Hurricane Ike

On my way home the morning after Ike. Picture taken coming from Rice Military to Montrose. Allen Parkway under water.

This has been quite a week! I started the week in ABQ (Albuquerque), drove 4 hours to El Paso, and ended up back in HOU just in time for Hurricane Ike. Thursday afternoon Houstonians were already starting to evacuate. As my plane landed everyone had their noses smashed to the window assessing the traffic. I was lucky; a friend emailed me directions to my house taking the back roads. I got home in 45 minutes, which is great! When Houston is in evacuation mode, a 30 minute drive could take you 3-5 hours. Once I got to my neighborhood I went to Kroger. The shelves were empty; they were out of bread, fruit, and most importantly diet coke. On the way home another car rear-ended me. I’m a very nice person to hit; I don’t get upset or mad.

I decided to stay at a friend’s house the night Ike hit. I live in an old part of town; my house was built in the 1930’s. Personally, I love it… lots of charm and character but it’s not good for hurricanes. Ike hit Houston around 2:00 AM. I was up through most of the night.

You have to make hurricanes during a hurricane. This is rare~I posted a picture of myself in workout clothes, pigtails, and no make-up.

The next morning the mayor requested that everyone stay home and not drive around to see the damage. I couldn’t just sit there; I wanted to see if my house was still standing or if I still had a roof. I was lucky, I had just a little water come in through the roof. A bunch of trees and power lines are down in my yard and around my house. We are being told it could be 1 day-3 weeks before everyone has their power is restored. The worst part is we have no water. I could live without power for a week or so but water! Lindsay and John live in a suburb west of town; they have power and water. I’m staying with them for a couple of days. After that I’m not sure??? I’m thinking I’ll go home and clean out the refrigerator and pack some clothes and go to San Antonio to stay with my parents. Wow~ being homeless is not fun. I’m so homeless Joe! (D~ that was for you) Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes.

My building~ what a mess!

My front yard