[OKDXA] Another Katrina Update

[N5PA]

Things are getting much better in Laurel, Mississippi these days.  Who would
have thought you could get excited about seeing a power truck and the sight
of 20 power trucks is wonderful.  There are tree crews and power trucks all
over the north end of town now.  I went home at lunch to get some gas cans
and my next door neighbor flagged me down and told me that a Georgia Power
crew just left and said we would have power by Friday.  That is wonderful
news.  With the water coming on and the power not far behind, we might start
feeling a little normal.  I was actually able to buy gas today.  There were
several stations open and I pulled up to the pump without having to wait in
line and I was able to get $20 worth of gas.  That is only a little over 8
gallons of gas, but that is the first I have been able to buy since the
hurricane.  A lot of the restaurants are starting to open back up and it is
starting to resemble a town again.  I found out that it was not the power
company but a group of Pentecostals that were clearing people's drives for
them.  Whoever they were, I am extremely grateful because my chainsaw is not
big enough to cut trees that big.  I talked to my phone provider and they
said that they would have my phones repaired by November 18th but hoped to
have it sooner.  At least our cell phones will work every once in awhile.
There is light at the end of the tunnel and the folks out in the rural
communities really have it harder than we do.  It is great to see all the
improvement in just a week and a half.  Thanks for all the prayers and we
will keep you posted.

73,
Alan, N5PA
Laurel, Mississippi