Wed. in New Orleans

Tuesday night we drove in to the city for dessert and a quick walk around. Tap dancers made a backdrop to an interesting walk along the busy streets.
Wednesday, a very hot day, heat index at 115, was taken in stride with constant reminders to drink plenty of water.
The Spain house group , waiting on building supplies, took a short city tour with guide Alex. Starting in the Lower Ninth Ward, we visited the Musicians village,The Brad Pitt housing area, and several levies. the Brad Pitt houses are really different . Back to the house by 10:00, we cleared trash,unloaded building supplies, finished building the garage door, started the shelving project and washed the dog!(thanks to Skip and Mary Beth for taking on that project) Our house owner was joyful that after 3 years she slept in her bed in her house for the first time last night, thanks to our work on Monday and Tuesday. We talked about the hole in the roof where people cut a hole to get her out after 3 days in the attic.She made us bags of ice to hold on our heads as we worked, and each day shares a bit more of her Katrina story. To say she is a survivor is putting it mildly.
Our other group continued to measure, cut, and put up dry wall in a house with crooked walls. They are doing the entire home.
Tonight we are excited about an authentic New Orleans Gumbo supper prepared by a friend of the Olive Tree Camp. We all take turns cooking all the meals here so it is a treat to have the night off.

Thanks for reading,
Francie Stephan