Random topics from Biloxi

I always like short-fast opinionated articles that are frequently done by sportswriters, so I will do the same about the recent trip:

* It is somewhat ironic that the outside showers at Handson have mold. A clean-up might be a useful "mold crew" job....speaking of showers, "occupied/open" signs would save much waiting....Another short fast job (that would need city approval) would be to cut weeds and bushes back to that people could actually use the cross walk to get across Pass Road.

* At least when I was there, the sewer problems of January and March seem to have been solved. Thank goodness. They were getting really bad. Of course they were not designed to house 200 people.

* Most of the grass in the back has been replaced by mud and stones. Not nearly as pretty. To help rectify that, the "patio" in very nice by the door. Too bad that due to the smoke, most can not enjoy it.

*The bunk beds upstairs are a nice addition, but surprisingly do not appear to save much room....it is amazing how many alarm clocks go off throughout the 5:00 to 7:00 period...and how quickly you learn to sleep through all but your own..."Lights-out" have gotten much better since the kitchen lights are left on. That was really annoying in March.

* Niko's Garden has seen better days, but we learned at Beauvoir that going back at least as far as the Civil War, the soil of the camp (which was at one point part of the Davis Beauvoir land) was poor for farming because of so much sand. Another almost unbelievable factoid from Beauvoir: there were less than 40 ocean front homes from Bay St. Louis to Mobile in the 1870s.

* No Capri Suns on this trip, but much "Bud water" which is water in cans donated by the makers of Budweiser....meals were slightly fancier this time than last, about in line with January...the mini-bananas were excellent. As sweet as candy.

* The Open Mic night was excellent. Especially the Tyvex fashion show....I predict Piano Man and Superstition are two of the final four songs left.

* I really liked the warmth, but sweating so much did make for more laundry.

* Worst thing? Having to carry your things with you--example to shower, to bathroom, to dinner, to car. Can not just leave it.

* After dinner clean-up is not fun. Takes much too long. One thing that would help is a sprayer on one of the faucets. Also if at least some of the pans were done by the cooking crew.

* Running was MUCH better on this trip than on previous relief trips. Not only are all roads and parks now open, but also being done early on a few days really made it easy to workout....soccer was the main game as every night there was a game across the street.

* Saw a parade and fireworks in New Orleans...went to Cafe Dumond, Burbon Street, and walked around for 3 hours.

* I bought a pair of clogs. What a GREAT pickup. From Inside the Bay Area:

"The bulky clog with a strap along the heel and holes across the top and around the toes is winning consumers over with its versatility and comfort. Food service and factory workers, hair stylists and hospital personnel buy them for comfort. Boaters and swimmers buy them for function. And some just think they're fun."

* Handson has plans to begin house building. Plans call for upto 80 homes a year by next year. How exciting is that! Count me in!

* With a very few exceptions, the people at Handson continue to impress me and local residents. Great job. I can not wait to go back. I just wish the travel was easier. Leaving camp at 4:10 AM is not fun under any circumstance. I was (and to a large degree still am) exhausted more from that than the actual work.