Update 9/21/08

Here is a YouTube video that someone else in our area posted. According to her, it was about 7 PM - around the time we lost power. As you can see, there was no rain yet, only really strong winds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfYaWB38ejg

Here is a link to one that shows that the kids in the area made the most of what they were dealt. (The kids on our street chose to play football on the deserted street instead.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72sq8usouXg

We've had some lapse in our power since it was restored, but it came back on each time within 4-5 hours. Our National Guard POD (point of distribution) that distributed ice, water and MREs has closed and been relocated to areas that are still without power. 1.1 million homes are still without power according to Centerpoint Energy. They are working non-stop to get everyone back up and running - we have even seen crews from Michigan and Indiana working on our electricity infrastructure.

According to the news, there is an extensive search and recovery going on in East Chambers county - the east coast of Galveston Bay. The storm surge pushed across the Bolivar Peninsula and into that area. They are in search of residents that have not been accounted for.

Side note: The tiger has been captured.

Looks like school will not resume until at least Wednesday, 9/24/08, if all the buildings have power. If no power, then no school. Houston ISD is starting up 120 of its 300 schools on Tuesday and bringing up others as power is restored.

Maw-maw's fence is in the process of being rebuilt, and they are tearing out the deck as well. We are going to re-sod the area before putting the house on the market. I think we'll advertise the house as "hurricane proof" since the only damage was the fence.

:)

Courtney