Life After Ike

Well, I'm alive and still in Houston. I decided to follow the advice of the mayor and stay put through Ike. My neighborhood has weathered worst storms without flooding so I figured I should be ok. Several of my friends stayed as well so we made plans to keep in touch and see each other through. The night before the storm we gathered at my home for a clean out the freezer spaghetti early supper. Then we headed to our prospective "bunkers."

I went to a friend's home just a mile away. It was brick and solid, and he boarded the windows. I could barely hear the storm. It was dark and hot. The damage to our neighborhood is plenty. Tons of old, huge trees are gone. Power lines are a mess and they are talking like it may be another week or two before we all get our electric back.

My home was not hurt. My neighborhood proved to be pure gold. Everyone went out and cleared trees and limbs. It didn't matter who's yard, everyone worked together and go it together quick. Since then we spend our days and evenings working and visiting each other. Someone cooks and opens the door and calls to anyone outside. Everyone is in and out of each other's home. Everyone checks on each other. We don't know much of what's going on in the world. Most have no tv and little radio. We don't seem to get much news. I feel like I'm in Mayberry RFD, not intercity in the fourth largest city in America. People are people, and that means basically good. There is news of some looting and crime, but no more than what is usual. The only time I feel unsafe is driving at night because there are few traffic lights and it's so dark.

I'm going to have to make up my mind quick about what I'm going to do. Looks like I'll have to head to Austin and set up shop there so I can get some work done. A friend has offered to let the Fluffies and I stay.

Here's hoping for electricity and soon!