Good morning everyone! Sorry for not being on the boards more often lately, but I have been trying to do a little something to help out the victims of Katrina. I have been taking RV's to Gonzalez, Louisiana, to a staging area for evacuees. Here is a description of what I have personally seen along the route. Thought y'all would like to know this. To see this on TV is one thing, to experience it is another.... Going from Ocala thru Alabama, Mississippi and then to Louisiana--Gonzalez to be exact. The utter devastation......there is really no words to describe the tragedy. As riding along I-10, you smell the stench of the raw sewage and the death of animals and more than likely some humans. There was a huge fuel holding tank for Chevron that was sitting along side the interstate, and it was supposed to be across the interstate at it's proper location. A barge had crashed into part of I-10 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, knocking out part of the bridge. Water oak trees are turned upside down and turned into toothpicks. Buildings are totally wiped out or all the windows are blown out. Some areas are still without power. Metal poles are twisted and turned into little balls. There was a van that was twisted and sitting along side the interstate, but the words OK was written on it twice, meaning everyone made it safe out of the van. People are lined up along side the interstate just with what they can carry in their vehicles, sitting in long lines just waiting to be able to get some fuel. In some areas, they are camped outside of their vehicles overnight just waiting to get fuel in the morning. In those situations, only people hauling relief for the victims are able to get thru and get fuel, like I did the other night in Biloxi, Mississippi. I seen cars with their windshields blown out, but the vehicles are still drivable and they are driving down the interstate that way. I also seen a pick up truck hauling his 5th wheel with only a half a windshield, atleast he has shelter and transportation. So, if you have a roof over your head, some food and water, a full fuel tank, some money in your pocket and water to drink--be VERY THANKFUL. I praise God for what we have, and for allowing me to be able to help the victims in a small way. If you can contribute, take donations to your local church, humane society, Salvation Army or local RV dealership that are sending units for the victims, and the supplies will get to them. I am home right now, but expect to be making some more trips with RV's for the victims. To God be the glory! ~Roiann and Chico (a rescued mexican hairless xolo dog) who has been riding shotgun with me!

Anyone care to share their experiences or give some pointers to newbies. I for one would love get any insight that I can. Come out, don't be shy. Patty

Hey Roiann......Plaese to meet cha....I copy the Southpaw and Crackerjac. My handle is Happy and DH is Quietfire. I hear ya about the diesel running thru the veins. Will you come back out after you recoup from surg? Bummer on the pancreatitis and anemia. How do you feel after the infusions? The losers bench is waiting for you. We're not affected too much by the new HOS rules as we always tend to stick with 5on 5off. Less headache and no strain on either one. Big 10-4 on the keeping in touch. Patty

Hey Brooke.....it's a pleasure and welcome. I'm glad you decided to post here. I team drive with my husband and wouldn't have it any other way. We make out pretty good. Driving with a spouse is cool because the dough all comes home, but it's a little different when the pie gets divided and goes separately. Can you tell that I love pastries. anyhoo.. I have a friend that drives solo for Swift and she loves it. I hear their ins is very good. I haven't had surg yet either. I'm planning on lapband, and my first consult/seminar is Sept 8th. We may start our journey's together. Keep posting. Patty

Hello, I'm Patty an OTR team driver. My DH and I have been out for 6 years. Right now I'm considering the lapband procedure. Anybody out there, that has had this procedure? Or any of the other procedures. Let's dialog. Maybe we can brainstorm on surviving out here on the road. Newbies, oldies, wannabes, lurkers . I know being on the road we can only post sporadically, but let's give it a shot. Maybe once this 72 hour DOT money hunt is over. Keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up. Patty