Gruess dich Marita :O) welch ein desaster das Hurricane hinterlassen hat! So traurig zu wissen dass soo viele ihr Zuhause verloren haben oder gar ihr Leben...wie ist es denn so weitergegangen? Konnten sich die Menschen wieder aufraffen und haben sie den Wiederaufbau geschafft? Dir geht es hoffentlich gut...hattest du auch viel Verlust? Ich denke man kann dankbar sein wenn man noch am Leben sein darf...alles andere kann man wieder beschaffen :O) sorry dass ich mich so lange nicht gemeldet habe...war sehr beschäftigt und lange unterwegs (Paraguay) habe meine Tochter besucht dort. Dann habe ich einen neuen account bei redbubble und bin sehr viel dort (!!!) habe aber meine WS freunde nicht vergessen. Wollte mich mal wieder melden und sehen wie's dir geht :O)) danke für diese interessante Reportage...sei geknuddelt, Rosy

said pitcontrol 7 months 29 days ago

Marita! OMG!!! The post Ike photos left me with my jaw wide open and a few tears running dowm my face. I can't even imagine this kind of devastation on our local beaches!It makes me so sad even thinking about it. How scary it must have been for you and all those living in the near by vicinity. Thanks so much for sharing these photos and your experience.... it's an eye opener for sure! Hope all is well and getting better everyday! Big Hug!!!

said jessdian2 8 months 3 days ago

Marita, this is a very impressive album and so so sad..........We live in such a beautiful planet and any natural disaster is hearbreaking (and you had your fair share of that........Whishing you all the very best. Thank you so much for sharing such a historic moment in your life. Hugs vivien

said vivien313 8 months 21 days ago

great pics. wonderful album.amandagarbar

said sanztineo 8 months 27 days ago

Dear Marita, this album is really immpressive! Thank you for sharing it and also for your nice comments and your appreciation on my work! This feature was a real surprise and brought me so much attention I feel pleasantly overwhelmed! Ciao and best wishes! Roberto

said olditaliantree 9 months 3 days ago

Hi Marita, it looks like you keep adding shots of the hurricane disaster! I hope that it will be a chapter in your life that you'll be able to remember as an opportunity to be able to help each other in times of needs! I have experienced hurricanes and cyclones both on land and at sea and they were not pleasant experiences but in the process I saw people at their best behaviour through helping each other. We used to shelter other members of the family , help neighbours to batten down storm windows. My father, being a doctor, would be on call throughout the storm's passage etc. At sea some of the toughest seadogs would be seasick unable to keep watch!!! Shipping green seas on deck, rolling violently, incessantly while the vessel would steer away from the centre of the storm!!! I see from the photos that you'ce endured your fair share! Tkae care Marita and keep in touch! Regards from Paul.

said paulchaperon100 9 months 9 days ago

Hello Marita.....I was sad to hear that you had to endure this hurricane alone but you made it through and hopefully there will be no more. I enjoyed your pictures and it gave me more insight into this bad time for you. I was truly happy to see you in my e-mails this morning as you always have a way with your comments of making me feel so special. I thank you for your visit and hopefully you will have no more hurricanes to endure, my friend! Have a great weekend!..........HUGS... ...............Diane

said dianeaub 9 months 9 days ago

Marita, it was interesting to visit your album and see how powerful are these hurricanes and how weak are humans against the powers of nature. I hope that this is the last time that you have such an experience! Take care, Yair.

said ykarelic4 9 months 11 days ago

Dear Marita. Thank you so much for your more than nice many comments at my albums. I have just return from traveling a long month out of my home. I was 3 weeks in Florida and one week in Greece . I have more than 1000 emails I have to open, and it will take some time to finish reading all my mail. I got also your recommendation to open an album in the site you sent me, but it will hav to wait till I will find the time to do that. I will visit your albums soon as posibel my friend. HUGS - RAN

said ranyaari100 9 months 14 days ago

Marita ..This is a great album ...The contrast is day and night ..Thank you for sharing so much with us ...Have a great 2009... Shirley

said home_base 9 months 19 days ago

So cool...I have been trying to send U an invite to add U but for some reason it just will not work...I get a ghost screen...

said Rederfx 9 months 25 days ago

Dear Marita a great album, so sad to see such devastation for sure, we don't realise till we see pictures like this, we have had some extremely cold weather here, hope you are well, good luck in 2009, take care hugs Ann

said annedm1 10 months ago

Marita, Hurricanes are terrible storms. Sad to see the devastation. Several years ago I had a friend whose house was hit with two in one summer. Major trauma. Be careful in your volunteer work so that you don't get hurt. Sending love and hugs for the New Year, Carol

said albertsville 10 months 1 days ago

Marita, wanted to say thanks so much for the lovely Christmas card. I think it's wonderful of you to be spending so much time volunteering! Wishing you and all your loved ones (that includes you furry one too!) a wonderful New Year! ~ Jess

said jessdian2 10 months 8 days ago

Hi Marita, What a beautiful holiday greeting! Thank you! I hope you stopped for a bit to enjoy the holiday season. You are doing wonderful things in your volunteer work with the devastation from the hurricane. Often when things are over no one bothers anymore. Naughty said he is really proud of his cowgirl and if you need any help let him know! I wish for you dear Marita all wonderful things in 2009. Give Munch a snuggle. Love Leslie & Naughty

said rainingviolets 10 months 9 days ago

Bonjour Marita, thank you very much for your visit to my pictures and your nice comments. Also thank you for your wonderful card of Jacquie Lawson... sooooo beautiful !!! I want to wish you too a healthy, lovely, and Happy New Year 2009 and so many beautiful and magic moments with all yours. I congratulate you for the voluntaring work you do, you're a great woman. hugs, marielle

said mariellefrigault 10 months 10 days ago

Dearest Marita, good to hear from you again. Gotta leave a message here as I couldn't leave one on your message board. A belated Merry Christmas to you and your family and thanks for the wonderful X'mas e-card. I haven't been active in Webshots as I am bogged down with works. Hard to imagine snowing in Texas but I watched the news on tv that there was a cold snap sweeping across eastern US last week. Yes, Singapore has to have the world's tallest ferris wheel, for now. But they botched the rescue mission when it broke down due to a small fire in the engine room. Took them 6 hours to fix up the situation. Haven't been up there yet, will try it when it reopens. Take care and have a great New Year. Bestest wishes to you. Mok

said mokarega2 10 months 10 days ago

Marita, thanks for the wonderful message you left on my board. I'm so glad to hear from you but sad to learn of your stressful circumstances this past year. I hope things have settled down for you and that you can enjoy life again. It seems almost trite to say "Happy New Year" but I wish you that and more, a new strength gained from your struggle, a contentment surpassing that of the past, and a deeper love for...and from... all those about whom you care. Paul

said paulewing 10 months 10 days ago

Aloha `auinala dearest Marita, Mahalo a nui loa, thank you so much for your kindness, your wonderful friendship and warm encouragement throughout the year! We send you warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year ~ Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! E pili mau na pomaika`i ia `oe Aloha e Malama pono, Sharon and Jacob http://www.redbubble.com/people/ourjrny

said ourjrny 10 months 11 days ago

Dear Marita, Merry, Merry Christmas to you as well. I hope you and yours are enjoying the holidays and wish you joy, peace and prosperity for the New Year. You could certainly use a peaceful 2009 after all you've been through this year. I followed your entries about hurricane Ike with heartfelt empathy. I can only imagine the horror of that night and the craziness of the months that followed. We live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and although we've had some close calls, it has been a long time since we've had a direct hit. I wondered why I didn't see you back on AT. Perhaps Majed lost your email address. The new site hasn't taken off like the old one did. Perhaps because you can only upload pictures with titles with no spaces. My old photos are all sized and renamed to share with family and friends. That means I would have to rename each picture before I could upload it to an album. For new pics you can upload first. When it first opened I put a few things on but haven't been active for months. Thank you for the lovely e-card. It was very appropriate for "Worldtripper". It sounds like you almost had a white Christmas :-) Warmest wishes, Barbara

said bakinnett 10 months 11 days ago

Hello Marita. Thank you for the message & the good wishes. No need to apologise for anything. It's good to see you are being so altruistic. I would do the same thing if necessary. I hope you had a good christmas & I wish you all the best for 2009. I haven't spent much time on here since I opened the Redbubble page. I'm getting more features over there & already have more fans (41 as of Dec 28) though a handful are friends off this site. The images open up faster on that site & they can't be downloaded. Spent xmas day mostly in bed with the flu, so will have to catch up with the family when I'm better. All the best, Michael from Downunder.

said michaelm43 10 months 11 days ago

Marita Hello, I have received with pleasure your Christmas card, thanks very delicious. My email c4giancarlo@hotmail.com P.S) Can not leave messages differently.

said megaries 10 months 12 days ago

PS. I forgot to thank you for the lovely Christmas card....thanks so much,..hugzzzzz...

said haneveercoremanssh... 10 months 12 days ago

Hello dear Marita, we didn't know that you were hit by this terrible hurricane. It must have been hell, and for a lot of people it still is, being homeless.But you survived Ike and luckely without big damage.No need to appologize for not visiting our photo site,we understand, there are many more important things in your life now.You are a wonderful woman helping people in need.In such times it is important to stand united together and give help in any way one can to those unlucky people who need help so badly,in their maybe saddest days in life.We surely hope that you won't have to endure such a horrible expierience again.I remember that we had storms with gusts of about 160 km/H, and that was really scary!We hope that you had a lovely Christmas day being able to forget these nasty times.We wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful and Happy New Year, and we do pray for all those people in need, that they will have a sheltered place, a home, in the near future, so that they can be happy again. Hugs, Henri and Josee.

said haneveercoremanssh... 10 months 12 days ago

Thanks so much for the comments and updates on the condition of the areas that I photographed around Clear Lake, Kemah, Galveston and Surfside. I appreciate knowing what is going on down there...I had asked my sister if they were going to hold 'Dickens on the Strand' this year, but after reading your comments I guess that it probably did not happen. The Jackie Lawson card was great! And your greetings were obviously heartfelt. No apology needed for me for not posting photos...volunteer work is more important than trying to keep up with your fans and I know that when you have more time the photos will come, even if they are 'photodocumentation' of events important to you and your life. I just hope that the people affected by the hurricane will have the strengh and hope to rebuild what they can so that one day that area be even more beautiful than what my photos show from several years ago. May Peace be with you too on this Christmas Day. terry

said terrytigger 10 months 13 days ago

Liebe Marita, herzlichen Dank fuer Deine Weihnachtskarte! Ich liebe Jacquie Lawson Cards und diese habe ich nicht gekannt! Ich bewundere Dich füer Deinen Einsatz fuer die Katastrophen-Opfer. Du bist wunderbar! Ich wuensche Dir und Deiner Familie Frohe Weihnachten und alles erdenklich Gute fuer das kommende Jahr. Herzliche Gruesse aus Wien, Vera

said veralebail 10 months 13 days ago

Dear Marita and Mike, We are so sad and sorry about what you've gone through recently. We hope things are getting better for you. We want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and a much better Year 2009!!! Johnny and Yoka http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2077085820103505815QGLtmO Joke's new foto site http://www.redbubble.com/people/Jokus

said John_and_Yoko 10 months 14 days ago

Merry Christmas with a good end and a sweet start.

said megaries 10 months 14 days ago

Liebe Marita, ich hoffe Du und Deine Familie seid wieder wohlauf nach allem was Ihr durchgemacht habt. Ich bete fuer Euch, dass alles gut wird. Beste Wuensche fuer Dich zu Deinem Geburtstag und alles Gute. Ich umarme Dich herzlich und schicke Dir weihnachtliche Gruesse aus Germany, Deine Christine.

said tine53 10 months 17 days ago

Hi Marita, I just stopped by to wish you and your family a happy and warm holiday season, but then I noticed that you have really had a rough time recently. Sorry, I didn't know about you being in Ike's path, and I'm so happy you got through it as well as you did. I grew up in Miami and I know how frightening it can be to hunker down for one of those monsters. I'm sure I didn't have to ride through one anywhere as bad or as long as Ike, but I really feel your fear. It is a very scary ordeal, and you were alone (almost)! I sure hope things are back to normal and that you and Munchkin are bouncing back. I see it is also your birthday....Happy Birthday and Happy Holidays!!! Take care, hugz Gloria

said abbeygabbey 10 months 17 days ago

Hi Marita, please, take my wishes to you, about your birthday! Be happy always! http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2333057800102493158OohlUQ

said tonymm6491 10 months 18 days ago

Hi Marita...wie geht es dir denn so? Wir haben alle nichts mehr von dir gehört und machen uns sorgen! Ist alles in Ordnung? Wie sollen wir diese Funkstille interpretieren? Wahrscheinlich hast du viel zu tun, viel um die Ohren oder keine Lust dich mit unwichtigen Fotos (nachdem was du durchgemacht hast, ja verständlich)...lass mal von dir hören...würde uns alle freuen! Wünsche dir alles liebe Marita :O)) erfreue dich dieser schönen Zeit mit deiner Familie zu sein! Knuddel für dich, Rosy

said pitcontrol 10 months 20 days ago

HI MARITA, I JUST WANTED TO SAY HI AND HOW ARE YOU DOING? IT HAS BEEN AWHILE SINCE I HAVE HEARD FROM YOU. TOO BUSY, BOY DO I KNOW IT. THERE IS A LINK BELOW FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY CARD. I KNOW IT IS A LITTLE EARLY BUT IT'S OK. THERE IS ALSO A CHRISTMAS CARD FOR YOU IN MY ALBUM CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS. PLEASE COME BEFORE CHRISTMAS. MABEL ALSO HAS A CHRISTMAS CARTD FOR YOU. THERESA HERE IS THE LINK http://family.webshots.com/photo/2075718820049175094LxVYOe?vhost=family

said tfm446 10 months 24 days ago

Hi Marita, I am here on a mission of sorts. I just started something special for Susan (swtsoftcountry). She is in a major battle with her cancer now and I am trying to make something to show her how much love and support she has from all of her WS friends. She may not be able to respond to all the messages but I will see that she gets them. Please, if you can take the time, go to http://community.webshots.com/album/568892272DABmOD and leave a personal message on the picture for her. Also, help me spread the word to all that know her and love her.. even ones that don't know her. She needs all the love and support we can show her. Thanks so much. Have a wonderful day~ Warm Regards, Peechez

said peechez35 11 months 12 days ago

Hi Marita; I got so caught up in this story, I forgot to leave a message. I hope that all is well with you, dear friend. Here is some news for you. Do you remember Sharon from Alaska who moved to Maui because of a call to her heart? She was buried up to her eyeballs in snow of our frigid northern state. Then, last February, I made an altar for her and everyone sent her prayers and well wishes. In less than a month, she found a way to get there and arrived on a wing and a prayer, not even knowing if she was going to be able to support herself. It has not been easy for her, struggling to eeeeeek out a living, but of course meeting many wonderful friends along the way. Late this summer, she met someone and her life has changed it's course. His name is Jacob and he is a photographer as well. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on 7 November above the black sand beach of Waianapanapa. A few photos here, but also on Red Bubble. Aloha, and Mahalo for your blessings to her. You see? Dreams do come true. Warm wishes, Marjie http://travel.webshots.com/album/562121860BcljPR

said windflowers43 11 months 22 days ago

Sorry, don't know how that happened~

said peechez35 11 months 26 days ago

You did come through it all ok, right? All my best to you and yours~ Warm Regards, Peechez

said peechez35 11 months 26 days ago

You did come through it all ok, right? All my best to you and yours~ Warm Regards, Peechez

said peechez35 11 months 26 days ago

Dear Marita, I am sorry I am so late responding to you. I haven't been on Webshots much lately. I'm so glad to hear you are ok. I hope things are going better now, I'm sure they are probably not back to normal for everybody. Oddly enough, we actually got almost hurricane force winds (from Ike) here in Ohio on September 14th. There were gusts up to 80mph for about six hours in the afternoon and early evening and it was rather unnerving as we are not used to that up here. Debris was flying through the air. About every other house lost many shingles and siding (including us - we are getting a new roof, but the roofing people are backed up right now, so it will be a while), trees fell down blocking roads and destroying houses, power was out for days (for some it was two weeks!), some had no water because they had wells so no power, no water. Phone service and cable disrupted, one person in our neighborhood had their chimney blow down (and it is still not fixed). Obviously this does not compare to what all of you went through with the full force of Ike, but it was really a big deal here since it was extremely unusual. So we had just a tiny taste of what you and your part of the country went through. I hope I never see more than that! Belated thanks for your comments on my photos. I'll be back to check out some more of yours. Take care, Rachel

said rachel7119 11 months 28 days ago

very pretty album

said erdogan41 2008.11.04 at 08:17:04 PST

Liebe Marita, ein aufregendes Album! Ich hab es erst heute entdeckt, bekam richtig Herzklopfen beim Anschauen. Ich hoffe, dass Du den Schock ueberstanden hast und alles wieder gut wird. Viele liebe und herzliche Gruesse aus Wien, Vera

said veralebail 2008.10.23 at 02:43:37 PDT

Hallo Marita! Erst jetzt entdecke ich, was du alles erlebtest waehrend wir gemütlich unsern Urlaub in der Bretagne genossen!!! Natuerlich haben wir am Fernsehen den hurrican verfolgen koennen, aber man kann sich's ja nicht recht vorstellen, wenn man nicht selber drin ist! Ich habe deine Berichte im Message Bord gelesen! Hintendrein fuehle ich mit!!! Ich bin froh, dass fuer Euch es nicht so schlimm war wie fuer so viele andere, aber trotzdem...! Unser Mitleid hintendrein! Big hugs! Kaethi

said oertlif_3 2008.10.21 at 05:50:40 PDT

Glad to know you made it through okay! We received some small storms off Gustav & Ike. God bless... love & hugs, June

said lovejoy 2008.10.19 at 09:54:28 PDT

Dear Marita, sorry to hear that you had this scary experience with weather horror - too often lately, aren't they, these hurricanes in your region! But I'm glad, according to the comments, that you made it ok through it. Oregon State - where namely? Now I'm in Oregon - Portland - with my kids and I will stay here maybe until March. If you have any other chance to be nearby I would love to meet you:))) Hugs, Irina

said baltiri 2008.10.19 at 09:37:37 PDT

Dear Marita, Thanks so much for stopping by yesterday and letting me know your latest news and how you are doing. I'm so glad you and Munchkin came through ok and your life and all those around you is beginning to make sense once more. Hey thanks for stopping by the website there is a link to e-mail me from there or each journal entry has place for a comment too. The website is doing ok I think still very early days and far more work than I ever imagined it to be. Noone has offered me any money so far but I'd never say no! LOL. Hope you come back another time for a look but don't worry I'm not leaving Webshots. It seems many others have once more remains to be seen if they will return I guess. You take lots of care now and get your strength back. Love and big Hugs, Jill

said jillbatchelor2 2008.10.14 at 14:04:19 PDT

Dearest Marita, I was so happy to hear from you and know that you're safe and only had minor damage! I hope Munchkin wasn't too afraid, poor thing :-) I'm so sorry for the people who had eveything destroyed, for those who lost their lives or their dear ones'. The after-storm doesn't sound less dramatic, with all the people having to mend the damage and helping each other, I hope you have been able to rest a while after all this. And you were even so kind to find time to visit my album, you know, when I was photographing that horse I immediately thought of you :-) I hope that life may get back to normal soon for you all and I send you a big special hug! Your friend, Ornella

said ornella173 2008.10.14 at 11:49:27 PDT

Dear Marita, Been reading your updates too and am so relieved that you are ok. Its the big things like this we have no power over that do make us grateful for everything we have. You just take great care of yourself and so pleased you all right. Love and Hugs, Jill xx

said jillbatchelor2 2008.10.09 at 04:49:14 PDT

Hi Marita. I just popped in to see how you are & read all the stuff about the hurricane. Crikeys .. what a drama. I'm glad you are ok. The forces of nature can be beautiful but very scary at times. I haven't been on this site as much. The loss of featured albums is a disappointment. Many of us have switched our attention to Redbubble. I have sold 3 calendars & a couple of cards so it is paying off for me. Has been warm early over here. Just love spring ! Here's the link to my Redbubble page http://www.redbubble.com/people/michaelm43 Hugz from Michael Downunder.

said michaelm43 2008.10.09 at 03:59:30 PDT

Hallo liebe Marita :o)) habe deine message board gelesen und erfreut darüber dass es dir gut geht hinterlasse ich dir ein paar Worte...habe viel an dich gedacht während der Katastrophe. Es war für euch bestimmt schrecklich dies durchzumachen...aus deinen Worten schliesse ich daraus dass auch viele positive Erfahrungen gemacht worden sind, die man nur unter solchen Umständen macht. Erfahrungen für's Leben! Es freut mich riesig dass dir nichts passiert ist...materielles kann man wieder aufbauen, ein verlorenes Leben nicht mehr! In diesem Sinne liebe Marita, können wir dankbar sein für alle die am Leben geblieben sind...wünsch dir alles Gute und freue mich bald wieder von Dir zu hören! Sei ganz lieb gedrückt :o)) Rosy

said pitcontrol 2008.10.08 at 13:30:11 PDT

great pics. fantastic album agustinguti

said amandagarbar 2008.10.07 at 10:50:47 PDT

Hi Marita, hoffentlich ist bald wieder alles o.k. Ich werde Euch weiterhin im Gebet einschließen. Take care, Grüße auch an Mike & Munchkin love Gundi

said missredondo1 2008.10.04 at 13:31:45 PDT

Hello Marita and Munchkin, I am relieved you both survived this monster. It would certainly take it's toll mentally and the exhaustion of the aftermath must be unbelievable. To be without power for so many days must be terrible especially with your heat. Mike will need to take you away for a rest when all settles down. You both were in my heart and prayers. Love & Hugs Leslie

said rainingviolets 2008.10.02 at 05:31:32 PDT

Hope that you are OK Marita and Munchkin too! Hope to hear from you soon! Meanwhile will keep you in my prayers! Regards from Paul.

said paulchaperon100 2008.09.29 at 22:29:04 PDT

Hi Marita, read your update from 6 days ago, sounds horrendous to be without power all that time. I hope things are getting back to normal by now & the clean up is going well. We know all about storm surges here on Englands east coast, here we are only 35ft above sea level & some ares are actually below sea level. Thankfully we do not get hurricanes like USA. Eric

said ericy202 2008.09.29 at 09:54:14 PDT

Marita, Praying that your life will return to some form of normality....hope that since your last update of 6 days ago your power has been restored. Having been in a similar situation 4 years ago, my heart goes out to you. We had no water the entire time we had no power either as we have a well. Hugs, Carol

said albertsville 2008.09.29 at 06:31:47 PDT

Hope you'll soon see the light!

said bisquitzoe 2008.09.28 at 20:56:24 PDT

Dear Marita, thank you for this album, it lets us see how lucky we are, stay safe and well hugs Ann

said annedm1 2008.09.27 at 01:18:47 PDT

I have been thinking of you ever since Ike hit Galveston and Houston. Great to see you made it though it without serious harm and only minor damage. Thanks much for the updates and stories. What an experience you have had! Hang in there! (as he resists mentioning explosives). ~Randy

said rjscholten 2008.09.23 at 18:15:51 PDT

Hi Marita, thanks for taking the time to update your W/S friends - I can imagine that must be an added responsibility to everything else that's on your plate right now. Good to hear from you, glad you and Munchkin are ok. I cannot imagine what it must be like, especially for those who have lost so much - my thoughts and prayers are with them and with you. Hope the mosquitos become bored from all that biting and give up on it soon. Hugs, Chris

said christianchen 2008.09.23 at 15:54:23 PDT

Hi Marita, We have seen such devastating pictures of the storm damage on the Texas coast that it's hard to imagine being there. Did you have much damage and/or flooding in your area? We have been very fortunate here on the west coast of Florida this year. Our thoughts and prayers have been with all our friends in the storms way. Hugs, Barbara

said bakinnett 2008.09.23 at 05:29:25 PDT

From the comments below I understand you are OK, Marita. Good to hear that Munchkin & you survived a scary night. All the best to you as you deal with the aftermath of clean-up. Do take care, Chris

said christianchen 2008.09.22 at 15:58:25 PDT

Hi Marita, I grew up in Houston (actually Nassau Bay by Clear Lake) and 2 days before it hit I had an eerie feeling that this Hurricane would be the worst thing that the Houston/Galveston area had seen in years. Luckily my dad's house in Nassau Bay did not flood and my sisters homes did not receive any tree falling damage. Because I wanted to help people remember the beauty of the area where the hurricane hit, I posted an album entitled "Texas-Before Hurricane Ike" to help us all remember why people love to build those beachhouses along the sand. Terry, Salt Lake City, Utah

said terrytigger 2008.09.21 at 20:07:19 PDT

t talked to Marita this evening and she wants everyone to know that all's well with her and the Munchkinthem (except for no power)! She said the night of the hurricane itself was terrifying for both her and the Munchkin. Not much damage to their house, thank goodness, glass, windows still intact. Trees did a lot of damage in the neighbourhood but all things considered all is better than in other places which were almost destroyed! The neighbourhood has all gotten together this week and spent that time helping each other clean up. Mike came home from Hong Kong this evening, and I'm sure she's thrilled. Having company is especially great when you have no lights in the house. I'm so relieved that all's well. It may be a while before she'll be able to be on the Internet. Conservative estimates for having the power back on are from 1-2 weeks. Hugs evetone! Leslie.

said bisquitzoe 2008.09.20 at 21:01:46 PDT

Hi Marita! I hope your home didn't suffer any damage and that you have your power back. I enjoyed (only enjoyed it because you made the best of a bad situation) your cute little album and it looks like you and your kitty had a safe place to hide from that terrible hurricane. We are having flooding up here in St. Charles on the Missouri River from the same storm pushing its left-over rain and wind throughout the Midwest. Here at our house we had over 3 inches of rain Saturday night and Sunday morning, but we didn't lose our power. Three people were killed in the St. Louis area from the high winds and flooding. Hard to believe that Ike could cause so much damage up this way. Hugs, Sharon

said photoop23 2008.09.17 at 16:28:30 PDT

These 4 days must seem like the longest ones in your life! Chin up, though, Marita! You're a tough Texan now, right!? Start job on Saturday, looking forward to it but a little edgy too!! Hugs to you both!! 8~D

said bisquitzoe 2008.09.16 at 23:56:11 PDT

Gruess Gott, Marita! Jeden Tag schaue ich, ob hier neue Bilder sind. Leider noch nicht. So hast Du noch immer keinen Strom. Wuensche nur, dass Euer Haus keinen Schaden davon trug und Du den runden Tisch wieder auf die Terasse stellen kannst, und vor allem, dass Du und Munchkin alles gut ueberstanden habt.

said marionw104102 2008.09.16 at 19:52:11 PDT

Hello, Marita. It is so difficult to imagine exactly what fury a hurricane unleashes, but your album has shown the power and destruction! Hope you and Munchkin are doing well. Are you one of those without hot meals and baths that I am reading about in the news? Keeping you in my thoughts. Regina

said RSPBROWN 2008.09.16 at 07:55:33 PDT

Hallo Marita, ich hoffe es geht Euch gut. Hatte Angst um Euch und habe viel an Euch gedacht und für Euch gebetet. Love, take care Gundi

said missredondo1 2008.09.16 at 06:32:52 PDT

Another day goes by without power for you.8~( It must be such a pain for you but look on the bright side ~ you got to get out of the closet! I hate to even ask how bad the damage is to the house. Glass? Still thinking of you both as this week passes. New job starts tomorrow for me, hopefully will be fun! ttfn, Leslie 8~D

said bisquitzoe 2008.09.15 at 19:03:52 PDT

I think the right word is epicondylitis:))

said quartominguante 2008.09.15 at 12:55:07 PDT

My dear Marita, I sincerely hope that the worse has already passed and that there isn't much damage in you house and neighbourhood! I know there was a lot of damage in the state of Texas, with loss of lives and much destruction. So sad... My thoughts and prayers are with those families who have suffered such terrible losses. And with you, of course! You must be strong and go ahead! With me, everything is normal:) Not in my best shape, fighting an irritating epicondilite in my left arm which is limitating me a bit, even taking pics is rather difficult, specially with my birds heavy stuff... but I hope it will be better soon:)) Take good care of you, my dear friend! Big big hug and kisses, your friend, Rosa

said quartominguante 2008.09.15 at 12:51:53 PDT

Hi Marita, hope you got through it alright. We saw it on TV over here & I thought about you wondering how you were affected. Bet you were glad you did not live in Galveston! Eric

said ericy202 2008.09.15 at 09:04:22 PDT

Marita, what5 a dreadful expernece, & how awful to have one's home devestated like that, you loittle cat looks scared as well, I feel so sorry for you. God Bless. malcolm xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

said mrcoradour 2008.09.15 at 03:42:13 PDT

Fingers crosed, sweetie! How about you, Munchkin? I'm sure that Mum is taking good care of you! ttfn, Leslie 8D

said bisquitzoe 2008.09.14 at 17:08:06 PDT

Marita, how aweful this is! I heard about Ike, but just now I realise that you're living there...hope everything is okay and you're safe. Take care and be strong! Wish you all the best...I send you a lots of hugs, Rosy

said pitcontrol 2008.09.14 at 13:05:36 PDT

Dear Marita, I have been thinking of you when I heard about Ike...the latest news said it wasn't so bad in Texas, I do hope you didn't suffer any material or personal danger. I send you lots of hugs, ciao, Ornella

said ornella173 2008.09.14 at 06:43:39 PDT

Marita, Obviously you posted this before you lost electrical power. Praying for you and hope life for you can return to normal in a short time. Hugs, Carol

said albertsville 2008.09.14 at 04:20:46 PDT

Dear Marita, Texas is very far away from here - but you bring the scary reality much closer and make us more aware of what it means... Well, I hope the storm is over by now and your home and yourself are doing ok. Very best wishes - Mike

said swissmike62 2008.09.14 at 03:11:17 PDT

Dear Marita, OOOO this is all very scary and I do hope you and yours are safe by now. I know we all watch the tv to keep us up to date but it often very scary when you do see what happening especially when its so close to you. Hoping to hear ypou are safe and OK very soon. Love and Hugs, Jill

said jillbatchelor2 2008.09.13 at 15:57:54 PDT

Hugs to you and Munchie as you batten down in the under-stairs closet safe and sound! Stay safe, Leslie

said bisquitzoe 2008.09.13 at 09:12:26 PDT

Hi Marita, hope you are safe and that you have no damages. I see that Houston has a lot of damages and flooding, so hope you are well away from there. God bless and protect you! Hugs, Charlotte

said barnchaser 2008.09.13 at 07:37:58 PDT

Dear Marita, hope Ike will never reach where you're staying. Please take care and hope everything's alright with you and your family. Good luck.

said mokarega2 2008.09.13 at 05:05:56 PDT

Marita, I have never been through a hurricane, but it sounds very scary. I've been watching Ike on the Weather Channel and CNN. Hope you are doing ok, and have minimal property damage when it's all over. Rachel in Ohio

said rachel7119 2008.09.12 at 22:48:01 PDT

Dear Marita, I have been keeping track of the hurricane Ike from the news channels here. It seems to be a ferocious one, to say the least. I hope it spares Houston and most of the populated parts of Texas. My concern is for the people who refuse to move. I hope everything is alright with you. Do keep me posted. I am worried. My prayers are with you. Suresh

said suresh_krishna 2008.09.12 at 22:28:44 PDT