New Orleans.  What can I say?  First of all, it is a place I have never been.  A place that today is recognized by their undefeated Saints.  A place that can morph into a city by the help of it’s inhabitants.  All in all, a place that has been defined by a the tramatic event.  Hurricane Katrina!How do you change that definition?  How can you change it back to the BIG EASY with Jazz music and southern charm?  I think that the work that we are doing down here gives them a jump start, but ultimately, it is the past inhabitants that can bring back that southern charm.  Sure we can hang some drywall and paint trim, but this alone is not a way to face the change that should be made. Today was different.  I never really done construction in a location that is not familiar.  Sure I have gutted a kitchen and finished a basement, but it was my home and the fine craftmanship of my family.  Taking a stroll around the house in which I was working on was a great way to see the life after Katrina in the 5th ward.  Taking a stroll around my house would be boring, “to me”.  I ran into homes that were vacant and homes that were rebuilt.  Homes thatA few hours ago, I went food shopping with a group of people.  I was the GPS of the crew and was able to take in the views of the 2.7 mile drive.  The drive was my favorite part of the trip so far.  Of course I had an enjoyable time fixing up an old lady’s home, but the architecture and sights that were seen from the front of this huge, white, 15 person van was amazing.  House after house, were beautiful porches and trim work and Christmas lights.  A very classic design that felt timeless.  This area seemed to not be defined by that one event, but were defined on it’s own.  Maybe just the definition of survival; racial standing and economic standing that explain the location of these homes.  St. Charles Ave.  PERIOD.