Surviving Ike

Hi all,
Well, I survived Ike's invasion through East Texas. Lots of horrible rain and wind. (shudder) But I was nice and dry in Elkhart, Texas. Unfortuantely, about 7am Sat morning the power shuddered to a halt.
No problem...right? The power company was well aware of possible power outages...right? Bwahahahhahahah!
9pm Sat night we decided to forage for coffee and cooked food. Elkhart was D. E. A. D. Not a light in sight. We were sure Palestine had electricty, but decided to call my sister at the cafe (Harold's) she manages opposite Elkhart in Grapeland.
GASP! They had power... They were open! THEY HAD COFFEE AND FOOD!
So we turned the car around and went to Grapeland! Yippee. A hamburger. Ice. And yes, all poor people who were in the same boat from Elkhart to ---yes CONROE. Stayed until 4 am this morning stocking the sandwich box with sandwiches and fruit.
So, If you're on that stretch, you might find a reprieve at Harold's in Elkhart. You might not find a salad, but there's sandwiches and COFFEE (smile).
I'm headed back to my own home in Palestine today. Thankfully, I have power. My prayers go out to all the evacuees who will be heading home today and later. Be careful on the road, guys. And cut the over worked people in the cafe's and gas stations on the way a little slack.
One guy last night had the gall to make disparaging comments about the service. AFTER they decided to remain open for 24 hours at the cafe so that people could have a hot meal. Or a meal of some kind. This was after hours of literally wall to wall customers and working hard to thaw frozen solid rolls of meat for the next run.
Remember, those people braved comeing back out so that you guys could have a little comfort after the storm. So be nice and remember we're all in this together. A little kindness and understanding goes both ways.
My prayers are with all you guys having to deal with Ike's mess.
~~Buffi BeCraft-Woodall