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Post by onlyMark on May 23, 2021 6:22:32 GMT
Horrendous Casi. I read somewhere the second most stressful thing after the death of a loved one is moving house. I think your version tops that easily. What a trauma and upheaval.
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Post by mossie on May 23, 2021 7:14:20 GMT
So sorry to read that saga Casi
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Post by bjd on May 23, 2021 8:35:29 GMT
Sorry to read this, Casi.
What about your garden? Are you ready to leave it all behind? Maybe do as someone above suggested and wait a bit to see whether you can get some basic rebuilding done for less than the quoted price.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 23, 2021 8:45:36 GMT
What about moving a mobile home to your property for the time being? Is that a possibility? People do that after the hurricanes...
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Post by htmb on May 23, 2021 11:13:31 GMT
I am so sorry to hear this devastating news, and can only begin to imagine the magnitude of the loss for you and T. It was certainly fortunate you and your pets were not injured. Wishing you the best on whatever path you choose for future plans.
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Post by casimira on May 23, 2021 14:30:58 GMT
Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts. The insurance policy we had expired and the renewal rate was jacked up by $4,000 USD. I was exploring other insurers never thinking that within 24-48 hours something of this magnitude could happen. Rebuilding is out of the question. Were we much younger than perhaps we would take it on. But, the cost and the time it would take is more than we can handle at this point. (the cost of lumber right now has quadrupled in the last six months). The property it self is very desirable and worth a lot of money. It will sell quickly and we can recoup our losses and buy a new home. Psychologically, we couldn't deal with living on the property in some trailer or the like and waking up each day to see the devastation and deal with all that construction while on the same property. As far as the garden goes, I have offered up to several people to come and dig up what they want and depending on the time frame until we find another home, go back and take out what I want. At present, I can only bare to go there and retrieve some things for about 30 minutes max before I get to the point of sheer exhaustion and overwhelment.
There have already been several interested parties in buying the property and we haven't even listed it yet. That is currently in the works. In the meantime, we will remain in the small apartment nearby and continue to hunt for another home.
And yes, we are very fortunate that this fire didn't break out in the night or when we weren't home. I had only been awake for about 45 minutes before it broke out in the room I had just awakened from.
Our friends and neighbors have been incredibly supportive and kind. The damage that did occur to the two adjacent homes was minor and our offer to pay at least the deductible is being refused by these kind people. (one neighbor had lost their home in Lakeview during Katrina so they have an inkling of what we are dealing with).
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Hoarding
May 23, 2021 15:07:13 GMT
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Post by Kimby on May 23, 2021 15:07:13 GMT
Casi, this is too horrible to endure, yet you are soldiering on in an admirable way. One day at a time. One foot in front of the other. Your friends on Any Port are in your corner. You are always welcome here. When you need an encouraging word, you are sure to find many. ❤️
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Post by cheerypeabrain on May 23, 2021 15:15:39 GMT
What a horrible thing to happen Casi...I'm so sorry. I can understand you wanting to be away from the site of devastation, you are probably suffering from PTSD. I hope you find somewhere lovely to start afresh (which sounds exhausting but...) it will allow you to use your considerable flair to create somewhere gorgeous, new and comfortable.
I'm glad that you have good friends and neighbours...take care xxx
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Post by kerouac2 on May 23, 2021 15:21:22 GMT
(the cost of lumber right now has quadrupled in the last six months). This is trivial, but it has been on the news here several times with the same complaint about the price of lumber: "The United States and China are buying all of the lumber in Europe due to their building booms." You'd think Canada and Russia would have some to sell...
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Hoarding
May 23, 2021 15:21:42 GMT
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Post by Kimby on May 23, 2021 15:21:42 GMT
Also, this is an opportunity to find a place with one-level living, so that you can “age in place”.
I’m sure the Kimbys will one day have to leave our much loved home for something less challenging for aging bodies than a home with all the bedrooms on the upper level.
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Post by bjd on May 23, 2021 15:54:16 GMT
re: lumber. Canada can't help -- they are having the same problem. Stopping of sawmills because of covid, and the fact of people wanting to do renovations while they were stuck at home, means that there is a shortage in Canada too, as well as huge price increases. Some commentators think things will get back to normal in a few months but professional builders are complaining about constant increases in the price of lumber and other building supplies.
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Post by lagatta on May 24, 2021 0:08:11 GMT
Yes, all that is true. So sorry this has happened.
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Post by breeze on May 25, 2021 13:09:37 GMT
Casimira, what a pile-on of horrible things to happen. It’s obviously devastating to lose two beloved homes, but if you also have to lose your garden that you have created and cared for, that would be another sad blow. I hope you don’t have to leave it all behind.
What good neighbors you have, and good friends to house and feed you and find you an apartment.
In an ideal world there’d be a house for you in the same neighborhood with the same character as your present home and an even bigger space to garden. I wish you good luck with house hunting. Here's hoping your network comes through with just the right place.
Kimby makes a good point about one-level living.
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Post by casimira on May 25, 2021 14:53:46 GMT
Thank you Breeze. We are actually looking for a place with a smaller garden space as our previous space had gotten to the point of being too large and difficult to maintain. While it remains a glorious sanctuary from which I can escape to, there is always some area that invariably suffers neglect and not all of my neighbors are very good at keeping the invasive vines from creeping over the fence. (the lot touches on 9 different properties). When I was younger, and Bixa can attest to this, I was able to maintain the garden space both front and back along with the maintenance of the house all by myself. (save some larger projects where I needed more muscle). One never thinks that over the years we are able to do all the things we once were able to do. I also worked a full time job in addition to the garden/house maintenance. I was fortunate to have two different garden helpers assist me for several years, all the way up to the fire. One young man in particular who I had taken under my wing 16 or 17 years ago increased his knowledge of the various plants and weeds and I could rely on him to do most anything with little to no supervision. The other helper who was accustomed to doing lawn maintenance and had little knowledge of the various flora needed much more supervision and guidance but was/is a very hard working young woman. And so, downsizing both the size of the garden and living space is the direction I want to go at this point in my life. My energy level along with back troubles inhibit me from doing many things. (if only I had followed my husband's advice about the proper way to lift and carry things and other body mechanics it may not have come to this. His work as a paramedic for 27 years lifting and carrying bodies up and downstairs etc., he to this day has never had any back problems at all).
I will be able to take away many of the plantings I desire the most when the time comes. Others are much too large to dig up and transplant. My lemon trees in particular are the main ones that fall into this category. That being said, I can always purchase some new ones but not as many as I had. Other plantings I have offered to different friends to come over and dig up. Many, many different species and cultivars of gingers, perennials, ferns and some others. Also, a plethora of flower pots of varying sizes and shapes and some outdoor garden furniture and ornamental features. (I have a penchant for wrought iron and have many old sections of old fencing and "cool" plant stands and pieces of unique ornamentation).
Right now, we are concentrating on the indoor stuff that are in good condition but have to be packed up and boxed to be put into a storage unit that we rented over the weekend. The downstairs furniture towards the front of the house, were not damaged at all and the kitchen gear is salvagable but has to be cleaned. We will rent a moving company to move the really larger items and have them hauled to the storage facility. The food pantry is a whole other story as there are cans and jars in there that I have no idea how old they are so I will have to toss most all of them. Two good friends of mine have offered to pack up the dry items(the china and crystal inside an antique china closet ) and the everyday plates, bowls and platters, flatware and cookware which are undamaged. Most of my cookbooks, some of which I need to cull through and decide on what to keep or give away or donate I can deal with along with a bookcase of garden books that I already knew I had to unload after culling through them. Unfortunately, the garden reference books I used the most were upstairs and ruined. A friend of mine has already given me a few of the same, bless her heart. And so it goes. We will eventually "get there" but, it is a process and I can only take it one day at a time. Thus far, I can tolerate being over there for a period of about 40 minutes before the anxiety and psychic inability to stay longer sets in. Thank you for your kind sentiments and all others who have done the same. Everyone has been so kind.
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Hoarding
May 25, 2021 15:04:24 GMT
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Post by Kimby on May 25, 2021 15:04:24 GMT
Thinking of you every day Casi, and am in awe of how well you are coping. Were the things from your Mother’s house spared? How much of your clothing was salvageable? I can’t even imagine, yet I fear this kind of loss every fire season in Montana. I move all my photo albums and musical instruments to the lake cottage each summer, where there are few trees and it’s surrounded by water. Still could be hit by lightning, or have a freak electrical fire as you did, though.
I guess a fire could be considered good for forcing one to declutter, something I badly need to do.
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Post by casimira on May 25, 2021 15:44:02 GMT
The furniture I mentioned, mostly all from our haul of pieces from NY were spared. I was pleasantly surprised to find that some clothing in an upstairs armoire I was able to take and only took a few initially to see if they could be washed and not have any smell or other residue. All of them came out as though that had never been damaged. Sealed up in an armoire they didn't have any water damage but smelled of smoke. So, I went back this weekend and retrieved the remains. I have yet to wash them to see the results. Another closet in the same room has a number of items that are intact but have to be taken to a place recommended by a couple of people that specializes in that particular thing. There is a cedar chest that is full of sweaters and winter clothes, the very clothes I wear the least and have had for up to 30 years or more ironically will be fine. A chest with linens I have yet to open but, I believe they are okay.
I did lose many, many old family photographs and documents (birth certificate, social security card, marriage certificate, and passport all got damaged and or ruined.) I strongly advise any of you to buy a fireproof box to put these items in. These can be replaced and my brother has power of attorney and can go to the Town Hall in NY and obtain a copy of my my birth certificate. T's were in another place downstairs and escaped any damage along with some papers (survey, title, and proof of ownership of the house and property).
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Hoarding
May 25, 2021 22:22:28 GMT
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Post by mich64 on May 25, 2021 22:22:28 GMT
I too have been thinking of you both everyday and hoping that your options are improving also. I can only imagine how draining all of this must be each day as you contemplate what needs to be done next. You had always written how wonderful your community and neighbours were and it is supportive they have been.
An Important reminder for us all to secure our documents into a vault or safe for fire protection. Fortunate for you that you will be able to obtain the documents you require and that T.’s were spared.
Yes, lumber issues are a huge problem here. Actually beginning to hear of thefts off of building sites and builders cancelling scheduled new builds supposed to begin now. A property in front of my brother’s home has had to be put up for resale as all her clients contractors cancelled their agreements because they would be unable to get supplies to complete the build, many others facing the same fate.
I hope that, in time, you will find a special new place that will be perfect for you both.
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Post by questa on May 25, 2021 23:33:25 GMT
Bloody hell...after all the stress and decision making that you have had to endure then this happens. My thoughts really do go to you and your family with hopes for a calm and expeditious outcome.
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Post by bixaorellana on May 26, 2021 0:17:19 GMT
We are actually looking for a place with a smaller garden space as our previous space had gotten to the point of being too large and difficult to maintain. The gardeners amongst us will completely understand how that sentence applies to the thread title "Hoarding". It's impossible to garden without wanting to try new plants, to expand areas, to accept cuttings, to pot up volunteers, etc. etc. etc. No matter how much we love our gardens -- or our balconies, or patios, or windowsills -- they feed into our desire for more and eventually morph into something that, no matter how beautiful, demands more of us than we either can or are willing to give. One thing I like about traveling is staying in airbnbs, which fascinate me by usually being quite enough for my needs in relatively small spaces. Casimira, I hope it doesn't sound presumptuous for me to hope that, despite the inevitable inconvenience of being plopped down in temporary quarters, the enforced smallness might wind up being something positive, in the sense of being able to really hone your desires for your next home.
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Post by casimira on May 26, 2021 1:30:26 GMT
Bixa, that is precisely the route we are aiming to move towards. Yes, this was an unexpected tragedy and we will get through it. We have enormous support and kindness from the community, friends ,neighbors we have known for years to help us out. I don't want to labor on with all the woes included in the process of doing so. We will be okay. There are far more people right here in our city that are dealing with worse situations than ours. I appreciate and am extremely grateful to all the members of this forum for all your kind words. Again, we will be okay. Life takes on unexpected twists and turns but, it is not the end of the world and we are both in a decent mind set to be able to move on and take on the challenges ahead.
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Hoarding
May 26, 2021 2:17:58 GMT
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Post by Kimby on May 26, 2021 2:17:58 GMT
You’re my hero, casi! Well done, and well said!
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Post by fumobici on May 26, 2021 4:43:59 GMT
I'm not sure I could be as determinately stoic if I were in a similar situation. But maybe I underestimate myself, I hope so.
Maybe this all works out for the best and you can find a place you can take care of with less outside help and avoid having to do it later when it might prove more difficult. Feel free to tell me to STFU if I'm being insensitive!
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Post by bjd on May 26, 2021 5:25:29 GMT
I don't think that sounds insensitive, Fumo. On the contrary, it's a good way to see a positive possibility in a situation that seems overwhelming negative, at least for the moment.
Casi, seeing that friends and neighbours have been so nice and helpful certainly helps you to deal with the situation. I hope you have a big house-warming party to invite them all once you find your new house and settle in!
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Post by casimira on May 26, 2021 15:41:57 GMT
I am in the process of writing notes to each individual who were there for us in some capacity and for their kindness and generosity. Those I have spoken with understand our decision completely while others object and offer up other suggestions in order to coerce us to stay there. We have lived on that block the longest than any other household. So, comments like "I remember when we moved in and how you came over and welcomed us, another, an elderly black woman came over after all confusion had settled down and went into a prayer chant with her body in a trance like state as though she was possessed. When she was finished she wept and told me how when she had her husband moved onto the block (6 months after we had moved there) she remembered how I came over and brought her some lemons and welcomed them. They were at the time the only Afro-American people there and how much it meant to her and she remembered it like it was yesterday. (I have no recollection of this as it was so long ago). Another exclaimed,"you can't leave, you're the Mayor of our street". Words like these, I will always hold dear to my heart and can take away to remind me of how fine a people we were graced to have as neighbors all these years. That's what I have to remember when I find myself in a dark spot along the way to finding a new home. And yes, BJD, absolutely, we will most certainly have a party to invite all those who helped us and were so supportive and kind in a variety of ways. I don't know if there are a whole lot of people who can say this about where they lived at one time and moved away for whatever reason. It's a reminder of what Hillary Clinton said (and, I have since found out that she did not invent the phrase *),"It Takes A Village".
* An Igbo and Yoruba proverb that exists in many different languages and may have its origins in a biblical worldview.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 26, 2021 15:47:23 GMT
It is very touching what you are doing, casimira, and the local community is sure to miss you enormously.
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Post by htmb on May 26, 2021 16:38:17 GMT
In so many ways, you’re getting to hear what a difference you made in the lives of your friends and neighbors. That must be very gratifying. We don’t always get to be so fortunate.
I’m so sorry this has happened to you and T, but an eventual change to a new home may also be a bit of a blessing in disguise. Life can certainly take us down some unexpected paths. Best of wishes as you continue to grapple with your new reality. I’m sure the situation can sometimes feel terribly overwhelming. One day at a time...
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Post by mich64 on May 26, 2021 17:54:54 GMT
With the topic being hoarding, I have collections of unused greeting cards in many drawers and cupboards around the house. Especially thank you cards which Casi just reminded me of. When we travel to visit friends or family, I take one with me and leave a thank you card on the bedroom dresser. While shopping when on holidays I usually search out the card/gift shops and also I love finding handmade cards at craft shows, I bring them home and they end up stuffed somewhere. It is fun to look through them to find the perfect one to bring with me for the hosts we are staying with, although it has been a while due to COVID!
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Post by questa on May 27, 2021 2:07:08 GMT
The writer, Aldous Huxley, (Brave New World) Had his house burn down in front of him. He had many old books, works of art and musical instruments as well as his personal papers reduced to ash.
When a reporter saw Huxley just watching the flames, he asked ,"What do you feel, watching your house and its treasures in flames?"
"Clean, very clean". said Huxley
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Post by bixaorellana on May 27, 2021 2:38:29 GMT
Mich, that is the loveliest idea! I'm betting that everyone who reads it here will start doing that. So clever to bring the thank-you card with you to leave at the hosts' home when you go. I wish I had thought of that!
If anyone knows people who mail off donations to various charities, hit them up for greeting cards. They often get sent far more than they can ever use from those charities -- also lots of notepads.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jul 3, 2021 21:52:15 GMT
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