Greetings from a disaster zone. Just got my E-mail and internet back. The first place I go is here. We were lucky, this time, as far as the storm goes. Lost a few shingles off the house and out buildings. (Won't have to rake leaves this fall). Lost a big, old oak in the pasture. Why didn't more of the sweet gums fall? We were out of water for about 5 days. (A small pond by the house helps with toilet flushing). The water is still not drinkable. Power was out for 2 weeks. We were real thankful for the cooler weather we finally got, after the record heat. It was about 4 days before ice and water started coming in. (I was stocked up on beer and couldn't cool it). Our "neighborhood" pulled together to see to it everyone got what they needed. Neighbors were feeding neighbors, those with wells were supplying water to those that needed it, "gangs" were running the roads with chain saws helping clean up. A country boy can survive!! We were even washing clothes and running errands for the Guard. I would like to thank the Batson fire department, the DPS, the military, our local JP, and my neighbors. The ones I haven't metioned can go to Hell.