Hurricane Ike !

[Kymber]

Looks like Lone Star planning is going to take a couple weeks off, I think this is about the only way we can get Lucia to take time off lol. The assistant RD is down as well, I barely have cell service right now thankfully hubby brought home an air card so I got to come check on everyone. We will be down at least another week, more than likely 2 according to the tree trimmers that came to clear the trees off the lines. We have several poles down as well as lines so they will be working very hard to get us back up.
We have really seen the best in people though as Kevin said neighbors are pulling together to make sure everyone is doing ok. The morning after the storm I walked my neighborhood with tears in my eyes as I watched neighbors pulling trees off each others houses and tarping windows and roofs. Today the tree trimming trucks came in and I swear everyone in the neighborhood ran out to thank them and offer them water. Our tree trimmers are from GA, KY, and KS and I can honestly say we have never been so happy to see anyone in all our lives.
If people want to help, the mayor has said if anyone knows anybody with an ice company or that has access to large quantities of ice they can get to this area that is really what we need. Hubby went to the grocery store today and they are still running on generators so the shelves are pretty empty but people still need ice. Also the medical center has said that blood is really in short supply so if you are a regular donor Please, Please, Please give now. Jane has mentioned several great ways to help the community but we all know I focus on robots and teams so I'm going to suggest if you have extra tools, or spare parts that you aren't using you might box them up for the teams that took such big hits. We don't know who is going to need help or how much help they are going to need just yet, but we know tools and parts always seem to be what is needed most besides funds of course.
Kevin please let Lucia know that we are ok, no damage to the house our trees cooperated and blew out onto the street As soon as they restore cell service or power I will let her know and check on her. Everyone please keep all our teams in your prayers, the coast took the biggest hit but this has impacted all of Texas. Please be patient with us, we will be back up and running in no time and I'm sure Lucia will make up for lost time as soon as her feet hit the ground again. I'm so sure of it I'm making sure to catch up on my sleep now lol.

[RossK]

Here in Chicago , tons of places are underwater.

I live near a river (the Fox , in Batavia) and the river has just flooded so much. its a mess.

My thoughts go out to those affected by Ike.

[mathking]

Here in Central Ohio we got almost no rain from the remnants of Ike, but we got 75+ mph winds on Sunday evening. Trees started falling left and right. And suddenly an estimated 2 million people were without power. We are down to about 72,000 homes without power as of 9:00 pm Friday. AEP says it will probably be the start of next week before everyone gets power back. Almost all of the schools in Central Ohio were out at least Monday and Tuesday, and it wasn't until Friday that Columbus Public Schools went back (except for 11 schools still without power). It was a very hospitable blackout period, since the temperatures were mild and there was little rain, so we really can't complain after seeing the destruction in Texas.

[LSevcik]

Hi All,

Just wanted to check in. I won't have power until the end of next week and of course it will be a few days for internet after that. I fared the storm pretty good just limbs and a mess in the yard Since I don't have internet etc. I am still keeping busy by helping people clean their yards, remove trees etc I can even add storm drainage duty to my resume.

I have been in contact with FIRST corporate and am coming up with a plan on how to help teams. I will find what teams needs are and let you know.

Take care. Lucia

[Anna B.]

Odd connection- My physical therapist's husband works for an electrical company and is actually down in Texas right now helping people get their power back.

My thoughts go out to all those affected by Ike, especially the ones who still don't have power

[lynca]

Originally Posted by mathking

Here in Central Ohio we got almost no rain from the remnants of Ike, but we got 75+ mph winds on Sunday evening. Trees started falling left and right. And suddenly an estimated 2 million people were without power. We are down to about 72,000 homes without power as of 9:00 pm Friday.

Wow , your power company works fast ! Its been over a week since Ike hit Texas and we still have 1 million homes without power. The utility provider estimates by Friday (2 weeks after the hurricane) most of the power will be restored.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...e/6012586.html