I hate "Rita"!!! Finally got power back today.
 

Well, we survived Rita. We decided to ride out the storm, and now in hind sight, that was a horrible idea. I live in Warren TX which is midway between Beaumont and Jasper, and was in the direct path. I have never been through a hurricane, and needless to say, I had no idea what to expect. The wind was absolutely unbelievable! We live on 75 acers with many tall pine trees and we lost at least 100 trees. Most were uprooted and some where twisted off about half way down. We had some severe roof damage that caused my entire downstairs to be flooded with about 1.5" of water. Water was coming out of my light fixtures and air conditioning vents. The blowing rain was coming so hard and sideways that water was also coming in under all of my doors on the back side of the house. We lost power at about 11:00 PM and did not get it back until today. Let me tell you, the Texas heat and humidity has been unbearable. The heat index a couple of days after the storm was 110'. The mosquitos have been about to carry us off, along with a horrible surge of fire ants. Me and my husband have both been bit by a yellow jacket as well. I feel like I have been camping in the wilderness for all of this time. We only have two little gas stations in our town, and both had damage as well as lost power. So there has been no gas, food, water etc. They had all of the roads blocked in every direction due to downed trees and power lines. Thank god we had well stocked supplies. Eleven days with no power are phone is enough to make anyone go crazy. At least the cell phones worked a little.
Our insurance adjuster has still not come out to access our damages so that we can begin the repairs. We spoke with him and he is still in Mississippi and has not been able to get a hotel reservation anywhere over here yet. Seems all of the hotels are full due to Katrina and Rita.
Now that I have got all of that off my chest I feel so much better. :D
All 3 of my yorkies are doing great, all of my family is safe, and life will go on.
I hope all of my fellow Rita and Katrina neighbors are doing well too.

Gosh, I'm so glad you made it through that safe and sound!!! That sounds terrible!!! You sure do have a good attitute though and that goes a long way:) Glad you are back and checking in here! You have a lot of post to catch up on! Again, so sorry for all the trouble you have had!

Well it might have been bad, but gosh it could have been so much worse, Glad to hear that you are all safe and sound, even though a bit soggy! :p

Poor you! I feel so sorry for you. When the heck is your insurance company planning to send an adjustor to your house? Next year? :eek:

I have family in Orange as well as a number of other areas in mainly East TX, so I know it's pretty rough. Those darn pines are beautiful, but they're not rooted very deep. I'm not sure anything is in that kind of wind, though.

Glad to hear that you and your family have "pulled" through this...I love the positive attitude that you have!

I'm so glad to hear you and your family are safe! I suppose it will take a long time for things to get back to normal for you. I hope your insurance adjuster gets there soon so you can begin the repairs! Hugs to you and yours!

I live in Groves, a couple blocks from Port Arthur. We just got back into to town and it is really unbelievable..the devastation. We got power a couple of days ago and our phone service today. Fema trucks are everywhere passing out food, water, and ice. Was not going to leave because I wouldn't leave Gizmo but the kids woke me up that friday morning just before daylight and officials were on tv telling everyone to get out now and the bridge would be closing in 2 hours. I hear you, it was hell..words could not describe the traffic. AC in the truck went out 30 minutes into the trip north..everything was moving so slow I was walking Giz outside the truck while traffic was moving just so he could get some fresh hot texas air. Poor baby does not travel well, and nothing I could do about it. Was wondering if I did right by leaving, but after returning to this mess I'm glad we did. Had to have a hapster funeral for lil' Ceaser when we got home, sad. Usually we leave for these things, nothing happens and come home the next day..not this time. FEMA, The Red Cross, and Salvation Army are doing a great job.

OMG you poor things ! you all had a far rougher time than we did in Houston...I can't believe it took so long for you to get your power back - That's just awful for you ...We expected far worse in my area and it looks like YOUR area took the big hit - I'm so happy everyone is getting back to normal - sorry for the little Hampster fella...poor baby he must have been scared.....I hope things start looking up for you

Glad to hear everyone is OK and that you have your power back.

Im glad you got the power back on. Happy you all are safe.