No Need to Worry

For those who were concerned about the impact Hurricane Rita might have on us here in B/CS, the threat has passed. She has been downgraded to a category 1 tropical storm as of 11 am, and according to satellite images, Rita has passed us to the east; in fact, we’re barely on the fringe of the storm.

There are still some gusts of wind between 25-35 m/hr and we are forecast to get some rain tonight, but nothing more than the average Central Texas thunderstorm. We never even lost power.

Unfortunately, many places have sustained significant damage. The storm impacted Louisiana more than expected, especially the Lake Charles area, and parts of New Orleans are underwater again.

No Sign of Rita

Well, Rita was supposed to have hit here by now, but there’s no sign of her. No rain yet (though it is overcast), just a little wind. Radars are actually showing Rita moving along the Texas-Louisiana border, which is quite a bit east from us. Looks like we’re in the clear.

Rita Update

Rita is slowing down as she approaches land. Max recorded wind speed is now 120 m/hr. This is still a category 3 hurricane, but this opens the possibility that those on the coast won’t suffer the devastation experienced in New Orleans.

The path of the storm is also turning further east from us, closer to the Louisiana border. In fact, on the forecasts, we’re not even in the projected cone anymore. So we might be in the clear (for now).

Some our friends have family in Port Arthur, which is where Rita is projected to hit land. They’ve been able to get out of Port Arthur, but losing everything is a very real possibility at this point.

Barb and Dave all over the web

Someone got a hold of some pictures of us and posted them online. We’re not sure how they got out; we were trying to keep them secret.

No Storm Yet

Although the breeze has noticeably picked up. It’s actually quite sunny and warm out.

It’s been an eerie experience anticipating Rita’s arrival this week. We’ve anticipated blizzards before, and in some cases, been caught in some severe snow storms. But this is unfamiliar. We’re not quite sure what to expect. I guess we’ll find out in a few hours.

Rita Update

As of 1 pm CDT today, Rita has been downgraded to a category 4 and has been losing steam, so to speak. Also, the projected path takes her further east towards the Texas-Louisiana border. There are still high winds and major rainfall forecast for our area Saturday, but the threat of wind damage seems to have decreased a little. Personally, having seen how much surface water accumulates during any average rain shower, I think flooding will be more of an issue here than wind damage. Apparently we might get upwards of 10 inches of rain Saturday!

Barb and I have stocked up on water and non-perishable food. We plan to stay in the apartment all day Saturday. We’ll keep you updated as power supply allows.

But first, we need to join the 12th Man for tonight’s game! BTHO Texas State!

Bangs all around

Here is a picture of my new hair cut! I’m not used to the bangs yet but they are growing on me! Please leave comments (good or not so good!) and let me know what you think!

Two Boys and a Doorstop!

Here are some pictures of the boys I watch as they take turns playing with the door stop!

(Luke in green, Brayton in Red)

It’s so fun watching these two boys! They are wonderful children. My days go by so fast!

NOW INTRODUCING…

My poncho is finally finished! And it only took 3 months! It is alot more bulky than I thought it would be. It definately won’t be used in Texas, maybe when we head up north. The project went rather smoothly, no major mess ups, so for my first big project I think it went well.

I am currently knitting another “poncho type” cover up. This one is much lighter. I’m using MODA-DEA Dream 57% Nylon, 43% Acrylic, in a beautiful blue! Pictures will be posted when finished!

T Minus 48 Hours

Rita is supposed to hit here in 48 hours. Emergency measures are being taken already. The University cancelled classes on Friday and closed its offices from Friday to Sunday. Many students are leaving town. Those who plan to stay are stocking up on ‘essentials’–things like water, fule in the car, non-perishables, flashlights and batteries. We went to Kroger to get some water and the store was packed! I’ve never seen a grocery store that full! Some places have sold out of bottled water. The lines at the gas station were 5-7 cars deep!

I still think this is all a bit of paranoia. Students seem to be in a bit of a panic (or at least there parents are), as well as being eager to get a day off class. But others seem to be sober about the threat posed by the storm. But I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry.

(By the way, don’t take our updates to mean that we’re in serious danger. We’re just letting you know what’s happening on the ground here since the only other reports you might get will be from the news source of your choice.)