Hey guys, as most of you know, I live in Houston and just survived Hurricane Ike. I will not lie, in my 29 years of life, it was one of the worst storms I have EVER seen. Most of the damage was done around Galveston Island, one of my favorite places on earth. I cried when I finally saw the devestation and to this day I pray that they will be able to restore it.

As for my house, I got a tree and water in my house. They weren't there prior to the storm and I don't like them there now! I'm going on 11 days without electricity, and was lucky enough to find somebody with a fully functioning home with internet access! But one of the smartest things I did before the storm hit was put Sam on my iPod. I only had time to add two shows, the cruise shows, but at night when all you can hear are generators and dogs barking, it's so wonderful to pop in my earbuds and watch Sam cruise around.

I also terribly miss these boards!!! But I hope to be back online in a week or so. (That's what they approximate for our power to be turned back on.) Until then, take care all. I can hardly wait to see the new shows Sam has done (the ones I've been missing!).

Misty

I was sent an email today with pictures of the destruction. By about the third picture of someone standing in their skeleton of a house with a look of total dispair on their face I was bawling like a baby at work. I can't even imagine going through something like that. I hope you are able to get back to some normalcy soon Mistyleann.

Funny side story, (or maybe just funny to me)
I was at an Irish festival with my Mom this weekend and she and I were chattin and having a pint of Harp in the beer gardens when I was asked by a stranger when I had traveled to Ireland. I was confused and told her I'd never been. She said she overheard me answering my mom's questions about the culture there. I had been answering questions all day with things like, "oh Sam played that instrument in a pub, it's called a..." that the lady thought I had visited there with a friend named Sam.

Misty -

Please know that our thoughts are with you in Houston. I work for a small, national chain of stores and we have two locations in the Houston area and know first hand of the problems you have been having with power down there. Keep your chin up. Sam's smiling face will be back on your TV in no time.

Misty, I hope everything gets fixed down there soon and my thoughts are with you! If I could I would come down and help.

Sam on my iPod has saved me too... from complete boredom at least.

Thank you all very much for your kind words. I guess 13 is my lucky number after all because on day 13, I finally got power again. There is a reason I was not born in a little house on a prairie!! I enjoy modern technology too much.

And today I turned on the Travel Channel to watch Sam for the first time in 2 weeks, and like a sunbeam from heaven, it was the Salzburg episode. I have wanted to travel to Salzburg since I was 16 years old. That particular episode is a favorite of mine for that reason. What a great way to jump back into life again!

If you have a moment of time, I have been sent this link to pictures of Galveston. Not as sad as Katrina/New Orleans, but when the devestation is in your own back yard, it certainly feels the same. Hurricane Ike

Thanks again for the support!
Misty

Hi Misty,
I'm glad that things are on the up. It sounds like you had to get major repairs on your house because of the tree, and all the water. How is that coming along?
I went to Salzburg in 2006, and loved it! The Salzburg show was one of of Sam's shows I like the best, and so funny when she said Mozart has been "decomposing" for over 200 years! Such a funny thing to say about a composer! Funny play on words! I'm sure you will make it to Salzburg someday. It's magical!

Thanks lpt! All the post hurricane repairs have been long and painful! Life is slowly getting back to normal, and I recently started a new job with a theatre company here in Houston. Lots going on!

So far I have not heard one negative thing about visiting Salzburg, and I appreciate your opinion on it. I often wonder though, should I go when it's cold and there's snow? Or should I go when everything is green and colorful? I'm leaning more towards the green...but either way, I know the scenery will be amazing.

Misty

I'm glad the repairs are coming along at least.
Wow, a job in a theatre company!How cool! What do you do there?
I suggest not to go to Salzburg in the dead of winter. Painfully cold, and gloomy. Summers are very crowded, but beautiful that time of year. I went in November, and the fall leaves were stunning! October would be even better. Also, not as many people, and perfect weather. If your job is flexible on when you can take your vacation, October will be perfect!
I'm very excited. In three weeks I'm leaving for Milan,Venice and the Swiss Alps!! I booked my trip a long time ago, and I can't believe the time is almost here!!