Fred Hartman Bridge

I've never been to the Fred Hartman Bridge.

Yesterday on our way to Baytown, we crossed this memorable bridge. My cousin had said that we would see the pyramid like formation with yellow cables on it. He calls it the "McDonald's Bridge" because of the "M" look you see as you drive on to it. As we crossed over, my son remembered being on it last year on the way to a basketball tournament. He said that once you have been on that bridge, you remember it! As we crossed Galveston Bay, we saw several boats still washed ashore by hurricane Ike. Much work has been done in clean up efforts. I know the boat owners will be glad when they can get their homes and boats back into working order....


That I'd like to see.

theater gutting

I've never been to a theater gutting.

But today I was saddened to see one in process. I went to visit the theater where my family has performed over the last six years. It is located at a community college and has been a place for many community members of all ages to perform. But due to lots of damage from Hurricane Ike, the theater is having to be gutted. It was sad to drive up and see the whole costume shop laid out in the lawn, bagged to be thrown out. Most of it is not salvageable due to the mold that has set in. They would not let me stay and help out; it is a health hazard and I would have to have a respirator to work there. But the spirit of the theater lives on. Although they did have to cancel the fall show, the auditions and performance of the Christmas show are still moving ahead. The performance will be at another branch campus. And all the damage assures that the college will basically be getting a new theater.

That I'd like to see.

hurricane evacuation

I've never been on a hurricane evacuation...this year.

After leaving for hurricane Rita, we were not too inclined to try that again. We stayed here for hurricane Ike. I know many people who did leave. It is so hard to try to decide what to take with you if you do decide to evacuate. You may come home to lots of damaged property or nothing left.

For dads, it seems the important documents might be enough to take with them. For moms like me, it's photo albums, scrap books, and necessary supplies like food, water, and our school books!

Kids are anxious about pets, toys and games. Teens will likely not leave behind any PS3 or game box, CDs, stereos and other electronic items.

I know that all this is just "stuff". If we do ever decide to evacuate again, I hope I will remember to keep that in mind....

That I'd like to see.

Bacliff

I've never been to Bacliff.

This is another small community on Galveston Bay that Ike pretty much destroyed. I know the flooding from the storm surge did a lot of damage here too. Folks around here have been going down to these small towns to help clean and hand out supplies. It is so great seeing neighbors and communities pull together like they are doing. I hope this kind of brotherly kindness can continue.

That I'd like to see.

San Leon

I've never been to San Leon.

This small community is located on Galveston Bay as it turns inland. It was hit hard this past weekend by Hurricane Ike. When we got electricity back, we were able to see images of the area hit so hard by the storm surge. It's really sad to see images of folks who have lost their homes and possessions. These are not the types of photos to be placed in picture frames except maybe in a museum. But I know that folks in that community will soon begin the process of rebuilding their seaside homes.

That I'd like to see.