Monday, August 28, 2017

Harvey Update

We live just NW of Houston so we are in the midst of dealing with the continuing devastation of what is left of Hurricane Harvey. I have been trying to post updates on Facebook when I can. Right now I won't watch the news as I can't deal with the devastation going around me, it just breaks my heart.  And I won't post any images of flooding in my area for the same reason. My anxiety has been sky-high and when Harvey hit as a Cat. 4 I had a panic attack about everyone in that area and thought I might be having a heart attack. Paul has a friend who has a clinic and house in Rockport and thankfully she was able to get out in time.

Thank goodness for meditation apps, Netflix, wine, and a lovely family.

We can't get of our neighborhood due to flooded roads, but our house is dry so far. We have had at least 20 inches of rain in our direct area and have a watershed creek at the end of our neighborhood that has flooded the houses near it.  Emergency services can only rescue people in imminent danger, so neighbors are rescuing neighbors. Right now Paul is trying to help our neighbors rescue one family by boat (they are about to get water in their house), but it just started pouring again so I don't know if they can get them out. UPDATE: Paul and many of our incredibly neighbors rescued our trapped neighbors and their three dogs and they are safe now!!!

From what I am hearing, this is not only the worst flooding to ever hit the Houston area, but possibly the most devastating/expensive natural disaster to hit the US. I feel like crying as I type this.

So far the rain has been spaced out enough here that water has been able to drain away from our house and we live far enough from the creek to not be affected by raising water (as of yet).  And we had no rain for hours last evening and this morning which was a blessing as it allowed much of our standing water to drain away. But as I type this it has been pouring for some time.

The storm is supposed to dip south and then head slightly east of us, so they are predicting much more rain (maybe another 15 inches in our area which I can't even think about). I see that Louisiana  is getting really hit right now and I am praying for all of those people.  I hate writing anything right now because I have no idea what the next days will bring. I just keep on reminding myself that houses are fixable, but family is everything and we are all together safely weathering this horrific storm.


Before it started raining this afternoon, I went outside to check the water levels around our house. I noticed that my parsley in my container garden has been completely devoured in a day or two.


We looked closely and found that the parsley is completely covered in what looks like Black Swallowtail caterpillars. I can't believe they haven't washed away. And how can there be 20+ of them in one location?

Mother nature is so devastating at times, but she can be so beautiful.

We are praying for everyone who is living through this storm or has family/friends living in this area. Please stay safe.


15 comments:

  1. Dear Rita, Thank you so much for updating us on your situation! I have family in Houston and I am glued to the coverage and have been crying over the many horrifying situations...especially involving babies and children! I am sending lots of prayers and love to all of Houston. I can't even imagine that much rainfall in just a few days!!! Keep us updated, so we know you are safe! ♥♥♥♥♥♥

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    1. Jill, I know you have been keeping me updated and I am so happy your family is safe and helping others. We are fine!!!

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    1. Thank you Rebecca. We have been so fortunate and we are fine.

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  3. So thankful to hear you and your family are safe! The storm has been horrific. Have driven through Houston many times and it's just incredible that water was nearly up to the overhead ramp signs. Never expected that - ever! My thoughts are with you and hope that your home continues to keep out of the water. Thanks for the update! FYI - Camping World sent out an e-mail this morning to it's customers that they are collecting clothing nationwide to send to Texas - also, all monies collected for the Red Cross through Camping World (until Labor Day weekend) will be matched dollar for dollar - up to $2 million!

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    1. That is wonderful to hear JeannieK! People are just extraordinary.

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  4. Thank you for posting this. I was so worried about your family and of course all the other people and animals affected by the storms.Sending positive thoughts from Alberta,Canada. We are very concerned for out southern neighbors.

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  5. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time. Stay safe!

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    1. Thank you Gerald, we have been so fortunate not to flood.

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  6. I am so sorry you are going through this horrible storm! A lifelong Florida resident, I have seen storms. Seeing them more frequently, we know what to do and what to expect. You're doing it! All you can do, now, is weather it out. You've made it through the worst. Prayers for you!
    The caterpillars might be 'puddling'. I found this article - http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/life/2014/08/01/butterflies-gather-puddles/13434437/
    Peace and love to you and yours!

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    1. I am going to go read that article today suruha, thank you!!! And as a Florida resident you know how we feel living close to the coast.

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  7. I'm so glad that you had a chance to check in on the blog. I've been worried about you these past few days wondering how your family has faired as I read more and more about the devastation hitting Houston. I'm also glad to hear that the family that Paul and other neighbours were helping to get out, did indeed get out safely.

    Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the many people affected by this devastating storm.

    Lisa

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    1. Thank you Lisa! I know Houston will make it through this, but it is going to be a long road...

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  8. This is all so scary. Glad you are safe.

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Rita