IKE PART 2

Galveston has suffered some heavy damage.  Many cities here are flooded.  There is a lot of debris (tree limbs, street signs, broken glass, etc.) in the roads.  Some of the high rises in downtown Houston have suffered some heavy wind damage.  We are still here, in the call center, hanging tough.  I had gotten some sleep last night, so my supervisor told me to clock in this morning to help out.  We still have power, but the air isn't on.  We have fans blowing, the lights have been turned off, but we still have TV.  AT & T has limited personal cell phone use to texting only.  That's how I have been communicating with Matt.  The power went out at home and at mom's house at about 3 or 4 AM, and the city expects that it will be at least two weeks before power is restored to all homes in the Houston area. 

Nicolette had gotten scared last night, and had to talk to her daddy on the phone until she could go to sleep.  The two little ones slept through most of it.  I slept in my car last night (I have a sleeping bag, blankets, and two pillows), so I was pretty comfortable.  I am "fasting" right now.  I have food, but I will not eat unless I am really hungry, because the water pressure is low.  I remember what it was like in the Dome, where we all had to use those nasty bathrooms that weren't working.  The more you eat and drink, the more you have to go.  My body won't miss a day or two of meals.  The mayor also asked that we not bathe until they restore the water pressure.  I bought cleansing wipes to kind of help keep myself as clean and as fresh as possible during this time, and I went home last night before the weather had gotten too bad and took another bath, shaved EVERYTHING (LOL) and brushed my teeth.   

Pops has to go to work today, but the Mayor advised that he doesn't want anyone venturing out unless it's absolutely necessary.  He was supposed to go to work for 12, but says that he will probably make it there for 5.  By that time, the worst of the storm should be over with,  At this writing, the storm seems to be weakening, so things are pretty calm. 

The good news is that so far, there is only slight flooding in my neighborhood, but the houses aren't flooded.  The water that is getting into the house is coming from the gutters overflowing onto the bushes in front of our window, and the accumulation of water there.  And the power is still on here at the airport.  We will probably have to hang here for awhile, until things get back to normal.  At least after it is all over, we will be able to return to our homes this time. 

Adrian