28.10.05
There is noting better than a little "Sound of Music" to the Olson's these days. Friday nights are our usually family movie night and we must have watched this a hundred times, but the girls asked to watch it again tonight. Punctuated by Dad's repetitious comment "Ohh, this is my favorite" just as each song begins, the kids seemed to grow more patient with each viewing.
At first, they complained "Not another song ! - it wastes so much time!" (Ben). Now they humm along with all of the songs and tonight, I swear, Simone said "Gretel is my favorite character!"
Technorati Tags: movie
24.10.05
Stacey and I were not on the flight that crashed nor did we know anyone
who was. Our company uses chartered airlines to go to Abuja, the
capital, and we only fly major international carriers in/out of Nigeria
on holiday. We never go anywhere in Nigeria, anyway.
Technorati Tags: Nigeria, Lagos
18.10.05
From
Metroblogging New Orleans:
If you want to make money in New Orleans open a restaurant. And don't worry about coming up with a name. All you need is a sign that says "Now Open", or one that says when you will be opening (this can be something you just spray paint on your boarded-up windows). Many restaurants would like to open but can't because of a lack of waiters and cooks. Food shortages are leading restaurants to serve limited menus, and many will only take cash (because the phone lines used to verify credit transactions are down). But none of this is keeping people from streaming into whatever eateries are open.
Technorati Tags: Katrina, Olson5, Hurricane, New Orleans
18.10.05
Bayou Dog | Pableaux Johnson:
Parts of Uptown have started a post-storm boom -- it's one of the advantages of being historical high ground. So many of the smaller homegrown businesses have opened their doors again, including (somewhat confoundingly) the many, many froofy boutiques around town. We're just about a week into the "potable water" zone, but you can get your fill of high-dollar antiques, custom jewelry and bridal accessories along certain stretches of Magazine Street.
Technorati Tags: Katrina, Olson5, Hurricane, New Orleans
16.10.05
From our friend Jackie:
"Attached is a flyer for Case's school here in New Orleans. As you will see from the photos the kindergarten, first and second grades are a total loss. I realize that some of you have suffered greatly due to the hurricane and I am simply asking for your support by sending this email along to any friends or family who may have a sympathetic ear to our cause. We are looking to resume classes November 1st at a new location!"
You can help by donating at
hillschoolwaldorf.org
Technorati Tags: autism, Hill School, Hurricane, Katrina, New Orleans, Olson5
16.10.05
Katrina: God's Judgment on America -- Beliefnet.com:
The hurricane was an act of God upon a sin-loving and rebellious nation.
via
TEDblog
Technorati Tags: Katrina, Olson5, Hurricane, New Orleans
4.10.05
Well, Wendy flew down to B'Ham and the 2 of us drove Mom back to the
Quarter this weekend. It was very eerie. We had no trouble getting
into the city through Covington/Mandeville and across the Causeway.
Noone stopped us or even looked at us. I guess I pictured Police or
Military checkpoints or something but we saw nothing.
The Quarter is still largely deserted and there are huge piles of
extremely smelly garbage, but most of the places look OK and a few
bars and restaurants are open. We actually sat at the piano in
Laffite's Blacksmith Shop and had a couple of beers saturday night.
Aunt Kay, Uncle Tim and Emily came by Mom's earlier and brought us a
cold beer which was much appreciated.
Mom's house is fine, just a few tiny roof leaks. The water looks and
smells fine but is still not "cleared". We showered in it however.
One official said the water in the FQ is probably OK but they can't
clear the water in just one section of the city.
It was both uplifting (seeing little damage and some returning
normalcy) and disheartening(deserted, filthy streets and closed
businesses) but I'm glad I was able to see it and I feel OK about Mom
returning. I look forward to seeing all of my family and friends
there again soon.
