[OKDXA] Steady Improvement

[N5PA]

Having lived through both Camille and Katrina, I can truly say that Katrina
was much worse.  The damage here was very bad but nothing compared to the
Mississippi Gulf Coast.  We only had 125 MPH winds here and we did not have
to contend with the storm surge.  Mike McCraw, W5MR, is a good friend of
mine and his brother and sister live about 2 blocks apart in Waveland, MS
and both only have slabs left of their house, so we feel fortunate.  I told
someone late yesterday that it seemed to be improving or either I was
getting used to not having all the necessities we claim to need.  I have
been working 16 to 18 hours each day and I just notice the difference in
what is going on with the progress each day.  The north end of town where I
live has the worst damage and they are just now starting to get to that
area.  Cathy and I call ourselves fortunate compared to a lot of people.  At
least we have a home.  It kind of reminded me of my childhood when the
grandparents had not electricity and we did not have air conditioning.  If
they can get us fuel it will make everything a lot better, at least we will
be able to get out of here and get the necessities.  

Jeff May, W0XV, is ok, I have gotten some e-mails from him via a ham across
town.  My wife and youngest daughter have been in Brookhaven, where Jeff
lives, since last Thursday.

The biggest surprise was that Bert Aaron, K2BA, and his lovely bride,
Carmen, K5ADI, showed up at my house last night with 100 gallons of gasoline
(GOLD), 50 gallons of water, and assorted food and supplies.  You cannot
imagine how this makes you feel.  I wish all of you the fortune of having
friends like this.  I will always be in their gratitude.  Thanks Bert and
Carmen, you were a special blessing!  My sister-in-law and her husband
showed up yesterday with a truck and trailer filled with food and supplies
for my employees and some gasoline for each one, a big thanks goes out to
them and their church in Memphis as well.  All I can say is "The Lord is
Great!"

73,
Alan, N5PA
Laurel, Mississippi