Happy Tuesday

Hi from Jeano -

Today has been hot & sticky and very sandy! Let's see, I haven't told you about last night...

Patrick E. Trimble arrived about 5:30 and we all got changed for dinner. Bear picked us up at 6:30 and we headed to an old ironworks building that had been restored by Diana's parents (Bear's girlfriend!). It was a very cool old building - the perfect place to have a party. We had a very delicious salad and then pizza. Diana picked the pizza up and she got one that was vegie - super yummy with tomatoes, basil, spinach and yucko mushrooms that were easy to pick off as Xander and I proved to Brian! After dinner we were very lucky to view a presentation by a famous photographer named Don Young. Don lost everything in katrina including almost 1 million photos. He lost pictures he had taken of Ray Charles, Fats Domino, etc. For the past two years he has been living in different neighborhoods in tents or trailers and documentating the clean up. This is one man with an opinion, and I don't blame him. He is very passionate and I am very glad that we made the decision to come to New Orleans. It is very obvious that this community needs lots of help!!!

After we left there, we drove through the French Quarter. Saw lots of working women! Pat had us stop for some kind of French doughnuts, I can't remember the name and no one is around to ask. Pam, Cristy and I all split an order. There was powered suger everywhere. (I have photos that I will try and upload later) Anyway, after that we had a leftover bag and as we were walking to the van, Pat gave the leftovers to Ramone. A very hungry homeless man going through the garbage to find food. This was one man that did not want money or booze, he was just hungry.

This morning we were up early and had breakfast by Anna. Another delicious offering. First course, strawberries, yogurt & granola (this should have been it!) Then egg souffle, grits & ham. My momma will be so proud of me as I actually at the grits and liked them!

After breakfast it was off to build houses. We moved tresses from one pile to the back of the house the we were working on and then started to bring them up the ladder to the top of the house. We had three up there when someone realized that they were the wrong size. I, however, had already mentioned that I didn't think they were long enough and even bet Bear. He now owes me a Snowball (like a snowcone). Randy also didn't think they were long enough as they did not have an overhang. Anyway, we then had to move them off the house and then do some other building until we could find the right size. WOW, was it hot and sweaty!

Afterwards we headed to lunch at Lil' Dizzy's. Good ole southern food - gumbo, fried chicken, grits, okra, etc. Oh and sweet tea! My momma would be loving it! I am actually drinking some right now.

It stormed this afternoon and we all got a little wet, but we have been in meetings all afternoon, so that's ok that it is raining. However, it has now stopped and if that sun comes out, it is going to be steaming!

Tonight we have eatting at a cajun place in the French Quarter and then off on the ghost tour. I am very excited about this! Although I may be the one jumping in bed with Cat & Lisa later!!

Rumer has it that another Beer might be on the way. Cross your fingers!

Love,
Jean