I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Off-Topic => Off-Topic: Talk about anything you want. => Topic started by: MIbarra on September 14, 2008, 10:11:13 PM

Title: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: MIbarra on September 14, 2008, 10:11:13 PM
Well, we survived and our house did us proud. Not a single shingle blew off, no windows broken. The dogs slept through it. The cat a bit un-nerved.

Our rental mobile home did not do well. Bye-bye roof. Bye-bye siding. Hello new skylight and great natural A/C. Our renters - a young couple and 2 darling girls have moved in with us. The girls are excited about new beds and new toys and books. I am worried to see how 4 adults and 2 children and 3 dogs and 1 very nervous kitty are going to get along in a three bedroom/2 bath home. We will see.

I have a urinary tract infection -- fever all day and night. Can't get a hold of the doctor. Maybe they all blew away.   :'(   I feel bad and I'm in pain.

But we are all alive and will make it.

I really hope Twirl is okay too. Some people may be without electricity for 2-4 weeks they say! I hope dialysis works itself out for Twirl. I am worried about her. Last hurricane when I evacuated to her area, I only got 2 hours of dialysis in a whole week!
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: willieandwinnie on September 15, 2008, 04:53:15 AM
Thank God MIbarra. What a relief to hear from you. I'm sorry to hear you have a UTI, drink some cranberry juice if you have it. Are your renters permanently going to live with you? That sounds like a bit much for you to deal with. I'm praying hard for twirl, the picture coming out of there are just horrible. If you need something, please let me know and I'll be happy to send it to you. Please take care and keep us posted when you can.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: kidney4traci on September 15, 2008, 05:56:06 AM
We have been lucky here too.  We did have about 40 feet of fencing come down and lost about what looks to be about a 8x5 patch of roofing shingles.  Then we had all the bad rains yesterday, so we really got to see the roof damage!  Buckets and towel were very helpful.  Thankfully, we do have power and had enough food and gas that we have been ok.  We have offered friends shelter and by now their own power has come on or a few have decided it is a good time to visit family out of state.

The winds here that night were fierce.  I was amazed at the power of the storm.  Never in my life have I heard such winds, for hours on end.  Thankfully we have a strong brick home.  80 foot trees in our back year swayed like they were doing the hula on high speed.  You never see them even move, and they were almost sideways.  Amazing!!  Going around the neighborhood, we do see power lines that have been snapped like toothpicks.  Huge trees snapped and some into homes.  Lots of roof and fence damage.  Thankfully, Houston is cooler today and God has offered some natural AC for those without power still. 

Hope that gas and grocery stores open today.  Some were open yesterday, but had lines outside wrapped around the building.  They were only letting in several at a time, and had limited supplies.  We are out of milk and eggs and almost out of bread too.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: Rerun on September 15, 2008, 08:40:38 AM
I wish I could scoop you up and bring you to my house!  May God bless and keep you!
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: lola on September 15, 2008, 09:00:12 AM
Glad your OK :flower;
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: thegrammalady on September 15, 2008, 09:55:28 AM
glad to hear from both of you and that you came through ike reasonably well. traci, i wasn't aware that was where you were too and i'm still very worried about twirl. mibarra, your renters may have lost their home, but they are at least all right, the cat will calm down eventually. blessings to one and all.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: Joe Paul on September 15, 2008, 10:05:40 AM
Good to hear you all are ok  :thumbup;
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: monrein on September 15, 2008, 11:02:59 AM
Glad you're both OK, now we just need to hear from Twirl.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: flip on September 15, 2008, 11:21:11 AM
Ike roared through here early yesterday with 70 mph winds. The governor has declared it a disaster area. It's hard to believe that a hurricane would still have that much force 800 miles away.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: paris on September 15, 2008, 11:28:21 AM
Good to see you both post.  Now we need to hear from Twirl.   My sister in Ohio called yesterday when the wind and rains came tearing through there.  Like Flip, they had very high winds and lots of rain.  The clean up in Texas looks overwhelming.    MIbarra, you are a shining example of how we should take care of each other.  Your renters are so fortunate to have you.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: kidney4traci on September 15, 2008, 11:36:45 AM
Twirl is in an area that does not have electricity yet I believe.  We have several friends up that way, even in The Woodlands that are out of power.  Gas lines are horrible here, she may be able to get ice and water nearby though as I hear alot of that on the radio.  Just went to the grocery store and they are out of milk, eggs, lettuce, most fruit, only one type of bread available but lots of it, and some chicken.  Hope she is surviving.  Twirl - if you need anything - let me know!!!!
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: flip on September 15, 2008, 01:50:30 PM
We got electricity back on about noon but my yard looks like a was zone. I should have plenty of firewood for winter.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: Mimi on September 15, 2008, 01:54:33 PM
Ike has caused havoc all the way into Canada.  So gald you are both OK (kidney4traci and MIbarra).  The pictures look like a bomb has been dropped.  My prayers are for Twirl to
be OK.

Mimi
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: Sunny on September 15, 2008, 02:13:33 PM
To all of you hurricane survivors, Glad you made it through safely. I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like for you. I'm sure what I see on T.V. isn't nearly enough to explain what it is like for you. I hope things get cleaned up quickly.MIbarra, get well soon and don't let a UTI go untreated for too long or it can be very painful.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: MIbarra on September 15, 2008, 02:57:32 PM
Thanks everyone for your kind words and support.

Willie&Winnie, Our renters will be living with us indefinitely. My husband and I are hoping to build a  new house soon on the land where the mobile home was and we're hoping the renters can buy or rent this house. That was our plan before the hurricane. Now it looks like we may have to speed up the plan if possible.

Kidney4Traci, I didn't know you lived in the area. So glad to hear your okay. We still do not have power, but my husband bought a HUGE generator and it powers most things in the house, even the AC so if you get too hot, you can always drive down here and spend the afternoon! We're close to Galveston.

Flip, Paris, Mimi - I can't believe the hurricane still had so much force left after it came through Texas! That is just amazing!

Twirl, still hoping you're okay and we hear from you soon! I hope you're not melting in this heat.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: willieandwinnie on September 15, 2008, 03:56:06 PM
I have been so worried about twirl I hunted through newspapers and found these. I sure pray she's alright.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: kidney4traci on September 15, 2008, 04:11:09 PM
Thanks for the support guys, it has been an interesting week.

MI - I live in Houston near Cypress.  I don't get down your way much, but for when I go to UTMB for follow ups.  I am listed there and at Methodist Med Center.  Where did you get your transplant?  Would love to meet someday... can relate to your teaching, I have a son who is in third grade now.  Been on dialysis for almost 4 years, would LOVE to get a new kidney!!

Still haven;t heard from Twirl,
I pm'd her.

Sorry to hear Ike is still causing problems!!!  Go away, enough already!!
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: monrein on September 15, 2008, 04:25:43 PM
Scary shots there.  I sure hope Twirl and her family are OK.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: del on September 15, 2008, 05:08:20 PM
WOW!!!  Looks like a lot of devastation in those pics!!!  Glad you're ok MI. :cuddle; Hope we soon hear from Twirl soon but if she doesn't have power it could be a while.  Hope she is getting dialysis!!
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: aharris2 on September 15, 2008, 05:31:03 PM
We called Twirl's cellphone Sunday and got her husband. He was away from home (getting food I think). I only spoke to him briefly so as not to drain his battery, but he said they were okay and to try again in several hours for Twirl. We then went to the movies(!) and afterwards found a message from Mr. Twirl saying that cellphone service had become very intermittent... We haven't successfully made contact since.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: kimcanada on September 15, 2008, 05:42:32 PM
 MIbarra

I am SO happy to have heard from you... I was glued to CNN worring about my Texas friends... you are an amazing person to help your renters.

Kim :flower; :flower; :flower;
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: flip on September 15, 2008, 05:50:56 PM
I have never seen sustained winds that strong. I've been through tornadoes with much stronger winds, but they only lasted a few seconds. This one lasted several hours.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: willieandwinnie on September 16, 2008, 06:11:58 AM
We called Twirl's cellphone Sunday and got her husband. He was away from home (getting food I think). I only spoke to him briefly so as not to drain his battery, but he said they were okay and to try again in several hours for Twirl. We then went to the movies(!) and afterwards found a message from Mr. Twirl saying that cellphone service had become very intermittent... We haven't successfully made contact since.

Thank you aharris.  :cuddle; I was somewhat relieved when I read this. I'm still concerned about her treatments. I'll continue to say my prayers.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: thegrammalady on September 16, 2008, 07:21:32 AM
We called Twirl's cellphone Sunday and got her husband. He was away from home (getting food I think). I only spoke to him briefly so as not to drain his battery, but he said they were okay and to try again in several hours for Twirl. We then went to the movies(!) and afterwards found a message from Mr. Twirl saying that cellphone service had become very intermittent... We haven't successfully made contact since.

thank goodness. at least we know they made it through.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: aharris2 on September 16, 2008, 09:49:50 AM
I'm still concerned about her treatments. I'll continue to say my prayers.  :grouphug;

We are too. The making it through is one thing, It's the dealing with the aftermath that's really tough.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: MIbarra on September 16, 2008, 10:47:55 AM
I'm so glad aharris could get a hold of Twirl! I hope she gets power soon. :flower;

Kidney4Traci, I got my transplant at Methodist. I did not list at UTMB, but if I had to do it over again I probably would have just to have both chances.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: willieandwinnie on September 16, 2008, 10:58:00 AM
MIbarra  :cuddle; how are you holding up? Do you have phone service and cable? Are you able to get food and other things you need? Having been through these, I know that some things are harder to get then others. Please, if you need something, let me know and I'd be happy to send it. That is assuming the mail or others can get to you. Wish we'd hear from twirl....  :waving;
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: okarol on September 16, 2008, 11:54:43 AM
PHOTO: Dozens of utility repair trucks stage at a fair ground near Lone Star Executive Airport in Montgomery County near Conroe, Texas and north of Houston Monday morning, Sept. 15, 2008. Two days after Hurricane Ike battered the Texas and Louisiana coasts before striking Houston, the death toll rose to 30 in eight states, many of them far to the north of the Gulf Coast as the storm slogged across the nation's midsection, leaving a trail of flooding.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: okarol on September 16, 2008, 12:00:13 PM
Gas Frenzy Hits Bryan/College Station     

Posted: 8:48 PM Sep 15, 2008

Reporter: Meredith Stancik
Email Address: stancik@kbtx.com

Over one million Texas customers are without electricity. It's the unfortunate norm in the Houston area and for a big portion of the Brazos Valley.

Since there's no power, there's also no fuel. That has brought hundreds of hurricane evacuees and residents from surrounding areas to Bryan-College Station.

So, if you're looking to fill-up, you'll need luck. Monday night News Three found that many gas stations in B-CS are out of gas.

Jason Taylor made the trip from Conroe to Bryan for fuel.

"There's no gas in Conroe," Taylor said.

Taylor and his family have been without electricity since Ike hit

"We have a generator and we're running power in the house with a generator and we're filling up the truck also," Taylor said.

Taylor is not the only one making the trip to Bryan and College Station to fill-up. Dennis Ferguson came from Richards for a hot meal and a tank of gas.

"There are long lines there," Ferguson said. "We're not getting any gas over that way."

Dozens of motorists lined up, some even went station to station before finding the right spot.

"We had to follow the tanker," one Houston resident said. "When he made a stop, we followed him."

That turned out to be a good idea.

News Three went around Bryan and College Station looking for gas. Most stations we found were out of fuel. Some stations had fuel, but the lines were long

"It's crazy, absolutely crazy," Ferguson said.

If the gas frenzy continues, you'll probably see more "out of gas" signs.

"It makes you realize what you have when you have power and gas, the luxuries of life," Taylor said.

Gas stations weren't the only hot spot in town Monday night. Restaurants were also full.

We're told those without power are heading to Bryan and College Station for a hot meal and a cool room.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: paris on September 16, 2008, 01:28:17 PM
Our Progress Energy has sent employees to the area to help get power restored.   Our gas prices went absolutely crazy, just on speculation.  We went from 3.51 to 4.79 overnight.   The Attorney General is looking into price gouging (do you think?).  Some stations have gone back to 3.99.  A majority of stations only allowed you to buy 10 gallons.  We live in NC!   Fortunately, we have gas in both cars, and maybe the prices will stabilize before we need more.     Still saying lots of prayers for all those dealing now with the clean up and starting life over. 
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: flip on September 16, 2008, 03:23:45 PM
Still many thousands here without power. All the motels are full and shelters have been set up. Our big gas shortage was Friday and all stations have reopened with prices still at 3.99.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: MIbarra on September 17, 2008, 09:31:07 AM
WillienandWinnie, my husband was able to find meat, milk, and other foods today at the grocery store. Before that we could not buy ANY cold stuff. He said the supermarket was almost bare and people were grabbing items off of the shelf as fast as the employees could put them on the shelf. We bought a bunch of stuff for the neighbors too since whenever they are out and find something we might need, they buy it for us too. It is definitely great to have wonderful neighbors during this time.

I heard on the news, that one of the power companies in this area will not have Conroe's power up until the 29th of September! I hope Twirl does not have to suffer that long!
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: willieandwinnie on September 17, 2008, 09:59:05 AM
Manuela, I have been listening to news in your area and twirls. I am so glad that you can at least find the necessities. I'm so concerned about twirl, it's not just about her dialysis treatments, but they have a grandbaby that is due soon also. I sure hope we hear something from her soon. My offer stands that if you need anything, please let me know and I'll get it to you as quickly as I can. September 29th, that's like weeks. I keep all you Texans in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated.  :cuddle;
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: okarol on September 17, 2008, 10:33:25 AM
Gay bar becomes a haven

Tue Sep 16, 1:28 PM ET

GALVESTON, Texas (Reuters) - As Galveston told its remaining residents Monday to leave the Texas island devastated by Hurricane Ike, Robert's Lafitte, a gay bar, was planning a pre-curfew drag show and Tina Turner sing-along.

The first of two bars to reopen after Ike's onslaught on Saturday, Robert's Lafitte is a haven in the storm -- for gays, straights, anyone who needs a place to drink and find comfort.

"You can see there's not too much worry and stress on people's faces," said Dixie Monroe, a transgender barmaid who wore a tiger-print cowboy hat and a low-cut top.

Outside, Black Hawk helicopters clattered overhead and emergency teams searched for people stranded in the flooded city of 60,000 people. Up the street lay a huge field of splintered wood.

Big Mouth Robert, the establishment's owner and a former female impersonator, said the bar took 3 feet (1 meter) of water and closed when Ike's fury blew out the windows. But after a mop-up the next morning, Robert's Lafitte was back in business.

"All of our customers kind of demanded it," said Robert. "It's their bar and they kind of dictate what's going on. We're survivors."

Tina Turner is the artist of choice at the bar, given that she survived another Ike -- her abusive husband Ike Turner.

The bar is setting out food donated by locals for people in need. Some 20,000 people are thought to be still on the island and food and water are scarce.

"It's more than a life saver. This is like the Coast Guard," said Brian DeLeon, a straight restaurant worker who had not visited the bar before.

"These are the people who take you up out of the water and make life livable. Once I get back to work, I'm coming back here."

(Reporting by Tim Gaynor; writing by Mary Milliken; Editing by Chris Wilson)
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: okarol on September 19, 2008, 03:52:50 PM

How you, rescue groups can help animals victimized by hurricane

From staff reports

Friday, September 19, 2008

Best Friends Animal Society, a rescue organization out of Utah, sent a team to Galveston, Texas, to find countless dead companion animals, left behind when their owners fled Hurricane Ike.

"Many pets were just left behind to fend for themselves," said Paul Berry, chief executive officer of Best Friends Animal Society. "Any pet owner who willfully left their pet behind, chained up outside or left in crates, after advanced warnings of catastrophic flooding, should be charged to the fullest extent of animal cruelty laws in Texas."

Best Friends search and rescue personnel have been in Galveston since Monday night, Sept. 15, following a request for help from the Galveston County Health District Animal Control Shelter.

In 2006 President Bush signed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, which was designed to ensure that state and local emergency preparedness operational plans met the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following major disaster or emergency.

"It's shocking that after all the advance warnings and new legislation that people aren't better prepared to remove their animals when a storm approaches," Berry said. "The evidence of animals left behind cannot be denied. To see a dog who drowned at the end of a chain for no good reason is heartbreaking for animal welfare volunteers and government officials alike. Such careless, thoughtless neglect for another life is absolutely inexcusable."

Following is a list of hurricane-hit shelters, and their individual requests for help, and more information, including a video of rescue operations, can be found at www.bestfriends.org:

Montgomery County Animal Shelter

(not ready for individual adopters, rescue groups only please)

8535 State Hwy 242 Conroe, TX 77385

Contact for more information: Maile S. at (281) 465-0570 or maile1@sbcglobal.net

Need to move 200 animals to other rescue groups so they can clean the shelter and be ready for more animals. Unfortunately they will have to euthanize beginning Saturday, Sept. 20, but may hold off if groups are willing to help.

Halfway Home Animal Rescue Team

Santa Fe, TX

Contact for more information: Kathy B. at (713) 751-5252 or halfwayhome@comcast.net

Hurricane Ike took off half the roof and destroyed the fencing. Need to place nine dogs and 31 cats with other rescues while rebuilding.

Whiskerville Animal Sanctuary

1112 6th St. North, Texas City, TX 77590

Contact for more information: Lynette B. (409) 939-4328 or whiskerville@sbcglobal.net

Have 300-plus cats that could not be evacuated. All dogs are in foster care and OK. Could really use a large generator, volunteers and monetary support. Please call (409) 939-4328 to volunteer; please use the Web site, www.whiskerville.org for monetary donations.

Pineywoods Animal Welfare Society

(Individual adopters and rescue groups welcome)

Woodville, TX 75979

Contact for more information: Nancy H. (409) 283-7733 or tx_paws@yahoo.com

Hurricane Ike destroyed the shelter and the usual foster homes have evacuated; about 15 dogs need to be placed in other rescues to prevent fights and the spread of disease.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: okarol on September 20, 2008, 10:31:56 AM

Here's the link donnia sent me - amazing photos in the wake of Ike http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/the_short_but_eventful_life_of.html
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: kidney4traci on September 21, 2008, 07:12:48 AM
The pictures of Seabrook, Galveston and Crystal Beach are so sad especially for me as I went there often.  Thanks for the link Karol.
Title: Re: Hurricane Ike Sucks!
Post by: twirl on September 21, 2008, 04:28:52 PM
it is devastating
we go there often and have been for years
I hope Benno's is coming back - their seafood was so good and we could sit right across the beach
did you see the before and after picture of one of the beach neighborhoods
there is nothing left
looks like match sticks