Friday, September 03, 2021

New Orleans. Getting it done

 I'm doing good this morning. I managed to score one of the generators that Lowe’s brought in with a little help from a friend who works there who graciously set one aside for me. There was still a two and a half hour line to get into the store but I grabbed one of the day laborers who congregate in the parking lot and paid him to stand in the line for me while I went and did other things. While he stood in the sun I appropriated a window air conditioner from a long abandoned house in my neighborhood. It had been abandoned since 2015 so I didn’t think they’d mind. I then went back, got my generator and hooked it up. Success! Fridge works now and I have one cool room for me and the dogs courtesy of a long-dormant Frigidaire. Plus cold beer!  Gas is a challenge but I stockpiled what I could before the storm and a couple returning friends have dropped some off when they came back to check on their houses. Late night foraging will keep my gas cans filled for a while when my reserve runs low since so many people who evacuated left cars behind. I bought a siphon pump a few years ago and it’s going to serve well now. I’m starting with friends cars first because they’re less likely to be too mad about it and I can easily pay them back afterwards. 

So many people still here who should have left but did not even when they had the ability. These people are not prepared at all and they are a huge drain on the remaining network here. The National Guard is handing out Humanitarian ration” MREs daily now, one per person, but the scamming is epic as single people are claiming rations for nonexistent families at home them walking the streets trying to sell them. Apparently about fifty looters have been arrested so far, all trying to steal electronics, liquor, cigarettes, scratch-off lottery tickets, etc. Apparently none of them were hungry enough to take food or water. 

Several restaurants in the area have collected perishable food from other restaurants and stores and they are cooking it up and giving it away every night. I’ve been eating well on bbq chicken, salmon and some prime rib last night. I could get fat here. The owners at one place love me dearly since I loaned them some lanterns that I’ve had in storage. I’ll never be hungry so long as they’ve got any spare food. 

Currently enjoying the few morning hours when it’s still cool. Expected high today: 90 again with serious humidity. Joy. I’ll nap much of the day in the ac and resume periodic night patrols after dark just to keep an eye on the homes of nearby friends who evacuated. 

Send gas and beer please!

14 comments:

  1. Pretty sure that if I lived in NO I'd already be fat.
    Thanks for the update, we always hear about the people that didn't prepare, good to hear that it's possible to be ready.

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  2. Excellent example of how to prep, shelter in place, scavenge, and thrive. Well done, sir, and glad you're doing well. Hang in there!

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    1. Maybe instead of scavage you meant Loot

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    2. don't be a dick. Try reading for comprehension.

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  3. From what I've heard MREs and the word "humanitarian" don't go together :-)

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    1. It's IMAT food - It makes a turd. Will keep you alive, which is all that matters.

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  4. Well damn, gas is gonna be interesting to find...

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  5. Midnight Auto Supply.

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  6. If the airport is open, me n Aaron could fly you down some supplies, assuming you can get to the airport.

    I can carry in about 800lbs of whatever.
    Srsly. Let me know.

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  7. Good to hear you and the pups are doing OK, Murph.

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  8. Glad you are doing well.

    And am totally surprised that the abandoned house had a working AC. Makes me wonder if the place was being used by crack dealers or something.

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    1. There are so many abandoned houses in this city, most owned by the city but not renovated or auctioned off, that thus is quite common.

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  9. It's interesting to read your blog, things like the abandoned house AC aren't things I'd necessarily think of. Siphoning Gas is looting but I get your point and if you get back to those people then you're honorable. I know what you mean though, several vehicles left behind are just stationary gas cans. :)

    All great stuff to think about, thanks for sharing.

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    1. Fortunately I never had to resort to “borrowing” gas but if it meant saving my food and keeping the house habitable I was ready to.

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