Ike update

Thank goodness for Ike's turn to the East of Houton, as my mom & JD had minimal damage (few fence pickets missing, banana trees snapped off, about 200 grapefruit from their tree all over yards) - VERY lucky. They had just replaced their roof 2 years ago - good thing, the neighbor's cheap builder roof is now down to the underlying plywood!

Today they had good news re: their friend Vicki, still staying with them, that her house in Galveston was still there and standing! The house is on stilts and water up to front door so they won't know true extent of damage til she can get in...and who knows when that will be, as they are now asking everyone to vacate the island completely (no water, no power, etc.). Vicki's daugther, Kristen, is fine, too, after staying in the local hospital (where she works) for the hurricane.

Thanks to all those that called, emailed, prayed and thought really hard for my parents, family, and friends. It will be a long time before Houston/Galveton areas are back on track, but I'm thankful for the turn-out, even only 4 deaths reported thus far.

AND, I'd like to blame extreme stress and emotions on the fact that I wrote something crazy in my last post re: basements in Texas. That's the LAST place you want to be in a hurricane due to water! In my mind, the whole time I was worried about WIND for my parents, never the water, so I'm sure that's why I wrote that! Sounds good to me!

Hurricane Ike Gets Personal....

I always keep up with the storms and hurricanes out there but Hurricane Ike is now VERY personal. My mom & JD (Step-dad) and many friends live in Houston and surrounding areas. As I just watched the news and started panicking, I called my mom to find out why they are not leaving. The newscaster said, "and the West side of the city can expect 100 mph winds and Folks, you don't want to be home for that"....my parents live in Stafford, SW of Houston proper. My cousin lives in the city, good friends live all around the city, and many others nearby in San Antonio, Kyle, Austin, East TX, etc. I was trying to talk my mom into going North (Dallas) where my grandmother lives and most of JD's family. Since there are no basements in Texas, I asked where they plan on hiding. She said they hadn't thought of that as of yet - Well, Mother, get on that!

I just pray that with an all-brick home and the Good Lord Above watching over them, they-and I mean everyone-will be okay. My mom's best friend that lives in Galveston will stay with them over the next 2 nights but her daughter remains in Galveston for her job at Univ. of TX Medical Branch; how can you keep employees when there is a mandatory evacuation? Please keep my Mom Joanne, step-dad JD, friend Vicki, Kristin and all the other area residents (my friends/family) in your thoughts and prayers over the next couple of days. I am really worried about Hurrican Ike. My mom was just saying last week that Houston/Galvestion hasn't had a big one in over 25 years (Alicia when I was about 11 and I do remember parts of it) and could be due for one; I pray she is wrong.