We couldn't get out

[Nixxxed]

We tried our best to evacuate for Hurricane Rita, but we couldn't get out of the area. We left our house in Texas City at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, and by 4:30 pm yesterday we were only 57 miles from home. We had been sitting stationary on a highway in Liberty, TX for 2 hours (in 100-degree heat with no A/C) when we decided we'd rather take our chances, comfortable in our own home, than experience a hurricane in a pickup with our beloved pets only protected by a tarp we set up to keep the sun off them.

After travelling for 20 hours to get 57 miles away, it only took us a little over an hour to get home yesterday night. On our return, we passed approximately 30 miles of bumper-to-bumper traffic sitting perfectly still on the highway.

If you've seen any news coverage of the "evacuation" -- yes, it really was that bad. We all have heat exhaustion - including the pets. I'm also pretty sure we got a good dose of carbon monoxide poisoning. At one point, my Mom's lips had the telltale bluish tinge, while I was feeling light-headed and nauseated. It was HOT yesterday - the high pressure controlling the storm's movement prevented any breeze, and we were left to bake on the blacktop highway, trying to hide from the sun inside the truck cab while breathing all the vehicle exhaust -- much of which was diesel thanks to all the SUVs and mobile homes that were alongside us. To make matters even more interesting, we were travelling up Hwy 146, which has petrochemical refineries on both side of the road the entire distance between TC and Liberty.

The moment we actually decided to head home, we had been looking for a stopping point for a few hours, just to get inside in some A/C for a while to cool down and regroup. None could be found - we only found 3 convenience stores open, and there were so many people inside and going in and out that the A/C was nil. There was no gas, water, ice, substaintial food, or restroom facilities to find anywhere along the route. And from all the news reports we were hearing, the situation was actually worse up the road.

There were several points during the day that we sat still for an hour or more, and got out to talk to our "neighbors". We actually met some really nice people. But cars were breaking down, and we were having to help push them out of the way. Plus, we saw a few fights and road rage incidents as people tried to sneak ahead using the road shoulder.

Since the forecasted hurricane path had moved east, all the towns on the coast and inland to the east had declared mandatory evacuations as well, and those citizens were entering the evacuation route also. Not to mention the people from Houston who were able to get ahead of us because of the freeways (whereas we were on a 2-lane highway).

But I'm back home, getting ready to pop a few Coronas and ride it out. Rocky's on my knee, begging to be petted. He's simply traumatized. Zorro (my lovebird) is flying around, and seems to be doing better today. He fainted and fell to the bottom of his cage a few times on the road yesterday, and each time I thought I'd lost him. My Dad's Rottweiler will not leave his side anywhere he walks in the house. She's been vomiting all day, and has drank at least 2 gallons of water. Dad seems fine now, having worked as a welder in a refinery for 25 years. Mom is putting on a brave face, but it's obvious she doesn't feel well.

I hope this had made sense, and thanks for reading. I'm going through some strange hot/cold cycles from a very severe sunburn on one arm and my head/neck, and I'm still lightheaded and a little spacey (even more so than usual) from breathing exhaust fumes, and trying to fight my ragweed allergy with cheap antihistamines.

It's been a strange, very strange week. But at least now I have the actual hurricane to deal with, rather than the fear of it. And yes, in case you've seen the news reports and are wondering, there ARE still people who are trapped on the roads in east Texas. Please say a little prayer for them when you get a chance.

[strandinthewind]

Did they not have both sides of the freeway going toward Dallas?

[seeker007nmss]

I think you made the right choice in going home. I can't imagine what will happen to the highway and those cars when the storm hits. Stay safe and as long as you have power we will be here at the ledge for you guys in the storm area. :wavey:

[dissention]

I'm so sorry to hear that, darling. :(

I'm crossing my fingers that you guys stay safe.

[CreepingDeath]

I'm so sorry all that happend. :(

I'm keeping you guys (and everyone caught up in this mess) in my thoughts.

[gldstwmn]

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/otn/sad/mecry.gif Please stay with us and let us know you're okay as long as you can.
I am going to light a candle for you, your family and the pets. I hope all of you remain safe and comfortable. :wavey:

[Nixxxed]

Did they not have both sides of the freeway going toward Dallas?
No - we were East of Houston on 146, and they were only allowing the northbound lanes to be used. The state troopers drove by every hour of so to prevent people from using the southbound lanes. They said something about the fact that the way all the highways merged, it would not be safe to use both lanes. Plus, there weren't enough troopers/police to direct the traffic like that.

Plus, people were very frustrated and getting mad when people *would* use the empty lanes. Serious road rage. Houston did open some contraflow lanes on I-45, I-10, and Hwy 290, but the contraflow didn't start until you were almost 100 miles out of the city. And, they didn't get them running until almost 5:00 pm yesterday. I was still seeing live video of Houston gridlock on TV at 2:00 this morning, when I had cooled down enough to fall asleep.

[sparky]

OMG. :eek:

Chuck that is awful. I am glad to hear you and the birds are home safe. Poor little Zorro ! He must be a tough little guy. Give the birds some scratches for me, and yourself a big pat on the back for making it ! :wavey:

[Nixxxed]

I think you made the right choice in going home. I can't imagine what will happen to the highway and those cars when the storm hits. Stay safe and as long as you have power we will be here at the ledge for you guys in the storm area. :wavey:
Thank you. There really are still people on the freeways, and the winds and rain have now reached the Houston Metro area. It's not bad yet at all, but soon will be.

[strandinthewind]

OMG - that is horrid. I am so sorry you all had to go through that. Interestingly, it would have been better to stay home and then leave this afternoon at around 7:00.

There has to be a way to do these things in a better manner.

Also, stay safe and stay away from the windows, esp. if you have big trees around your house.

I'll be a thinkin about y'all :xoxo:

[Nixxxed]

I'm so sorry to hear that, darling. :(

I'm crossing my fingers that you guys stay safe.
:xoxo: You don't know how badly I wanted to go to Galveston today to meet Anderson Cooper. I could swim there if I tried hard enough. :nod:

[strandinthewind]

:xoxo: You don't know how badly I wanted to go to Galveston today to meet Anderson Cooper. I could swim there if I tried hard enough. :nod:

He is on now and he's wet. Feel better :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

:xoxo: You don't know how badly I wanted to go to Galveston today to meet Anderson Cooper. I could swim there if I tried hard enough. :nod:

So could I honey and I'm a few states north of you. :laugh:

[dissention]

:xoxo: You don't know how badly I wanted to go to Galveston today to meet Anderson Cooper. I could swim there if I tried hard enough. :nod:

:laugh:

StormWhore!Anderson is going to be on the telly all night, hon, and he's wet in a red slicker, so don't worry. You'll just have to put up with the likes of the deathly dull Aaron Brown to see him.

[seeker007nmss]

So could I honey and I'm a few states north of you. :laugh:

Okay, I must be way out of it. Who is Anderson Cooper and what is the deal with him? :shrug:

[Nixxxed]

Please stay with us and let us know you're okay as long as you can.
I am going to light a candle for you, your family and the pets. I hope all of you remain safe and comfortable.

Thank you both. I'll try to stay on as long as we have power.

I wanted to do a little "I'm-not-a-witch"craft today, and spray paint Stevie lyrics on the hurricane shutters. But it was too windy. Oh yeah, and my Dad said, "HELL NO!!!" :lol:

But it would have said:

"Heartless challenge
Pick path and I'll pray..."

[strandinthewind]

Okay, I must be way out of it. Who is Anderson Cooper and what is the deal with him? :shrug:


Go to cnn.com - he has a show called 360.

He also is Gloria Vanderbilt's son.

[dissention]

Okay, I must be way out of it. Who is Anderson Cooper and what is the deal with him? :shrug:

You must be an MSRNC or Faux News viewer instead of a CNN one. :lol:

[gldstwmn]

Okay, I must be way out of it. Who is Anderson Cooper and what is the deal with him? :shrug:

Mr. Sexay:http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/
He's a damn fine journalist too.

[gldstwmn]

He also is Gloria Vanderbilt's son.

That makes you hot, doesn't it? :laugh: :wavey:

[dissention]

Go to cnn.com - he has a show called 360.

He also is Gloria Vanderbilt's son.

Just click my banner, it goes right to his show's page.

[Nixxxed]

OMG. :eek:

Chuck that is awful. I am glad to hear you and the birds are home safe. Poor little Zorro ! He must be a tough little guy. Give the birds some scratches for me, and yourself a big pat on the back for making it ! :wavey:
Thanks man. Scratching and patting in progress. Zorro had flown over an landed on me every 10 minutes or so since I let them out to play. He normally does that once or twice a week, if I'm lucky.

I was glad I thought to bring a spray bottle. After he passed out, I would lightly mist him with water. Then, he would get up, climb back to his fave perch, shake it off, and start singing! Tough little guy indeed.

Oh crap - be back in a few - have to go cry a little. Too hard to hold it in any more.

[gldstwmn]

Thank you both. I'll try to stay on as long as we have power.

I wanted to do a little "I'm-not-a-witch"craft today, and spray paint Stevie lyrics on the hurricane shutters. But it was too windy. Oh yeah, and my Dad said, "HELL NO!!!" :lol:

But it would have said:

"Heartless challenge
Pick path and I'll pray..."

She's a woman for all occasions. :nod:

[gldstwmn]

Just click my banner, it goes right to his show's page.

I should have known. :p

[strandinthewind]

That makes you hot, doesn't it? :laugh: :wavey:

It would be a merger dahling :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

Oh crap - be back in a few - have to go cry a little. Too hard to hold it in any more.

Okay. We'll be here for you when you get back.

[dissention]

Thanks man. Scratching and patting in progress. Zorro had flown over an landed on me every 10 minutes or so since I let them out to play. He normally does that once or twice a week, if I'm lucky.

I was glad I thought to bring a spray bottle. After he passed out, I would lightly mist him with water. Then, he would get up, climb back to his fave perch, shake it off, and start singing! Tough little guy indeed.

Oh crap - be back in a few - have to go cry a little. Too hard to hold it in any more.

Aw, you guys will be fine, sweetie. With all of the good thoughts being sent your way by all of us, it should be a guarantee. Do you guys have a basement and all the supplies that might be needed?

[catinthedark]

Thanks man. Scratching and patting in progress. Zorro had flown over an landed on me every 10 minutes or so since I let them out to play. He normally does that once or twice a week, if I'm lucky.

I was glad I thought to bring a spray bottle. After he passed out, I would lightly mist him with water. Then, he would get up, climb back to his fave perch, shake it off, and start singing! Tough little guy indeed.

Oh crap - be back in a few - have to go cry a little. Too hard to hold it in any more.


OMG, what an awful ordeal. For you and your whole family, and I'm guessing too many others like you. I hope you make it through alright. Be safe and well...

[WelshWitchPMD]

I'll say a prayer that you and all of your loved ones are safe, Nixxxed!

[dissention]

I should have known. :p

:D

Yes, really, you should have.

[ontheEdgeof17]

Take care, Hun!

I'll keep you in my thoughts! :xoxo:

[Nixxxed]

Aw, you guys will be fine, sweetie. With all of the good thoughts being sent your way by all of us, it should be a guarantee. Do you guys have a basement and all the supplies that might be needed?
We're in a 2 story house, so we're ok for moderate flooding. And we left everything packed, just in case. All our food, water, supplies are in boxes on the kitchen table, ready to go upstairs or in the truck, depending on which situation we're faced with.

Luckily, most tornoadoes occur on the east side of a storm. It's still possible I guess, but we have several hallways on the bottom floor that completely close off.

[sparky]

Coco - sending a big peep out to you, Rocky, and Zorro.



http://usera.imagecave.com/casparky/coco-copy-copy.jpg

[Nixxxed]

Thanks Pattie & Cat & Curtis - I appreciate your thoughts & prayers.

:xoxo:

[JazmenFlowers]

everybody please be safe.

[Nixxxed]

Coco - sending a big peep out to you, Rocky, and Zorro.



http://usera.imagecave.com/casparky/coco-copy-copy.jpg
CUUUUUUUUUTE!

http://users4.ev1.net/~iansnana/zorrohouse1.jpg

Zorro says: "Hey, Coco, wanna play house???"

:lol:

[WildInTheWind]

Wow that is awful! I'm sorry you were stuck on the road for so long...and ended up going home. Stay safe and good luck!

[Serrart]

Positive thoughts coming from this side of the ocean too. Be safe and good luck!

Romy

[Nixxxed]

Thanks Becky and Romy!

The wind has really kicked up now, and the rain is pelting the aluminum shutters. The lights have flickered a few times, hope that's all that happens. Going through one of these things is horrible without power, especially lighting since the windows are completely covered.

The storm looks like it's going even farther east now, into the Texas/Louisiana border. Those are the people I'm really worried about. Even though it's much weaker than yesterday, it's still very dangerous.

[ShangriLaTroubl]

good luck out there!

Chris

[Dreammms]

Good luck Nixxed. Hope everything works out for you. :xoxo:

by the way love the birds nixxed and sparky. SOOO cute. i have four parakeets. they are my babies.

[michelle2677]

I hope you are safe thru all of this. I will be praying for you. Please keep us updated if you can. That may be asking a little much..hahah...but we are all thinking of you :)

[Johnny Stew]

Chuck... thank you for checking in. I've been thinking about and worrying about you and your family. I'm so sorry to hear about your ordeal on the highway. What a nightmare.

Stay safe, my friend... we're all sending our good thoughts and prayers your way.

{{{BIG HUGS}}}

[Nixxxed]

Thanks Chris and Danielle - oh, and Jason too, everytime I see your sig pic, I just stare and stare and forget to read what you've typed. :laugh: I'll just never understand why she doesn't wear red more.

And Danielle, Rocky and Zorro say give your birds extra treats tonight. I'm spoiling them so much tonight to make up for yesterday's trauma that they want to share the love. :xoxo:

[The Tower]

Oh, Chuckie- I'm so sorry you had to go through all that crapola!!

:xoxo: :xoxo: :xoxo:

Is your mom feeling better? Carbon monoxide yuck poisoning is the worst. I'm glad you're safe at home and I'm sure everything will be okay. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be stuck out on the highway when the winds pick up.

If I could reach through the DSL line to huggy squish you, I would.

[Nixxxed]

I hope you are safe thru all of this. I will be praying for you. Please keep us updated if you can. That may be asking a little much..hahah...but we are all thinking of you :)

Thanks - I'll keep posting as long as I can. I know it's not as exciting as a Stevie concert play-by-play, but it's keeping me (relatively) sane.

I'll try to take some pics too of the rain & wind & damage, but won't be able to post them until after this is all over. The camera and dock hooks up to the downstairs PC, which is obviously packed up for flooding concerns.

I'm hearing reports of power outages in my county, and I'm hoping it's random transformers and lines down, and not some freaky grid failure. Our lights have flickered a few times, though. Not a good sign. And the sound of the rain slamming against the shutters is so loud, I can barely hear the TV for storm coverage. And that sucker's cranked up loud! :laugh:

[stargazer99]

I'm so sorry to hear about your horrible ordeal! Please stay safe... I'll be thinking of you and your family.

[Nixxxed]

Chuck... thank you for checking in. I've been thinking about and worrying about you and your family. I'm so sorry to hear about your ordeal on the highway. What a nightmare.

Stay safe, my friend... we're all sending our good thoughts and prayers your way.

{{{BIG HUGS}}}
Thanks B!!!

I just read Brad's account of his evac hell on the other thead, and glad he was able to complete his. In the end, I'm glad we came home. Less safe, certainly, but so much more comforting being in familiar surroundings.

[michelle2677]

Thanks - I'll keep posting as long as I can. I know it's not as exciting as a Stevie concert play-by-play, but it's keeping me (relatively) sane.

I'll try to take some pics too of the rain & wind & damage, but won't be able to post them until after this is all over. The camera and dock hooks up to the downstairs PC, which is obviously packed up for flooding concerns.

I'm hearing reports of power outages in my county, and I'm hoping it's random transformers and lines down, and not some freaky grid failure. Our lights have flickered a few times, though. Not a good sign. And the sound of the rain slamming against the shutters is so loud, I can barely hear the TV for storm coverage. And that sucker's cranked up loud! :laugh:


:( this is already scaring me and I'm not even the one there. I would much rather have a play by play of you being o.k. than a stevie concert any day! (now stevie with lindsey.....erm....uh...hahah ;) Juuuuuust kidding :D )Good that you have a two story house tho. Hopefully that will give you some extra protection. Be safe! :xoxo:

[Nixxxed]

Oh, Chuckie- I'm so sorry you had to go through all that crapola!!

:xoxo: :xoxo: :xoxo:

Is your mom feeling better? Carbon monoxide yuck poisoning is the worst. I'm glad you're safe at home and I'm sure everything will be okay. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be stuck out on the highway when the winds pick up.

If I could reach through the DSL line to huggy squish you, I would.
I've drank tons of water, and have the fresh air vent open on the AC. I still feel a little off, though. And I keep getting whiffs of car exhaust - I guess that smell is still stuck in my nose.

Mom and Dad and dog are doing fine. And the birds are happy and zooming around from window to window trying to figure out where the hell all the noise is coming from.

And huggy squishes you say? Sounds hot...

[Nixxxed]

I'm so sorry to hear about your horrible ordeal! Please stay safe... I'll be thinking of you and your family.
Thanks Mary! :wavey:

SIGN ME UP for your Stewart/Colbert campaign!!! I'd vote for them twice, just to see what the press conferences would be like. :laugh:

[EnchantedSLN]

Yikes, that's awful. Sorry you guys went through all that just to have to turn back around. It sounds like you made the best decision, though. I'm glad you (and the animals) are safe & hoping it stays that way :xoxo:. Please keep checking in when you can.

[BTFLCHLD]

Originally Posted by gldstwmn
Please stay with us and let us know you're okay as long as you can.
I am going to light a candle for you, your family and the pets. I hope all of you remain safe and comfortable.

what gldst said :angel:
you did what was right
but now im terrified for you :(
i wish there was something i/we could do
pls be safe i pray for you and your family
and all suffering thru this/these storms

[Nixxxed]

Thanks Tiff and BTFLCHLD.

It was a really hard decision, just because it was really too early to guess at the storm's path. But our destination was still almost 200 miles away (extended family near San Augustine), and we were only moving at 3-4 miles per hour average. The storm was moving at 10-15mph. Then, when we stopped moving for more than 2 hours, we knew we had to do something, especially since we calculated it would have taken 50 hours to complete our trip IF we had been able to move.

I thought about taking pictures of the chaos several times, but it would have meant unpacking the truck to get to the camera. I had plenty of time, but decided it would be best to conserve what little energy I had left.

[amber]

Thanks Tiff and BTFLCHLD.

It was a really hard decision, just because it was really too early to guess at the storm's path. But our destination was still almost 200 miles away (extended family near San Augustine), and we were only moving at 3-4 miles per hour average. The storm was moving at 10-15mph. Then, when we stopped moving for more than 2 hours, we knew we had to do something, especially since we calculated it would have taken 50 hours to complete our trip IF we had been able to move.

I thought about taking pictures of the chaos several times, but it would have meant unpacking the truck to get to the camera. I had plenty of time, but decided it would be best to conserve what little energy I had left.

:xoxo: :xoxo:
Best wishes, you know I love you.

[macfanken]

Your evacuation attempt sounds like a nightmare... glad you at least made it back home safely. Good luck... we're all thinking of you! :xoxo:

[Livia]

Hang in there, Chuck! Sending good thoughts and prayers your way! :xoxo:

[sara_17]

We tried our best to evacuate for Hurricane Rita, but we couldn't get out of the area. We left our house in Texas City at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, and by 4:30 pm yesterday we were only 57 miles from home. We had been sitting stationary on a highway in Liberty, TX for 2 hours (in 100-degree heat with no A/C) when we decided we'd rather take our chances, comfortable in our own home, than experience a hurricane in a pickup with our beloved pets only protected by a tarp we set up to keep the sun off them.

After travelling for 20 hours to get 57 miles away, it only took us a little over an hour to get home yesterday night. On our return, we passed approximately 30 miles of bumper-to-bumper traffic sitting perfectly still on the highway.

If you've seen any news coverage of the "evacuation" -- yes, it really was that bad. We all have heat exhaustion - including the pets. I'm also pretty sure we got a good dose of carbon monoxide poisoning. At one point, my Mom's lips had the telltale bluish tinge, while I was feeling light-headed and nauseated. It was HOT yesterday - the high pressure controlling the storm's movement prevented any breeze, and we were left to bake on the blacktop highway, trying to hide from the sun inside the truck cab while breathing all the vehicle exhaust -- much of which was diesel thanks to all the SUVs and mobile homes that were alongside us. To make matters even more interesting, we were travelling up Hwy 146, which has petrochemical refineries on both side of the road the entire distance between TC and Liberty.

The moment we actually decided to head home, we had been looking for a stopping point for a few hours, just to get inside in some A/C for a while to cool down and regroup. None could be found - we only found 3 convenience stores open, and there were so many people inside and going in and out that the A/C was nil. There was no gas, water, ice, substaintial food, or restroom facilities to find anywhere along the route. And from all the news reports we were hearing, the situation was actually worse up the road.

There were several points during the day that we sat still for an hour or more, and got out to talk to our "neighbors". We actually met some really nice people. But cars were breaking down, and we were having to help push them out of the way. Plus, we saw a few fights and road rage incidents as people tried to sneak ahead using the road shoulder.

Since the forecasted hurricane path had moved east, all the towns on the coast and inland to the east had declared mandatory evacuations as well, and those citizens were entering the evacuation route also. Not to mention the people from Houston who were able to get ahead of us because of the freeways (whereas we were on a 2-lane highway).

But I'm back home, getting ready to pop a few Coronas and ride it out. Rocky's on my knee, begging to be petted. He's simply traumatized. Zorro (my lovebird) is flying around, and seems to be doing better today. He fainted and fell to the bottom of his cage a few times on the road yesterday, and each time I thought I'd lost him. My Dad's Rottweiler will not leave his side anywhere he walks in the house. She's been vomiting all day, and has drank at least 2 gallons of water. Dad seems fine now, having worked as a welder in a refinery for 25 years. Mom is putting on a brave face, but it's obvious she doesn't feel well.

I hope this had made sense, and thanks for reading. I'm going through some strange hot/cold cycles from a very severe sunburn on one arm and my head/neck, and I'm still lightheaded and a little spacey (even more so than usual) from breathing exhaust fumes, and trying to fight my ragweed allergy with cheap antihistamines.

It's been a strange, very strange week. But at least now I have the actual hurricane to deal with, rather than the fear of it. And yes, in case you've seen the news reports and are wondering, there ARE still people who are trapped on the roads in east Texas. Please say a little prayer for them when you get a chance.


God what a nightmare I will pray for you and your family.

[Nixxxed]

Thanks Amber, Ken, Livia and sara_17!

They just had a news report from Galveston - one of the city's oldest seawall bars, The Poop Deck, is open and serving. And those people are DRUNK. Very drunk. And rowdy. You'd think it was just sprinkling outside. :laugh:

And yes, I kinda wish I was there. Bet you can't guess what they're drinking... ;)

[sara1998]

That makes you hot, doesn't it? :laugh: :wavey:
LMAO!!! :eek:

Cooper is hot, isn't he??

[dissention]

Thanks Amber, Ken, Livia and sara_17!

They just had a news report from Galveston - one of the city's oldest seawall bars, The Poop Deck, is open and serving. And those people are DRUNK. Very drunk. And rowdy. You'd think it was just sprinkling outside. :laugh:

And yes, I kinda wish I was there. Bet you can't guess what they're drinking... ;)

Cooper interviewed some dumb ****s from Galveston at The Poop Deck yesterday who said they were staying "for the waves." I laughed.

[sara1998]

Hang in there, Nixxxed. I'll be saying prayers for you and your family. That whole evacuation mess looks awful, and I'm so sorry you couldn't get out. Best of luck to you all, and I can't wait to hear from you as soon as it's possible.

[Nixxxed]

Cooper interviewed some dumb ****s from Galveston at The Poop Deck yesterday who said they were staying "for the waves." I laughed.
We actually have a huge surfing community here, which I don't understand at all. The only time you get even remotely surf-able waves here is during tropical storms. The other times it's 2-ft waves, max. Unless you're lucky enough to get a 3 or 4-footer when a huge tanker ship passes and makes a wake. :shrug:

And the other strange thing is that they wear the rubber body suits when they're surfing. I mean - the Gulf water is almost 90 degrees, like bathwater, from April to November. Fashion at all costs I guess...

[Johnny Stew]

Chuck... goofy question, but were you interviewed by phone by one of your local news stations?

Our local news was airing footage from one of their affiliates in your area, and the guy they were talking to (in voice over), described an evacuation experience pretty much exactly to what you described... nearly 20 hours in the car, his family deciding to take their chances at home, and it only taking about one hour to get back home after making that decision.

Of course, I guess a LOT of people are experiencing the exact same situations.

[Nixxxed]

Hang in there, Nixxxed. I'll be saying prayers for you and your family. That whole evacuation mess looks awful, and I'm so sorry you couldn't get out. Best of luck to you all, and I can't wait to hear from you as soon as it's possible.
Thank you so much. We were actually looking forward to a little vacation - northeast Texas is beautiful country - huge trees & rolling hills. And we had planned on staying a while, since we didn't know when we'd be able to get back home (if ever).

But in the end, I'm glad we came back. They're forecasting the strongest part of the storm to go directly over the top of the place we would have been staying, and then to park there and dump huge amounts of rain.

Stupid hurricanes. :laugh:

[Nixxxed]

Chuck... goofy question, but were you interviewed by phone by one of your local news stations?

Our local news was airing footage from one of their affiliates in your area, and the guy they were talking to (in voice over), described an evacuation experience pretty much exactly to what you described... nearly 20 hours in the car, his family deciding to take their chances at home, and it only taking about one hour to get back home after making that decision.

Of course, I guess a LOT of people are experiencing the exact same situations.
No - no airtime for me. Although we did get stopped a few times as we were heading home, once by a tow-truck driver, and twice by troopers, asking what we were doing. By the third time, we just pointed at the traffic line stretching to each horizon and asked him, "Are you kidding? We're going home!" :laugh:

We listened to the radio all day yesterday, hoping to hear that traffic was easing ahead of us, or new routes had been opened up, etc. All the radio stations had stopped format-broadcasting, and were instead call-in shows of people looking for gas, pleading for help, or telling their stories. Some people had been on the road since early Wednesday A.M., and even some since Tuesday night - nearly 36 hours by that point. There were easily several hundred thousand people in the same situation, if not a million.

And even though we saw some nastiness, there saw a lot of goodness in people too. We'd talk and laugh with people in the cars around us, people were sharing supplies & phones & maps & information. And a couple of times, I had to help people push their car off the road when they ran out of gas. We had extra gas in containers, but were afraid to part with it. We just didn't know when, if ever, we'd be able to get more.

[Nixxxed]

What a horrible situation to be in, Chuck. I wish you the best, and am praying for you and your loved ones. Thanks for taking the time to post here...I've never been so glad to see the little green dot next to someone's username. :)
Awwww thanks Justin.

So far so good. This ole house is holding up well. This will be the second hurricane I've weathered here (and hopefully the last).

The wind is now nearly 70 mph, with gusts much higher. All kinds of banging and crashing outside. And a weird low groaning sound we can't figure out. During Hurricane Alicia in 83, we left one window uncovered, and spent much of the storm with our head stuck out of it watching stuff blow away. It was great fun when I was 14. Now? I wouldn't stick my head out of that window if you paid me. We left it uncovered though - we're superstitious that way.

I just looked outside as I was getting a drink, and all of the siding has come off the house next door, and it's strewn about our driveway and their yard like spaghetti noodles. I think one of their windows is blown out too, as the plywood they covered it with is only hanging by one nail and seems to be flapping inside the window. There's no one in the house, tho - I think we're the only people in our neighborhood.

[gldstwmn]

LMAO!!! :eek:

Cooper is hot, isn't he??

Hotter than July. :nod:

[dissention]

Hotter than July. :nod:

Especially wet Cooper. :]

[gldstwmn]

Especially wet Cooper. :]

I was just thinking the same thing. :laugh:

[Nixxxed]

I was just thinking the same thing. :laugh:
I'm so disappointed. I just saw on CNN that Anderson's moved east to Beaumont.

I was really looking forward to the 15-minute drive to Galveston tomorrow too.

:distress:

[gldstwmn]

I'm so disappointed. I just saw on CNN that Anderson's moved east to Beaumont.

I was really looking forward to the 15-minute drive to Galveston tomorrow too.

:distress:

Maybe you'll get the chance to go over to Beaumont? How far is it?

[dissention]

I was just thinking the same thing. :laugh:

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1800/1273/1600/HURRICANE1.jpg

His hurricane chasing is a drinking game just waiting to be invented. :woohoo:

[Nixxxed]

Maybe you'll get the chance to go over to Beaumont? How far is it?
Beaumont's about 2 hours away on a normal driving day. I'm literally across from Galveston. I can see the tallest building on the island from our roof - which I did on Tuesday as I was checking the roof vents and shingles.

And there's no way I'm getting in a car on a freeway for a while, thanks. :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

Beaumont's about 2 hours away on a normal driving day. I'm literally across from Galveston. I can see the tallest building on the island from our roof - which I did on Tuesday as I was checking the roof vents and shingles.

And there's no way I'm getting in a car on a freeway for a while, thanks. :laugh:

Then you'll have to watch cutie pie on the tv like the rest of us. :laugh:

[dissention]

Then you'll have to watch cutie pie on the tv like the rest of us. :laugh:

Have you checked out the CNN listings for this weekend? They might as well just rename it ACN for the time being. Hip hip hooray.

My only request is that they give Rick Sanchez less airtime. I can't stand that man. Love Rob Marciano, haaaaate Rick Sanchez. He's like a louder and more obnoxious version of Paula Zahn, and that's quite a feat in itself.

[Nixxxed]

Then you'll have to watch cutie pie on the tv like the rest of us. :laugh:
True. But you guys would have been SO jealous when I posted the pic of me kissing him on the cheek. :nod:

[Nixxxed]

You guyz have been great tonight, and I appreciate it so much!

Kortni (pianogirl04) is in central Lousiana, with the storm bearing down on her. Plus, she just told me she's now under a tornado warning (the first of many, the weather folks say).

Send her some love, OK?

[GypsySorcerer]

Stay safe, Chuck. I'm thinking of you and sending good vibes your way. Also, I'm sending my best to Kortni.

[Nixxxed]

Thanks Krista!

This is the last straw for me, I'm afraid. I'm already planning my move back to Tennessee where I grew up, so we'll be hillbilly neighbors! ;) Maybe we can talk golddustwoman77 into throwing a big party...

[Janet]

Im late in the game here but I am so sorry you had to go back and that you went thru that at all. They said no one would have to go back...and so many people did.

STAY SAFE. GOD BLESS YOU.

[Nixxxed]

Thanks Janet. As we were driving back, there were about 20 cars full of people doing the same. And they've had news interviews all night long with people who decided to return to this area as well.

And sadly, the people who evacuated seem to be getting worse weather where they are now than if they had stayed at home. It's pretty bad here, but not nearly as bad as a few of the towns we passed thru on the evacuation route. :distress:

I just hope this doesn't lull people back into that "hurricanes ain't so bad" mindset. The smart thing to do was evacuate, and I'm glad we at least tried. I'm just afraid once they see what they went through vs. how things turned out, they'll cop an attitude. Which is scary since there are still 2 months left of hurricane season.

[sparky]

Thanks Krista!

This is the last straw for me, I'm afraid. I'm already planning my move back to Tennessee where I grew up, so we'll be hillbilly neighbors! ;) Maybe we can talk golddustwoman77 into throwing a big party...

Tennessee ? Lord Have Mercy. More hillbillies. Move to LA. Me and the birds can put you up for awhile. :wavey: :laugh:

[Beachwood Mac]

Be well Chuck. I just saw on the map tracking the hurricane exactly where you are. Hang on and let us know you are okay. I have to have someone to share the birthday with next year!

Terry

[Nixxxed]

Tennessee ? Lord Have Mercy. More hillbillies. Move to LA. Me and the birds can put you up for awhile. :wavey: :laugh:
Wellllllllllllllllllll.... I do have everything I own already packed and ready to go...

:nod:

[Nixxxed]

Be well Chuck. I just saw on the map tracking the hurricane exactly where you are. Hang on and let us know you are okay. I have to have someone to share the birthday with next year!

Terry
Thanks Terry! We're getting the west side of the storm, which is considered the "clean" side because of the rotation (which I'm sure you've heard a million times if you've watched any of the weather coverage at all).

It's still pretty unnerving though, especially the noises you hear outside when you can't see out the windows. And there was just a news report where the reporter on Galveston island said the wind had actually moved her big news van a few feet. Freak-y!!!

[JazmenFlowers]

Thanks Terry! We're getting the west side of the storm, which is considered the "clean" side because of the rotation (which I'm sure you've heard a million times if you've watched any of the weather coverage at all).

It's still pretty unnerving though, especially the noises you hear outside when you can't see out the windows. And there was just a news report where the reporter on Galveston island said the wind had actually moved her big news van a few feet. Freak-y!!!

I'm surprised you still have power and internet access. Hopefully, everything will be ok. Take care!

[sara1998]

Where are ya, Chuck??? Hope you're OK....

On edit:

I just saw on another thread that you posted earlier this morning. I'm so glad to see you've made it though the night. :xoxo:

[golddustwoman77]

Thanks Krista!

This is the last straw for me, I'm afraid. I'm already planning my move back to Tennessee where I grew up, so we'll be hillbilly neighbors! ;) Maybe we can talk golddustwoman77 into throwing a big party...


You just name the date, baby! We'll celebrate your return to the great state of Tennessee. You know you love all of us hillbillies up here. ;) I should educate some of the people on this board about our state. The entire state of Tennessee isn't hills and mountains. In fact, the western part of the state is extremely flat like the Delta. I was born and raised in the western part of the state, so I'm a flatlander. :p

P.S. I hope you all are safe and sound, since you couldn't get out. My thoughts are with you guys. Stay safe.

[gldstwmn]

Chuck I'm glad to see you made it. Now can we hear from all the other Texas/LA Ledgies?

[Nixxxed]

Where are ya, Chuck??? Hope you're OK....

On edit:

I just saw on another thread that you posted earlier this morning. I'm so glad to see you've made it though the night. :xoxo:

Yeah - totally fine here. I started the birthday thread and then ... we lost power for about 20 minutes. We're just barely in the range of the back side of the storm, and we lost power as it's going away. :rolleyes: Stupid hurricanes.

So, we went out and drove around a bit. Limbs are down everywhere, other sections of the city don't have power, and we saw a few street lights & light poles down. But it really wasn't that bad, thankfully. Scary at times, but could have been much worse here.

Has anyone heard from lbelle1214 or Kortni (pianogirl04)? I just saw CNN reporting from Lumberton, TX, where lbelle is from, and it is apparently pretty bad there... :distress:

[DavidMn]

I know I'm a little late here, but I'm glad you made it. :nod:

[Nixxxed]

You just name the date, baby! We'll celebrate your return to the great state of Tennessee. You know you love all of us hillbillies up here. ;) I should educate some of the people on this board about our state. The entire state of Tennessee isn't hills and mountains. In fact, the western part of the state is extremely flat like the Delta. I was born and raised in the western part of the state, so I'm a flatlander. :p

P.S. I hope you all are safe and sound, since you couldn't get out. My thoughts are with you guys. Stay safe.
:laugh:

I was born in Knoxville, and spent my early years constantly visiting family all thru the Smokies, so I'm PROUD to call myself a hillbilly. To this day, I still don't consider myself a Texan. But you're right - it's probably a bad stereotype.

OH - and Houston got its first Krystal hamburger joint - one of the main things I missed about Tennessee (besides Mello Yello :nod: ). It's way on the north side of town, about an hour away, but we still drove up there and ate until we popped. I think I had 12 (with cheese, no pickles!). They were SOOOOOOOO good, but: http://users4.ev1.net/~iansnana/smileypuke.gif

[dissention]

Yeah - totally fine here. I started the birthday thread and then ... we lost power for about 20 minutes. We're just barely in the range of the back side of the storm, and we lost power as it's going away. :rolleyes: Stupid hurricanes.

So, we went out and drove around a bit. Limbs are down everywhere, other sections of the city don't have power, and we saw a few street lights & light poles down. But it really wasn't that bad, thankfully. Scary at times, but could have been much worse here.

Has anyone heard from lbelle1214 or Kortni (pianogirl04)? I just saw CNN reporting from Lumberton, TX, where lbelle is from, and it is apparently pretty bad there... :distress:

Oh, I'm so happy you guys are fine, Chuck. :xoxo:

I'm crossing my fingers that the others are okay.

[SuzeQuze]

Chuck, I'm very happy to read that you are okay. :xoxo: Phew.

[Nixxxed]

Thanks Chris, David & Josh!

Also, has Hillary been on? I saw she posted a few times last night, but haven't checked yet today.

[GypsySorcerer]

:laugh:

I was born in Knoxville, and spent my early years constantly visiting family all thru the Smokies, so I'm PROUD to call myself a hillbilly. To this day, I still don't consider myself a Texan. But you're right - it's probably a bad stereotype.

OH - and Houston got its first Krystal hamburger joint - one of the main things I missed about Tennessee (besides Mello Yello :nod: ). It's way on the north side of town, about an hour away, but we still drove up there and ate until we popped. I think I had 12 (with cheese, no pickles!). They were SOOOOOOOO good, but: http://users4.ev1.net/~iansnana/smileypuke.gif
Glad to hear you're okay, Chuck. I'm thinkin' of ya.

And also, I'm glad you're moving back to hillbilly land!! :blob2: :] :blob1:

[JazmenFlowers]

:laugh:

I was born in Knoxville, and spent my early years constantly visiting family all thru the Smokies, so I'm PROUD to call myself a hillbilly. To this day, I still don't consider myself a Texan. But you're right - it's probably a bad stereotype.

OH - and Houston got its first Krystal hamburger joint - one of the main things I missed about Tennessee (besides Mello Yello :nod: ). It's way on the north side of town, about an hour away, but we still drove up there and ate until we popped. I think I had 12 (with cheese, no pickles!). They were SOOOOOOOO good, but: http://users4.ev1.net/~iansnana/smileypuke.gif

oh my gosh - I can't live without my Krystal burgers - especially after being out all Saturday night, nothing hits the spot at 4 am like Krystal burger

[michelle2677]

BLAHH!! the only thing worse than a Krystal burger is White Castle LOL

[golddustwoman77]

:laugh:

I was born in Knoxville, and spent my early years constantly visiting family all thru the Smokies, so I'm PROUD to call myself a hillbilly. To this day, I still don't consider myself a Texan. But you're right - it's probably a bad stereotype.

OH - and Houston got its first Krystal hamburger joint - one of the main things I missed about Tennessee (besides Mello Yello :nod: ). It's way on the north side of town, about an hour away, but we still drove up there and ate until we popped. I think I had 12 (with cheese, no pickles!). They were SOOOOOOOO good, but: http://users4.ev1.net/~iansnana/smileypuke.gif

Cool, I went to school in Knoxville at UT. I still live just outside of Knoxville. I was born and raised in West TN between Jackson and Nashville in a town called Camden. I love the Smokies. It is just beautiful up here.

Krystal hamburgers---Yes, you can definitely find those everywhere here! The traditional, late night, drunken snack. :lol:

[Serrart]

Yeah - totally fine here. I started the birthday thread and then ... we lost power for about 20 minutes. We're just barely in the range of the back side of the storm, and we lost power as it's going away. :rolleyes: Stupid hurricanes.

So, we went out and drove around a bit. Limbs are down everywhere, other sections of the city don't have power, and we saw a few street lights & light poles down. But it really wasn't that bad, thankfully. Scary at times, but could have been much worse here.

Has anyone heard from lbelle1214 or Kortni (pianogirl04)? I just saw CNN reporting from Lumberton, TX, where lbelle is from, and it is apparently pretty bad there... :distress:

I''m so happy Chuck, everything went well for you and your family, hope the other Ledgies coping with Rita are safe too.

Romy

[eclipse]

Chuck-
I am so glad you are OK and I have a feeling (and I hope that I am right, that all our Ledgie friends are safe and sound...well have you read some posts?? Safe anyway...
Everyone is in my thoughts :xoxo:

[trackaghost]

I'm so glad you're okay Chuck. I hope everyone else out there is okay too.

[sparky]

Wellllllllllllllllllll.... I do have everything I own already packed and ready to go...

:nod:


Hit the road, Jack.

[Nixxxed]

Hit the road, Jack.
:lol: :xoxo:

Doing much better today. Crashed yesterday afternoon from exhaustion, and woke up just in time to catch Beck on Austin City Limits, and then the Houston premiere of Lindsey's SoundStage (for those without digital cable, anyway).

This is the second hurricane I've experienced, and the second one to be followed by a Mac-member concert. :laugh: I had forgotten all about it in the insanity of last week, and it sure was a welcome surprise.

Thanks again EVERYONE for all the support. I was telling Kortni as we were hurricane-PMing that all of you were being so sweet and supportive, I've fallen in love with The Ledge all over again. { SOB }

And has anyone heard from lbelle1214 (in some fashion besides the board)? She hasn't been online since before the storm, so I have no doubt she's without power - I believe she lives just north of Beaumont. :distress: