I Don't Like Ike...

but I love these Texans.

The owner of this Houston home was grateful that this 60 foot tree did not hit her home when Ike blew it over.

The Texas Chainsaw Crew in Meyerland, Houston. This is one of many crews of neighbors who joined forces and resources to begin the horrific clean up that we face in Southeast Texas.

A crew of chainsaw-wielding neighbors clears the streets the day after Hurricane Ike blows through My Ranchburger's area of Houston. One of the crew insisted that I take a photo of the Poulan chainsaw. Guys love their chainsaws!

Ike's Landscraping

In Houston, many old trees were blown over; some narrowly missing houses, others smashing onto them. Power lines and poles were blown down. Water pressure is low, so water has to be boiled and conserved. There is no electricity and the weather is hot and humid. My Ranchburger and The Bunny Bungalow appear untouched by Ike...only tree damage and debris which we can handle. We Texans are a "can do" people. We don't stand around and whine about "when and what are they going to do for us." Houston mayor, Bill White, personifies the "can-do attitude." He has been on the radio (there is no longer television or Internet available to many of us) giving us encouragement, tips and real information about how we can help ourselves and our neighbors.

Larry, like all of his Meyerland neighbors, was out clearing his property as soon as Hurricane Ike quit blowing debris around.

There is a house somewhere behind those trees that Ike blew over.

99K House Competition Opening Reception

Last night, the 2008 99K House Competition opening reception was packed with design enthusiasts. The Competition is sponsored by the Rice Design Alliance and the American Institute of Architects, Houston Chapter. The challenge to the designers and architects was "to create an innovative design for a small house that is affordable, sustainable, and energy efficient." There were 184 entries from around the United States. The complete list of participants is at http://www.the99khouse.com/.

The competition winner was Hybrid/ORA from Seattle, Washington with Core, a compact, highly adaptable house. Core will be built in Houston. The City of Houston is donating a site for the house through the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA) initiative.

Architecture Center Houston

Houston's Mayor Bill White outlined an opportunity for the design savvy, who can qualify for FHA loans, to build a 99k home on inner city land. The city will assist the future homeowner or investor with low cost land and other aspects of turning one of these modern, energy efficient designs into a reality.


Some of the finalist's models above and below.

At such design events as these, the potential of running into friends with like passions is the big draw and this event did not disappoint.

More friends, some old and some new.

Another winner at this reception was Gourmet Familia, Charles M. Morales' catering company. Also, the gourmet marshmallows by Sharon Erisman of Queen Bee Marshmallows, were a true taste experience. Pictured above are the cayenne pepper with dark chocolate marshmallows, my favorite. Gourmet Familia is located at 12633 Memorial Drive, Suite 181, Houston, Texas. 832-526-8236; Queen Bee Marshmallows: 281-433-5235.