So Hurricane Ike came and went. The blustery and uninvited house guest left us with a bunch of down tree limbs, no electricity, and only half of a fence. Our damage was not pretty, but was fairly managable. The Belchers did not fare so well.
Kate’s parents and grandfather had big-time tree damage with yards full of branches that only a chainsaw could tackle. Pete and Wanda (parents) have been able to get most of the branches cleared over the last couple of days. Russ is still waiting to get most of his damage removed. Last I heard, he needs a crane to help take down a dangling pine tree.
We got electricity back within 48 hours. That simple fact changed our house from “Katie and Ben’s Place” to party central. We have been hosting friends and family for meals and sleepovers. Our dining room table has been well used this week. And since we have cable, our TV is getting a workout showing non-stop footage of local reporters standing in puddles, waiting in lines and trying to make people cry on camera. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that a lot of people are in a bad situation, but I can only handle so much of reporters that sound disappointed that more weren’t killed.
Tonight, while Pete and Wanda took us out for a delicious dinner, we found out that Alice and Dallas now have power. That news came when ADT called Alice’s mobile to say their burgler alarm was going off. Just in case there was an actual burglar, she called a neighbor and asked her to investigate.
We are still waiting for some good news regarding electricity for Pete and Wanda and for Russ. The last report Pete and Wanda was Sunday when a Centerpoint field rep said “one week.” They weren’t happy, but at least we know an estimate for them. No word for Russ yet. Yuck.
Still, considering the coastal areas that were completely devastated by floods from a huge storm surge, all of us got off pretty darn easy. We all have houses that didn’t flood. We have food to eat and beds (or a sofa) to sleep on. We are all blessed.
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Your poor fence! Wow! You weren’t kidding. Glad that you all prevailed the hurricane and are safe!
I am so glad that you guys are safe and your house is still in tacked. Such a Blessing!
Hey – just saw this after emailing Kate. Thanks for posting pics!
Hi Ben! I’m in Houston too. My family and I were so blessed to have not suffered any terrible damage. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you restore your home. Now as for your wife- how was she during everything??? I am 7 1/2 months pregnant and I remember quite clearly how the “early days” of pregnancy were. I hope she is well!
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[...] sticks, stumps, limbs and broken fences that have been littering everyone’s front yards since Hurricane Ike, and it is a fairly appropriate pun. Debris-dement. Fun, especially the part about maggot [...]
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