12 September 2008
Yep. That’s all we can do. Just watch. Helpless. And pray a little.
My photo is simply of my laptop screen. I keep switching between news sites, and weather sites. This one is www.stormpulse.com.
We know we are relatively safe. We will see strong winds and some serious rain. Outdoor events may be cancelled or closed early. But, actually, the closer Ike gets to landfall, the farther his projected path seems to move east and away from us. But, Galveston and Houston will have no such reprieve.
We have countless friends in the Houston area. Some have headed for higher ground. And others are simply “hunkered down.” Surprisingly, we have no one in our guest room—-which makes me feel even more helpless about the whole thing.
I know our people are probably all pretty darned safe and sound. Probably gathered with other family members and friends. Probably with well-stocked pantries and plenty of candles. And hopefully a couple of guitars, puzzles, decks of cards and other unplugged pasttimes. But, it doesn’t stop me from worrying about them.
I get . . . weird . . . when there’s a hurricane headed toward Galveston Island. My friends pretty much know that. I’ve been on the verge of tears most of the day. I had to turn the television off. It defies logical explanation, the fear and dread and . . . empathy I feel. I sure wish I knew where I was in 1900 when the Great Storm hit. Or who.
So, I sit here at my computer, frustrated that there isn’t more up-to-date, up-to-the-minute information about what’s going on down there right now. Of course, hopefully, that’s because everyone with two brain cells to rub together is gone from there! Fairly early in the afternoon, reporters had already pulled back and set up camp in downtown Houston, due to flooding on the island. Storm surges are expected to be those of a Category 4 hurricane, despite the fact that Ike seems to remain a Cat 2. I know I need to just go to bed and sleep, but sleep will be fitful.
I’ve gotten a couple of questions from folks about what happens to our Dickens plans if the island is devastated. Who knows? That’s actually the very least of my worries. Kelly’s silver lining on that subject was that she’d have lots more time to make the dresses she has orders to make! And, even Kyle said tonight, if Dickens plans are aborted this year, we’d have more money for Scotland! I’m usually silver lining girl, but tonight all I can think is . . . that’s my island.
An email from Clay, who visited the island last week, said the Tremont is prepared for the first floor to go under water tonight. Can it, or the Galveston News building, or the Moody Mansion, or any of the other brave buildings with brass placques proudly bearing the word “survivor,” stand another great storm—-108 years later?
How can I sleep?
~MB
My sister & brother in law decided to “ride” it out in Baytown… Marshall (last I heard) was doing the same… I couldn’t sleep either and this morning didn’t have that much info. The eye is just over Baytown right now with more if not worse to come…
Galveston looks pretty bad right now. Brett Coomer took a shot showing the Strand, and many more can be found at the Houston Chronicle site.
WordPress edited my link to a thumbnail of the Strand shot: http://images.chron.com/photos/2008/09/13/13008818/image-custom.jpg
My family both in Baytown and in Kilgore are still without power, as well as Marshall in Clear Lake. They had no damage or water except for Marshall who had a metal awning (sp?) fall on his car. Thank goodness for cell phones that can be charged in a car and used anywhere. And thank god for their safety. In Galveston amongst the damage is the memorial to the 1900 storm still standing – not pristine, but still standing…
We are still collecting information regarding Galveston Island . . . but we did receive a phone call today from a friend in Toontown at TRF. It seems the fairesite in general is not really any the worse for the wear, and our booth in particular is fine. Whew!
~MB
Hey, we made it, the house is mostly ok. Lost most of the shingles and had no power or water for a while. we got water Saturday night and got power about and hour ago. some water damage inside due to leaky roof. NO problem with the surge 31ft above sea level at the house here.
Donna
I decided to stay and we even retained power and internet though it, we didn’t have running water until Sunday and Vince and Terri and Ellie came over to get cool. They have electricity back now.
=O)
Hi read your blog looking for info on historic bldgs in Galveston… just curious you know.. I lived in Houston most most of my life until 1995. I have been looking for info for friends in Houston and relaying information (from Kansas!) and watching KTRK streaming… I know the helpless feeling. sheesh. I lived there during Alisha. Just sucks seeing so many of my favorite places trashed. My friends are fine but some roof damage … been hard to find those promised blue tarps.
Cheers!