I love what the picture says "Bad day at the Beach" boy that is an understatement, like Roland said we only live 60 miles from Galveston, but the devastation that can come from the power of water and wind. My heart really goes out to the true victims from this act of nature. What little I did suffer in loss from this hurricane is nothing compared to the losses theses fine people are suffering through. All I ask is that everyone keep them in their prayers.

 

Man, those pictures bring back a lot of memories. I spent 3 weeks in New Orleans and Chalmette LA after Katrina. I'll never forget when we found a ladies wedding ring among all the debris we were pulling out of her house. They had a solid 9 feet of water and everything was trashed and we managed to find that little ring in the couple of hours she was there with us. You never forget the things and emotions that transpire in a situation like that. I've never seen so many emotions pour out of a person over something so small. Now I find my friends and fellow Houstonians in the same situation. At least when I was a volunteer I could go home. Hard to believe it happened here. I consider myself fortunate to have a roof over my head (if you count tarps, lol). I guarantee you I will be out there again helping people dig out. Just feels like the right thing to do.

 

Just saw on the local news that tonight they are going to start aerial spraying of Dibrom in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Brazos, Galveston and Ft Bend counties. The planes will be down as low as 300 feet in some areas.

I hate hurricanes.

 

On a lighter note....

What IKE has taught me!



> Coffee and frozen pizzas can be made on a BBQ grill.
>
> Hot pockets taste pretty good deep fried on the outdoor cooker!
>
> My car gets 23.21675 miles per gallon, EXACTLY (you can ask the people
> in line who helped me push it).
>
> He who has the biggest generator wins.
>
> A new method of non-lethal torture -- showers without hot water.
>
> TV is an addiction and the withdrawal symptoms are painful.
>
> Flood plain drawings on some mortgage documents were seriously wrong..
>
> People will get into a line that has already formed without having any
> idea what the line is for.
>
> Cell phones work when land lines are down, but only as long as the
> battery remains charged.
>
> Hampers were not made to contain such a volume.
>
> If I had a store that sold only ice, chainsaws, gas and generators...
> I'd be rich.
>
> Waterfront property can quickly become someone else's fishing hole.
>
> Tree service companies are underappreciated.
>
> MATH 101: 30 days in month, minus 6 days without power equals 30% higher
> electric bill??
>
> I can walk a lot farther than I thought.
>
> A M US T for all blackouts with kids... GLOWSTICKS!
>
> It is a great time to teach the children the fine art of gambling (penny
> ante poker) card playing.
>
> You can never have too many gas cans!
>
> 7 dogs that do not normally live together still do not get along during
> a hurricane.they have no comprehension of sharing.
>
> 5 gallons of sweetened iced tea a day is not enough for 9 teenagers.
>
> Suddenly you realize you DO have neighbors!
>
> Neighbors are much more sociable when your trees are being removed from
> their houses.
>
> That neighbor who knows how to use a chainsaw is your new best friend.
>
>
> What looks acceptable by candlelight in your bathroom will scare you
> when you look at yourself in the mirror at the office
>
> Coffee is NOT a luxury - it's a staple! And withdrawal is hell!
>
> Rather than campfires, you find families huddled about tiny
> battery-operated televisions to watch The Simpsons.
>
> Peanut butter and jelly is a perfectly acceptable meal for breakfast,
> lunch and dinner in the same day.
>
> Ice is a form of currency.
>
> Coming home from work with a pizza and a charged-up laptop so the kids
> can watch a DVD makes you a hero.
>
> You run out of things to barbecue after Day 3.
>
> Hair can dry without a blow dryer, but it may not look the way you
> planned.
>
> Baseball caps go with any post-hurricane ensemble.
>
> You can't train yourself not to flip on light switches when entering a
> room.
>
> Lukewarm is the new cold..
>
> It's easier to ignore a dirty house when you can't see it
>
> A new opening phrase when seeing someone: 'Got lights yet?'
>
> Daydreaming consists of thinking about what you will do when the freak'n
> power comes back on!

 

Scott that was too funny......true but funny. Thanks for posting it!

 

Hilarious post there, Scott.

 

That brings both a smile to my face, and a feeling of shame for smiling about it....

 

What Pat said. Scott, what you said may be funny but it is true reality.

 

I spoke with Rick on my way to work yesterday around noon. Things haven't changed much. The bridge access is still limited to certain times of the the day. His family has not come home due to this problem. I believe Phyllis was at the store with him before he left to go back home. The bridge was only open then from noon to 1pm. They have been filling out forms, trying to get some disaster relief. The only thing offered to them is some type of loan. This hurricane has put a big financial strain on his business (life). The walls and floor of the store are warped, the blocks underneath have settled and require leveling, and some of the siding has been pulled loose. An out of state organization is coming to help with the clean up efforts. Many of his customers depend on him for their feed and supplies. Hopefully, he can get the store "up and running" soon. The biggest problem to face is getting the finances to do it. He lost about $15,000 in feed alone.

 

Yep, they (FEMA) probably sent him an application for an SBA loan. That is what they are sending out to everyone. I hate to say it, but I would say it's doubtful that he will see any relief from the Federal Government. The name of his hurricane was Ike, not Katrina.

He should move to Texas before we secede from the union.

 

Thanks Roland for keeping my friends up to date with what is going on with my life. Jim, you are a true friend. Barry, Scott,and the rest of you, I LOVE all you guys and gals.

Scott, I think you are right about not being Katrina. Also when you guys secede form the union, I will be with you. I lived in Texas for 2 years, and will move back there in in an instance.

I have not been on here becuse I am not one to talk about my troubles. I think most of you can relate with this. I think Mark, and more of you can relate with this. My wife (Phillis) will be coming back home tomorrow for the first time sense the storm. That will help get me back on track.

For my friends that have been calling me, . I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. . I just want every one to know, I will be back in business in a few months, I hope. lol. I will not tell you the details of whats going on here, becouse I don't want anyone feeling sorry for me. I am strong, and will get through this. I had no idea how fast things can change.

While I am closed for business, I am trying to get hold of someone in the Texas relief field to see if me and my tractor can go and help them. They need our prayers and help worst then we do down here. If any of you guys want to join me in this, please let me know. My truck has been doing great pulling my tractor and the rest of the stuff I been pulling.

My wife has been my life line. She is taking care of trying to get the store back together while I have been helping my neighbors move thing. Yesterday a couple people from Arkansas came to my store and helped me scrap all the feed and other stuff out of my feed room. These guys came down for no other reason but to help us. They are from LITTLE ROCK. GOD SEND.

I am not one for a lot of words. Thank you FTE 7.3 FORUM. I am a member for life. Is there a life time joining thing. . I am fishing Joe.

 

Wow, what a great post, Rick.
If everyone in the US was as strong a contributor to society as you, there would be no need for the welfare system. I mean this as a good thing, sir.

 

Dan, I am truly honored with what you just said. You would do the same. I know in my heart that you would.

 

Rick you are a true inspiration for everyone here to say the least. Its great to hear that your family is doing well hopefully things will be good during your trip to Texas. Our prayers will be with you!

 

Rick, glad to hear you're working your way through this. It's also good to hear the family will be back home soon. I know that will make things easier to deal with.

It's good to hear from you. Here's hoping to a speedy recovery.