Surviving the Storm

Just wanted everyone to know that we have survived Hurricane Ike. There was no major damage to the house, a few shingles flew off and a vent pipe may need to be replaced. There were a few tree limbs and shingles in the yard. Other than that, things fared well. It was definitely scary with the winds shaking the house like an earthquake and listening to the rain ping against the windows was unnerving. But the cats and I hunkered down in the closet and waited out the storm. I did not have a radio (by the way, don't wait to get one like I did everyone should have one no matter where you live) so I spoke to friends and Hakeem to get updates on the eye's position through the night.

At about 7 am, it was mostly over and I began to survey the neighborhood from the windows. The surrounding streets were covered in water, the stretch in front of my house was not. I was glad to see the new house had held up to 100+ mph winds for 7 hours and the street was high enough not be covered. As the rain slowed, the water subsided and neighbors began walking around surveying the damage done to the area. There were several trees in the area that did topple over in the winds. Some missing houses, others not. ( I have some pictures from my neighborhood, just don't have a memory card reader to download the pictures yet.)

My neighborhood has no power still so I am staying at a friend's house till the temperatures go down (a cold front is on the way bringing 60 degree lows) or power is restored. I am grateful that she has power and was willing to let me and the cats come for a few days.

So all-in-all things are better than I expected. I don't think there is power at the office either so work will be delayed for many days. I can only hope that power is restored before next weekend. I am supposed to be off to London/Paris on Saturday to visit Hakeem. I would like to be able to enjoy that time away without worrying about home.

I want to thank you all for keeping me in your thoughts during this tragedy in Houston. Know that I and the cats are well and have taken refuge at a friends house and are safe.


Think Happy thoughts for everyone affected by this Storm.