ike

{all accompanying photos from Galveston, March 2007}

Hurricane Ike came visiting during the night and left a great deal of devastation in his path. The predictions of his effect on us here in Central Texas were ever-shifting. But in the end, I can sum it up with a variation on an old souvenir t-shirt slogan: Ike came to Texas and all we got were lousy gas prices. Mind you, I really am not complaining. I mean, we are safe and dry here at the Suburban Ranch. Everything is in tact. And our tomorrow is in all likelihood going to be predictably familiar (and dry). But, we wouldn't have minded being a bit less dry. Perhaps a few drops of that liquid gold, commonly known as rain, could have blown our way. Nope, not one drop. It was a breezy, overcast summer day. End of story.

Oh, yeah, except the gas. There have been runs on the gas. I didn't get out much today, but I observed neighboring gas stations on the way to market . One was selling the stuff for $3.51 a gallon and the other for $3.86. Curious. Curious to see what it is about town tomorrow.

What a small question, though, compared to those being contemplated by the many evacuees staying in town, nervously eager to return home. Restlessly awaiting permission to return and absorb the reality in person. God grant them courage and perseverance.