In a message dated 8/1/2006 8:49:38 PM Central Standard Time, franceswilless@sbcglobal.net writes: I guess Louisiana has been going through something similar since Katrina. But that was not a man made disaster. And I can feel your pain ... somewhat ... and thought our situation was such a big deal. The port of Lake Charles took the land my mom's paternal g-dad had homesteaded. Our pecan grove and lots of memories are now covered by 65 feet of water. It is called ... a commercial ... ship turn-around. But they gave us a couple of years to clear the house of personal things ... and then ... after they owned it ... we could still visit and fish and hunt for another 5 or so years. And we retained the mineral rights (and have had some oil leases since) ... and will own them into eternity. ;-) As long as a descendent lives ... and there are a bunch of us ... still populating the earth. ;-) Merci for the insight to this tragedy. LOVE AND KISSSEEESSS ... AND ... DIEU TE BENISSE!!! GOD BLESS!!! Macile