Hurricane Ike update

So last we heard I was ready for things to get back to normal....

Well, I guess we are at a new normal but there are soemthings that are just interesting consequences of the storm. (That's what people 'round these parts tend to call it, just "The Storm")
First, traffic was completely crazy for about 6 weeks after the storm. It took longer to get to school in the mornings, there was traffic in places that there hadn't been before and the afternoon traffic started up earlier. Then last week, suddenly, it was better. I guess some of the relief workers went home or something. I'm glad it is better, very very glad but it was weird!
Second, there is this gigantic pile of tree trimmings in an empty field on the highway I use to get to school. I would take a picture of it but I think there wouldn't be enough perspective to appreciate how big it is. I would bet it is about the size of a football field and about 5 stories tall! It is slowly being turned into mulch but it is a site to behold!
Third, insurance.... Wow. Until you actually have to use your homeowner's insurance for a disaster claim, you will never understand why all those Katrina people complain about insurance companies. It is a pain in the BUTT! There are all sorts of rules and regulations and you have to document in 47 different ways and then you get an offer but you might need to renegotiate the offer if you don't think it is fair. The roofing company will "work with" you insurance company to get you a good settlement which feels alittle like you are being ripped off except that the insurance company really prefers it that way because they don't want to climb up on your roof. it is all very overwhelming and scary because you are talking about thousands of dollars!
Lastly, when our fence was down, we talked to our neighbors and felt all neighborly and had this little community going. Lacked a little privacy though! Then the guys all bought materials together and built the fence together and it was great and neighborly. And now we have fences again and we never talk to each other. I liked it without the fence....