Ike

{All images are from a power point I received through e-mail. None are of us or ours.}

For all of you who were worried, we fared well. Ike although scary, destructive, and massive did not hurt our family, home, or cars. There is lots of destruction and many still without power so pray for these people b/c the humidity is rising and the mosquitoes are prolific and the size of pterodactyls right now.

We did survive 10 days without power! The cool front and no mosquitoes for 7 days was a modern day miracle. We got our power just as the warmer temps and Gulf Coast mosquitoes began to appear, and we never lost our fresh water. Because of the graceful circumstances it ended up being like a long camping trip in our own home. It's a bizarre experience, like a step back in time a century or two. I think it was a much needed experience for my children to help them realize what is important and what luxuries they really have.

An entire city without power changes the city. Without TV, video games, or computer, and with lovely weather EVERYONE heads outdoors. Neighbors visit with each other daily. Fat kids are out riding their bikes. Neighborhood kids meet up to play (IE: ride bikes, skate boards, roller blades or use their imaginations).

Other changes:

-Seek others for your current events, "HEB has ice, go now the line is only 20min."

-Not checking your e-mail for a week

-Not checking your planner for a week

-People seeking others instead of things for entertainment

-Kids playing outside all day with sticks

-Go to bed early

-Read more

-See the stars in the city

-Slower pace and more introspection

-The formerly dormant survival instincts are ignited

-The senses are enlivened and more closely connected to nature

With everyone unplugged and heading outside we saw lots of positive changes in our neighborhood. It makes you wonder???? Maybe embracing the simple things is what provides abundance?

I'm certain with no fresh water and more typical south Texas September weather this would have been a very different situation. But for the most part we were spared. But remember the others in your thoughts and prayers. Kiss an electrician, and say a special thanks for the first responders, line men, and clean up crews who have been working around the clock. The cities don't just repair themselves, real people have to work hard and remain in high stress situations for extended periods of time to restore the creature comforts and modern day amenities we've grown so accustomed to.