We look at the horrific flooding our neighbors suffered, and feel a twinge of guilt.  Usually, Galveston Island takes the brunt of the storm, buffering the damage for our inland neighbors.  The worst Diamond Beach suffered was a nasty looking pool and lazy river for a few days until the crew could complete the cleanup.  As you can see from the pictures above, I-10 heading to family in Beaumont was impassable, and still is today.  Even in Clear Lake, Bay Area Blvd, our main artery, was a river for a few tense days.  I sat up Saturday night watching the water rise toward the front door of Matt and Ika’s house, which had survived Katrina, Ike, Rita, Allison, and Alicia unscathed.  I prayed as it rose ominously, until nodding off at midnight.  A neighbor called thirty minutes later to wake me in time to move my car to high ground, just in time as the water had reached the bottom of the caddie’s door.  Scary though it was, prayers were answered and the water stopped short of the front door.  We did go on “candle” power for twelve hours, and missed cable tv for a few days, but compared to neighbors we have nothing to complain about, and everything to be grateful for.  It was actually a cozy time for us.

Restaurants were closed, but Matt managed to come back with fresh coffee and snacks (although somewhat picked over at the 7-11:)  Fire Hot Cheetos and coffee actually aren’t too bad if you’re hungry enough!

When I returned to Diamond Beach to survey the damage, I breathed a sigh of relief.  The sun was peeking out and the skeleton crew had already picked up the branches and leaves, leaving the place looking refreshingly green and well-watered.  I hear they only lost power for 2 hours; I’m staying put next storm.  My 5th floor condo is not likely to suffer flood, unless the gulf rises to cover Dallas:)