IKE Update

I thought I would post an update on how my family is doing in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, phone calls and concern.Overall, things are good.

Luckily Kingwood didn't sustain major flooding. Unbelievable really, considering a regular Texas-sized thunderstorm has been known to cause flooding. Granted, Kingwood is a mess! Kingwood is known as "The Livable Forest." There are soaring pine trees everywhere. As you might imagine- limbs, debris and trees(along with their root systems) litter the streets.

The worst thing for my family is that the power has been out since Friday night. My sister & her family have a generator, so they are able to keep the fridge running and a few small things. Unfortunately, the generator takes about 5 gallons of gas a day to run...and guess what, no gas anywhere. No ice or water. No street lights, no traffic lights.

Mom & Steve aren't so lucky. They have no generator so they are running to Kimberly's house to get a bit of ice now and then. Again, thank goodness the streets are somewhat passable and aren't too flooded.The first few days were a bit like camping. Mom & Steve cooked with pots on the grill and also have plenty of dry goods and water. Lots of candles, flashlights, card games, books, radio, etc. My Mom said that once it gets dark outside, the nights seem so long.

Mom & Steve left for Colorado this morning, a trip that has been scheduled for months. They may even extend their stay if the power doesn't return before they do. The news is still reporting that it could be 2 weeks before the power is turned back on.

The grocery stores are beginning to open up, but they will only let 20 people in at a time and the shelves have not been restocked. No ice, no water. Luckily they are able to shower with hot water and flush the toilets. Mom & Steve have also had a land-line telephone from the beginning so I have been able to keep in touch with them that way, which has been a relief. Kimberly just got her land-line up and running today, so that's good, especially seeing that Mom & Steve are gone now.

So, that's the update. Overall, they are pretty lucky. Our thoughts continue to be with them and those families who weren't so lucky. Here's a video I found on You Tube of Kingwood, TX after Hurricane Ike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_JTe1TFeGw