Rackemup,
I miss Austin. I loved living in Austin. Austin is still hot, but cools off much nicer in the evenings, much less humidity, very few mosquitos vs. almost got eaten alive last night here in Houston (common in the evenings in Houston), and Austin is just generally a MUCH nice looking city and more enjoyable (to me) in many ways. I love the Hill Country in central Texas.
I currently live in Spring which is straight North Houston which is generally at least nice and green with lots of trees. I couldn't EVER consider living in south-east houston near the refineries. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> - Every time I have to go down to sout-east (primarily Baytown, Pasadena and such) and go over a bridge, you can see a "Green" haze fog floating at ground level up to 15' - 40' or so. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />
If you do a Google Map search, you can see the terrain differences in North Houston with lots of trees. Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, to Northwest like Tomball and Magnolia are all well wooded areas and reasonably clean. Northeast is heavily wooded, but the development is different and although O.K. is just not as preferrable to me as North Central and Nortwest.
West, Southwest and South Houston are less wooded with more "field" areas.
East and Southeast are just yuck IMO.
--------------
Vic, Tom, Bruce and others:
Thanks for the well wishes and thoughts.
It is interesting when you are in these disaster areas. I was just discussing this with my wife the other day. When you are "Not" in the disaster areas, you read about, hear about and see TONS of pictures online or on the news and stories about what is going on around the area.
But, Houston is a pretty large area. And without electricity, I don't see the news or internet. I know what has "generally" happened around about a 10 - 15 mile radius or so from friends and driving. But, I don't go downtown or southeast to Kemah or Galveston - almost never.
I get very frustrated with the media as they tend to focus way too much on "Sensationlism". I never watch the local news because all they talk about is murders, death and disaster. I get sick of hearing about it.
On the other hand, sometimes I guess we tend to be curious about it for various reasons. I can't help but be curious about how other parts of Houston are doing.
I just found a few articles last night after finally getting online last night showing some pictures of other devastation that I really didn't know much about. Galveston looks rampaged - But, this isn't all that surprising considering.
----------
I know you were joking about the rioting, looting and govt. stuff. But, from what I have seen, I have been impressed with how I have seen my area hold things together. I never heard of any looting. I wouldn't be surprised if certain parts of town had some. But, my area seems to have handled things well. And I am very certain many people were without a lot of things and found ways to manage.
Further, many people seem to have done a GREAT job helping each other out: helping clean, pick up, offering food, ice, share electricity from generators, cook-out and share, talk in the streets and such. It was VERY nice to see.
.... I still kept my Benelli M1 and P-14 (and other good stuff) at ready and on stand-bye - especially at night and when coming home to a dark home under these circumstances.
If I left my house and knew I would be coming back after dark, I made sure I had something to bring back to have in hand to check/secure the home.
Sadly/Strangely most people I know (friends and family) don't really understand this mentallity (foolish and Sheeple ????). I don't understand them - not wanting to be prepared, not wanting and/or willing to protect themselves and/or "LOVED ONES" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Many people seem to rather be killed than survive or protect "LOVED ONES". I cant' understand. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Most people seem to believe nothing will ever happen or the "system" will protect them. - FOOLISH!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />
What the heck difference does it make what the system does or doesn't do "AFTER" you or your loved ones are dead?
I will argue it matters a LOT. But, of SMALL significance compared to death of self or loved ones.
I will "appreciate" the help "possibly" provided by society, government, laws, police, military, and enforcement of accountability and repercussions to criminals as a deterent to help prevent such issues.
But, I can't rely on any of the above to respond as quickly as I would expect to need to protect myself and loved ones "IF" and "WHEN" I might ever need to.
So, I will rely on myself to keep my family alive as "FIRST" defense.
I know most here understand. I just don't understand why most others don't understand. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
-----------
I mostly saw lots of good spirits around here in spite of the crisis. But, I still consider this the time to be at highest alert considering. There is (apparently) always "somebody" who might try to take advantage of a situation. I consider this to be one of the more likely times.
Luckily, I have not heard of a single issue with lots of discussions with friends and neighbors over the last week. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
-------------------
The utility companies are working hard. I still don't have electricity. But, I understand how the system works and appreciate how it needs to be handled. The utility companies need to and have been prioritizing based on who/the most they can get on the grid the fastest and easiest and work towards the harder and smaller groups. It is a bang-per-hour efficiency approach. I get this and appreciate how it is being handled. I know there are trees on the above ground lines that power my street. I knew the day after the hurricane that we would likely be over a week without electricity and that "some" others around us would get it before us. I also know and acknowledge that the guys working to get power back up are working TONS of hours and over-time to get us back up. I appreciate this effort and I can't complain.
However, I "WISH" the utility companies would have invested (YEARS ago) in burying the power lines. The above ground poles are cheaper up front, but over the years, they require a LOT more maintenance with transformers blowing and trees having to be maintained/cut back on a regular annual type basis.
Those with below ground lines in their communities tend to get their power back up VERY quickly as there is almost nothing to damage from these storms.
Plus, and although I know that it isn't practical or cost efficient everywhere, I think above ground lines are HORRIBLE looking. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />
Also, from what I heard, there was ice and water being offered for free (government ????)if you knew/know where to go......
----------
Which brings up an interesting (sarcastically sort of funny/stupid) story: My wife has a portable radio that she had been listening to for the first day or two after the storm. Most stations were constantly providing news and information (intended to be helpful <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> ). One reporter was talking about FEMA or some govt. group that had set up a number of pod locations around town to provide Ice and water. Then the dumb lady said: "you can check out all of the locations "ONLINE" at blah blah.com...." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> - No electricity for most of Houston. No internet for most of Houston. How the heck are most people supposed to get info online???? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
I had a laptop for about a month for some business work, but I couldn't justify keeping it after that and sold it. I never even purchased one of those cellular plug in internet cards. But, I don't know how well that would have worked in most areas considering how bad the basic phone service was.
As Rackemup stated, I heard texting was much more effective that calling. But, as a "RULE" I never use text messaging. I think it is a PITA and I don't like paying $0.10 per message. It adds up. And a call is MUCH faster, simpler and more effective - AND included in my minutes.
When I was guardian for my youngest (half)-sister, she racked up over $300 per month for a few months just in text messaging. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> - She had to pay for it. I had warned her. But, luckily for her, "HER" mother left my youngest two half-sisters pretty much everything from "our" fathers insurance and belongings that went to my "step"-mother when my father passed first. And of course pretty much everything that was my step-mothers went to them as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
So, on top of many other issues, my sister "took for granted" money.
Still, I was very frustrated in my attempts to try to instill certain values in my youngest sister.
I was raised VERY different. My step-mother was my mother since I was 7 and she drove me and my year older sister. We had chores and responsibilities and we "WOULD" do them or else.
My two youngest half-sisters - especially the youngest had ZERO chores and responsibility. What the heck happened?
I see it in most kids these days: wasteful and unappreciative.
I got presents for Christmas and birthdays. Great. And maybe the occassional odd something here or there for usually some justified reason.
Now kids just beg and plead and "I WANT" - therefore, you "OWE" me mentallity. ... And most parents seem to obey this mentallity. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Most recently frustrating to me was how many kids I noticed "NOT" helping clean up and "WORK" to help out around the disaster. I was somewhat infuriated to go over to my sister-in-laws house and work all day while their two kids went and played. One is in 5th grade and the other is in 7th grade. When I was their age, I was "EXPECTED" to help out on daily chores and [censored] sure in these types of situations. My list of daily and weekly chores was VERY extensive by 5th grade. Heck I think I was "MADE" to go mow lawns by 5th or 6th grade to earn spending money. Now kids are "Given" everything and anything they want. Where the HECK do they learn to earn stuff and value things?
I see kids "Carelessly" break and destroy expensive "stuff" all the time. No regards to value. But, then I see parents just buy them new stuff. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />
I made a few comments to my wife's sister and my brother-in-law somewhat undertoned. We are all pretty close, but on VERY different pages on many things. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> They do NOT appreciate my comments on certain things. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I guess they want to raise stress-free slacker kids. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
I can't understand how parents don't seem to expect help from their kids (?????)
On the other hand, when my nephew was in the back-yard, he is so "POORLY" trained, he just go in the way and caused more work. The trash is going to pick up debris up to 8' - 10" branches and such. So, certain size limbs and similar debris are easier to drag, pile and such if left larger. My nephew started "playing" with lopping sheers and cut twigs into little inch and two inch pieces that were a PITA to pick up. Of course he didn't pick up anything. Then while I was using a chain saw, he found a 2 lb sledge and was beating on stuff and beat a mound of dirt into my face while I was cutting with a chain saw. I bit my tongue HARD!!! I did give him a very stern look and all I said was: "You are NOT being productive". If he were my kid, there would have been a LOT more said. And he deserved a GOOD thump! But, I was later told by my sister-in-law that he went to his room upset and cried. Wus! I had to bite my tongue HARD again just from her comment and didn't say anything. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />
For all this lack of hard NOTHING with a good side dose of being a PITA, he begged and pleaded his dad get him a new Lego set (among PILES of existing ones). My brother-in-law is a VERY nice and likeable guy. I know full well that most people enjoy and like being around him - way more than me. I am opinionated and share my thoughts. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I consider myself a "realist". I don't sugar-coat stuff, but I don't believe I call it worse than it is either. I think I am very good at being objective and strive to be accurate. My brother-in-law is always trying to throw out "Glass-is-half-full" mentallity. Tries to be positive. In the end, he basically lives life with Rose-colored glasses. Great for some aspects of life. He is generally a very happy guy. Irresponsible and silly quite often. But, happy, fun and people like him. Unfortunately, he breeds Irresponsibility and silliness into his kids quite well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />
I know "discipline" and making kids do or not do certain things are not a fun part of being a parent.
But, from my perspective, kids need to learn how to be part of the family/group/society whatever and learn how to help out and carry some load, be responsible, etc.
Sometimes "Tough Love" is important if you care about the "Future" of kids, family, business, etc.
I care about Busse, so I "Believe" in sharing my "tough Love" opinions on things I feel could be improved. If I didn't care, I wouldn't be here at all.
Similarly, I don't understand why parents have kids if they don't care to try to help them be as good a person and part of the family as possible.
I guess I should except that my values and opinions are not always the same as others. But, some things seem they should be a certain way even if I can objectively view them as opinions.
In regards to my wife's sister's family: this is a very "religious" Catholic family that "believes" in family values and such (?????????) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> and the daughter is and has been heavily into Girl-Scouts. Don't "Girl-Scouts" preach helping out??????? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
I was a Cub Scout for one year when young. I personally wasn't impressed as I did more stuff in the woods on my own anyway. The Scout leaders tend to be (apparently from hind-sight) moms reading from a book. I didn't think about it much at the time other than whether I liked what we were doing or not (mostly not).
Our troop never went in the woods or camping or fishing even made a freakin' fire - never. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
I never even got a Scout knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> - Probably what I wanted most when I joined. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
Our troop made crafts <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> and went to a candle making factory once. - Nothing against the candle-making as I like knowing how things are made. I still love watching that show "How It's Made".
But, I lost interest in Scouts VERY fast.
I went into the woods near my house on my own and/or with my friends.
I went camping, fishing and eventually hunting with my dad - some of my fondest memories of child-hood (with some exceptions).
For all I know, most Scout troops are similar. They are governed by the same "parents" who are not raising kids now. No offense intended to "all" troops or troop leaders as I am very confident there are some good troops and good troop leaders out there.
But, all I have ever seen Girl Scouts do is sell cookies and make crafts.
My sister-in-law is a troop leader (and she works at an elementary school! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />). So, I would expect her to be pushing responsibility, accountability and values. I can give her credit for enforcing proper manners to some extent - so good for that (although, not entirely effective somehow <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> ). But, I expect more from parents and kids.
I believe my sister-in-laws girl-scout troop actually goes camping once a year. I asked a couple of years ago about making fires and shelters and such. My sister-in-law said something to the affect of fire being too dangerous for kids and similar rediculously now common these days remarks from parents about what is "TOO DANGEROUS" for kids.
Apparently, parents don't want to "TEACH" kids how to appropriately handle and deal with important things in life and would rather just decide that kids shouldn't have ANYTHING to do with these things.
Ever notice how rare it is to see kids climbing trees these days?
Obviously, my sister-in-law and her husband "FEAR" guns and knives - SHEEPLES. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />
I remember Scouts "preaching" certain values. I don't remember them well. But, I remember a Scout book. I seem to remember thinking there were some good values being preached in the book.
I assume being a "Good" (worthy) Scout leader is like being a good and worthy parent. Preaching to kids is one thing. Holding them to the values, holding them responsible for their actions and holding them accountable is a different deal all-together.
"Some" kids might know values and what the should or shouldn't do. But, most parents don't seem to want to put forth the effort to want to make their kids accountable..... I could go on for hours..... I should just drop the discussion about kids at this point... sorry for my ramble. (Kids getting fat and playing video games all the time are another issue that I won't get into. But, I was amazed how many kids apparently live in my area as there have actually been TONS of kids outside this last week. I didn't know we had kids around. I just thought maybe a handful. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Obviously, their video games and TV's aren't working! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />
Not all kids are bad or worthless. I know some good ones. Just wish "MORE" were being raised properly. Sorry again for the tangent and rant.
..... looks like I probably just wrote another post that most people will likely glance at and likely not want to bother to read. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
.
