More photos from Ike

Our pile of debris was picked up Saturday by a crew from Missouri. They are part of the team going around Alvin picking up the heavy debris.

City of Alvin Announcement

Our city has a message system for local news, announcements, and general info.
Connect-CTY is a service of Blackboard Connect Inc.
I receive the messages on my home phone, cell phone, and by email. The city issued at least 27 announcements before, during, and after Hurricane Ike. This is the most recent one.
CITY OF ALVIN
Message sent - 9/19/2008
Ike #27




Just seven days ago Alvin was hit with one of the worst storms in this generation. All power was lost, our large trees scattered like tooth picks and significant damage to our homes and businesses. The City encouraged its citizens to leave the area if possible. Today we were notified that 65% of our electric power house been restored, gasoline is readily available, debris is being picked up curbside, and the City services are back to normal. The majority of our grocery stores and restaurant are now opened. The rapid return to our everyday like was due to a lot of preprinting, investment in emergency equipment and the dedication of a lot of City employees. I also recognize how our citizens jumped in cleaning up, putting things back together, and helping their neighbors. I would like to mention several things:
First-please help us get the City cleaned up. Ten large trucks began picking up brush and debris Thursday. They will be passing through the City over the next several days. After they have picked up each street, they will start over again. If you miss the first pass, or don't get everything out, don't worry-they will be out again. remember to separate the piles of brush debris and building materials. They are picked up by different trucks.
Second-while areas of town with little or no power line damage have and will be engerized in a short period, those few areas with extreme power line damage may take another week or so to be energize. Every effort by the City to expedite the repairs.
Third- this storm could have been much worst. While damage was done and losses have occurred, by the grace of GOD we have made it through.
The Community will be gathering at the Krogers parking lot Saturday evening at 7:00PM to pray. The Lord says that where two or more are gathered together in His name, there He will be also. I hope to see you at the Kroger's parking lot to pray Saturday evening.

Ike

We took a near direct hit from Ike, but were fortunate to have very little damage. More later, with pictures. We still don't have power, but never lost water nor natural gas for the stove.

Hurricane Ike

At this time ( 7:48 PM Thursday ), Ike is headed our way. The media is hyping it up a lot, but we learned our lesson from Katrina and Rita, so better safe than sorry. Evacuations are in effect, but my family is hunkering down, except for me.
Here is my reply to members on another forum-
"If the predictions are true, we are directly in Ike's path. We live only 12 miles as the crow flies from the Gulf of Mexico, and the land is wide open all the way to us. Despite this, we have seldom had damage. We have only left home for one hurricane in my whole life, and that was Rita. That was a huge boondoggle and we don't want to repeat it. The authorities have learned a lot from Katrina and Rita, so they have done a great job with evacuations and preparations this time.
Most of it is hyped up by the media, but the threat is real.

HOWEVER, my wife does not want to leave, and neither do I. Besides, I am considered "essential personnel" at the office, and the regular weekend night dispatcher is not coming to work Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, so I will probably have to be here those nights. I will attempt to go home in the morning Friday to make sure everything is secure and the wife is ok, then come back here Friday night prepared to camp out here until it is over. The rest of the family is also staying home, mostly at my DIL's parents' house. My older son has to stay because he is needed for hurricane rescue efforts with his fire department.
Now, as to Ike, I see indications that he may turn more northerly and easterly, thus letting us off the hook except for rain and wind.
Thanks for thinking of us. I will keep you posted.
Noel"

Sunset by Gustav

Hurricane Gustav was responsible for some glorious sunsets west of Louisiana. I am glad we were spared the storm and hope our neighbors come through it better than last time.