We took the aged in-laws to Austin, spent two nights, and are now back here, looking at some wind and rain. It's nice to be home, especially if home isn't Houma. We would have stayed were it not for the considerations of the elderly and the call for mandatory evacuation. Looks like storm-track projections are a lot more accurate than they were a few years ago. This one followed the NHS track almost exactly. The Rita projections, three years ago, were misleading until almost the last minute.

I'm glad it weakened and still worried for Gulf Coast friends...

My mother died when I was hardly more than a child, so I have few stories about that storm, unfortunately.

But all is well here. Again, deep thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer

Jennifer, I'm glad you're okay. I was hoping you would check in.

Jennifer,
Although I didn't post them, my thoughts and prayers have been with you. Living in an area of severe weather, but virtually no natural catastrophes (at least so far!), it's impossible for me to imagine what something like that is like. So glad you've come through unharmed.
Best,
Marion

Diane, Marion, you are the best! ;)

Much relieved,
Jennifer

Just a line to let everyone know that we came through the storm okay. The eye passed right over Breaux Bridge, and Monday was quite a day, but the chimney did not fall, the big oak tree did not land on the bedroom it overhangs, and we still have a roof. We were without power until yesterday (Wednesday) evening, but all ended well. Thanks for the good thoughts.

Baton Rouge was hit very hard, which you would not know from watching the national news coverage. Friends there whom I've spoken to by phone say that it may be weeks before they get electricity back. Roads are still blocked by downed trees and power lines, there are long lines for ice, what few businesses are open are accepting cash only. One friend, with a brick ranch house and normal-sized suburban yard with a few trees, said she and her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend put a total of 9 person-hours of work into clearing limbs and debris from her yard and got the job only half done. Three houses just in her immediate neighborhood had trees crash through their roofs. It's a mess down there, despite the jaunty tone of many post-storm news reports.

Jennifer, Diane, Julie, Gail,
HANG IN THERE!!!
Thinking of you. I live in a hurricane zone by the sea. It hasn't happened to me—yet. You all seem very brave. I hope I didn't leave anyone out. Sam seems to be OK now.
Janet

[This message has been edited by Janet Kenny (edited September 04, 2008).]