Hurricane Ike Damage

[Waynem]

We took a little ride to the outlying area towns today and saw the destruction that Ike bestowed on them. We are two weeks since Ike and the debris is piled very high in some of those areas. There are complete dwellings gone, only to have the house next to it, intact. It was just random destruction with no pattern.

We saw boats high and dry. We saw million dollar yachts on lawns. The water front damage was very high, very destructive.

Texas City had a storm that did tree thinning. Our Live Oak tree in the back yard, along with every one else, was thinned considerably. Of course it needed it. the brush is piled up on street side and pick up continues on a daily basis. Our street was being cleaned Yesterday when we pulled in. I still have my brush in the back yard to take care of and haul to the street.

As of this evening, all but 1500 people have power. Power company has stated that most all will have power by 2000 hours (8 p.m.) Sunday with a few isolated serious areas.

I see where there have been demonstrations in other cities regarding the power companies not doing their job, or being partial to the higher income bracket. I don't see that. I see a structure in place to provide services in all areas that require it. I see an orderly progression of those services by the power company. In other words, they are doing the best job that they can and should be commended on their accomplishment, not condemned.

We are lucky and blessed.

Thanks.

[Imp]

Glad to hear things are working for you Wayne. I am sure the power companies have a huge job to do. We saw the trucks driving from Austin and heading to the east a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday we saw a lot returning back to Austin. They have also been sending police to help in Houston and surrounding areas to give those guys a break. Many of them have been working 24/7. We are praying that things will be workable soon. We know it won't be normal for several years. Glad you are safely home.

[H. John Kohl]

Glad you are home and good luck with the clean up.

[stiles watson]

I was sad to see that the body of that woman was one who had said that they would stick it out rather than evacuate. She was found in a pile of debris. I wonder how many more are missing and will never be found.

I have known several people associated with the power company. They don't deserve the criticism. It is difficult when you don't have power, but they are working 16 hours a day to restore service with no days off until all is restored.

I am amazed at how some blame the government because they are facing difficulty from such a devastating storm. Some families will never recover all their losses. I have friends my age that lost everything. Can you imagine starting over past retirement age?

[sreigle]

We had reservations for the winter at Jamaica Beach RV Park at Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island. Alas, we had to cancel.

[ken]

Wayne
Glad you made it thru IKE with the motorhome and no damage to the ole homestead. It gets kind of scary wondering if the house is still there. We watch the hurricanes very carefully even up here as we live off the Potomac and worry about tide surges. The ole boat is off the lift for the season now. And the seagulls have taken over the dock. What a mess..Ken