An attitude of optimism and relief filled a semi-rural neighborhood northwest of Houston yesterday. After losing power on September 12 when Ike rolled in and , the tree and power experts had finally arrived. When asked for an estimated time on a return of power to the neighborhood, the electrical workers were upbeat and gave an "in a little while" answer to the eager residents. Given the progress they were making, it was reasonable to expect that power would be restored within a couple of hours. People would be able to have their first hot shower in nearly two weeks....