It’s eerie here
Although I’d guess that most of Houston’s population has not evacuated — only the low-lying areas are subject to mandatory evacuation, anyway — some significant portion (40%?) has left. And most of the ones who’ve stayed are apparently at home. As I left the Texas Medical Center today, the streets were virtually deserted. My condo complex is unusually quiet. And all but a few stores and businesses have closed. It feels quite strange.
The latest projection from the National Hurricane Center has Rita making landfall to the north of Galveston. And she may by then be down to a category 3. If so, that’s all good news for Houston, as it puts us on the “dry” side of a less fearsome storm.
I’ll be part of the “ride out” team at my institution. We’re going in tomorrow at 5 a.m. and once the flood walls shut, we’ll be there until some time after “the event.” I take that to mean Monday afternoon. (One sweet thing: I’ll be on the clock around-the-clock at time and a half, which has me with one of these in mind.) Last night I went out and bought all my hurricane rations, and tonight I’m at home doing laundry. Later I’ll take the dog to a friend’s house.
I count myself extraordinarily fortunate to have as colleagues men and women who are decent, able, loving and fun-loving, and whose company I enjoy. If you’re going to spend a few days living with others in close quarters, you want it to be with folks as good as these guys and gals.
I’ll see all of ya’ll again early next week. For now, blogging off.
I’m keeping you in my thoughts.
Paul, You are in my thoughts and prayers as well.
Good luck Paul. I hope your loved ones and property fare well. And thanks for being one of the few who stays behind to help others.
Glad to hear you’re ok. None of the other posts have comments enabled. I actually drove down to help family get prepared since they had to take care of the business and three special needs kids. We weathered just fine down here in Pasadena/Deer Park. I’m headed back in the morn, glad to hear you’re well!