janelle lynn photography: the blog

We made it through the Hurricane - though I will admit around 2:30am early Saturday morning I had my doubts.  I was six years old during Hurricane Alicia (last major hurricane to hit Houston) and the only memories I have of it are losing power and my parents moving us to a hotel by Astroworld.  This was an entirely different experience.   HOWLING winds, the sound of something ripping of my roof and tumbling towards the yard, the sight of transformers blowing out multiple times and hearing the crack of trees/fences breaking scared me to death.  Hubby was fascinated and couldn’t seem to pull himself away from the window.  By 7am, the heavy part of the storm had passed us by.

The aftermath seems to be ALOT worse.  Living in a house without any power nor water BITES.  I did not get a wink of sleep last night because it was so muggy and hot.  Hubby was snoring away and I still don’t know how he was able to sleep while I was counting down the minutes to daylight.  I was MISERABLE. (being almost 7 months pregnant probably doesn’t help)  I’m now kicking myself for not being the one of many to buy a generator at Home Depot before the storm. 

As for damage we consider ourselves very lucky.  Our chimney blew off the roof - half of it landing in the backyard the other half lodging itself beneath the satellite dish - much to hubby’s dismay.  In addition, our trees lost some limbs, the hibiscus bush was flattened and we lost a few singles. Our neighbors were not so lucky. Many had trees that were entirely uprooted and fences that were completely destroyed. 

After my miserable night, Hubby decided to take me up north to his parent’s house for a shower and much needed nap.  I’ve never enjoyed a shower so much!  We were initially going to stay at a hotel but decided to save the moolah and stay here.  Hubby had to drive back into town to pick up our brood before the 9pm curfew.  So now, we’re at my in-laws - 4 adults, 1 baby in utero, 6 dogs and 4 cats.

To my Houston familia - I’m unable to make any outside calls and I doubt I’m getting any incoming calls on my cell phone.  I’ve been trying to check in with T and J since lunchtime to no avail and I last spoke with Dad earlier this afternoon.  As far as I know, my area is still without power and Dad said he’d call me when it turns back on.  So T and J - if you’re able to read this call my cell just to let me know you’re ok and if it goes straight to voicemail leave a message - my phone will eventually alert me.

 Prayers and thoughts are with my fellow Houstonians!