Thanks for the link to the pictures. My DH and I looked at every one of them (118!) and were awestruck at the destruction. My prayers go out for all those affected by Ike.

Judith,
I don't know. While surfing the Chronicle site, I found a story on Minute Maid Field, home of the Astros. It is next to the convention center. The field had no damage, but it is newer than the convention center. I think the big thing will be the conditions of the hotels. The Hilton next to the convention center is new so it might be in good shape, but I think the big problem will be blown out windows. I really can't find much on the conditions downtown other than the JPMorgan tower and Minute Maid. The Doubletree is about 10 blocks from the convention center and is a show hotel. They are currently closed and will have an update tomorrow.
Frances

Thanks, Frances, for that link. The photos were devastating. My prayers are with all those people.

Nancy in NC

Do you think Houston will be ready for the Quilt Show?

Pat, so glad to hear that you're okay! All our TQS friends in that area have been on my heart and mind.

The main picture that I've been seeing from downtown Houston has been the JP Morgan Chase Tower. It is three blocks north and nine blocks west of the convention center. Here is a link I got through the Houston Chronicle that has pictures: http://www.chron.com/news/photogallery/Ike_blasts_Houston_Galveston.html
Frances in Austin

Well Pat glad to see you got thru it unscathed. I have been popping in all weekend even knowing that we probably won't hear for awhile from folks in Houston because of the electricity. Just praying for you all.

I've posted elsewhere that the storm didn't reach as far south as Rockport, thank goodness. I hope all our folks in the area that did get hammered made it out safely. My niece, who lives in Sugar Land, a suburb southwest of Houston, drove down with the kids last night, since their power is off and will be for quite a while. Her DH will probably be down today. They were very lucky, only lost some plants in their yard. We're waiting until tomorrow to take down the plywood and store it back in the shed for next time, since it's supposed to be nice and cool tomorrow, in the high 70s.

Pat in Rockport, TX

There are several TQS members from the area where Ike came ashore. I hope they are okay. I believe Sue Garman is from that area also. It will be good to hear from members as they have time to let us know how they are. Marge, waiting for the remnants of Ike to move through Ohio today.

You're welcome, Sherry. glad to see that you are safe.

Arizona is a beautiful state. I have only been here 4 years with the grandbabies. This state has so many different elevations with cacti and shrubs that grow only in the Sonoran Desert. People think of desert as sand like the Sahara, but this desert is full of shrubs and cacti and palo verde trees. Up in the mountains, the pine trees grow. It is a diversified state. Hotter than he** in the summer and dry ( you know the feeling when you open your oven door?) but the winters here are in the 60s and 70s and all of the winter visitors return to get away from the snow. If you want snow, you drive 3 hours and you will find it. Of course, we have our scorpions and rattlesnakes but they were here first. In the summer, we get the monsoon season from July thru Sept. when we have storms from the Baja and the humidity is up. But the clouds and sunsets are just like the pictures. I have adapted and have made lots of good friends through quilting. I think I will stay a while. Judy in AZ

Hi Judy! As a matter of fact we did get some of Ike! :shock: There were tropical storm warnings, high winds, and very high tide and even some significant flooding in some areas. The worst of it was east of Ocean Spriings into Hancock County. The water got higher with Ike than it did with Gustav...it was just such a big big storm. We did just fine at our house and the casino didn't have to close so that was good.

Thank you so much for asking. You made my morning. It means alot that you're thinking about me. How are things in Arizona? I've never lived there but have driven through a few times. I've always thought I could live there just cuz it's so beautiful.

Sherry

Sherry, did you get any of Ike in Ocean Springs since it was such a large storm? I wonder how many were in the path of Ike and they probably are without power so won't even read this. I pray that everyone is safe. I can't even imagine being in the direct path of one of those things.
Judy in AZ