08-18NOV08 - Houma, LA

Even though we were stilling dealing with the passing of Dan Sr; we needed to start addressing the hurricane Gustav damage to Rebecca and Raymond’s house upon Dan’s return to Houma from Kerrville, TX. The eye of Gustav passed over Houma and caused significant wind damage; fortunately there was no storm surge or major flooding. The roof on the kid’s house was damaged and required covering by the infamous blue tarp.

Even though it has been months since the hurricane, the effects of Gustav are evident throughout Houma. Most of the damage consists of roof damage, fence damage, damaged trees, and destroyed signs. Because of this the hardware stores and lumber yards are constantly busy and can not keep roof shingles, plywood, cement and fencing material in stock. And because of all the damaged roofs, there are scores of roofing teams who have come from all over to work. In fact, the team that repaired Rebecca and Raymond’s roof were from Mexico and have been in the USA (legally) for four years repairing roofs damaged by hurricanes and tornadoes.

In addition to roof damage, the kids also had several big limbs on their oak trees snap and the screened sun porch received significant damage. But one outdoor feature escaped any damage! In the sun porch was a very small shelf hanging from the ceiling. On this shelf were many glasses and a couple bottles of booze. Although exposed to the full fury of the hurricane, the shelf and its contents escaped unharmed!

While the roof was being repaired, we took on a couple of home improvement projects. First item on the agenda was removing the box hedge that lined the front of the house. Most people would probably dig the bushes up, but not Dan. His idea was to tie them to the bumper of our new truck and pull them out. First we tried high shock mountain climbing rope – it broke. Then we tried 1-1/2 inch manila line – it broke. Finally we were successful using a three inch wide nylon strap (rated at 20,000 lbs) and four wheel drive. If we had tried digging them out, we would probably still be at it.

Corrie then took on redoing the kitchen cabinets in a faux finish. In addition to refinishing the cabinets Rebecca decided that the old hardware wouldn’t do, and all new hardware was purchased. Unfortunately it appears that the cabinets were handmade and fitted with one of a kind hardware. This resulted in cutting and sanding each cabinet door to get it to fit back into its original opening after the installation of the new hardware.

Meanwhile Dan and Raymond took on cementing in the small side yard of the house by the carport. This eight foot side strip was always wet and muddy (or dry and dusty). Add to this their now fully grown Wiemaraner, Gracie, and their new dog Jake; and you have a piece of yard that will never grow grass. Even though Dan and Raymond are tackling the project in three foot sections (10 total), it still will take about one hundred and twenty 80# sacks of cement by Dan’s calculations. Since we are talking close to five tons of cement, this project will take awhile!