Just a quick note on how my family is faring after the destruction of the city in which they previously lived.
My mother made it safely to Cheyenne with all the animals. I will shortly be soliciting for offers to permanently accept some of these animals into various homes. In other words, MackenzieMom would like to unload some cats, and since she is now in a geographic location closer to me, I am better able to use my few connections to find some good homes for those cats. There are a few kittens who will be ready for a home in the next couple weeks, as well as some adult cats (all spayed/neutered). I will have more information later, but start thinking about it.
On the financial front, my stepfather's employer hospital is allowing all displaced employees to stay on the payroll. They are requesting that any personnel who are able relocate to a place where they have another hospital and work there. If the job is not the same as the original one, they will keep paying the same salary. They are willing to pay for a small apartment in other places in addition to the salary.
What this means for my parents is that they can keep up with their financial obligations. My stepfather, while currently in a management position, is also qualified as an x-ray technician. Even if he ends up doing that somewhere (maybe Denver? I think he's only licensed in Colorado and Louisiana. Maybe Wyoming, but I don't think his employer has any hospitals here), he will be paid the prior salary.
We won't know what the house looks like for quite some time, however I can only think offhand of a few things looters would be at all interested in. These things are easily replaceable with insurance. The irreplaceable things probably don't have much value to anyone but my family.
So we wait. I don't know when people will be allowed back into New Orleans, but it appears I may be hosting a holiday dinner or two this year instead of my family.
It could have been far, far worse for us, and it has been for many others. I understand well what a good position my family is in, and don't take it for granted.
I am thinking about a cat. I am still debating if my lifestyle (going in and out of my apartment) would be fair to the cat. If i decide to get one, here is my order... An younger cat (between 1-4 years old), shorthair. And if that is meet i love grey cats, and i have had good luck with female cats being calmer, but the color and sex doesnt really matter.
Assuming that you're ready to make the commitment, I think my mother has one who would be perfect, assuming she is among those being offered. I'll know more in a few days when she emails me a list.