LOL We had to sit in the car with the dog for over an hour waiting for our room to become available - they had said it would be 2 hours, but after about an hour and 20 minutes, it was starting to pour, so I decided the squeeky wheel would get the grease... or room, as it were, so we managed a ground floor room near the end of the hall, which will make it easier to take Kali out.

Unfortunately, in fleeing this hurricane, we chose to come to a place that is going to get a lot of bad weather when it's inland - they are saying at least 6" of rain here. Claire, you are east of here, what's it supposed to be like by you???

The room is nice and large, it has a fridge, microwave and coffee pot plus high speed internet access and cable, so I can't complain TOO much!

I am just worried sick though. All four of my kids went in 4 different directions, I am most worried about Jen, she and her boyfriend refused to go with his parents to Houston and planned to go to his family's cabin in Mississippi (near Mccomb) - which I had to inform them was a BAD idea, since it will be in the path of the hurricane after making landfall, so they were going to Jackson to stay with the uncle of a family friend - which is supposed to have hurricane force winds that far inland. I was about to cry when I was talking to her and she told me *Stop worrying about me Mom, I'm grown up enough to know how to stay out of danger, if we can't stay in Jackson, we will use George's credit card and just keep driving north.* I tried to get them to go to Little Rock with us and they wouldn't. I have no idea where she is, it is next to impossible to reach anyone in the 504 area code right now and I can't get through.

I know Jules and Jason are safe where they each are, I *think* Jeff will be safe where he is, but I'm worried about Jen being on the road now. They are saying the worst thing possible has happened in MS - that I-10 trying to get out of town is total gridlock.

The other thing is my house. I know *things* can be replaced, but that does't make you worry any less.

By Eve on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 04:42 pm:

Oh, Karen ((HUG)) This is a bummer. Everyone has been hit so hard this Summer. Hang in there. I'm glad you are in a safe spot. And with internet! ;)

By Pamt on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 04:55 pm:

Glad you made it!! And in 8 hours...not too shabby! It's utter chaos here as you can well imagine. I'm watching a press conference right now and they are telling us to prepare for at least 2-3 days without power, but more likely a week. It's a beautiful sunny day in BR right now, but starting to get a few clouds in and it's a little breezy (like 10-15 mph). We have a suggested curfew of 7:00 pm tonight. I think we'll have power at least through the night, so I'll update you as I can.

By Claire on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 05:03 pm:

I don't think it's supposed to be that bad here Karen. Call me if you need to. I was actually serious if you need to stay here you can.

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 05:17 pm:

We are here and honestly don't want to drive anymore. LOL Plus I have my 70 lb. dog with me! Thanks, though!!! I just talked to Jeff, but cannot reach Jen and I am *really* worried.

By Jackie on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 05:20 pm:

Karen, glad to see you made it to a safer spot, and you have internet

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 05:58 pm:

(((((Karen))))) Glad to hear you're in a safe place. Your kids will be in my thoughts and prayers. I can only imagine what you're all going through.

By Amecmom on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 06:12 pm:

Happy to read your post, Karen. It was great that you could find a place to reserve, especially one that takes pets! Praying for everyone and for all to be well
Ame

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 06:23 pm:

Keeping everyone in my prayers. Karen, glad you are safe for the moment.

By Annie2 on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 06:40 pm:

Karen, glad you made it safely. We'll be thinking of you and family.

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 07:14 pm:

YAY!!! I text messaged her because you can't get thru on the phone and she got the message and called the motel. I am NOT happy with what she and her b/f are doing though - they are in Hammond, LA on 51 heading into MS and plan to rest at her b/f's family's cabin in Chattewa, which is NO place for them to be, then they are going to Jackson where her dad apparently got a room for them. At least I know she's OK now. I told her to call me when she gets there.

By Melanie on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 08:01 pm:

(((HUGS))) I am glad you are safe. Please let us know when she gets to Jackson. I am thinking of you and your family.

By Kaye on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 08:07 pm:

Good luck karen, keep us updated as you can. I have been out of touch for the past few days and was so shocked to hear just how big this has gotten and the change of direction! In houston we are going to get a touch of rain, but nothing else. The whole town has been praying, because we just know how bad it could be. I will keep you and your family in our prayers.

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 08:20 pm:

Thanks all..... there are a number of other MV members in this storm's path - I hope and pray they will all be safe!!!!!

By Jelygu on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 08:58 pm:

I'm glad you are safe! Keep us updated, and I will keep you and your kids (and anyone else in the storm's path) in my prayers.

By Kernkate on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 10:05 pm:

{{{Karen }}}} Glad to see you got to a safe place! I was very worried as I watched the weather channel!
Thoughts and Prayers to you and all of our momsview members who are in the path of Katrina.
Karen I posted here but emailed you also.
Hope all your kiddos are in a safe place also.

By Kateg on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 10:08 pm:

{{{{Karen}}}}} So glad to know you are safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this storms path.

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 10:27 pm:

More good news - my oldest DS called me - a miracle he got through - and I have the number to the motel he is in with *the X* in Greenwood, MS. My X-SIL is there with them. They have also gotten Jen and her b/f rooms and that's where they are headed. I made him promise to have her call me when she arrives, no matter what time it is.

Oldest DD Jules and Madison are in Austin, TX with her friend and her friend's child.

Jeff is in a very sturdy building in Hammond that used to be a school, and has several floors.

So all of my kids are safe....well, almost, they will be when I know Jen has gotten to where she is going. And for that, I can breathe a sigh of reief!!!!

By Kernkate on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 10:36 pm:

Great news Kar!!! Keep us posted.

By Kaseys on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 11:08 pm:

Glad to hear your kids are safe. Let us know when Jen arrives at her destination..

By Feona on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 08:28 am:

Good news! We never have this sort of stuff. It is frightening.

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 06:51 pm:

Keep up the good news, Karen. And yes, if your frig seal is good, it should take at least 48 hours if not more for the ice to start melting.

By Karen~moderator on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 07:00 pm:

Well, wish I had good news, I haven't been able to contact or haven't heard from Jeff in almost 24 hours. Tried text messaging, can't get through to him, saw that Hammond was flooded, so I'm really worried.

I *did* just speak with Pam, she and family are at Amy's and safe, though very worried like all of us about our homes, etc.

By Mrsheidi on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 07:25 pm:

We said a prayer for you guys tonight!!