Dr. David Myers from Mid City

Today 9/15 i went to my house in the 4200 block of iberville. the water heights in nearly all of the homes in this block is the same 2-8" inside the houses... unless the house is significantly raised, there's water inside... i also went to my office at the corner of bienville and N. jeff davis and found total devastation... my medical practice will not be able to be rebuilt at its current location... any patients of mine that may read this can try to contact me @ 877-822-8161, but the phones are a mess... i will be temporarily seeing patients at 2017 Metairie Road in the coming weeks... final new office location is yet to be determined... i'll keep you updated... Thanks, David Myers.

Exhausted

I went to the shop today and worked all day. I am thoroughly exhausted and this will be it for the evening. The American Can Company didn't do so well in this whole thing. I only saw one window blown out, but the parking area was an utter disaster and there was about 6 inches of water on the first floor and about 3 inches inside Cork & Bottle. I might as well have gotten 3 feet. The store was fine out in the main area, but in the dark, air-less back room mold was starting to attack everything. Its a freaking mess. In the residental corridors the wooden floors have buckled and I heard word that every AC compressor has blown off the roof. The Can is a real mess right now. But then so again is the neighborhood around it.

On a positive note, the temperature in the store was actually less than it was outside and the wine has held up suprisingly well. The rest of the stuff will be just fine...and will be on a HUGE sale WHEN we reopen when we can. (Come and get it Carl, come and get it.)

It just sucks, though, these days when I spend the whole day in the city. It really beats you down. Most of the city south of Lakeview and West of the 9th ward is dry enough to drive. I drove down Tulane Ave today and looked at water marks taller than my head. I saw the same thing in parts of Mid-City and along Broad. How in the hell are we going to clean all this stuff up. Where in the hell is everyone going to live while we do it? I think Sugar Ray and AB (that's the Jeff parish prez, not our grinning QB) are insane by telling people to come on back. I think the only reason they are doing so is to keep everyone from staying where they are at. I know its going to be 2-3 months before Mid-City is close to liveable again and yet they are telling people to come back Uptown and to the CBD, but don't drink or bathe in the water. Oh yeah, and don't go out after 8pm. That, and bring gas and groceries because there's none to buy. WHAT THE HELL IS THE HURRY?

Good Picture

Downloading some pictures from my camera and I came across this one taken the morning before Katrina. My wife and I were staying with friends in the Big Red Stick and the 7 of us had a hell of an inpromptu Hurricane Party. Feeling the effects of lots of Dark Rum and approaching the age when a hangover really kicks my ass, the next morning my wife and I hit the LSU institution Louie's for a couple of Mitchell Omelttes. We brought THE BOY in tow (no omlette for him , but then again he wasn't hung over). I started fooling around with the camera. Turns out this might be one of the great pictures of his life.

From Lezly Petrovich

Went to Banks Street today to our house one block away from Finn McCool's. Still is water around for several blocks in all directions, 1 foot deep, but you can walk through. (this is side streets right off Banks). Trees are also at bottom of Banks and Jeff Davis. National Guard had not searched the area, constractors were just starting to clean Jeff Davis. Area got about 7 to 8 feet of water overall. A USA Today photographer was in the area taking photos. Hopefully the area will be cleared soon. We also rescued our tenant's dog Sammy from her house, we have her now. If anyone knows or has seen Theresa Crushshon, please have her call Chris and Lezly and we can get him back to her. He's doing well. Hope to see everyone at the triumphant BBQ return to the hood soon!!!

From Naomi Duffey

Thought you'd want to know, Connie Reynolds, who was staying at her house at the corner of Moss and St. Ann was escorted out at gunpoint by Nat'l Guard, forced to leave her animals
behind about 2 days ago. This was according to her nephew. She's at a friend's house in Algiers. Talked with Blaine today, who was standing by La SPCA, so hopefully the animals are rescued.

AMERICAN CAN COMPANY NEWS

Justin Sterett writes: I live in the American Can. I am in the military and was able to get all around the city today. I stopped by to pick up some of my stuff and checked out the condition of the building. The water has completely receded from around the building. You can see the waterline where the water once stood on the roofs of cars parked in the front lot. The entire front lot and lobby are covered in this sewage sludge like mess. PJ's coffee shop was broken into, as well as the Sunray Grill. Cork and Bottle was untouched, everything was intact and I tried to really see inside. I think there might have been minimal flooding about 6in high. I was able to judge this by a water line I saw on a cardboard box on the floor. The parking garage looked ok, I couldn’t see any visible water line and the cars looked fine. The swimming pool was tar black with water that god knows what is in. Water is receding at a fast rate. Most of the mid city flooding is concentrated around City Park and Carrollton by the freeway. They are picking up stuff and cleaning up at a really good pace. It gave me a lot of hope to see how fast they are moving all over the city with clean up. There were no signs of looting inside the building (the apartments).

AMERICAN CAN COMPANY NEWS

Justin Sterett writes: I live in the American Can. I am in the military and was able to get all around the city today. I stopped by to pick up some of my stuff and checked out the condition of the building. The water has completely receded from around the building. You can see the waterline where the water once stood on the roofs of cars parked in the front lot. The entire front lot and lobby are covered in this sewage sludge like mess. PJ's coffee shop was broken into, as well as the Sunray Grill. Cork and Bottle was untouched, everything was intact and I tried to really see inside. I think there might have been minimal flooding about 6in high. I was able to judge this by a water line I saw on a cardboard box on the floor. The parking garage looked ok, I couldn’t see any visible water line and the cars looked fine. The swimming pool was tar black with water that god knows what is in. Water is receding at a fast rate. Most of the mid city flooding is concentrated around City Park and Carrollton by the freeway. They are picking up stuff and cleaning up at a really good pace. It gave me a lot of hope to see how fast they are moving all over the city with clean up. There were no signs of looting inside the building (the apartments).

Another good Mid-City Blog

Marguerite of 200 block of N. Murat St. writes: Today I talked to a friend who has stayed in NO the whole time and started a blog: www.gulfsails.blogspot.com He says our neighborhood is now totally dry. There are pictures here that he took, but he cannot report on specific flooding levels because he only passed through quickly. He repeatedly said that it is NOT as bad as everyone says. Since I know him and know he has been there, I have faith that we will be home sooner than predicted! Please read his comments. Much love to Mid-City. -M

Mark Janes checks in

Wanted to send a quick note to let you know that Liz and I did evacuate early (3am) Sunday morning before the storm hit on Monday. We have since been with my family in Decatur IL and have been trying to keep up on the storm aftermath via media.

We got out with our lives and health, and now it seems that our property may have been spared the flooding. I heard today that inhabitants of areas that did not flood may be allowed back in (at least to investigate) as early as Sunday or Monday. Like most people, we left thinking we’d be gone maybe a week…and didn’t take nearly what we needed for a lengthier residency outside New Orleans. So, we are preparing to leave IL on Sunday and head back toward the area.

The silver lining: While here in Decatur, I welcomed another granddaughter into this world. Both baby EllaDonna and mom are fine. We have Liz’s family to check in on before we bunk temporarily with friends in Mandeville while assessing our home situation…unless we are miraculously able to return to live in our own home just off Magazine/Sophie Wright (St Mary at Camp) by then. I hear Nagin may have some specific news and a plan for re-entry tomorrow.

We all miss New Orleans. OUR New Orleans. We look forward to being home again.

God bless you and all Cork and Bottle friends….

S. Christina Seafood

By any chance can you please tell me the status of S. Christina Seafood. I know the water got around 5 feet but not sure how the building held up or damage that was caused.

Thanks
Mary Christina

Robert Barr sends greetings

My name is Bob Barr I own a home in the 2800 block of Grand Route St John. I have been in Hawaii on special assignment with the US Coast Guard for the past 16 months. I left my home intact with all of my “stuff” in July 2003. I have not been back since, but had expected to return this month. Katrina has altered many of our plans. I am happy to report that all of the tenants from my home have made it through the ordeal safely. There were two cats left behind, but I am hoping they have been rescued by now. I just wanted to let you know how comforting it has been to read your blog from 5000 miles away, see some old friends names, and read that they are safe and doing as well as can be expected. I love our neighborhood and I have expereinced WHAT IT IS LIKE TO MISS NEW ORLEANS! I loved your line items of “missed” stuff. We agree on all of them! Aloha, keep the faith! NEW ORLEANS, PROUD TO SWIM HOME!

St Philip and Bayou St John

Jeffrey Knowles writes: I would like to let the residents of this area know that on the most part this area did well, some downed trees but mostly no water in the houses. There were some concerned rescue workers trying to find and feed any left behind pets, but otherwise the area was completely empty. I saw no signs of looting in this area. I've attached a couple pictures of the area. The last one is of Canal Blvd at the Railroad crossing. These were taken on Wed. Sept 14th. (Jon Adds: The pics are coming)

John Wells - Bienville Street Pictures

I saw the photos contributed by John Wells on your website. My fiance and I live two houses down from the laundraumat at 4521 Bienville (the pink shot-gun double) and were hoping to get some info on whether or not we took water during Katrina. My parents live in Lakeview and were flooded to the roof, so knowing the status of our home on Bienville could do wonders to boost my family's morale. Any info or photos from you or John would be so greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much, Sarah

900 block of Wilson

Any news on the 900 block and spcifically 949 Wilson would be great, we are both heading in this weekend for work and want to know what to expect.

Thanks
Erin and Ben Sarrat

(Jon adds: That side of the Bayou got pretty wet but based on the level of you house you might have a chance to be dry.)

To Dana and Chris from Christian's Mom and Dad

We're doing okay in Tenn. with baby and parents. Glad to know you're okay. Does your neighbor know anything about our house? My mom left her dogs inside and we've asked Aspca to go rescue but we haven't heard anything yet. If anyone knows or is in the area maybe they can open the door and give them some water/food or tell us if they survived or got out? I have a feeling we don't have windows.. I think your house is higher than ours but I'm sure we got the same if not more water. We miss you guys and the neighborhood, hopefully we'll be able to go back sooner than we think and make it better than ever.


Deborah Reyes

4100 block of Iberville

Does anyone have any info on the 4100 block of Iberville. I own a home there and am desperatly searching for info regarding water levels and looting. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Can't wait to get back. Stay safe
Michael (swampfoxer@aol.com)

Susan Daneilson from Olga check in

Al and I went into the city Sunday (we had a legit pass) to check out our house on Picheloup Place and to get some clothes for Al and me. He started work here in BR Monday of this week and his shorts and T-shirts just weren't going to make it in the Attorney General's office. Our house was in good shape - no flood water or wind damage-hopefully it will survive other onslaughts. Refrigerator was a bit smelly and the shade trees that made our deck so nice were all down. But I felt encouraged. Things looked better than I thought they would, and it gave me hope that we will get back in earlier so that we can begin the process of cleaning up and putting our lives back together.

Having been born and reared in New Orleans and lived my whole life there (57 years), I think that New Orleans is a state of mind. That state of mind is the gumbo made up of all the kinds of things that you describe and things like them which we all miss - for me it's a night at Snug Harbor, Thursday evening wine tastings and the market, crawfish boils in my back yard with all of my niece'ss friends from around the country, the symphony, my crazy friends, Mardi Gras Indians on Bayou St. John., and the list goes on and on.

In the midst of so much that is so discouraging, it is difficult to be optimsitic. But if we work together - we can build a better city. We have had our problems over the years. Now we'll get a fresh start. Those of us who faired out OK will have to help those who had more difficulties. Maybe we can look forward to the time when we are back and we can continue the great communication that you have started here. Our neighborhood can be the model for neighbors helping each other. I can picture a request board somewhere with needs posted that any of us who can will respond to. Let's start thinking this way now because we will be back sooner than we think.

Landlords on N. White

I'm wondering if anyone knows how to reach my landlords from 1206 N White St (corner with Bell street ) Kel Boudreaux and Jay Calamia. I am now staying in Lafayette.
Thanks, Mathilde Canet. Please contact me at mathcanet@cox.net

Demo'ing houses

anyone heard estimates about how long a house can sit submerged (even partially) before
it must be completely torn down? i can't find any information on the web.
thanks. - Nick Ferina

We'll take any positive news we can get

The last couple of days have been so encouraging. Someone in today's posts--you Jon?--asked if New Orleans existed without us. I think it does not. I think all the longing you hear in these posts is what makes New Orleans what it is: the sum of its people. This blog has been incredibly uplifting for me. Not just the news, but the sense that others out there long for what I long for. It makes me certain that we will bring it home with us, and I look forward to that.

When I learned that Parkview Tavern--homebase for the creative writing program at UNO--was okay, I knew things were looking up. When a friend gave me the heads up that WWOZ was back on the air, I took that as an even bigger sign that we were all going to be okay. And this morning, my landlord called to report that her brother had been to see our house (corner Roosevelt and Dumaine) and gave her the news that the giant pecan tree outside my bedroom window did not actually fall on the house, that large limbs did fill our courtyard, but didn't seem to bust the house open, and that water did not go inside the bottom floor of the house, well, I found myself itching to go buy a chain saw and go to.

I wish all of us the best. I hope some of us will be at the Festival this weekend in Lafayette--home of Camp Katrina, Outpost 70119--and I can't wait to get back to the place we love and to the people who make it the place we love. Best to all.

See y'all roun' the block,
Barb Johnson

Crescent City Steakhouse Employees

I am assuming that since you miss the Crescent City Steak House that you were a regular. My son worked there with Serj (spelling ?) and Adrain. Serj was his best friend. He and his wife were in NO 'til the Sunday following the hurricane. My son had worked the Saturday before Katrina and was suppose to work on Sunday, but he left for home (here in Birmingham, AL). While I cannot relate to everything all of you lost, I did agonize with him over what had happened to most all of friends that stayed and the ones he did not know anything about. I don't know if he has heard anymore from Serj since that Sunday he "got out" I do know that when they left his skin was a mess from the water and Adrain was not feeling well so they were going to seek medical attention. If you know what happened to Anthony and how the restaurant faired, could you let me know so I can pass the info on to my son, John Anderson, in New York? I know he would like to know.

My heart goes out to all of you who lost so much. I know recovery will be a slow process and some things will never be the same, but I hope that in time you and yours will be feeling better and back on your feet.

Barbara Anderson

Another good Mid-City Blog

http://www.scottharney.com.

On my site I have some information and lots of recent post-Katrina photos primarily covering our street, S Pierce and the nearby area: Canal, Carrollton, and Banks.

Good News on Bienville

I just heard from a friend who went to check on our house on Bienville and N.Murat and have a few positive things to report. He said there was no sign of doors being kicked in and rather asked us if we whould like him to do so to further investigate the house. He also said the flood water had receded to only a few inches in the street and he was able to walk all around the house, etc. There with a lot of debris and he felt as though he was one of the first to even go through the area and no signs of looting either. If it helps anyone gauge their damage, our house is raised (between 3-4 feet) and he said the water looked as though at the highest it was about 4-5 inces in the house and was probably during the surge, and left fairly quickly. It did leave behing buckled wood floors and things will need to replaced and repaired, etc. but salvageable. Oddly enough, in light of the situation, I am finding this to be somewhat good news. -Sarah & Lou Grossman

Trapped Cats

I need someone’s help asap. 9 cats left in my house close to Mandina’s. After storm, my brother emailed noahswish.org, then I called the Humane Society a few days later to report & advise how to get into house. I have not heard from either organization as of today. I am getting more upset as time goes on. There is dry & wet cat food in the house, and 6 gallons of water. I can tell or email someone how to get in. I just need to get them some help until I can get down there & get them out. They’re feral – rescued from Gulf Marine down in warehouse district some years ago, so they are afraid of people. I am at my father’s office in Jackson, MS right now, sending this from my brother’s computer. If someone can help me, please call 601-362-8271 (here at office) & ask for Rikki or Mike, or reply to this email & my brother will let me know. God bless!

3100 blk of Dumaine

Susie Weigert writes: I read that one of my neighbors (3100 block of Dumaine--near corner of N Lopez) was able to get to their home. My house is raised so it seems possible that i didn't loose everything???? if anyone has heard from Courtney Sutherby or "joe" I'd love to get in touch with them.
Thanks Susie

Thanks to Bob Holloway

Mdgw1@aol.com writes: Thank you, Bob Holloway, for letting me know Mary Lou is okay. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and I will forward any more information I receive about Harding Drive. All reports I've heard are good, so far.