The Prez is in town.....

[BobT-47P15]

......and when that happens, traffic is tied up all over.

President Obama came here to make a speech at a memorial service for

those who died from the storm, held at the local college.

After running an errand,

I was trying to get back to the house....about a 4 or 5 mile trip.

Started running into backed up traffic, so went clear to downtown,

finally had to stop at 8th and Main streets, as the motorcade had

gone south on Main to the damaged area, then turned around to

come back north on Main, then to the college.

So I watched the caravan go by, visited with some folks on the

parking lot at which I stopped, then after the vehicles passed -

was able to get across the street and ultimately back to the

house. A 10 to 15 minute trip took about 2 to 3 hours.

I asked a State Trooper who was directing traffic how many officers

he thought were in town for the event......his answer was 400 to 500.

They were everywhere.......officers from all branches of enforcement

from all over the state.

Well, that's been my big excitement for the day......except for the

fact that adjusters looked at the Plymouth. They calculated it may

have just over $5000 worth of damages (both parts and labor).

I did notice that the wooden rear top bow looks like it's cracked....

may take the services of a woodworker if that is indeed the case.

Took the adjuster a while because old car info isn't programmed into

his computer and he had to enter lots of stuff and estimate costs.

We shall eventually see what they say when the claims office calls us

in a few days.

[greg g]

Predidential visits always screw things up for days, better to make the speech via video and give the money spent to the relief effort.

Bob are you folks getting assistace from FEMA, trailers and such??? Does your homeowners ins cover for lose of use expenses like hotel, meal costs?

There was a story on the news here about the Cordova Alabama mayor telling folks they couldn't have Fema trailers because of an ordinace prohibiting single wide prefabed housing. Then the city went and put up trailers for the Police and city emergency services folks right there in the city hall parking lot.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43211002/ns/us_news-life/

[BobT-47P15]

Hi Greg. Not sure what FEMA will do about trailers.

They are not currently allowed in the city limits.

FEMA personnel are here and conducting informational meetings so

folks will know what is available.

Our homeowners covers extra living expenses....in fact, they've even

written us a check for an initial amount. However, for now, we're at

the home of our sister in law. Will ultimately have to find someplace

to roost. Always something to spend money on - have bought several

storage tubs and still need more. Every trip to the mini storage is about

15 miles one way......so more gas. Plastic bags and other misc items, etc.

Trying to get as much decent stuff as I can out of the place, which is a

monumental task since I had lotsa stuff and I like it. Still have two or

three shelves of books, including high school yearbooks, in one room.....it

just goes on and on - but getting closer. Still have to pick up more of my

Plym stuff that we rounded up and put in piles.

I figure that if I can save an item and it should still be usable, that's

something we won't have to buy again. It's like that old saying......

kinda like a monkey taking a whiz in the cash register drawer -- it

runs into money. Cheers!

Edited May 30, 2011 by BobT-47P15

[Charlie Olson]

Bob, I watched the memorial services, from Joplin today, and was so very proud and humbled by the pastor's and Governor's speeches; SHOW ME, SHOW ME. Please make sure you have the option to submit "addendums" to your insurance claim; just in case things show up after and once the repairs begin. That way, any surprises will still be covered. Be patient and politely informative with the adjuster, as their job is very stressful and over loaded. I received an additional $3,100 in repairs, from my Grundy people because I had photos and receipts regarding the ongoing maintenance and improvement of PLYWOOD.

Lastly, that was a very uplifting story about the single girl athlete, pole vaulter, who competed in the state finals to represent Joplin High School. The American Spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of the good people of Joplin.

God's Speed!!!!