Habitat for Humanity Build

Awoke the next morning with the first of the daily hangovers.... somehow managed to find coffee, went out and got our lunches and lots of water and headed over to the Habitat Musicians Village worksite.  we arrive, they organized us into little groups and off we went.  We actually worked on the Jimmy/Rosalyn Carter build.  There are groups of volunteers that have committed to 11 mos of service (can't remember the group name) that are the leads on the builds.  Recent college grads.  They are currently building 27 houses in the 9th ward.  There will be a build blitz in which they will completely frame out 7 houses (frame, outside paint, landscaping) in 7 days.  This will be done by May 5.  Another 7 houses that are already built that they will finish out (plumbing, electric, heating, paint, appliances, etc) in 7 days.

   We were assigned to put the blocking in the frame so that it was better supported.  I only had to remove two that me and my partner messed up.  We lifted trusses, cleaned up the site, moved to another house and began to put the base flooring down.  Those were some heavy pieces of flooring.  We met a woman, Pearl, who lost her home.  She currently has 250 work hours in for Habitat and is waiting to find out which home will be hers.  Then, she has another 100 hours to put in on her own home.  She has been able to choose the outside colors of her home...deep lavendar and purple....She and her granddaughter will be living there together.

At lunch, I wandered off for a bit to take some photos.

  When you hear that there is so much more to be done in New Orleans, that is a complete understatement.  The destruction, the debris and personal items that you see scattered around....it's overwhelming.  People will leave dog food out for the strays.  One photo is of Club Desire (for the street name).  Ray Charles, Etta James, Aretha Franklin all used to perform at this club...the walls and ceilings are falling in, the debris and mold...in a city where Jazz and Blues rule, this must be one the sadder sights that I saw.  And, trust me, there were so many things that made you want to cry.  The music, the people, the culture is the backbone of this city. 

These people still need so much help.  If anyone gets a chance to go to NO, please take some time to give back to the city....volunteer with the local Habitat NOLA chapter.  Great people helping others!!!

After a day of work, we crawled back to the hotel, regrouped for a few then shower and get ready for the TB Meetup!!!

Cleaned up and headed over to the Crescent City Brewhouse to meetup with the other TBers.  Such a great group of people.   Travelman(Mark) was kind enough to get there early and get a table (we were running a bit late).  Got there, Travelman (Mark), X-Drive (Roger), his wife Judy and apoloz (Adam) were there waiting for us.  Sat down and X-Drive started snapping some photos.  Got some oysters.  Now, I always thought this place had the best, but was informed by Adam that Drago's is better.  Didn't get there this trip...next time.  We were there for a few hours, Roger and Judy had to get moving as they were leaving that night to continue their cross country road trip.  We said farewell to them.  My other friends from Jersey showed up.

  They had the same day we did when we arrived on Wednesday.  Watch out for the Hand Grenades drink.....apparently it packs a punch...a big one.  My sis and her friend left...A bit later EDGtravel (Erik) showed up.  Malvin_Soh had to leave early also.  He was too heading up to the NY meetup.  A few of the others were unable to make it...Artxturtle and Ishi and a few others.  You were all missed....Maybe we can get together at the DC or Vegas meetups!!!

He, Mark, Adam and I went out for some more drinks.  we ended up at Pirates Alley...Erik got us some Absinthe.  well, that tastes like licorice and since I have an aversion (bad Sambuca experience)...I toughed it out, drank some.  Mark hung out for a bit but headed out as he was leaving the next day to make the NY meetup.

Now, Adam and Erik are local boys who know all the good bars to hit up.    Adam, me and Erik left Pirates Alley.  And Erik, nice guy that he his, made sure I got my Absinthe to go....I think he was just laughing at me trying to drink this stuff!!! He took us over to the Funky Pirate and we saw this local guy playing (yes, I forgot his name AGAIN).  Adam was realy nice and got me another drink...had to get rid of that Absinthe taste....ick!  Headed over to Lafittes (remembered one of them) which is the oldest operating bar in New Orleans.  More booze along the way.  Then off again to another bar, listening to a local band, dancing with Erik.

 These guys were great!  So much fun, laughing so hard that my cheeks were hurting!  All in all, a great night! 

Thanks for being so great and showing me around!  Had a blast!!!!