Katrina - 20 Years

 

Katrina was unlike anything we had ever seen. Everyone knows the story of New Orleans, but what’s often forgotten is how Mississippi and the rest of Louisiana were devastated too. By the time Katrina reached where I lived, she had weakened to a Category 1 hurricane—but she was still fierce. Our reservoir churned with 14-foot waves, and we were without power for two weeks. Even then, we considered ourselves lucky compared to the people to our south, who endured unimaginable loss.

We must never forget what happened in New Orleans. The people there were failed. And we must also remember the many others Katrina touched—their lives, too, were forever changed.

Below is an excerpt from my blog, written on August 28, 2005. 

Katrina is on her way

Katrina Packing Wind of Nearly 175 Mph 
AP - 1 hour, 11 minutes ago

NEW ORLEANS - Mayor Ray Nagin ordered an immediate evacuation Sunday for all of New Orleans, a city sitting below sea level with 485,000 inhabitants, as Hurricane Katrina bore down with wind revved up to nearly 175 mph and a threat of a massive storm surge. Acknowledging that large numbers of people, many of them stranded tourists, would be unable to leave, the city set up 10 places of last resort including the Superdome arena. "This is a once in a lifetime event," the mayor said. "The city of New Orleans has never seen a hurricane of this magnitude hit it directly." From Yahoo

This is going to be bad, I hope all my friends in NO and the Coast are Hitailing it out!! My thoughts are with you all!!!!

I can still vividly recall standing in the middle of my street, surrounded by darkness. The sky was full of stars, and the only sound was the low, steady hum of generators.

Snowberry Clearwing

Looking like a fascinating cross between a bee and a hummingbird, this little visitor appeared among the blossoms of my Texas Sage. I had never encountered such a creature before, so its presence caught me completely by surprise. Curious, I did a bit of research to figure out what it might be, and it seems that it may actually be wandering a bit outside of its usual range. Regardless, it was a delightful discovery—an unexpected guest that brought both wonder and beauty to my garden.

Tigress

Big Piece

A few months ago, I visited a traveling Titanic exhibition that came through Dallas. It offered a compelling narrative of the disaster, told through artifacts from the White Star Line—including a single cup that had been smuggled off the ship before the tragedy. The storytelling was powerful and immersive.

This week, I had the opportunity to explore the Titanic artifact exhibition at the Luxor in Las Vegas. While similar in theme, this exhibit focused on items recovered directly from the wreck itself. There’s something profoundly moving about seeing objects that were actually aboard the ship during its final moments—each one offering a glimpse into the lives of the passengers and crew. It made the story feel much more real and personal.

The most striking piece for me was the “Big Piece”—a massive section of the ship’s hull that broke off as it split apart. Standing before it, you’re dwarfed by its sheer size. It’s a haunting reminder of the ship’s scale, with hundreds of rivets still visible and portholes through which someone—perhaps a worker or a passenger—once looked out.

The entire experience was somber and deeply reflective. It brought the reality of that fateful night into sharp focus in a way that words alone never could.

Old Iron Bridge

Originally constructed to span the Trinity River in Arlington, this historic bridge was later relocated to Euless, where it crossed Bear Creek on Main Street. In the 1970s, it was replaced by a modern structure designed for greater traffic capacity. Rather than being dismantled, the bridge was preserved and moved to South Euless Park, where it now stands as a cherished historical landmark.

The Boys

Storm Watch

Earlier this week, a series of storms rolled through the area, leaving the air crisp and charged with a quiet energy. The next morning, as I stepped outside, the sky put on a breathtaking display. Thick clouds still lingered, but where they curved and parted, slender beams of sunlight pierced through, casting a soft, ethereal glow. It was as if the sky itself was gently backlit, each cloud edged in light, creating a scene both dramatic and serene.

Seatbelts are for Safety

Wildflowers

A splash of color to brighten the day—wildflowers have a way of catching the eye and lifting the spirit. Their natural beauty offers a welcome distraction, a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate the simple joys that nature provides.

The Reader

The Mary Lib Saleh Euless Public Library in Euless, TX stands out as the public library with the most monuments I’ve ever seen. Just outside its entrance, there’s a particularly touching memorial that immediately caught my attention. What makes it especially heartwarming is the inclusion of the man’s dog as part of the tribute. Even more meaningful is the fact that the dog’s head remains shiny and free of patina—clearly from the many people who have lovingly rubbed it over time. It’s a quiet, beautiful reminder of the deep bond between humans and their loyal companions.

Cypress Reflections

Cypress trees rise majestically from the still waters of the Louisiana Oxbow lakes, formed by the meandering path of the mighty Mississippi River. These ancient trees, create a hauntingly beautiful landscape that feels suspended in time. The lakes, with their calm waters and tranquil surroundings, serve as peaceful havens for both reflection and recreation. It’s a place where nature’s quiet beauty invites a sense of serenity, offering the perfect backdrop for moments of contemplation or leisurely exploration.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

Maya Air

This Cessna, operated by Maya Air, sits patiently on the tarmac at BZE Airport, awaiting its next island-hopping adventure. Whether bound for a remote airstrip or a scenic coastal destination, it's ready to take to the skies once again.

Instant Sunrise

Polaroids offer a nostalgic charm—a retro aesthetic that feels both familiar and uniquely captivating. The warm hues of this sunrise and the soft textures of the clouds, frozen in time on instant film, make for a delightful contribution to Skywatch Friday. It's a fun and artistic way to share a fleeting moment of natural beauty.

 

Dapper Dude

This charming painting of a dapper cat was created by my dear friend, Dinah Kertz. With its whimsical style and personality, it stands out as one of my favorite pieces from her collection.
 

Cabin Pressure

Costa Maya

The morning sun casts a golden glow over the cruise port in Costa Maya, gently breaking through the soft veil of clouds. As its rays touch the surface, the water below shimmers in a rich, deep blue—creating a serene and picturesque start to the day.

Ring of Dolphins

This captivating statue in Cozumel features a graceful ring of dolphins, frozen mid-leap in an elegant display of motion and unity. It stands as a striking tribute to the vibrant marine life that defines and surrounds this island paradise.

Joe Pool

The waves of Joe Pool Lake, just outside of Dallas, TX, gently beat against the shore, their rhythmic motion creating a calming, almost meditative sound. The water rolls in with a quiet persistence, shaping the landscape with every ebb and flow. It’s a peaceful scene, where nature’s steady pulse contrasts with the bustling city not far away, reminding you of the quiet power of the water.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

SS Hurricane Camille

I’ve written about the SS Hurricane Camille before, but this time I decided to take a deeper look at the tug over the years. Washed ashore during Hurricane Camille in 1969, the vessel became a well-known Gulfport, Mississippi landmark, a rusting reminder of what was once thought to be a once-in-a-lifetime storm. For decades, it stood as a silent witness to the power of nature. But in 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and in the wake of that destruction, the storied tug was finally scrapped — closing the chapter on a symbol of survival and storm-battered resilience.

My grandmother, mother, aunts, uncles, and cousins stand in front of the SS Hurricane Camille in 1969.

Here is one from the Early 90's of me, my sister and parents in nearly the same location.  

Another one from the late 90s with me, my sister, mom, and a family friend.  

This one I took in the early 2000's prior to Katrina.  

One taken about 6 months after Katrina.  

Please excuse the flash — this photo of the plaque was taken before Hurricane Katrina.

This was an experimental photo series I shot in the early 2000s, with the idea of developing the film and assembling the images like a puzzle — this was the final result. 

Entering the Scene

 Descending gracefully toward DFW Airport, this UPS cargo plane makes its approach, entering the scene with purpose and precision. Its arrival marks just one moment in the constant rhythm of air traffic that keeps the nation's packages moving swiftly across the skies.