Views of the Neighborhood – Random Pics

~ John W. Howell

Today’s View of the Neighborhood is a collection of random photos taken while searching for something interesting to share. There are a couple of stories in these pictures, and I hope you enjoy them.

Views of the Neighborhood

Virginia’s by the Bay is one of the first restaurants to open after hurricane Harvey. Their sign says what a lot of people think.

The other side of their sign also says what a lot of Port Aransas people think.

Port Aransas lost all of the firetrucks and EMT equipment. Here is a photo of The Cleburne Texas truck doing duty in Port A.

Here is a truck from Abilene, Texas which is in the center of the state.

And the Fire Chief from Wichita Falls, Texas which is up near Oklahoma

This next series of photos are of boats that ended up as far away from water as possible. This one landed in a scrub pine outcropping.

Here is one in a shopping center.

Another boat is in the parking lot of a shopping center.

This one ended up at the end of a canal.

Signs are another interesting part of the Port Aransas scene. This one is simple and tells you the IGA is open.

A kind offer by the local Chiropractor. Most of the signs in Port A are handmade.

Here is an exception. The Pepsi company put some of these signs where Pepsi is sold.

Here is a sign I love. This sign pointed the way to the National Guard position where you could get Ice, water, and food. When you have none of these things, this sign was a welcome sight indeed. It is on its back because it is no longer needed.

While taking pictures I came upon my barber Mike’s new location. He has set up shop in a storage unit. I’m glad I found him.

I hope you liked the walk around today. Next week there are several activities which I will document.

 

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

54 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – Random Pics”

    1. Thanks, Gwen. I came upon Mike’s sign and was pleased to see him set up shop. His building was totally destroyed. He posted on Facebook, “Hey you guys quit looking like old Port A hippies. I’m in business again.” 😀

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  5. I’m happy to know the National Guard sign is no longer needed. Thanks for sharing these photos, John. It’s good to see that life is slowly returning to normal. One thing that hasn’t changed is that stunning blue sky. Happy Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Signs of life and renewal. A testament to the human spirit. Great photos, John. Very impressed to see communities providing fire apparatus for you. I’m going to pass this along to a friend who will like that.

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  10. Your wonderful photography creates strong images of the devastation and determination in Port A. Thank you. We are returning to Brian’s beach house in the new year and will be pleased to see you and the changes developing in the resilient town we love so much.

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    1. Be prepared to be shocked. It is hard to imagine how much damage there was, Mary. I have made the decision not to show it here, but Port A is like a deserted town in the evening when the workers quit working. The town is resilient for sure. A rebuild is under way. Thanks for the kind comments. 😀

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  13. I think I mentioned that my folks got a strange boat in their backyard after Katrina … and they’re miles away from the beach!! Glad to see things are improving — how cool that rescue equipment is on loan from other communities across the state that didn’t get hit so hard!

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  14. Great photos and view of Port A! We had checked to see if Virginia’s on the Bay had survived and were glad that it was open. Looking forward to going back. It is amazing to see so much help from all over Texas. The sunshine will help it heal. What about the Tarpon Inn? I don’t think I have read anything about it.

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  16. I find these posts, and the stories they tell, so much more interesting than the news coverage. They want the disaster, then move on hoping for the next disaster. This kind of story is so important.

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    1. Thanks, Craig. yeah you have to linger a bit to get the true essence of what a disaster really means. We are so pleased to see the rebuilding process begin. There is a parade next week that should be very emotional. It is the annual Oldtown Parade and there is very little of Oldtown left. I’ll be there with a box of tissues.

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  18. Thanks for the great pictures, John. Glad you found your barber – getting a little shaggy on top? Looking more like a Hoser? Seriously, I’m so happy with these signs of Port A. recovering.

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  19. Applesauce! John, I am in awe of the spirit and strength of the people of your town. A true community spirit. Emergency responders all over the country are amazing, traveling far from home, letting strangers become their community to protect. There have been heavy demands on them this year, yet they’re still there.
    Thank you for this post, profound in its simplicity. Hugs on the wing.

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  21. The power of the human spirit to endure these horrific incidents of nature gone mad is outstanding. As is that wonderful level of support when good people ask themselves the question, could I walk a mile in their shoes? Wonderful post, John.

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