Belated Blogging

I am so sorry for not posting in several days but we have just been so busy with work and fun. When was the last time we talked, Sunday? Monday was our first full work day. It started at 7am with loud Kenny Wayne Sheppard blasting from the kitchen signaling breakfast is served. Breakfast consists of bread, some bagels, random bags of cereal and anything else they may have dragged out. While preparing your breakfast you also must pack your lunch (pb&j with cheeze nips or cookies). Monday being the first day we all underestimated our hunger. Word to the wise, bring at least 2 sandwiches! I would also like to announce that Rachael ate her very first peanut butter and jelly sandwich on Monday.

The crew I was on was gutting Professor Longhair's house. The crew also included Amanda, Dana, Jean, Rachael, Drue, Jason and JO'T. (I may have forgotten someone since we all look alike in our white Tyvex suits, no offense meant to anyone left out). The work is strenuous in physical and mental ability. We had to sort through clothing, furniture and random documents that have been in the house since the storm, salvaging anything possible. Once that is done we attack the drywall, tearing the house down to the studs. The first floor was our goal for the first day and we were pleased to accomplish our goal. During the afternoon Professor Longhair's daughter, Patricia, stopped by to see us and thank us for our work. Word had gotten back to her that we were from Rhino and she was very touched by the personal connection. I'll let one of the other Rhino's describe the meeting in more detail.

Monday night, what did we do? I don't even remember but it probably involved Igor's.

Tuesday morning a group headed out to finish the second floor gutting of Ms. Patricia's house but it was cut short about an hour into it when someone knocked the valve off the gas line and we had to evacuate. The main shut off valve could not be found and the gas company had no record of the house when called. But during the searching for the main valve we did find live ammo. An awesome combination! That ended the work at that house for the day.

The crew came back to basecamp to regroup and be assigned to a new project. The second project was another gut but this time in the 9th Ward area of New Orleans. In all of my work in Biloxi and to date this was the most disgusting situation I've ever experienced. And on that note, dinner is served. I'll report back later.