Ike hit us like Tina Turner for about 8 hours last night. We're in southern Houston, just north of the south limb of beltway 610, which is one of the areas that probably sustained the longest and strongest winds and rain in Houston proper. Looking out my window, it was quite a bit more ferocious that what I was seeing simultaneously on the news... probably because the newspeople can't safely stand in or operate their equipment in the truly powerful parts of the storm.
Anyways, we got incredibly lucky... As I said, we were in probably in the worst part of the storm in Houston proper and yet, here I sit... blogging. In fact, although 95% of Houston is currently without power (with hospitals and downtown skyscrapers being the major exception) my apartment complex remarkably did not lose power at all during the storm... I'm not sure how/why. Also, although there is general damage to our complex (roofing, trees, car ports, etc.) our condo and most condos around here seem to be mostly spared of any real flooding or interior damage.
I'm posting some initial photos of the untouched, pristine devastation for those of you who are curious (poor quality snapshots with foggy lens.. and it's still raining). Also, I just wanted to let everyone know that we're okay and much luckier than most, who may be without power for weeks. Andrea is camped out at Memorial Hermann Southwest hospital, tending to the sick. While they have emergency power for medical devices, etc., they have lost main power so lights and air conditioning are out. Thus, say a prayer for Andrea and coworkers as they struggle to take good care of those in need while sweating indoors and using flashlights to see as they draw blood and place IVs (true story).
Will keep in touch,
John
