Ms Polly - any news?

I watched CNN for a bit this evening to see how things were. It seems it could be ages before these poor people get power back. Even power for the pumps to begin to clear the water from New Orleans could take up to a month, they said. When Polly last spoke, she didn't think they would have to evacuate; but when Katrina made that lurch to the East, I wonder if that made it necessary? Could the first person to hear anything definite about Polly and Kate, please post the news? . In message , Paul & Suzie Beckwith writes

We have friends that have a second home maybe 20-30 miles from Polly, and they are almost positive they lost their home. They were there, and had left on Friday and went to Florida. Now, they can't get back, but they feel sure they lost their home. Polly is in Pascagoula which is 30-40 miles from Biloxi. Our friend's house is right across the bridge from Biloxi in Ocean Springs. I would be surprised if Polly didn't suffer some damage if not a total loss. She is between Biloxi,MS & Mobile,AL.

Sherry Starr

Oh my! Ground zero essentially! My thoughts and prayers are with them....all of them. I wish there was some way to find out how they fared.

One of our Project Linus coordinators lives in Pascagoula. No one has heard a word from her. It's scary. Has anyone heard any news at all from the Pascagoula area?

Donna in Idaho

Hey Everyone

The last thing I heard from Polly was Saturday. I was asking her about calling around to get me a motel room in her area. She had told me she and her husband had planned on going to Tupelo for a school reunion for the Labor Day weekend. I told her I was evacuating. I couldn't wait any longer and unplugged my computer and put it in my van. I left Mississippi at 5:30 Sunday morning. I knew if I evacuated up I-59 I would get bogged down with the evacuees from Louisiana. I know that part of the country is sparcely populated with gas stations so I headed across back country and came out on I-10 and headed for Mobile, AL. I went north on I-65 and was thinking of going to Georgia. I stopped for gas and was able to see a TV and decided to do to Ft. Payne AL. I got there about 3 in the afternoon and was able to get a motel room at Days Inn. Those people were the nicest in the world. They gave me a room, some food and drink. The local churches were providing food for all evacuees and I was very thankful for their help. I stayed the night and when I saw the news on TV the next morning I called relatives in Ohio and asked if I could stay with them a few days till the storm was over. My nephew said I could stay with him as long as I needed to till I could get back to see if I lost my home. I lived about 20 miles north of Slidell Louisiana. I did a search of info in Mississippi and found one msg about my little town. It is gone. I know my home is gone. I also know the looters are out in full force. If the storm didn't destroy my belongings the looters have stolen it. I don't know what they will do with a 15 years stash. So if you all want to pull a stash raid just go south on I-59 and when you get to mile marker 6 start looking for yards and yards of fabric. I had a bedroom as my quilt room and the walk-in closet was full up to the closet shelf with fabric and the shelf was full to the ceiling with batting. I was able to get one sewing machine and serger out and one plastic tub of fabric out. All blue. My 15 year collection of yellows and oranges are all gone. I had planned an applique quilt of roses. I did get my new Hinterberg quilt frame out. I dismantled it and put it back in the shipping box. Only took me an hour to take it apart. I couldn't take the rails with me, they are replaceable. Once I get the business of being almost homeless overwith I can one again start making quilts.

6 months. I don't know if I will rebuild or not. My nephew is talking hard about me staying in Ohio. I have time to think about that but right now I know I am safe and warm while my neighbors in Mississippi are not.

If you all want to make quilts please make them like quillows. Something that can be rolled up and tied so it can be carried easily. The best sizes would be large lap quilts for the kids and twin for the adults. Anything bigger would be just to difficult to carry. Tote bags something that they can carry their belongings in. You know those personal items such as toothbrushes and toilet articles. The biggest thing they can also use is bug spray with DEET in it. Remember the kids can't use the strong DEET. Mosquitoes are thick this time of year. Yellow fever, west nile virus, ensphylitis (sp) and typhoid is possible. All you hear about it the Gulf Coast counties and New Orleans, but the people in Pearl River County Mississippi need help desparately, along with George and Jackson Counties. Yes this is a call for Polly's and my counties and I don't feel guilty about asking for help for them. I-59 is shut down about 100 miles north of Pearl River County and only emergency personnel are allowed through but if the emergency personnel can get through maybe you know someone that can get the quilts through to them. I know they would be so greatful for anything you can get to them. The Red Cross is calling for volunteers that are untrained to help out in shelters and though I am safe I am going to ask to be a volunteer to go back to my community and help out all I can.

If anyone hears from Polly pleas let me know.

Kate T. now in Ohio

Paul & Suzie Beckwith wrote:

Kate, thanks for letting us know you're safe and okay. We heard from friends who live in Diamondhead today - they're in Atlanta, and it was a relief to know they had made it out. They have no idea of the damage to their home yet. In addition, she owns a gift shop in Slidell, and I'm pretty sure it probably took a big hit.

Keep us updated on what you're doing, please. You'll continue to be in our prayers.

So glad you are safe, Kate. I'm sure with the help of your friends here, we can replenish your stash once you have a place to keep it. ((((Kate))))

Kate, I cannot fathom what you're dealing with - I just can't. All I knew to do today was donate to Mercy Corp and Red Cross. I am glad you're okay, but so sorry for your loss and the loss of those you know and love. I have a spare bedroom here in Seattle if you get the urge..... and I'm dead serious. My prayers are with you.

Many, MANY hugs Patti in Seattle

Are any of the areas listed in Pascagula near Ms Polly?

I'm with Mary! I'm glad you are safe, and I know your stash is a small part of your worries, but we'll help where we can. I've got a pretty good collection of yellows and oranges to send, once you have a mailbox again. I must say, Kate, you are a quilter after my own heart - saving your quilt frame! ;-)

I second that!

As soon as you have an address let me know and I will happily send what I can to help restart your stash!

So glad to hear you are safe. I am waiting to hear from other friends and feel so helpless from over here. Stay well.

Moss Point, iirc. doesnt look too good there either from their report. :(( {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Polly}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} jeanne

Hey, Kate, glad to hear you are safe! Let me know when you are ready to start rebuilding your stash. I promise not to send any blue fabric . You know all your friends will rally around.

Oh Kate, thank goodness you're safe, though your account is terrifying. I am so sorry for your losses. I saw some TV pictures of looting happening, and, I confess, I had to switch off the TV - I just couldn't bear that part. Words are totally inadequate, but they are all we have at this distance. Can you pick up on the 'feelings' behind them? - I hope so. I saw some reporting from Slidell itself, it was truly awful to see - we were gasping in disbelief. I'm so very sorry for you and all who have suffered. . In message , Kate T. writes

Once you decide where you want to keep your new stash just let us know.

Susan Price

Kate: ((((HUGS)))) It is wonderful to know you are safe and secure right now. I admire your courage and kindheartedness in face of such awful events.

As far as that stash of yours .... just let us know when you are ready to set up your new sewing room so we can do a reverse stash raid!! I bet most of us have books, tools, notions, and fabric to give you. Meantime, I know you will be more concerned with your immediate housing and health requirements. Take care, and please keep in touch with us. You are in my prayers.

PAT in VA/USA

I'm happy to hear you are safe, but am so sorry for your loss Kate. I can't imagine what you and others like you are going through. It puts my "bad day" into perspective to see and hear stories of the hurricane victims and to know what they are going through. My prayers are with you and all the others suffering losses as a result of the hurricane.

Have to piggyback with Pat here...I will be happy to help with rebuilding your quilting life when you are ready :)

Roberta (in VA)