Tuesday, September 16, 2008

We're back!

The Warlock here again, with a final word on hurricanes: they are about as much fun as a root canal. We made it through just fine - no power yet (I have absconded to work to charge various devices, as the power is on there), but no major damage. We had a minor roof leak and a window leak, so a total of 8 cups of water got in illicitly. Bardo does more damage on one of his good days.

From what little I can gather, we had sustained winds of 100 mph, with gusts in the 115 range. It blew down all three trees in the front yard (we just stood them back up, and they should be fine) but (and I haven't been up yet to confirm) I don't think we lost so much as a shingle.

Others around us were pretty much the same. A few people got trees in houses and will no doubt be making insurance claims, but nobody got hurt in my area that I know of. There is a lot of clean up to do - I'm planning on going out this afternoon to finish some more stuff - and just about everybody is still without power. Lines for gasoline and food are long. But we'll be fine once power goes back on. That's when the real clean-up begins - Galveston, Beaumont, Orange/Chambers counties got absolutely devastated, and we will be cleaning them up for months.

In the meantime, we are hanging about the house, reading books, grilling up massive quantities of meat before it goes bad, taking frequent showers (we never lost water and our water heaters are gas, so we never lost hot water either), and enjoying what has turned out to be some of the most fantastic weather I've ever seen. Absolutely spectacular temperatures, blue skies with minimal clouds, cool at night - you couldn't ask for better weather, especially when you've got no power.

One last thing: I have been impressed with the city of Houston (politicians and people) in handling this disaster. It's my first real disaster, so I am somewhat new to this, but I haven't seen complaining or griping or yelling. I see politicians putting extreme pressure on government to get things done NOW, and I see people pitching in and helping everybody. Long live Houston!

8 comments:

Melissa said...

I'm SO glad to hear that you are all doing well - though I figured as much. Thanks for keeping the blog updated!!

Prudence said...

Thanks for the update. I hope you get power soon! I'm glad everyone is pitching in to the work done.

Unknown said...

I'm glad it hasn't been too hot. It seems like natural disasters show what a person really is deep down.

tenacious d said...

Yay! I'm glad to hear that you guys made it through with little damage. It's also good to hear good things about Houston's clean-up effort. I doubt that Houston/Galveston will still be a mess three years on, like New Orleans.

Unknown said...

It is so nice to here from you!

Deon said...

I'm glad everything is o.k. You have been in my thoughts.

Captain Nick said...

Mr. Warlock

I so heartily agree with you on the Houston thing from what I have seen. I wonder if there may be a few people there trying to be Christians. Watching your politicians move heaven and earth to get things done is pretty inspiring.

To tell you the truth, I was scared spitless for you during the hurricane, but the aftermath is nothing short of inspiring. I am sure that there are little black holes; there always are, but most of what I see are stars. Although we miss you, Good on you for living there.

Jecca Lee Ivie Johnson said...

Way to rough it guys! How did your kids like spending the night in the closet? If they are anything like mine, it would have been the coolest night of their lives! Sorry about your trees and your eight cups of water, but sounds like you guys weathered the storm pretty well. That's good news.