VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Dave · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:01 pm Post subject: Rita and me (in Houston)

Hi gang,

Always wondered about the US Postal Service Motto... Were they really serious about delivering the mail when humanly possible? Well, we didn't have mail service today. I suppose rain, sleet, snow and dark of night is manageable...but it doesn't apply to approaching hurricanes Smile

This is a really odd experience for me. I grew up dodging tornados which isn't exactly a walk in the park. But I think tornados are less stressful. You don't have to sit around for days knowing its coming like when a hurricane comes. Weird. Other than an above average day of heat we have had clear skies for most of the day. Then a couple of hours ago the outer cloud bands of Rita began presenting themselves. If I didn't know that Rita was out there I wouldn't take a moments notice. "Oh, look we might get some rain tonight...and we need it." But not this time. This is a completely surreal experience.

They estimate 1.5 million people have been able to get out of harms way. Primarily those in the most vulnerable areas near the coast. Unfortunately, Houston metro is nearly 6 million. There's just no way to move that many people in such a short period of time (even days). Interestingly enough our fearless leader, Mayor Bill White, finally admitted that we have a few "glitches" in our emergency plan. So many people are running out of gas and becoming stranded on the side of the road he has now advised that no more people try to leave...calling the evacuation routes (and I quote) "death traps." Now that inspires hope in a panicked populace! I guess it brings new meaning to the notion of being "left behind" doesn't it?

This note doesn't really go anywhere in particular. I just grew tired of hearing the same news over and over and over of gloom, doom and death predictions. (Reporters just love to sensationalize) Just thought I would peck out a few random thoughts as a diversion.

Dave (elevation 56 feet -- 40 miles north of Galveston)
_________________
. If at first you don't succeed, then bomb disposal probably isn't for you.

Spacegypsy · Guest

Hey Dave -

Hang in there, and let us all know you're OK when Rita's passed, OK?

SG

Bailey · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:47 pm Post subject:

With a tornado you can at least take cover in a basement, but with a hurricane, I guess the worst case would be a basement full of water. I don't think that 40 mile buffer between the coast and you is going to have any effect on what's coming. So... are you deciding to ride it out? You didn't state that you were. I've only been to Houston once... 56 feet above sea level doesn't sound too comforting. I'll be keeping "you all" in my prayers. I just hope that your elevation is high enough that I don't see you on CNN waving at a helo from your roof. Frown

Take care of yourself.
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"Bailey"
a.k.a. Jim Sutton
Retired... Every day is Saturday, except Sunday.
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Dave · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 7:41 pm Post subject:

allensco · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 7:56 pm Post subject:

Good luck Dave and stay safe! I live about 90 miles from the Florida gulf coast in south central Alabama. I spent 3 nites in a radio station (where I was employed at the time) when Hurricane Opal came through in 1995. It wasn't very comfortable although we had emergency power (generator). Our transmitter site did not have a generator at the time so we were off the air for two of those days. Nuthin' to do but sit around and look at each other!

All the best!

Frank F · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 8:34 pm Post subject:

The very best wishes to you and yours. Like the others I will be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers and thoughts for the next few days.

IF there is anything we can do from this side of everything... do not hesitate to call or contact or .... yell - very loud.

Frank F

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2005 8:51 pm Post subject:

Dave, you take care. I'll keep you in my thoughts.
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Elaine
The Youthful Mature Voice (Emeritus)
Senectitude is not for the faint of heart.

donrandall · Guest

Dave, it's probably late enough now that you won't see this for a week or so after it's all over - - but know that I am thinkin' of ya, and hoping for the best. Fasten your seatbelt, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!

Deirdre · Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2005 3:42 am Post subject:

Wish I could loan you my comic books to keep you company.

Best of the best luck, my friend.
We're all thinking of ya.
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lisaloo · Guest

This is unbelievable -- please take care of yourself!

Lisa

Andy · Guest

Dave, I rode out my share of typhoons in the western Pacific. Brace yourself for more than fifteen hours of pure hell. I rode out a super typhoon on Guam...170 mph of sustained winds with gusts to 200. Despite the fact that people there view typhoons as "visits" and most structures are made of thick concrete, even the utility polls, that one did a tremendous amount of damage. And since people are surrounded by water there's no place to evacuate. We hunkered down. God, I haven't tapped into the TexDot cameras yet, but if you can find a way to get the hell out, without getting stuck in the throng of traffic, do so! Wichita Falls is six hours, maybe 9 by the back roads. I'll keep a light on.

Drew

donrandall · Guest

Dave - you okay?

Spacegypsy · Guest

Hi Dave - I saw your post on the temporary board - so glad you're OK!