Views of the Neighborhood – Random Pics

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.

 

54 comments

  1. Great pictures, John. It’s good to know some things are up and running again. 😀 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They are. Thank you, Suzanne.

      Like

  2. Gwen Plano · ·

    The photos chronicle a powerful story…and the last photo says it all. Have a great day, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    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.” 😀

      Like

      1. Gwen Plano · ·

        Beautiful and inspirational!! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you, Gwen

        Like

  3. The best sign was on its back – because it’s no longer needed. You stayed strong and pulled through!!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I’m glad things are improving, Johm.
    Have a wonderful Sunday,
    Pit

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Pit. You as well. Looking forward to the next bar-b-que feature.

      Like

  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

    1. Thanks, Jill. The sky can lift the spirit for sure. 🙂

      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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The response from fire and Police around the state has been unbelievable. The State Troopers have been especially welcome. Thanks, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  7. This was great, John. Photos can depict what we often can’t fathom. Happy Sunday.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Jennie. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, John. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Great report, dear John. Boats traveller impress! You might make hurricane monuments from them. Thank you! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That may happen. They have been there for a month. Maybe forever. Thanks, Marie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. If you paint them bright, they will add some fun and optimism to the landscape. And what a joy for children! 😉 Have a nice week, dear John!

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Feel like I should say congrats on finding your barber. A good one isn’t easy to find these days. The free chiropractic adjustments is an odd one. Because of all the heavy lifting being done?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think it is a tension reliever kind of thing. 🙂

      Like

  10. Mary Gail Vogel · ·

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    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. 😀

      Like

  11. Great photos once again, John. These are evidence of a strong community pulling itself back together.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Michelle. They are pulling.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Amazing, John. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Natalie. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  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!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Very cool, Debbie. Thanks. 🙂

      Like

  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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It took a hit. Will be closed for a while. Don’t know when it will open. Thanks, Jo

      Like

  15. Good to see some normality creeping back! Look forward to next week’s report 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  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.

    Liked by 1 person

    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.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Maybe it’s that spirit I enjoy so much. It’s just meaningful somehow.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. It is to me a s well, Craig. Thank you.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. D.L Finn, Author · ·

    The signs are such an indication of hope and strength! Glad to see the recovery and businesses opening up again.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, DL. It is slow but sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. John Fioravanti · ·

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The top is not a problem. Slowest growing spot. 😀

      Like

      1. John Fioravanti · ·

        😉

        Liked by 1 person

  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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Teagan. I wanted the photos to speak for themselves.

      Like

  20. The power of nature let’s us know how insignificant we really are. It is a humbling experience.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It sure is, Micki. Thank you.

      Like

  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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Soooz. To see it all come together is a rewarding experience.

      Like

  22. Happy to see things are slowly getting back to normal, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes they are. Thank you, Teri.

      Like

  23. I was always amazed at the companies in Houston that were out of storage units. Great fix, Mike!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I thought so too.

      Like