Hi Everyone,
There is snow on the ground. I actually like that a lot. The last time it snowed I wasn't as thrilled because the house and its contents were 'open at the top.' (A SOM pun.) But now, it is still open but the contents are gone and the men are in there doing the demolition work. Progress is happening.
Yesterday, Monday, I was walking towards the house, talking on the phone and saw, what it appeared to me, an army of guys each carrying a hammer and a crowbar marching towards the house. At first my heart skipped a beat and I thought, "I hope they are careful" and then I realized careful of what? They are taking it to the studs, it all comes out. I was glad to see a carpenter and his crew already in the house taking the fireplace fronts off with great care. They are also saving doors and stain glass windows. Everything else goes.
As the demolition continues our time of making big decisions begins. Will we move walls, add a room, level the floor, etc. We have lots of ideas and will be working with the contractor to figure out what is possible.
On Friday I flew to Dallas to attend Lee Wolock's installation. He is a friend from my days of studying. It was a wonderful evening, such joy at celebrating a long intended milestone. Lee is a powerful minister and a consummate treater. Actually one of the speakers said he didn't know anyone who prayed more than Lee. And he does it with such conviction and joy.
It was fun to be with so many ministers and friends and yes in the back of my mind I was thinking, "Oh I like that, I think I will include that in my ordination." For those of who may not know, in Religious Science when you complete your studies, you become a licentiate minister. After two years of living the life of a minister, you have the opportunity to decide if this really is the life for you. If so, you apply to the National organization and if they agree you fit the ministry, you are ordained for life. The ordination is a time of celebration and affirmation of a person's true commitment and calling. In the August/September time frame, I will be applying and expect to be ordained either late in 2010 or early in 2011. Yes, that brings a smile to my face.
I am off to check on the work at the house and then focus on content inventory.
Have a blessed and joyful day!
Rev. Carolyn
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
January 22 Update
Good morning Everyone,
Vicky mentioned to me that she had posted a comment. I went to look for it and couldn't find it. I did not know I needed to look for comments under each post. I thought the comments would show up like the posts so I thought no one was commenting. If you have seen "Julie and Julia" I was having one of those moments of, "Is anybody out there?" Yes they are, I just didn't know how to find comments.
I know now and hope this will encourage all of you to make more comments.
The contractor and the adjuster have agreed on a number. As things come up the number may change, but now we can get started. They begin demolition on Monday. First they will remove what we are able to save such as the doors, the fireplace fronts, (I'm very pleased about that.), the stain glass windows, and possibly the vanity in the upstairs bathroom. Then starting on the second floor they will begin to remove all wall board and everthing else and take it to the studs. In the contract it calls for replacing all floors. So it truly will be gutted. The goal will be to get it cleaned out as quickly as possible and the roof on. We don't really know how long they expect that to take. One day at a time.
Two construction engineers came out to look at the foundation. Some work will need to be done by the Insurance company, and there is some that we just need to go ahead and have done while the house is being redone. So we have a clearer idea of what needs to be done and can move forward on this. I was really glad to know that the foundation was basically good.
Any of you who have talked to me have noted a sense of 'whelm' when I talked about the contents inventory. This week I was talking to Tracy about the sadness of seeing some things go. She asked which ones specifically and I mentioned the French armoire and (don't laugh) the little bowl I keep butter in. The next morning when I opened my email, I had two emails from Tracy. One was showing several French armoires that are very comparable to what we had. The second was a list of butter bowls, both were items listed on EBay. Well we have ordered two of the butter bowls, one of them is a Louisville Stoneware bowl, how cool it that? And my attitude is I am going on the shopping spree of my life. It is still a lot of work, but my attitude has shifted.
Perspective, I think I may have mentioned that a few times on Sundays. Just see something from a little different angle and the whole situation changes. Thank you Tracy.
Classes started last night. We have eight in the Roots class and this will be an awesome class.
Now I am off to Dallas for about twenty hours for Lee Wolock's ordination. I get to be with lots of ministers at a very precious and sacred time. Then on Sunday, I get to be with my LCSL community. Life truly is Good.
Blessings and much joy,
Rev. Carolyn
Vicky mentioned to me that she had posted a comment. I went to look for it and couldn't find it. I did not know I needed to look for comments under each post. I thought the comments would show up like the posts so I thought no one was commenting. If you have seen "Julie and Julia" I was having one of those moments of, "Is anybody out there?" Yes they are, I just didn't know how to find comments.
I know now and hope this will encourage all of you to make more comments.
The contractor and the adjuster have agreed on a number. As things come up the number may change, but now we can get started. They begin demolition on Monday. First they will remove what we are able to save such as the doors, the fireplace fronts, (I'm very pleased about that.), the stain glass windows, and possibly the vanity in the upstairs bathroom. Then starting on the second floor they will begin to remove all wall board and everthing else and take it to the studs. In the contract it calls for replacing all floors. So it truly will be gutted. The goal will be to get it cleaned out as quickly as possible and the roof on. We don't really know how long they expect that to take. One day at a time.
Two construction engineers came out to look at the foundation. Some work will need to be done by the Insurance company, and there is some that we just need to go ahead and have done while the house is being redone. So we have a clearer idea of what needs to be done and can move forward on this. I was really glad to know that the foundation was basically good.
Any of you who have talked to me have noted a sense of 'whelm' when I talked about the contents inventory. This week I was talking to Tracy about the sadness of seeing some things go. She asked which ones specifically and I mentioned the French armoire and (don't laugh) the little bowl I keep butter in. The next morning when I opened my email, I had two emails from Tracy. One was showing several French armoires that are very comparable to what we had. The second was a list of butter bowls, both were items listed on EBay. Well we have ordered two of the butter bowls, one of them is a Louisville Stoneware bowl, how cool it that? And my attitude is I am going on the shopping spree of my life. It is still a lot of work, but my attitude has shifted.
Perspective, I think I may have mentioned that a few times on Sundays. Just see something from a little different angle and the whole situation changes. Thank you Tracy.
Classes started last night. We have eight in the Roots class and this will be an awesome class.
Now I am off to Dallas for about twenty hours for Lee Wolock's ordination. I get to be with lots of ministers at a very precious and sacred time. Then on Sunday, I get to be with my LCSL community. Life truly is Good.
Blessings and much joy,
Rev. Carolyn
Monday, January 18, 2010
January 18
Good morning everyone,
Someone said they can't imagine what I am feeling. My response was, I am feeling all the feelings. I said before this is a little like a roller coaster.
Yesterday the service was great, we had a wonderful crowd, the place looked great and was comfortable. We met at the Snelling Chiropractic clinic.
On Friday afternoon, it all got to be too much and I ran away from home. Yes I do feel about 7 when I say that, but it was important to do at the time. I was only gone for about 4 hours, but I needed the time to sit by the river and cry, and wander through Rite Aid and buy a Janet Evanovich book, and eat dinner alone. It had all become too much. Too much dirt, too much clutter, too many decisions, too much loss, just too much.
There are times when I hate I know what I know. All the time I am trying to have a really good pity party, in the back of my mind I am hearing things like, you know it will be OK, this really isn't beneficial, you know you are loved and all will be alright. All that's true and sometimes we need to cry.
I love being a minister. Knowing that I had a talk to give, moved me through the, what do I call it, time of downness, time of feeling swamped, time of getting caught up in the feeling of the moment. Maybe time of focusing on my human condition vs. the truth that I am Spirit expressing. Maybe I just call it being human. Whatever we call it, it is part of who I am, who we are. Sometimes it is all too much. For me, then it is time to work on a talk and be reminded of what I believe and teach. Which is in part - I am guarded, guided, protected and sourced. All is Good. What comfort this teaching gives me.
We expect to have the final estimate on the repairs of the house today or tomorrow. As soon as we agree, they will begin work. The house is clear of debris. We spent two and a half hours with the adjuster and contractor on Friday morning walking through and agreeing on what was there and what needs to be done. They estimate it will take 6 months to complete. So, sometime in the summer we will get to move back to our new-beautiful-better-than-before-home.
And now I will work on content inventory.
Have a blessed and beautiful day,
Rev. Carolyn
Someone said they can't imagine what I am feeling. My response was, I am feeling all the feelings. I said before this is a little like a roller coaster.
Yesterday the service was great, we had a wonderful crowd, the place looked great and was comfortable. We met at the Snelling Chiropractic clinic.
On Friday afternoon, it all got to be too much and I ran away from home. Yes I do feel about 7 when I say that, but it was important to do at the time. I was only gone for about 4 hours, but I needed the time to sit by the river and cry, and wander through Rite Aid and buy a Janet Evanovich book, and eat dinner alone. It had all become too much. Too much dirt, too much clutter, too many decisions, too much loss, just too much.
There are times when I hate I know what I know. All the time I am trying to have a really good pity party, in the back of my mind I am hearing things like, you know it will be OK, this really isn't beneficial, you know you are loved and all will be alright. All that's true and sometimes we need to cry.
I love being a minister. Knowing that I had a talk to give, moved me through the, what do I call it, time of downness, time of feeling swamped, time of getting caught up in the feeling of the moment. Maybe time of focusing on my human condition vs. the truth that I am Spirit expressing. Maybe I just call it being human. Whatever we call it, it is part of who I am, who we are. Sometimes it is all too much. For me, then it is time to work on a talk and be reminded of what I believe and teach. Which is in part - I am guarded, guided, protected and sourced. All is Good. What comfort this teaching gives me.
We expect to have the final estimate on the repairs of the house today or tomorrow. As soon as we agree, they will begin work. The house is clear of debris. We spent two and a half hours with the adjuster and contractor on Friday morning walking through and agreeing on what was there and what needs to be done. They estimate it will take 6 months to complete. So, sometime in the summer we will get to move back to our new-beautiful-better-than-before-home.
And now I will work on content inventory.
Have a blessed and beautiful day,
Rev. Carolyn
Thursday, January 14, 2010
January 14,
Good morning everyone,
Two nights ago, we received a contents inventory listing with dollar amounts. At first it was, Oh no, this won't do. But when I called my adjuster he said, "Oh you shouldn't have gotten that, it is very preliminary." That was good to know and Bob and I went to work looking at it to see how complete and if we agreed with the numbers. Not really. The electronics and jewelry we will just order from them and get full replacement value. The household items and clothing we will need to buy and submit receipts to get the full value. Depreciation is a real thing to deal with. Going through it, I am on page 76 of 100 and almost every line I need to do some research or ask a question. Things like a table upstairs that they have valued at something you buy at Target, and it actually came from Lazyboy. There will be a difference in that value.
I don't expect any problem when I show them the difference, but I need to go and do the research to give them real numbers. As the day wore on I kept wondering is this something others can help me with? I'm not sure. I want to organize a room with half a dozen people with computers and I sit in the middle and say look up ..... and then I write that down and everyone is working at once and it is so efficient and quick. We all need our daydreams.
It will happen, it will just take time and then I will go to Dana and get the kinks out of my neck.
Story - We stayed Tuesday and Wednesday night after the fire at Sue's house. She is a wonderful hostess; cooking for us, adjusting to our schedule, giving suggestions and just offering a safe haven. On Tuesday night, ky and Mike came over bearing gifts including stuff from the salon that Ray had sent. And they brought laugther and love. They invited us to go to the Celtic Christmas presentation on Satuday night. It ended up being Sue and I that went with them. Dinner at Austin's first and then the show. I was glad to be out and I really wanted to be at home. It was a really strange night for me. The company was wonderful, the show was really good and I was having trouble being in the moment. I told Tracy later that I couldn't order our regular Austins meal of pecan/strawberry salad because that was a happy meal and it didn't fit how I was feeling. I also think it takes a lot of energy to eat that much lettuce and I didn't have the energy to do it.
At the show, they had three groups performing. I was a wiggle wart during the first presentation and when they were switching I went to the back of the room to stand. Standing was easier, I could move without feeling I was disturbing others and it helped to release some of the energy that felt trapped inside me. It was dark at the back of the room, so I could stretch and move with freedom,
Sue drove and dropped me off at the door. When she parked she met a lady that was taking a big bag out of her car and somehow told Sue that is was for a lady who had had a fire. It was Danette who had come and performed at a Sunday morning service a few months back and had heard about the fire from ky. She was performing that night and intended to give the bag to ky. So Sue put the bag in her car and later gave it to me. It was full of essentials. It was another moment of receiving love and practical things we needed.
If you ever have a situation where you need lots of help, tell ky. He knows lots of people, shares with them and they just naturally get on board and share what they have. There are many stories like the one above. On Thursday the day we moved into 201, ky called and asked what I needed. I need a chest of drawers to put our undies in. He is standing in the book store next to where he works telling the owner about the fire and that he is looking for a chest of drawers and a customer said, "I have one I am getting rid of this weekend, would you like that?" ky went and got it and brought it to us that night. It is nice to have a place to put things away. Thank you to a lady I never met or even know the name of and thanks to ky.
I am off to meditate and then work on inventory. When you have as a big a job as inentory, you need lots of prep/meditation. Last night at 6, no one was here. So, I rang myself in, put on the music and started to meditate. I needed a time of relaxation and Spirit focus. By 6:05 there were four of us. A sweet blessing to share that time with others.
Have a wonderful day!
Rev. Carolyn
Two nights ago, we received a contents inventory listing with dollar amounts. At first it was, Oh no, this won't do. But when I called my adjuster he said, "Oh you shouldn't have gotten that, it is very preliminary." That was good to know and Bob and I went to work looking at it to see how complete and if we agreed with the numbers. Not really. The electronics and jewelry we will just order from them and get full replacement value. The household items and clothing we will need to buy and submit receipts to get the full value. Depreciation is a real thing to deal with. Going through it, I am on page 76 of 100 and almost every line I need to do some research or ask a question. Things like a table upstairs that they have valued at something you buy at Target, and it actually came from Lazyboy. There will be a difference in that value.
I don't expect any problem when I show them the difference, but I need to go and do the research to give them real numbers. As the day wore on I kept wondering is this something others can help me with? I'm not sure. I want to organize a room with half a dozen people with computers and I sit in the middle and say look up ..... and then I write that down and everyone is working at once and it is so efficient and quick. We all need our daydreams.
It will happen, it will just take time and then I will go to Dana and get the kinks out of my neck.
Story - We stayed Tuesday and Wednesday night after the fire at Sue's house. She is a wonderful hostess; cooking for us, adjusting to our schedule, giving suggestions and just offering a safe haven. On Tuesday night, ky and Mike came over bearing gifts including stuff from the salon that Ray had sent. And they brought laugther and love. They invited us to go to the Celtic Christmas presentation on Satuday night. It ended up being Sue and I that went with them. Dinner at Austin's first and then the show. I was glad to be out and I really wanted to be at home. It was a really strange night for me. The company was wonderful, the show was really good and I was having trouble being in the moment. I told Tracy later that I couldn't order our regular Austins meal of pecan/strawberry salad because that was a happy meal and it didn't fit how I was feeling. I also think it takes a lot of energy to eat that much lettuce and I didn't have the energy to do it.
At the show, they had three groups performing. I was a wiggle wart during the first presentation and when they were switching I went to the back of the room to stand. Standing was easier, I could move without feeling I was disturbing others and it helped to release some of the energy that felt trapped inside me. It was dark at the back of the room, so I could stretch and move with freedom,
Sue drove and dropped me off at the door. When she parked she met a lady that was taking a big bag out of her car and somehow told Sue that is was for a lady who had had a fire. It was Danette who had come and performed at a Sunday morning service a few months back and had heard about the fire from ky. She was performing that night and intended to give the bag to ky. So Sue put the bag in her car and later gave it to me. It was full of essentials. It was another moment of receiving love and practical things we needed.
If you ever have a situation where you need lots of help, tell ky. He knows lots of people, shares with them and they just naturally get on board and share what they have. There are many stories like the one above. On Thursday the day we moved into 201, ky called and asked what I needed. I need a chest of drawers to put our undies in. He is standing in the book store next to where he works telling the owner about the fire and that he is looking for a chest of drawers and a customer said, "I have one I am getting rid of this weekend, would you like that?" ky went and got it and brought it to us that night. It is nice to have a place to put things away. Thank you to a lady I never met or even know the name of and thanks to ky.
I am off to meditate and then work on inventory. When you have as a big a job as inentory, you need lots of prep/meditation. Last night at 6, no one was here. So, I rang myself in, put on the music and started to meditate. I needed a time of relaxation and Spirit focus. By 6:05 there were four of us. A sweet blessing to share that time with others.
Have a wonderful day!
Rev. Carolyn
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January 11 - Update
Hello everyone,
Yesterday we met with the contractor we expect to go with. We are scheduling a walk through with the adjuster for later this week and when we reach a preliminary agreement as to what we think this will cost, then work will begin. My expectation is to be back in our home by July or August.
The crew is here cleaning out the house now. I was kind of dreading it, thinking it would be so final and I wouldn't like that. It does feel final as the contents are put in the dumpster and it also feels like the next step to restoring the home. So when I walked in there yesterday and saw everything out of the Great room, the room where we met, it actually felt lighter. There are still decisions to be made as they reveal more things buried under the rubble. They are putting the furniture out where we can see it better and we are considering what might actually be saved. Does anyone know any furniture refinishers?
There are four guys working in that cold cold house. Some debris can't be moved yet because it is frozen to the floor. We are really anxious to see what condition the floors are actually in. I don't think we can save all of them, but I do hope some of them can be saved.
There are more opportunities to clean things up if anyone is interested. I keep wondering if there are more things out there that people have cleaned up. There is some paper work I am looking for. I did order all the books we need for Roots and Treatment and Meditation, they will be here on Monday.
If you were not able to join us last Sunday, the Rainbow Center was a good experience. I am looking forward to checking out the Snelling Chiropractic building next Sunday.
One more memory from the story - On the Monday one week after the fire, Sharon called and said she was bringing dinner. She brought a picnic for five from Mark's Feedstore, (barbecue). When Bob and I go, we order one meal and split it. So it was a lot of food. We called Sue, she came over and, of course, Sharon stayed and we laughed and talked and just had a great time. Just in case you don't know, Mark's has the best buttermilk pie I have ever eaten. that was such a lovely way to spend the first anniversary.
Bob is up, we are going over to meet with the guys and mark what we want to keep.
Have a blessed day!
Rev. Carolyn
Yesterday we met with the contractor we expect to go with. We are scheduling a walk through with the adjuster for later this week and when we reach a preliminary agreement as to what we think this will cost, then work will begin. My expectation is to be back in our home by July or August.
The crew is here cleaning out the house now. I was kind of dreading it, thinking it would be so final and I wouldn't like that. It does feel final as the contents are put in the dumpster and it also feels like the next step to restoring the home. So when I walked in there yesterday and saw everything out of the Great room, the room where we met, it actually felt lighter. There are still decisions to be made as they reveal more things buried under the rubble. They are putting the furniture out where we can see it better and we are considering what might actually be saved. Does anyone know any furniture refinishers?
There are four guys working in that cold cold house. Some debris can't be moved yet because it is frozen to the floor. We are really anxious to see what condition the floors are actually in. I don't think we can save all of them, but I do hope some of them can be saved.
There are more opportunities to clean things up if anyone is interested. I keep wondering if there are more things out there that people have cleaned up. There is some paper work I am looking for. I did order all the books we need for Roots and Treatment and Meditation, they will be here on Monday.
If you were not able to join us last Sunday, the Rainbow Center was a good experience. I am looking forward to checking out the Snelling Chiropractic building next Sunday.
One more memory from the story - On the Monday one week after the fire, Sharon called and said she was bringing dinner. She brought a picnic for five from Mark's Feedstore, (barbecue). When Bob and I go, we order one meal and split it. So it was a lot of food. We called Sue, she came over and, of course, Sharon stayed and we laughed and talked and just had a great time. Just in case you don't know, Mark's has the best buttermilk pie I have ever eaten. that was such a lovely way to spend the first anniversary.
Bob is up, we are going over to meet with the guys and mark what we want to keep.
Have a blessed day!
Rev. Carolyn
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Sharing from a friend 1-9-10
Good morning,
Last night seven of us went to the Improv show. It was fun. Unity had about 35 folks there. The metaphysical community made a showing!
I have known Lucie since my kids were teenagers. We met through the Episcopal church we were attending and after much follow-up, I convinced Lucie to try our bible study. We soon became good friends. We have been spiritual directors to each other, silent retreat attendees on a yearly or twice a year basis, held each other's hands when she was in crisis and when I was, laughed till we cried on numerous occasions, solved the worlds problems and those of everyone we knew (we could never get anyone to listen to our solutions), and just learned to love each other. She shared the following with me yesterday and I asked her if I could add it to the blog. This also says if you don't want to join google and figure out how to post a blog, send it to me in an email and I will post it for you.
I wrote back and said I had no idea what kind of phone it was and her comment was I knew you didn't just wanted to mess with you.
I know for some they may think we have spent too much time worrying about clothes, but until two weeks in I thought I had lost everything. Since then we have salvaged some things, people have given me some lovely things and I have bought a few. So my wardrobe while much less than it was, is coming together. I actually hope I keep it small and manageable. I look at everything I add to my closet and ask will you really wear that.
One of the precious moments in this last month was the day one of you came to my door thrust an envelop into my hands and said read the note. The note said that they had appreciated that I get dressed up on Sunday mornings and know it's not easy to do sometimes. On the Sunday I talked about expressing gratitude they intended to write me a note but hadn't gotten around to it. So they were giving me a very generous amount of money to put towards rebuilding my wardrobe. I treasure having a dress fund. Some of the money is going towards shoes. I have never been a big shoe person, but I do need more than one pair of heels. I now have four, two that were salvaged from the fire. Progress is being made.
Have another great snow day!
Rev. Carolyn
Last night seven of us went to the Improv show. It was fun. Unity had about 35 folks there. The metaphysical community made a showing!
I have known Lucie since my kids were teenagers. We met through the Episcopal church we were attending and after much follow-up, I convinced Lucie to try our bible study. We soon became good friends. We have been spiritual directors to each other, silent retreat attendees on a yearly or twice a year basis, held each other's hands when she was in crisis and when I was, laughed till we cried on numerous occasions, solved the worlds problems and those of everyone we knew (we could never get anyone to listen to our solutions), and just learned to love each other. She shared the following with me yesterday and I asked her if I could add it to the blog. This also says if you don't want to join google and figure out how to post a blog, send it to me in an email and I will post it for you.
Keeping up with you on your blog. Yes, your Tracy is a treasure. And, Jim has grown into a fine man.
I sit here thinking of when I met you in the 80's. So much has happened - so much good.
One remark I remember Tracy making the night I spoke with her - She said she told you she didn't need to pack any clothes and you told her "One of us should have some." Right there says it all about you. You were in the moment of a horrible situation, but the "good" still came out of you. You are a wonder. And there is Bob - a blessing for you. Lots of years...............lots of struggles..................lots of good!
Take care, my friend, and I will continue to keep up with you.
Oh, and what kind of phone did the lovely Tracy bring you? (I tried to make this type bigger, but without success. Hope it is readable.)
I wrote back and said I had no idea what kind of phone it was and her comment was I knew you didn't just wanted to mess with you.
I know for some they may think we have spent too much time worrying about clothes, but until two weeks in I thought I had lost everything. Since then we have salvaged some things, people have given me some lovely things and I have bought a few. So my wardrobe while much less than it was, is coming together. I actually hope I keep it small and manageable. I look at everything I add to my closet and ask will you really wear that.
One of the precious moments in this last month was the day one of you came to my door thrust an envelop into my hands and said read the note. The note said that they had appreciated that I get dressed up on Sunday mornings and know it's not easy to do sometimes. On the Sunday I talked about expressing gratitude they intended to write me a note but hadn't gotten around to it. So they were giving me a very generous amount of money to put towards rebuilding my wardrobe. I treasure having a dress fund. Some of the money is going towards shoes. I have never been a big shoe person, but I do need more than one pair of heels. I now have four, two that were salvaged from the fire. Progress is being made.
Have another great snow day!
Rev. Carolyn
Friday, January 8, 2010
January 8 update and story
Hi everyone,
Love the snow. Glad the house is tarped. It would be really difficult I think to see snow inside the house. Not sure why I think that would bother me, but I do. I've experienced being rained on in the house so why not snow. I don't know it just would feel different somehow.
I spoke to Replacement Resource Inc yesterday. They are the company that will give a value to all the inventory that has been recorded. Bob has been through most of the list, I made it to page 50 out of 100. I'll get back to it later today. It is a lot, it is confusing, and it is very important to remember everything and to give accurate descriptions. The two gentlemen that I talked to were great. Very helpful and encouraging. One of them was saying how much good work I had done to collect all this information and I said, it wasn't me it was the guy the insurance company hired. His comment was, "You have a really good insurance company." Now how comforting is that.
We have another contractors bid, and have one more coming. We expect to make the decision next week. Your prayers knowing that we choose just the right contractor who will be easy to work with, effective in working with the insurance adjuster and will rebuild us a most beautiful safe functional home, will be appreciated.
Paula encouraged me to share the things I need, so here is my list - mouse pad, mirror - free standing - magnifying and regular, brass cleaner or someone to take the brass chimes and clean them, help with clearing the xmas decorations from the front yard, (it is just so cold right now, this will have to wait), bond paper, 3 hole plastic cover sheets, help in moving a heavy bookcase, help in packing away Marcia's stuff here in the house. Oh and we are still looking for more drawers in the form of a chest of some sort.
Now back to the 'story.' - I spoke to Jim, my son, that night as well. I know he would really like to be here to help, but his work will just not allow. He got the word out on Facebook and while Tracy and I were running errands on Wednesday, I got a call from Jim's high school friend Jason. So uexpected and so welcomed. This is just one example of how wonderful-surprising-blessed things have happened over and over and over again.
Those first few days are such a blur. Talking to the insurance, after finding the right number. Do you know how to contact your insurance agent or even the name and town of where your insurance company is located? I didn't. It was written down, why did I need to remember it. Right. Meeting the adjuster, the investigator and others at the house. Trying to establish a base of operation. Getting connected through cell phone again. Lots and lots of details. And in all of that people reaching out to support us. This is where I am hoping people will help me remember the stories and events.
Because Sue called Marcia and Marcia said we could lease 201 West Park Place, we knew where we were going on Tuesday, and we were here on Thursday night. I have slipped out of telling the story in chronological order. I think I will get back to that.
On Tuesday morning, I am standing the the back yard. Bob is in the house trying to salvage some stuff and looking at things and Sue walks up. She thought I might be here and wanted to offer me her home. So with a little persuasion, I went to her house and made my phone calls. Her home became our refuge for the next tree days. I know I made a lot of phone calls and was very busy, but I can't remember what happened on that particular day. Tracy got in at almost 8 that night. Driving her by the house was hard. This was one of those moments when I really got that this was not just happening to me, but to lots of people.
On Wednesday, Tracy and I went to the house for her to see it and to see if we could get pictures out She dug through all sorts of stuff to get to the baby books and photo albums. Most were saved. We stood on the front porch and looked at what remaned of our tree and ornaments. We shopped for immediate needs. We called all sorts of utilities to get them turned off at 222 and started at 201. We shopped for a computer and went to HH Gregg to get a new TV. Bob and I had just splurged on a plasma 58" TV. It was our Christmas present to each other and it seemed really important to replace it. Somehow a computer and a TV and we would be OK.
On Thursday night, our first night at 201, Tracy and I came home and Charles and his wife, (our contractor and friend) were there delivering a real Christmas tree. It was so perfect, people had to touch it to make sure it was not fake. The stand they brought was not working. This tree was leaning precariously. As Charles left he whispered to Bob, you can fix it later. Bob didn't have to, the next night Rick and tom and Bob, i think, put the tree in a stand provided by Sue that was really pretty and help the tree perfectly straight.
Other folks were here and I can't remember exactly why, but out of that they organized a party to decorate the tree on Friday night. So on Friday night Rick, Tom, Sharon, Gerri, Sue, Eron, Lee Oh boy I hope I am not forgetting someone, came brought lights, ornaments, food including an ice cream cake and wassail fixins and decorated the tree. I sat there and just watched. I was almost overcome with emotion. It was so incredible. I wish I could find words to describe better some of the feelings I have had over the last few weeks. Bob and I held each other later and just were overwhelmed with the love that was pouring over us. And the tree was beautiful!
We had planned an open house and party weeks before for the Friday after the fire and had invited our neighbors. Obviously we couldn't do that, but we decided to invite everyone for Sunday after service. So some ladies came and cleaned house, other folks went over to 222 and helped to look for things that might be saved. On Sunday, the house was filled with people, laughter, food and warmth. Dinah said she knew what a house warming was, it was filling a house with the energy of others. We did that on that Sunday.
I'm feeling frustrated because I know I am forgetting major things. So, I will go get my day started and come back to this tomorrow.
Love and joy and thanks for walking this journey with me.
Rev. Carolyn
Love the snow. Glad the house is tarped. It would be really difficult I think to see snow inside the house. Not sure why I think that would bother me, but I do. I've experienced being rained on in the house so why not snow. I don't know it just would feel different somehow.
I spoke to Replacement Resource Inc yesterday. They are the company that will give a value to all the inventory that has been recorded. Bob has been through most of the list, I made it to page 50 out of 100. I'll get back to it later today. It is a lot, it is confusing, and it is very important to remember everything and to give accurate descriptions. The two gentlemen that I talked to were great. Very helpful and encouraging. One of them was saying how much good work I had done to collect all this information and I said, it wasn't me it was the guy the insurance company hired. His comment was, "You have a really good insurance company." Now how comforting is that.
We have another contractors bid, and have one more coming. We expect to make the decision next week. Your prayers knowing that we choose just the right contractor who will be easy to work with, effective in working with the insurance adjuster and will rebuild us a most beautiful safe functional home, will be appreciated.
Paula encouraged me to share the things I need, so here is my list - mouse pad, mirror - free standing - magnifying and regular, brass cleaner or someone to take the brass chimes and clean them, help with clearing the xmas decorations from the front yard, (it is just so cold right now, this will have to wait), bond paper, 3 hole plastic cover sheets, help in moving a heavy bookcase, help in packing away Marcia's stuff here in the house. Oh and we are still looking for more drawers in the form of a chest of some sort.
Now back to the 'story.' - I spoke to Jim, my son, that night as well. I know he would really like to be here to help, but his work will just not allow. He got the word out on Facebook and while Tracy and I were running errands on Wednesday, I got a call from Jim's high school friend Jason. So uexpected and so welcomed. This is just one example of how wonderful-surprising-blessed things have happened over and over and over again.
Those first few days are such a blur. Talking to the insurance, after finding the right number. Do you know how to contact your insurance agent or even the name and town of where your insurance company is located? I didn't. It was written down, why did I need to remember it. Right. Meeting the adjuster, the investigator and others at the house. Trying to establish a base of operation. Getting connected through cell phone again. Lots and lots of details. And in all of that people reaching out to support us. This is where I am hoping people will help me remember the stories and events.
Because Sue called Marcia and Marcia said we could lease 201 West Park Place, we knew where we were going on Tuesday, and we were here on Thursday night. I have slipped out of telling the story in chronological order. I think I will get back to that.
On Tuesday morning, I am standing the the back yard. Bob is in the house trying to salvage some stuff and looking at things and Sue walks up. She thought I might be here and wanted to offer me her home. So with a little persuasion, I went to her house and made my phone calls. Her home became our refuge for the next tree days. I know I made a lot of phone calls and was very busy, but I can't remember what happened on that particular day. Tracy got in at almost 8 that night. Driving her by the house was hard. This was one of those moments when I really got that this was not just happening to me, but to lots of people.
On Wednesday, Tracy and I went to the house for her to see it and to see if we could get pictures out She dug through all sorts of stuff to get to the baby books and photo albums. Most were saved. We stood on the front porch and looked at what remaned of our tree and ornaments. We shopped for immediate needs. We called all sorts of utilities to get them turned off at 222 and started at 201. We shopped for a computer and went to HH Gregg to get a new TV. Bob and I had just splurged on a plasma 58" TV. It was our Christmas present to each other and it seemed really important to replace it. Somehow a computer and a TV and we would be OK.
On Thursday night, our first night at 201, Tracy and I came home and Charles and his wife, (our contractor and friend) were there delivering a real Christmas tree. It was so perfect, people had to touch it to make sure it was not fake. The stand they brought was not working. This tree was leaning precariously. As Charles left he whispered to Bob, you can fix it later. Bob didn't have to, the next night Rick and tom and Bob, i think, put the tree in a stand provided by Sue that was really pretty and help the tree perfectly straight.
Other folks were here and I can't remember exactly why, but out of that they organized a party to decorate the tree on Friday night. So on Friday night Rick, Tom, Sharon, Gerri, Sue, Eron, Lee Oh boy I hope I am not forgetting someone, came brought lights, ornaments, food including an ice cream cake and wassail fixins and decorated the tree. I sat there and just watched. I was almost overcome with emotion. It was so incredible. I wish I could find words to describe better some of the feelings I have had over the last few weeks. Bob and I held each other later and just were overwhelmed with the love that was pouring over us. And the tree was beautiful!
We had planned an open house and party weeks before for the Friday after the fire and had invited our neighbors. Obviously we couldn't do that, but we decided to invite everyone for Sunday after service. So some ladies came and cleaned house, other folks went over to 222 and helped to look for things that might be saved. On Sunday, the house was filled with people, laughter, food and warmth. Dinah said she knew what a house warming was, it was filling a house with the energy of others. We did that on that Sunday.
I'm feeling frustrated because I know I am forgetting major things. So, I will go get my day started and come back to this tomorrow.
Love and joy and thanks for walking this journey with me.
Rev. Carolyn
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 6 - the Story
We have two posts today. If you are looking for an update of the current happenings, go to the next post.
This one is a continuation of the story - Back to the night it happened.
The fire marshal was great. He brought out a computer and later brought me my purse. He is also the one who told me, "What's done is done. You can't change that. You go on from here." He was a comfort in how he tried to comfort me and help me. They saved some papers that I used the next day to find my insurance agent and having my purse was great. I'll get back to that.
Vernon called Rev. Jesse Jennings to let him know what was happening and Jesse through Vernon's phone called me. A touchstone to what I believe. What he said, in part, was, "There are other houses, and other things, and bigger better is just waiting to appear. Nothing is loss, doors are opened." I'm paraphrasing, but that is what I heard. It was great.
Someone asked me had I called Tracy or Jim, my children. I had not. They loaned me a phone. Standing in a driveway across the street, I called. That was really hard. There is no easy way to say, "I'm standing across the street watching the house burn." But connecting with them was another lifeline.
While all of this was happening, my neighbors wanted me to go inside and warm up. I could not have said why I couldn't do that at the time, but have thought about it. Still don't think I have found the right words, but somehow I was a witness, a caring soul to what was happening. And this was my call to being in the moment and I could not turn away.
Lorese's son loves taking pictures, remember he is 7 or 8. While Tracy was here they brought over what he shot that night. Some of it is video. I'm glad to have it, and someday I will watch it.
People I knew and people I didn't know offered us a bed for the night. Somehow I decided to let Red Cross help us. I thought they might have advise or a check list or something that we could use. That didn't happen, but they did provide us with a motel room.
Sue and Gerri went to Sue's house and came back with two bags of stuff including a coat, undies, pajamas, blouses, pants, comb, toothbrush, etc. Just all sorts of stuff. So I did have a change of clothes and a way to comb my hair. That was wonderful!
Finally the fire was out and the firemen leaving and all of us were cold. So, we went to Bob's car and left. Bob and I went to Denny's, he had not eaten since lunch. We were there about midnight. I went through my purse. It was a small leather shoulder bag with several compartments. The top was charred black, but as I peeled off the layers my credit cards, my driver's license, several gift cards were all in tact. I had $300 in $100 bills and had just assumed that was all lost. Everyone of them was there. I kept them in different compartments and each was safe. I used one later to pay for something from Tammy's booth at Crazy Daizy and she gave it back to me. I have it on my desk, it is a little burnt on the edges and somehow has become a symbol of just how blessed I am. I may frame it. Again, I can't explain exactly what it means to me but it means a lot.
It was 2 AM before we laid down to sleep. That didn't come for me. At 6 I thought I have to get up and make a list, by 6:30 I was on my way to Wal-Mart. There are lots of folks at Wal-Mart at 6:30 AM. I bought things like moisturizer for my face, shoes for my feet and a velour pant suit I thought would be OK for Sunday. I was already thinking about what I needed for Sunday.
It was good to be in a non-discript place that first night. And how thankful we were on the second night to be at Sue's. We stayed with Sue two nights and she is a wonderful hostess. She gave us a refuge.
Tuesday morning I called Tracy to ask for her help and let her know we were OK. She said Mom I have already checked and get a flight out and be in Louisville by 8 that night. At first I hesitated. She has a job and could she really drop everything. I asked Bob and he said, "have her come!" Tracy told me later she was coming no matter what I said. She stayed until Saturday. What a blessing and comfort. She helped me so much and helped Bob and I move through the process.
When I called her I wanted her to order me undies, socks and a new phone. She brought with her a new phone that is really cool, 8 or 9 pairs of socks and the next day I got a box from Federal Express with 19 pairs of undies. Don't know why 19, not 20, not 18, but 19, but I am abundantly supplied. This is how Tracy is, give her a job and it gets done, ask for a little and get a lot. She is a treasure.
I can write this and smile now. When it was happening I was a very effective crying machine. I don't ever remember being that raw, that on the edge of emotion. Some are going to think well of course you were. But the quality of being in the moment is something I treasure. Being so open to the sadness, the joy, the living, the people surrounding me was a beautiful thing and still is.
Paula shared with me something she wrote about where she was that night and how she felt a connection with a fire that had happened in her family. I will let her share her experience, but mentioned it because it is so special to me and I want to encourage each of you to share your memories.
Love and gratitude,
Rev. Carolyn
This one is a continuation of the story - Back to the night it happened.
The fire marshal was great. He brought out a computer and later brought me my purse. He is also the one who told me, "What's done is done. You can't change that. You go on from here." He was a comfort in how he tried to comfort me and help me. They saved some papers that I used the next day to find my insurance agent and having my purse was great. I'll get back to that.
Vernon called Rev. Jesse Jennings to let him know what was happening and Jesse through Vernon's phone called me. A touchstone to what I believe. What he said, in part, was, "There are other houses, and other things, and bigger better is just waiting to appear. Nothing is loss, doors are opened." I'm paraphrasing, but that is what I heard. It was great.
Someone asked me had I called Tracy or Jim, my children. I had not. They loaned me a phone. Standing in a driveway across the street, I called. That was really hard. There is no easy way to say, "I'm standing across the street watching the house burn." But connecting with them was another lifeline.
While all of this was happening, my neighbors wanted me to go inside and warm up. I could not have said why I couldn't do that at the time, but have thought about it. Still don't think I have found the right words, but somehow I was a witness, a caring soul to what was happening. And this was my call to being in the moment and I could not turn away.
Lorese's son loves taking pictures, remember he is 7 or 8. While Tracy was here they brought over what he shot that night. Some of it is video. I'm glad to have it, and someday I will watch it.
People I knew and people I didn't know offered us a bed for the night. Somehow I decided to let Red Cross help us. I thought they might have advise or a check list or something that we could use. That didn't happen, but they did provide us with a motel room.
Sue and Gerri went to Sue's house and came back with two bags of stuff including a coat, undies, pajamas, blouses, pants, comb, toothbrush, etc. Just all sorts of stuff. So I did have a change of clothes and a way to comb my hair. That was wonderful!
Finally the fire was out and the firemen leaving and all of us were cold. So, we went to Bob's car and left. Bob and I went to Denny's, he had not eaten since lunch. We were there about midnight. I went through my purse. It was a small leather shoulder bag with several compartments. The top was charred black, but as I peeled off the layers my credit cards, my driver's license, several gift cards were all in tact. I had $300 in $100 bills and had just assumed that was all lost. Everyone of them was there. I kept them in different compartments and each was safe. I used one later to pay for something from Tammy's booth at Crazy Daizy and she gave it back to me. I have it on my desk, it is a little burnt on the edges and somehow has become a symbol of just how blessed I am. I may frame it. Again, I can't explain exactly what it means to me but it means a lot.
It was 2 AM before we laid down to sleep. That didn't come for me. At 6 I thought I have to get up and make a list, by 6:30 I was on my way to Wal-Mart. There are lots of folks at Wal-Mart at 6:30 AM. I bought things like moisturizer for my face, shoes for my feet and a velour pant suit I thought would be OK for Sunday. I was already thinking about what I needed for Sunday.
It was good to be in a non-discript place that first night. And how thankful we were on the second night to be at Sue's. We stayed with Sue two nights and she is a wonderful hostess. She gave us a refuge.
Tuesday morning I called Tracy to ask for her help and let her know we were OK. She said Mom I have already checked and get a flight out and be in Louisville by 8 that night. At first I hesitated. She has a job and could she really drop everything. I asked Bob and he said, "have her come!" Tracy told me later she was coming no matter what I said. She stayed until Saturday. What a blessing and comfort. She helped me so much and helped Bob and I move through the process.
When I called her I wanted her to order me undies, socks and a new phone. She brought with her a new phone that is really cool, 8 or 9 pairs of socks and the next day I got a box from Federal Express with 19 pairs of undies. Don't know why 19, not 20, not 18, but 19, but I am abundantly supplied. This is how Tracy is, give her a job and it gets done, ask for a little and get a lot. She is a treasure.
I can write this and smile now. When it was happening I was a very effective crying machine. I don't ever remember being that raw, that on the edge of emotion. Some are going to think well of course you were. But the quality of being in the moment is something I treasure. Being so open to the sadness, the joy, the living, the people surrounding me was a beautiful thing and still is.
Paula shared with me something she wrote about where she was that night and how she felt a connection with a fire that had happened in her family. I will let her share her experience, but mentioned it because it is so special to me and I want to encourage each of you to share your memories.
Love and gratitude,
Rev. Carolyn
January 6 - Update
Good morning,
The house is now tarped. They built a frame where the roof was gone and have strung a tarp over the entire house. It's strangely comforting. Don't know how much good it will do, but it will keep the snow that is coming from settling in the house. We should have temporary electric to the property by early next week. Duke Energy will come out, tell us where to put the pole, the electrician will then put the pole up and a few days later Duke will connect us up. This way we can use an extension cord to put heat or light into the garage when we are over there. The main purpose if for the contractors to have power to their tools. We are looking at having the debris removed from the house soon . My opinion is that we have to wait for it to thaw.
We received the listing the inventory guy created and Bob has started through it. After he gets done, then I will take a look. It is a lot of pages.
Yesterday Paula came and spent the day helping me with office/computer stuff. She also brought lunch. How sweet is that? We got several things done. Having her here working encouraged me to do the same so between the two of us we got some real work done. Things that were not urgent but needed to be done. Things that will help me be more efficient and effective. Thank you Paula!
Leandra and Cole are working on the bulletins and printing the music lyrics for Sunday. Yea! Don't forget that we will be at the Rainbow Center on Sunday. This is an exciting process of exploring where our next location will be.
I'm looking forward to our outing to the Improv show on Friday. I have always loved Improv, even took a class once. Taking a class in anything helps a person to really appreciate just how hard that something is.
Are you ready for the snow? I wasn't sure I was, but now that the house is tarped, I can enjoy the snow for its beauty.
Blessings and much love,
Rev. Carolyn
The house is now tarped. They built a frame where the roof was gone and have strung a tarp over the entire house. It's strangely comforting. Don't know how much good it will do, but it will keep the snow that is coming from settling in the house. We should have temporary electric to the property by early next week. Duke Energy will come out, tell us where to put the pole, the electrician will then put the pole up and a few days later Duke will connect us up. This way we can use an extension cord to put heat or light into the garage when we are over there. The main purpose if for the contractors to have power to their tools. We are looking at having the debris removed from the house soon . My opinion is that we have to wait for it to thaw.
We received the listing the inventory guy created and Bob has started through it. After he gets done, then I will take a look. It is a lot of pages.
Yesterday Paula came and spent the day helping me with office/computer stuff. She also brought lunch. How sweet is that? We got several things done. Having her here working encouraged me to do the same so between the two of us we got some real work done. Things that were not urgent but needed to be done. Things that will help me be more efficient and effective. Thank you Paula!
Leandra and Cole are working on the bulletins and printing the music lyrics for Sunday. Yea! Don't forget that we will be at the Rainbow Center on Sunday. This is an exciting process of exploring where our next location will be.
I'm looking forward to our outing to the Improv show on Friday. I have always loved Improv, even took a class once. Taking a class in anything helps a person to really appreciate just how hard that something is.
Are you ready for the snow? I wasn't sure I was, but now that the house is tarped, I can enjoy the snow for its beauty.
Blessings and much love,
Rev. Carolyn
Saturday, January 2, 2010
January 2 - The story
Good morning,
Yesterday was the first day that I really didn't think, "What do I need to do today? What are my next steps?" Started the day with the preview and the Rose Bowl parade. Enjoyed just looking at all that beauty and hearing all those stories. Starting there, I could feel my body relaxing throughout the day. It feels good.
As I mentioned yesterday, I want to collect as many memories of the events of the last four weeks as I can. These weeks have been so full and are beginning to feel like a blur.
Monday, December 7 (Pearl Harbor day, which Tracy and I think is appropo and kind of funny) at 7:30 PM Bob called to say he would be home from his week long trip to see his daughters in the northwest at about 9 PM. Bob always tells me it will take longer than it actually will because he likes to surprise me. I was thinking he would be home between 8:30 and 8:45. I was watching TV and just waiting for Bob to get home.
When we had electrical work done on the garage, code required that we have smoke detectors installed in the house that were hardwired into the electrical system. The alarm in the TV went off. It took me moment to figure out what it was and to get up to go see what was happening. When I stood up and turned around, I saw black smoke coming into the TV room from what we call the sun room. That was the unfinished room at the back of the house that we were currently using for staging and a little storage. I opened the door to lots of black smoke and flames on the outside wall and starting to catch the blue recliner chair on fire. At first I thought I need water. I went to the kitchen to get water and the telephone and threw the water on the chair and knew immediately this was too big for me to put out bringing water from the kitchen. I called 911 and went outside to attach the hose and fight this fire. I was crying, frightened and just could not believe our beautiful home was on fire.
The hose was hard for me to attach and as hard as I tried I couldn't seem to get it on. So I ran out front yelling 'help me' and knocked on my neighbors door and then ran back to the other side of the house to try again to attach the hose. Adam who lives across the street heard me yelling and came to help. He kept telling to get away from the house, the windows could blow out but I wanted to get the water going. I finally did but when I pointed the hose to the fire, I knew it was too much for one hose. I moved back just as one of the windows exploded. The firemen came up about that time.
Three of them stood there looking and talking about what to do. I was a little stressed out and started to hit one of them on the back and say, 'put water on it.' The guy I was hitting was not amused, the others were more understanding, but I knew I was out of control and moved away. I didn't hit him hard. Sometime in all of that before the firemen got there, I ran back into the sun room and was pulling insulation out trying to minimize the flammable stuff. I was so desperate to stop what was happening.
The neighbors were wonderful, trying to help me, offering to get me whatever I needed. I was dressed in sweats, but had no shoes on. Some neighbor brought me little pink house shoes that were two sizes too small and that were wonderful. I don't remember how cold it was, but that concrete in the street was very cold. The shoes were really important. Later someone brought me a blanket to wrap around myself. I still have it because I have no idea who gave it to me.
I kept asking people what time it was and at 8:30 I called Bob. I asked him where he was and he said in the backyard. He had driven up 15 to 20 minutes before. I felt just awful. I didn't want him to drive up and just see it. I said meet me in the church parking lot and we both ran from where we were to just cling together.
I felt it was my fault. The classic plug in a space heater and burn the house down story on the 11 news. Bob would have none of that. He didn't know what happened but he knew it was not my fault and all he cared about was that I was OK. (as of today, the investigators think it was the plug itself that failed.) What comfort it was to have him with me.
About this time, Lorese came up to us. She has been to a couple of things at the Center and knew it was our house when she saw the flames and came to check on me. She gave me her jacket, again much appreciated. When she got home, she jumped through some hoops to find our website and call all the contact names on it. She reached ky. She said, "Rev Carolyn is standing in the street watching her house burn." ky asked her to repeat and then started calling people. Soon, ky, Rick, Tom, Pat, Kevin, and Vernon were standing in the street with us. Later Gerri was bringing Sue home from the airport and they saw the flames and the trucks and came and stood with us. Oh how grateful I am to Lorese for doing what it took to let others know what was happening. What a comfort it was to be surrounded with friends and love.
It took over three hours to put the flames out.
That's enough for now. I'm going to go have a good cry.
Yesterday was the first day that I really didn't think, "What do I need to do today? What are my next steps?" Started the day with the preview and the Rose Bowl parade. Enjoyed just looking at all that beauty and hearing all those stories. Starting there, I could feel my body relaxing throughout the day. It feels good.
As I mentioned yesterday, I want to collect as many memories of the events of the last four weeks as I can. These weeks have been so full and are beginning to feel like a blur.
Monday, December 7 (Pearl Harbor day, which Tracy and I think is appropo and kind of funny) at 7:30 PM Bob called to say he would be home from his week long trip to see his daughters in the northwest at about 9 PM. Bob always tells me it will take longer than it actually will because he likes to surprise me. I was thinking he would be home between 8:30 and 8:45. I was watching TV and just waiting for Bob to get home.
When we had electrical work done on the garage, code required that we have smoke detectors installed in the house that were hardwired into the electrical system. The alarm in the TV went off. It took me moment to figure out what it was and to get up to go see what was happening. When I stood up and turned around, I saw black smoke coming into the TV room from what we call the sun room. That was the unfinished room at the back of the house that we were currently using for staging and a little storage. I opened the door to lots of black smoke and flames on the outside wall and starting to catch the blue recliner chair on fire. At first I thought I need water. I went to the kitchen to get water and the telephone and threw the water on the chair and knew immediately this was too big for me to put out bringing water from the kitchen. I called 911 and went outside to attach the hose and fight this fire. I was crying, frightened and just could not believe our beautiful home was on fire.
The hose was hard for me to attach and as hard as I tried I couldn't seem to get it on. So I ran out front yelling 'help me' and knocked on my neighbors door and then ran back to the other side of the house to try again to attach the hose. Adam who lives across the street heard me yelling and came to help. He kept telling to get away from the house, the windows could blow out but I wanted to get the water going. I finally did but when I pointed the hose to the fire, I knew it was too much for one hose. I moved back just as one of the windows exploded. The firemen came up about that time.
Three of them stood there looking and talking about what to do. I was a little stressed out and started to hit one of them on the back and say, 'put water on it.' The guy I was hitting was not amused, the others were more understanding, but I knew I was out of control and moved away. I didn't hit him hard. Sometime in all of that before the firemen got there, I ran back into the sun room and was pulling insulation out trying to minimize the flammable stuff. I was so desperate to stop what was happening.
The neighbors were wonderful, trying to help me, offering to get me whatever I needed. I was dressed in sweats, but had no shoes on. Some neighbor brought me little pink house shoes that were two sizes too small and that were wonderful. I don't remember how cold it was, but that concrete in the street was very cold. The shoes were really important. Later someone brought me a blanket to wrap around myself. I still have it because I have no idea who gave it to me.
I kept asking people what time it was and at 8:30 I called Bob. I asked him where he was and he said in the backyard. He had driven up 15 to 20 minutes before. I felt just awful. I didn't want him to drive up and just see it. I said meet me in the church parking lot and we both ran from where we were to just cling together.
I felt it was my fault. The classic plug in a space heater and burn the house down story on the 11 news. Bob would have none of that. He didn't know what happened but he knew it was not my fault and all he cared about was that I was OK. (as of today, the investigators think it was the plug itself that failed.) What comfort it was to have him with me.
About this time, Lorese came up to us. She has been to a couple of things at the Center and knew it was our house when she saw the flames and came to check on me. She gave me her jacket, again much appreciated. When she got home, she jumped through some hoops to find our website and call all the contact names on it. She reached ky. She said, "Rev Carolyn is standing in the street watching her house burn." ky asked her to repeat and then started calling people. Soon, ky, Rick, Tom, Pat, Kevin, and Vernon were standing in the street with us. Later Gerri was bringing Sue home from the airport and they saw the flames and the trucks and came and stood with us. Oh how grateful I am to Lorese for doing what it took to let others know what was happening. What a comfort it was to be surrounded with friends and love.
It took over three hours to put the flames out.
That's enough for now. I'm going to go have a good cry.
Friday, January 1, 2010
January 1
Good morning everyone,
Tracy went home yesterday after nine days of working very hard to help me with organizing our home, doing what needed to be done with the insurance and the house, being a comfort and support to me and Bob, and sorting pictures. As I sat there in the basement of 201 West Park Place, I thought how blessed we are that we can sort through all our pictures and save most of them. There are losses, the hardest being some of what was in the baby books, but most were saved. How many people who have had a house fire can say that. I continue to marvel at how blessed we truly are and how unique a fire we actually had. We lost two rooms, lots of stuff and pretty much the entire roof, but the other rooms were water and smoke damage and that allows us to inventory our items and save some. That is something I am truly grateful for.
My days often feel like roller coasters of emotion. Whether it is the feeling of frustration and self doubt I feel when the adjuster said to me, "We are waiting for you." Waiting for me to do what? Just tell me what I need to do. To the real pleasure and joy of having Rick, Tom, Lyle (Rick's son) and Sharon come over and take down the decorations. On that same night, Sharon brought 4 new dining chairs from World Market and she and Tracy put them together. They look great. Yesterday, the sadness of sending Tracy home, to the real presence and joy of our New Year's Eve service. Great highs and some pretty deep lows. We all have them, I just seem to be having many of them in any one day.
We hope to make a decision about a contractor next week. It is a big decision, one we will deal with in the coming months and in the years to come. We are letting the process unfold to reveal the perfect company for us.
Gifts - Paula is coming to help me with computer work. We were able to retrieve my information as of May of this year, but that leaves lots of stuff to recreate. Sharon has put together flyers for our upcoming classes and Jan continues to do a great job with meet-up. com. These are just a few of the gifts we receive everyday. My workspace is looking good and I will begin to work on getting more in the groove of working. Members of the Board have visited two possible locations where we can meet, and we will be visiting those places on Sunday mornings in January and asking for feedback. This is a decision for the group to make.
I hope to come back to the computer later today to try and really record all that has happened. I do it for those who are interested in knowing more of what has happened and for myself. I am already having difficulty remembering what we did the week this all began. I do encourage all of you to post your experiences and questions.
Love to each of you and a very Happy New Year! I see it as a year of possibilities, new choices, new experiences and wonderful growth and experience of connection.
Blessings and joy,
Rev. Carolyn
Tracy went home yesterday after nine days of working very hard to help me with organizing our home, doing what needed to be done with the insurance and the house, being a comfort and support to me and Bob, and sorting pictures. As I sat there in the basement of 201 West Park Place, I thought how blessed we are that we can sort through all our pictures and save most of them. There are losses, the hardest being some of what was in the baby books, but most were saved. How many people who have had a house fire can say that. I continue to marvel at how blessed we truly are and how unique a fire we actually had. We lost two rooms, lots of stuff and pretty much the entire roof, but the other rooms were water and smoke damage and that allows us to inventory our items and save some. That is something I am truly grateful for.
My days often feel like roller coasters of emotion. Whether it is the feeling of frustration and self doubt I feel when the adjuster said to me, "We are waiting for you." Waiting for me to do what? Just tell me what I need to do. To the real pleasure and joy of having Rick, Tom, Lyle (Rick's son) and Sharon come over and take down the decorations. On that same night, Sharon brought 4 new dining chairs from World Market and she and Tracy put them together. They look great. Yesterday, the sadness of sending Tracy home, to the real presence and joy of our New Year's Eve service. Great highs and some pretty deep lows. We all have them, I just seem to be having many of them in any one day.
We hope to make a decision about a contractor next week. It is a big decision, one we will deal with in the coming months and in the years to come. We are letting the process unfold to reveal the perfect company for us.
Gifts - Paula is coming to help me with computer work. We were able to retrieve my information as of May of this year, but that leaves lots of stuff to recreate. Sharon has put together flyers for our upcoming classes and Jan continues to do a great job with meet-up. com. These are just a few of the gifts we receive everyday. My workspace is looking good and I will begin to work on getting more in the groove of working. Members of the Board have visited two possible locations where we can meet, and we will be visiting those places on Sunday mornings in January and asking for feedback. This is a decision for the group to make.
I hope to come back to the computer later today to try and really record all that has happened. I do it for those who are interested in knowing more of what has happened and for myself. I am already having difficulty remembering what we did the week this all began. I do encourage all of you to post your experiences and questions.
Love to each of you and a very Happy New Year! I see it as a year of possibilities, new choices, new experiences and wonderful growth and experience of connection.
Blessings and joy,
Rev. Carolyn
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