camp Ripley,MN to help with the evacuees. I will man the homefront, now that John is gone.
I'm so thankful all of you are safe. Now, on to the repair/rebuilding of your homes and lives. Take care.

Here we all are. We took this picture after church yesterday. Joey and Scott Clayton then left, headed for home to gather some of our belongings. Scott Soule and Jimmy left today. Scott plans to work in Baton Rouge. They are hoping to rent a house in Madisonville that has been offered to them. Joey and I have been invited to stay with them while we try to rebuild our tuxedo store. We know the store had water. That's not our concern though, it's whether or not we'll have any business in the near future. Christina and Phil left yesterday afternoon. They stayed the night in Jackson at Phil's brother's house. They waited in line this morning for an hour and a half for gas in Jackson. Joey and Scott called as they were pulling up to my mom's house. Her pecan tree was down in the back yard, but there was no damage to her house. They said it didn't even smell in the house. I'm anxious for them to get to my house and report. I already know that there are holes in the roof and water damage inside from that. Scott and Joey said that the airport (right by my mom's house) looks like a scene out of Baghdad with all the military there. They won't be able to stay in Metairie tonight. Jefferson Parish won't be inhabitable for 3-4 weeks, according to the authorities. I just can't seem to make plans past tomorrow though. It hasn't sunk in yet that I won't be able to go home for a while. I'm just thankful that I have a home to go back to. Robbie is still in Bush, LA and we haven't heard from them. David is in Slidell, and Janine is still in Cleveland, MS. Katie is going home today because she has electricity and well water so she'll be fine. Most of St. Tammany Parish will be fine in a few days. Jefferson Parish has a lot of work to do and that's why they don't want people coming home to live for a few weeks. We want to thank everyone for the kind offers and thoughts and prayers that have been extended. This is something none of us could have imagined.

I'm a day late. Just got busy, don't you know, and didn't get to it in time.

Forty-one years ago, I was a young mother of five little people, ages 7, 6, 4, 3, and 2. Robbie was in second grade. Sue was in first grade. Wednesday, September 2, was the first day of school. The night before, I had washed her beautiful long hair and rolled it in rags -- called papillottes in New Orleans. In the morning, her hair would brush out in gorgeous curls and she'd be all spiffy for school. Robbie would turn himself out in his long khaki pants and short sleeved khaki shirt and he also would look spiffy.

I've never known how they looked because I went to the hospital in the middle of the night and my next-door neighbor took over for the day. She told me, though, that they were beautiful and I have no doubt. Grandma and Grandpa were on a cruise in the Caribbean and wouldn't be home till Thursday, so when they came home next day, all the excitement was over because Elizabeth Ann and I were already home. When we walked into Hotel Dieu and saw the statue of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy who ran the hospital, Daddy said, "Well, now we know what our new baby's name is: Elizabeth Ann."

That had already been my choice because for Christmas 1942, I received my last baby doll and I named her Elizabeth Ann. My mother told me later that she had walked and walked from store to store searching for a baby doll and finally found a store that had just one left, and so far as I was concerned, she was perfect.

And so too is my own live Elizabeth Ann. Happy Birthday, Sister.

We are trying to get in touch with Katie. Please call us as soon as possible. I'm really getting worried about Mama's house and was hoping that you and Kevin would venture into Kenner to check on it. My biggest concern is downed trees on the house. Also, we haven't heard from Phil & Scott since yesterday afternoon and was wondering if you have been in touch with them.

Lizzie was lamenting that she is missing out on having her birth story published on her birthday by Mama. Mama started doing that this year for each of our birthdays. She had two more to go - Lizzie's on today and then David's on the 28th of this month. Of course she understands Mama is unable, but still . . .

It's been a pretty crummy birthday as far as celebrations go. We did order pizza and Mary Catherine made her a lovely cake. Jimmy made her some brownies. But it wasn't the same big deal we usually do for family birthdays. Scott hasn't even been able to call. Lizzie always likes to remind us of her "6th" child syndrome - only two pictures of her as a baby/ toddler by herself. She likes to point out that there are more pictures of the twins in their first year of life than there are of the all the rest of us put together as children!

Anyway, I have a birth story that I can relay for her. It is a poor substitution for Mama's, but it's a good memory. The day she was born was the first day of first grade for me. Daddy took me, Robbie and our two neighbors, Linda and Glen, to school in our red station wagon. I remember him telling us that Mama had had a baby girl. We were so excited. We wanted her to be named Mary, after the mother of Jesus. When Mama told us that her name was Elizabeth I remember being disappointed. Mama said that Elizabeth was a special name, too, because she was the cousin of Mary. I bought it. And I agree. It is a very special name for a very special sister. Happy Birthday, Lizzie - I love you.

The following message is from me-(Maddie Tompkins) on Katie's username

Hey! I hope you and your whole family is safe and alright. If there is anything we can do please tell us. Our home is open to any of our family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Call me at 1-952-443-3214. I texted you twice from my cell phone.

Hello, Everyone this is Elizabeth at Sue's house. The few times I posted anything in the past, I had explicit instructions right in front of me that included my password, etc.

I want to thank everyone for their very kind offers and prayers. We are all overwhelmed by the horror of the situation, but all feel truly blessed that we escaped unscathed. Some of us have talked about feeling some what guilty that we did so well when so many are suffering. I cried for a few minutes when I discovered that my house was hit by trees. I didn't care about the house or furniture, but very much pined the loss of my wedding book and photo albums. Scott was very anxious to get to the house to secure the house as best he could. We don't have much damage, but left to the elements the whole interior of the house could be damaged. I can't even relate to the poor people who lost everything. Our very good friends lost their whole house to 15 trees! They were able to get a few pictures, but that was it. I find it amazing that Robbie had no damage to the house and Katie didn't either and both are surrounded by trees. I haven't heard from Scott since yesterday morning when he was still en route to the house. Because of the gas shortage, he was travelling in a very small car with 4-5 gallon tanks inside the car. He teased me and said that he was getting high on all of the fumes. He was having to travel with the windows open because of the danger. Katie and Kevin were able to make it to my house and found Scott and Phil at work trying to clear out the trees on the house. It was discovered that we have 6 holes in the roof. Kevin was able to give Scott some tarps to cover the damage. He had not brought enough. Katie told me that Scott would be able to drive his own car out of the garage if he got busy cleaning up the trees laying acoss the driveway. I fear for Scott's safety. I hate thinking of him fooling with a chainsaw and especially hate thinking of him on top of a roof. I am not particularly worried as long as Christina doesn't get me all worked up. She is very concerned that they have not called. She thought they would come back tonight. I didn't want Scott travelling at night in the area. I am hoping to hear from them tomorrow. I thought they would be too busy to get back tonight. I will be surprised if they come back with my mama. Scott was hoping to convince her to come. We think that she is going to want to try and get home. We heard tonight that they are asking people in Kenner (where Mama lives)to stay away. Initially, they were saying that they would let people in with I.D. to get a few things, but now they don't want anyone to come. It is so hard to make any plans because we all feel that we will return home if the electricity is restored. Janine has told us that people were arrested in St. Tammany,which is where we live, for looting and that people are being car-jacked for their extra tanks of gasoline in broad daylight. Scott Clayton gave my Scott a loaded gun before he left. I feel much better that he has a way to defend himself if need be. Without a police presence, people are so vulnerable. We are all doing well here. It has been a great comfort to be here with my sisters. The children are so happy to be with their cousins. Sue has had plenty of offers of houses, bedrooms, and small apartments for us from her co-workers, but none of us are inclined to leave just yet until we know if it is long term or not. We like being together--mostly glued to the television.

My friend, my sisters, and I have laughed and compared notes on how we packed before we left. We are all ill prepared to be gone for any period of time. I packed Polina and myself and didn't give anyone else a thought. I dscovered two days after we left that Joe-Joe packed himself!! He is such a big boy! Jimmy and Mary Catherine have been such a blessing to have. They were a huge help when we left in such a hurry and continue to help out with Joe and Polina. They are such good children. I am so lucky to have them.

I also want everyone to know that I have the best family in the world. My in-laws were so gracious in welcoming us into their home. They loaned Scott a car and gave us money for the road. They have told us that we are all welcome for the duration and that they would help us in any way. My sister, Sue, has opened her home to all of us and has been absolutely wonderful! I have felt no tension or uneasiness in the house even with so many living under one roof!!

Our home is open to any of our family members, please don't hesitate to call us. If there is anything we can do please tell us.

Our number is: 1-952-443-3214

PJ and Terri Tompkins

Hello Ferraras! Your cousins up north are praying for you all. We want you to know that our homes are open to you. We'd love to have you for as long as you need a place to call home. Please let us know what we can do to help!

Love,
Katie