Still in the Dark

Day 5 after Ike and still no power. It’s beyond time for me to decide what to do. Since it’s Thursday, I’m guessing I’ll stay put through Sunday and then head to Austin if there is no power.

I drove to a POD (Point of Distribution) yesterday to pick up some ice. They offered me water, but I’ve plenty and didn’t feel like I should take from someone who didn’t. I swung past my last home and noted Officer Friendly sitting on the porch with some friends. With the ice in the car melting I couldn’t stay for long, but I did stop to say hello. They all did well, even had power. We chatted for a while and I asked about his “boys.” He had to put the older one down a few weeks ago. My throat swelled, I know how he felt. His other dog is desolate. He asked if I got a new dog and I told him about the Fluffies. As I drove away I smiled thinking how very wrong I was about Officer Friendly. I truly miss the folks on that block, they are great.

I got home and situated and then my new neighbors all started congregating to discuss our day. I guess if you rip electricity away folks have nothing to do but get to know each other and visit.
Life in a hurricane ravaged city truly is strange. You go to one of the few restaurants open and they tell you they have no water, no milk, no mustard and you smile and say “Great, no problem.” You leave the waiter a 40% tip because you know they had to move heaven and earth to get to work and are going home to a dark, moldy home. You are just grateful to get hot food and sit in the light. You don’t find it strange to see lines forming anywhere, you just pay attention to what they are for just in case it’s something you need. Folks spread the word on the gas stations with the shortest lines, the grocery with full power who has perishables, or the hardware store that is open.

Yesterday I popped into Lowes. A few minutes into shopping the lights went out. No one blinked an eye, just continued shopping. We had to get the item number and the cost of each item. At checkout they handwrote receipts and took credit card imprints, warning us it would charge later so don’t forget how much you spent. They couldn’t total the receipt because they didn’t have enough time or calculators. Can I tell you how long and laborious this all was? No one blinked or moaned. We know we are lucky and are thankful for the little things. We don’t compare ourselves to Katrina or Rita, or Ike’s worst victims – poor Galveston, the Bolivar Penisula and the other coastal areas. We have a major mess, but we also have cool weather.

Ike has been a humbling experience.

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!