Hurricane Ike Recovery Continues

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Slowly things are getting better in our part of the world. And, our friends who stayed with us, now have power in Bellaire. Centerpoint reports as of noon today, 39% now have power. See figure at right.

The store which sold me only 1 gallon of milk 2 days ago, now will let you have 2 gallons. But my friend from Bellaire was forced to shop out here (Sugarland/Missouri City area), because there were no stores open around Bellaire.

I would estimate that about 1/3 of gas stations have no gas. Those on the main drives...like on Highway 6 have long lines. But, I found some more off the beaten path which only had a 1 to 2 car wait. Tensions are high but generally, everyone is behaving (from what I could see). Many locations have police keeping things congenial.

It is a tricky deal...with more people returning to the most populated areas, getting supplies will be touch and go. Think carefully before returning. Call your friends and neighbors and get details so you'll know what to expect. If you have little ones, this can be very stressful.

Humidity was up just a bit today. I could feel it...although I am mega-sensitive. There will be a slow but steady increase in the humidity over the next few days. And, it will get warmer with highs climbing into the middle and upper 80s this weekend. There could be a few showers.

So, please help out your friends and neighbors any way you can. I read about one neighborhood where one side of the street had power and the other didn't. The powered side ran electric cords over to the non-powered side. That is just terrific!!! Just make sure you don't cause a fire. If your power returned and you have a generator, maybe loan it out.

Galveston, Bolivar Peninsula, Winnie (and Chambers County), and Orange County are a mess. The Galveston mayor has asked everyone to leave. And they are not allowing any more driving in to check on belongings. It is becoming a health hazard there without widespread electricity, water and supplies. They need our prayers and support. Please support The American Red Cross and Catholic Charities in their relief efforts.

SPANISH WORD FOR THE DAY
I would like to think the folks working so hard to store electricity. They are the most important part of our recovery (this is the word for today) -- recuperacíon pronounced ray-coo-purr-rah-see-own. Thanks to the power company workers from all over the country and even Canada, the recuperacíon continues.

AND MORE
There is a lot of attention (of course) to the coastal situation, but folks in our wooded areas sure have a mess to clean up. Check out these photos at right from my friend Peyton Cascarelli in The Woodlands. Thanks Peyton.

On the subject of nutrition, I found out the hard way during Rita that you can't live on just carbs (breads, crackers, cookies) for very long without feeling just awful/dead tired. Everyone needs to get protein--peanut butter (lots of it), canned chicken, canned tuna, beans, nuts. Make sure you eat these things if you are in an area without electricity. And if you don't have them, ask around until you find them. This is no time for foolish pride.

Be safe and be kind.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman