[Slip]

Hi all, I finally made it back here. I have been working since Sunday assessing damage at our plant and faired decent. I rode storm out in Athens Texas and came back to find a few problems with my home but is still livable. I have two large holes in my roof where my patio cover flew away and the beams went through my roof and my dining room ceiling fell. Two bedrooms got wet in walls and carpet and already pulled out carpet and screwed plywood where the dining room has no ceiling. Other outdoor damage, but nothing serious. I have a house full of relitives and friends at the house as I have no power from the utility, but I do have a large natural gas standby generator that is cranking out a/c at this time so we have a full house. Hoping to get normal power back tomorrow or next few days and get back on normal power but my generator has been one heck of an investment a few years ago.

I have some friends over that lost everything from the Bridge City and Orange area with 8 foot of water in their homes. Now it is mostly mud in their homes as well as the snakes. The Orange and Bridge City area was devistated with storm surge. Not as bad as like where Bobby lives, but many, many family and friends of mine lost everything also. Now they are at work and no place to live with so many others are without homes. No hotels available at this time either. And I thought Rita was bad and we didn't even get the direct hit. I got more damage this time than Rita but again, will recover and move on. I never thought I would ever want to move away from here, but I am getting there fast. I can't complain though as we are all safe and becoming closer to each other (literally) with a house full. It is so sad to see so many people lose everything they have worked for, for so long to be wiped out in hours. I will be working 7/12s or longer for the couple of weeks and hopfully start making my house more like normal again soon.

If I can get away for long enough, I think I can get some turning wood around here to last me for a good while. Probably can choose any type of wood I want from what I am seeing around here. Anyway, I will be checking in around here from time to time soon I hope.

 

[Flat Fish]

Glad to hear you guys are doing well. Sorry about your house, but sounds like you will recover just fine. I was over there Wednesday cleaning up at my moms. She lost a couple small trees and lots of shingles. Looks like new roof time for her, but thank God there was no water damage inside. Seems this storm took out the people in Nederland that Rita missed.

Lots of trees down everywhere over there. I saw one poor guys house smashed by a hugh Sycamore. He was out with the chain saw trying to clean up. Sad to see how these storms change some peoples lives.

 

[Viking48]

Glad you made it through safely and are doing OK. I'm sure you've looked through the posts to see how everyone came out - all in all we're OK - Bobby probably got it the worst. Sorry to hear about your house - I know that creates a hassle but at least you're safe. I know what you mean about those who lost their homes. A friend of mine lived at Oak Island and has nothing left but the slab. He's not sure whether he'll rebuild or move to the Hill Country. Hopefully when things settle down again we can get together - this delayed my plans to get to the lease but I'm sure I'll have a chance to get some Mesquite by the time you have a chance to use it. Take care and stay in touch.