Hello family, howdy friends. I am so happy to report that we are back home safe and sound. Our harrowing Hurricane Rita experience was more about human behavior than natural disasters. Here are the Cliff Notes of the experience:
We did a whirlwind tour of Texas. Ha ha I'm so puny! We left Wednesday night at 6 p.m. After sitting on 290 for 7 hours, Paige, Graham & I were a mere 10 miles from my aunt Cinda's house in Lexington, Texas.
So close and yet so far away...my back right tire BLEW into shreds. Graham and Paige said, "Mommy's a crazy driver!!!" and "Oh noisy!" Luckily, my fit uncle Lee and strapping cousin Robert came to our rescue. Cars were wizzing by us on the normally quiet country road. In a dramatic moment around 2 a.m. the jack gave way, the car rolled back, and the new tire was precariously pinned under the weight of the vehicle.
Lee had to run home for another jack! So it was 2:30 a.m. and we were standing in a hay field. Paige and Graham were in my arms, pointing out everything they could name in the moonlit sky. The kids didn't sleep AT ALL until we were at my aunt's house.
Then up with the sun, back on the road after some lovely pancakes made by Bevie, but we ran into a big pile-up on 77N, so made a U-turn, stopped at the quintessential country bumpkin store, got directions. We went WEST to Taylor, then took farm roads up north, via Whitney, Burleson then into Irving by 4:30 p.m. where we camped out at my sister Emily's house.
Saturday we headed for Austin, and stayed the night with my other sister, Jennifer, and her family. The kids were on cloud nine to play with their cousins, Anna and Colin. Late Sunday morning we were homeward bound. We took a road less traveled, rather than using the main thoroughfares into Houston. It took us just a little over 3 hours.
There are leaves and debris everywhere. Downed branches here and there. But, all in all, we are in excellent shape. Now it's a mad dash to clean up, unpack, wash and prepare for our journey overseas, leaving Paige and Graham at home in the very capable hands of my buddy, Andrea.
4 comments:
So glad you are home safe, was worried about you guys. I hope you have a wonderful trip. Take care.
So glad you are home safe, was worried about you guys. I hope you have a wonderful trip. Take care.
Steph, we were anxious about you all, but your dad and mum kept us informed, so very relieved you are all ok, sounds like you had a good time with Emily and Jennifer!!
We were with you all the way,Steph!! it was showing it all the time on T.V. and I said to Uncle Noel "Our Stephanie and kids are in that lot!" awful for you but you came through...xx
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