Send ice

We're OK. I'm writing this from my sister-in-law's kitchen in Lockhart, TX. Most of you know Carole. She put us up last night. This morning Bill came with the kids, Ginny and Evan. We're getting ready to go to lunch and then to Wal-mart. Our shopping list looks like we're going camping.

Back in Houston, we lost power at 8:15 p.m. Friday, hours before Ike hit. We lost water Saturday afternoon and land-line phone on Saturday evening. The heat and humidity inside the house, even with every window and door open, is beyond description.

We're back to feeling human again, and are going back primarily because I have to work. I got out of hurricane duty this weekend and must report to work Monday. I just hope the roads are clear enough. It will be an adventure.

I think there are showers at work. We have friends who had their water restored, so Vlad can probably shower over there. We have other friends who couldn't take any more and this morning called us and said they were leaving for Austin, regardless of the work and school consequences.

There's not much time. We'll be taking battery- and propane-fueled items back with ice, as well as a cooler full of ice for us and our friends. We need to clean out the uber-smelly fridge tonight. We hope to get there before dark.

Thanks for all the calls. If you've e-mailed, I probably haven't seen it. What little battery-power we have goes quickly.

Love to all.