From: Gerald D Karcher Jr

Date: September 4, 2005 5:47:43 PM GMT+01:00

To:

Subject: Hurricane update from B'Ham

Our mini refugee center is up and running here in Birmingham.  My mother, Arlene, escaped the city Wednesday afternoon and made it to my house Thursday afternoon.  She rode the storm out without real difficulty and was reasonably comfortable for 2 or 3 days.  Several of her freinds and neighbors stayed in the Quarter and were trying to look out for each other.  She did not feel threatened at first, but I think we finally convinced the city was not safe.  The last straw was really the loss of running water Wed morning.  I guess we'll have Mom and Piper(the dog) for a few weeks.  

Finally got a text message from Dano.  They are safe and were headed to Virginia Friday.  Karen Holley's little brother Allen has gone back to the "Best Bank" to get some stuff from his parent's house.  He reports it is a "war zone" criminals roaming the streets armed to the teeth, although there may be a little hyperbole working there.

Any word from Mark, Jackie and family?

Gerald D Karcher Jr MD