Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Some readers have e-mailed me saying they cannot see the photos in their Newsletter. If that happens, simply go to www.seniorbachelor.com and then click on the Newsletter Page. Within 24 hours of the Newsletter being sent out, it is posted on the website.

Each week I would like to have a section called "In Your Own Words." Any interesting story that you would like to share- please keep to no more than 750 words or so- please e-mail them to me at richard@seniorbachelor.com. For example, a woman just sent me an e-mail from Uganda, and she is doing volunteer work there. Boy, I'd like to hear about that!! Another reader went to New Orleans to help out immediately after Katrina. Or if you live in New Orleans, tell us what it is like today. Tell us about great places to travel to, and perhaps travel hazards to avoid. And, as we have discovered on our Journey together many of you have had your own "re- awakening" at this new stage of your life. All great stories we should share.

As I do not want to have to edit these stories, please limit them to no more than approximately 750 words. If you have a photo that compliments the story, send that as well. Thanks!

In Your Own Words

New Orleans After Katrina-from Angie, New Orleans, Louisiana

It is Sunday, February 19, 2006 in New Orleans, my 10th day back home permanently after Hurricane Katrina and a day that would have normally been the end of the first week of the Mardi Gras parades. Yes, there have been some parades, abbreviated extremely with a few floats that will pass by in a matter of minutes instead of hours. Normally I would hear a parade goer shout "throw me something mister" but now I turn to hear a krew (that's how they spell "crew" here) member yell to a reveler, "how's ya mama?" I hear other members of parade krews saying that in spite of losing their house in St. Bernard they want to be a part of this 150 year anniversary of carnival. No, this is not just frivolity and decadence but an attempt of the passionate people of this city to keep culture and tradition alive and maintain some semblance of sanity.

The maskers toss the usual beads to the crowds and some throw plastic cups that have "blue roof blues" written across them, reminiscent of the temporary roofs that cover many many homes in the aftermath of Katrina. The floats have satirical titles around FEMA, SBA, now everyday terms, and political officials who can't seem to work together and continue to point fingers at each other. Everyone is trying to make the best of this situation and keep our chins up and optimistic. One can choose to wallow or to find the positives and move on no matter how slowly but that gut wrenching feeling of uncertainty in the pit of your stomach is the constant reminder of a living limbo.

In the late afternoon I went grocery shopping, or as is called in NO, "make groceries". Through the corner of my eye I could see a man caring a propane tank into the store, the fuel necessary to run FEMA trailers if you are lucky enough to have electricity, gas, water and sewerage. This homecoming, in spite of the fact that I consider myself to be one of the more fortunate survivors, is bittersweet. The sense of community and pride in our city is profound. Fleur de lis are everywhere, worn on necklaces, waving on flags and displayed on advertisements. Some major companies have come back to help the economy and show their commitment to New Orleans and it's people. Officials have traveled to Holland to learn how the Dutch rebuilt. The news alludes to promises of funding to bring the city back and federal politicians who say things are ok and coming back.

Yes, things are improving, but things are not ok. People are still homeless while FEMA trailers sit unoccupied for months. Rents have skyrocketed, making it impossible for some socio-economic groups to come back home. There are entire neighborhoods that are merely abandoned houses with water marks and flooded cars on the street and after 6 months have no clear direction about re-building criteria.

The elderly are seldom mentioned, with medical care lacking. The pity is that much of this could have been prevented had the city been treated/viewed as a rich community instead of an expendable one.

I love New Orleans and will work to make it come back bigger and better and hope that in the future that it will be treated as a city that is an important part of America's heritage, and unique in its culture. We hope that our federal government does not abandon us, and leave the impression that perhaps the city did not represent the right socio-economic groups. Some New Orleanians wonder if this was, for example, Nantucket Island or Sea Isle, Georgia, if the rebuilding would not have been underway already.

Angie

Join This Discussion on the Blog

The blog, also reached by going to www.seniorbachelor.com then clicking on Richard's blog, is your way to contribute to these discussions and can be a lot of fun. If you would like to give your comments about the article above on New Orleans, and/or your thoughts on how Katrina was handled, please join the blog. If you need help setting up a blog account, just email me at richard@seniorbachelor.com and give me a username and password you would like to use. I'll help you set up your blog account. How much easier does it get than that!

My Surgery This Week

Thursday, February 23, I go into the hospital for 3 days to have that nasty piece of business carved out. I have greatly appreciated the concern voiced from so many Newsletter readers. It really does help knowing so many people are pulling for me. I look at this experience as many of the challenges I have faced in life and plan to meet it "head on" and focus my energy on my recovery. Thinking about the cruises to Alaska helps!

I hope to write next weeks Newsletter on time if I can. Best wishes to all.

Richard Roe
Senior Bachelor

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