We all convened at 7:30 a.m. for a briefing from Craig, who reported that the economic situation in Biloxi continues to be fraught with challenges. Since we were here last time, the BP oil spill rocked the fishing industry, rippling through the hospitality sector as well, as restaurants closed for want of local seafood and hotel occupancy plummeted as tourists cancelled their vacations. The latest setback actually started in our part of the country, as floodwaters in the Northeast and Midwest upset the delicate balance of salt and fresh water in the marshes and bayous that are home to the wonderful shellfish ordinarily so plentiful here.
To add insult to injury, homeowners have faced property insurance premiums that have quadrupled in the past few years -- imagine paying the equivalent of a second mortgage on your house! The consequence of all of this is a decline in home ownership in the region.
Following this sobering assessment, we paid close attention to Bob's safety instructions, then were off to our two worksites, both of which are new builds. Keller St. (Doug's team) is ready for sheetrock to be hung, and Hoxie (with Jim in charge) awaits insulation and siding, so we divided roughly in halves and set to work very quickly -- especially for a Patience Monday.
Some images from Hoxie:
This army of workers travels on its stomach, so we are
grateful for Rita and Sharon's prompt delivery of a
sumptuous lunch!
Josie stayed back to prepare a hearty and delicious dinner for the ravenous horde that descended on BBM around 5 p.m. After dinner, David inspired us with Tennyson's A New Year's Poem," which urged us to ring out the "grief...the want, the care the sin" of the year just passed and welcome the "common love of good" the new year promises.
Amazing how everyone drags in at the end of the workday... and now, at 9:30 p.m., everyone seems to have caught their second wind over a ferocious game of Setback.
To add insult to injury, homeowners have faced property insurance premiums that have quadrupled in the past few years -- imagine paying the equivalent of a second mortgage on your house! The consequence of all of this is a decline in home ownership in the region.
Some images from Hoxie:
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| Kristen & Hannah |
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| Suntae, Jim, Sungdug, Min |
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| YoungMin |
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| Katie & Meg |
This army of workers travels on its stomach, so we are
grateful for Rita and Sharon's prompt delivery of a
sumptuous lunch!
Josie stayed back to prepare a hearty and delicious dinner for the ravenous horde that descended on BBM around 5 p.m. After dinner, David inspired us with Tennyson's A New Year's Poem," which urged us to ring out the "grief...the want, the care the sin" of the year just passed and welcome the "common love of good" the new year promises.
Amazing how everyone drags in at the end of the workday... and now, at 9:30 p.m., everyone seems to have caught their second wind over a ferocious game of Setback.
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