Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Moderator: The forum police - (nee naw)
- CamiCrew
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2017
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2011 8:59 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: California, USA
Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Hi FS -- Not 100% sure what to say, but here goes.
My home burned to the ground in the wildfires in Ventura, California this week. My 87-yo mum, husband, and myself got out safely, and that -- truly -- is all that matters.
The rest, erg included, is gone. Fate of the 1997 Hudson 2x I had recently bought from a friend is tbd at the mercy of the fire, still raging around the lake tonight.
Today after a difficult week, I managed to find an erg and log a warmup, 5k, and cooldown. I can tell you this... when you're happy to be alive, it's a fabulous thing to sit down and row.
Do me a favor. If anyone reading this has not refreshed your emergency plan lately, nor documented your belongings, or other misc aspects of insuring your life... please take a few steps on that this month.
My home burned to the ground in the wildfires in Ventura, California this week. My 87-yo mum, husband, and myself got out safely, and that -- truly -- is all that matters.
The rest, erg included, is gone. Fate of the 1997 Hudson 2x I had recently bought from a friend is tbd at the mercy of the fire, still raging around the lake tonight.
Today after a difficult week, I managed to find an erg and log a warmup, 5k, and cooldown. I can tell you this... when you're happy to be alive, it's a fabulous thing to sit down and row.
Do me a favor. If anyone reading this has not refreshed your emergency plan lately, nor documented your belongings, or other misc aspects of insuring your life... please take a few steps on that this month.
-barbara
F Hwt 53 yrs 5'10"
F Hwt 53 yrs 5'10"
-
- Best Friend (PayPal Subscriber)
- Posts: 1084
- Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2012 1:55 am
- I row on...: Model C with PM3
- Location: Venlo, Netherlands
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
When I was watching the news about the sweeping fires in California earlier this week, I thought of you. So sorry to read this terrible news now. Glad you and your family made it out safely.
Don't know what else to say really.
I hope Zoot is okay.
Don't know what else to say really.
I hope Zoot is okay.
M | 48 | 1.78 m | 76 kg
- Grobi
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2019
- Posts: 3587
- Joined: Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:26 am
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: Ingolstadt, Germany
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Barbara,
that's terrible and good news! Terrible because you lost your home which is a nightmare besides losing a loved one. And that leads to the good part of the news, that you and your family arre still alive!
Lives can't be rebought or rebuilt, material things can (I do hope you are covered by insurance?)!
Thinking of you when I get on the erg tonight.
that's terrible and good news! Terrible because you lost your home which is a nightmare besides losing a loved one. And that leads to the good part of the news, that you and your family arre still alive!
Lives can't be rebought or rebuilt, material things can (I do hope you are covered by insurance?)!
Thinking of you when I get on the erg tonight.
I was in contact whith zoot, he and his wife are safe. Not sure about the house though.
Athletes row, others just play games
Peter
55y, 1,89m, 85kg
Peter
55y, 1,89m, 85kg
- Pepe
- Best Friend (PayPal Subscriber)
- Posts: 890
- Joined: Mon Oct 23, 2006 10:30 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM3
- Location: Torquay, VIC Australia
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Barbara,
I’m so sorry to read your dreadful news. The great relief, though, is that you and yours have survived intact; that’s the most important thing. All we can do is wish you well and give you our encouragement. You have shown great spirit in getting back on an erg in spite of what you’ve been through: that’s what I call moral fibre. You have it in spades.
Philip
I’m so sorry to read your dreadful news. The great relief, though, is that you and yours have survived intact; that’s the most important thing. All we can do is wish you well and give you our encouragement. You have shown great spirit in getting back on an erg in spite of what you’ve been through: that’s what I call moral fibre. You have it in spades.
Philip
Philip Price 89 Lwt. 68 kg. 176 cm. “Rather than rust I’ll wear out.”
-
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2020
- Posts: 4048
- Joined: Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:16 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: Henley in Arden, UK
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Barbara,
I just cant imagine how you are feeling. Thank goodness your family are safe.
Can we, the FS team, donate to any emergency fund or anything to help with temporary accommodation or the like?
Please accept love and best wishes from the UK.
Wolfie
I just cant imagine how you are feeling. Thank goodness your family are safe.
Can we, the FS team, donate to any emergency fund or anything to help with temporary accommodation or the like?
Please accept love and best wishes from the UK.
Wolfie
Wolfie
Age 59 Height 6'4" Weight 93k
Age 59 Height 6'4" Weight 93k
- RdGkA
- Best Friend (PayPal Subscriber)
- Posts: 119
- Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2017 1:45 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Contact:
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Sorry to hear Barbara, I can't even imagine loosing a house to the fire to be honest. In theory it is comprehensible but that's not the real thing.
All I can say is: That sucks big time, very sorry for you!
Best of Luck
Ralf
All I can say is: That sucks big time, very sorry for you!
Best of Luck
Ralf
♂ - 1971 - 6"8" - 103kg
- plummy
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2020
- Posts: 8306
- Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2006 8:17 am
- I row on...: Model E with PM4
- Location: Sale, Cheshire, UK
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
I know we've "spoken" on Facebook so I'll not re-iterate the conversations there other than to say it's inspiring to see you posting and erging!
As far as I'm concerned we are all collectively standing ready to do anything in our power to help you back on your feet and ultimately back into a home you can call your own.
I'm glad to hear that Zoot and his family are safe and well too. xx
Christine contacted me and said that fires near her in San Diego were only 20 miles away but with winds blowing at 50mph - that suddenly becomes very very close very quickly.
Dave
As far as I'm concerned we are all collectively standing ready to do anything in our power to help you back on your feet and ultimately back into a home you can call your own.
I'm glad to hear that Zoot and his family are safe and well too. xx
Christine contacted me and said that fires near her in San Diego were only 20 miles away but with winds blowing at 50mph - that suddenly becomes very very close very quickly.
Dave
60 yrs old, 76kg, 5' 10"
43Mm metres rowed. Re-setting the bar much lower now. Getting too old for this malarky
43Mm metres rowed. Re-setting the bar much lower now. Getting too old for this malarky
- Paul Victory
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2016
- Posts: 10616
- Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:29 pm
- I row on...: Model E with PM4
- Location: Dublin
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Like plummy, I've been part of the exchange on FaceBook and I can only echo what he says. I know from reading the discussion on FaceBook that you have great friends who have been very supportive in this time of crisis, but please let us know if there is anything we as a group can do to help.plummy wrote: ↑Mon Dec 11, 2017 9:12 am I know we've "spoken" on Facebook so I'll not re-iterate the conversations there other than to say it's inspiring to see you posting and erging!
As far as I'm concerned we are all collectively standing ready to do anything in our power to help you back on your feet and ultimately back into a home you can call your own.
I'm glad to hear that Zoot and his family are safe and well too. xx
Christine contacted me and said that fires near her in San Diego were only 20 miles away but with winds blowing at 50mph - that suddenly becomes very very close very quickly.
Dave
Paul V
M 68 6'1" 124kg (May05), 92kg (Feb06), 122kg (Aug10), 95kg (Sep11), 117kg (Jun13), now 98kg
- Ian Bee
- Dedicated and True Free Spirit
- Posts: 1477
- Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2016 8:27 am
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: Wilts., UK
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Very relieved to hear that you and Zoot are safe. Very best to you.
- Draggon
- Best Friend (PayPal Subscriber)
- Posts: 686
- Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2016 8:27 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM3
- Location: Indiana, USA
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
OMG, Barbara!! I'm so sorry to hear this news! Best of luck with the monumental task of piecing your life back together after this.
-
- Super Dedicated and Truly Free Spirit
- Posts: 2839
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 9:40 am
- I row on...: Model D with PM3
- Location: Ryde, IOW
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Devastated for you losing your home, but relieved to hear you all got out safely.
Paul G
Paul G
56, 1.74m , Sep '20 - 114 kg , currently - 98 kg
200m - 30.8
300m - 47.7
30r20 - 7754m
12 hr - 139300m
100 mile - 14:10.12
200km - 18:28.30
200m - 30.8
300m - 47.7
30r20 - 7754m
12 hr - 139300m
100 mile - 14:10.12
200km - 18:28.30
- Jill
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2020
- Posts: 1970
- Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2014 1:37 pm
- I row on...: Model E with PM5
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Barbara, as another who has exchanged Fbk and email messages with you I’ll not add any further comments about last week’s events.
I am glad though that you decided to post on the forum and so pleased that despite everything, you have sought out a little piece of normality in your life, an erg. Even better, that the experience made you feel better.
Good to hear that Zoot and his family are safe and trust that Christine will be also.
So much in our thoughts,
Jill and Richard xx
I am glad though that you decided to post on the forum and so pleased that despite everything, you have sought out a little piece of normality in your life, an erg. Even better, that the experience made you feel better.
Good to hear that Zoot and his family are safe and trust that Christine will be also.
So much in our thoughts,
Jill and Richard xx
- Sheena
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2018
- Posts: 217
- Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2016 6:58 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Barbara, dreadful news about your home.
Good to see you are all safe and that you've found an erg on the base.
We wish you all the best, and as per the other messages if there is anything we can do in support then do let us know.
Sheena and Jan
Good to see you are all safe and that you've found an erg on the base.
We wish you all the best, and as per the other messages if there is anything we can do in support then do let us know.
Sheena and Jan
- Tako
- Best Friend (PayPal Subscriber)
- Posts: 963
- Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2016 5:42 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: Norway
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Having friends and former colleagues in California, I often worry when seeing the fires on the news.
Really sad to hear about your loss Barbara. Wishing you all the best for the coming weeks!
Really sad to hear about your loss Barbara. Wishing you all the best for the coming weeks!
-
- Free Spirit forever
- Posts: 4151
- Joined: Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:24 am
- I row on...: Model C with PM3
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
So brave of you to be already erging and posting again, Barbara Yes, it was really shocking news on Facebook. There were and are some short stories on the Danish news, it hits so much harder when it is about yourself or someone you know I´m sure both you and Jack are extremely resourcefull people, but it is an immense task to cope with this devastating situation, though it is most probably a lot more taxing that I´m able to imagine. Good luck with the coming times
Old enough to know better - young enough to do it anyway
- fkoene
- True Free Spirit
- Posts: 850
- Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2006 5:28 pm
- I row on...: Model C with PM5
- Location: Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
All the best from me too, Barbara.
- CamiCrew
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2017
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2011 8:59 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: California, USA
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Thank you all. I'm getting by on these messages for now. Suffice it to say, it's surreal and I can't describe well. Just dealing with my own thoughts is exhausting. I am, however, working hard to find the positives, and keep a sense of humor. I won't post the bad days or worst images on Facebook, because to be honest I don't ever want to see them again.
Upsides? People are overwhelmingly kind, from dear friends to total strangers. It's a profound lesson in what is essential.
Peter - yes, we're learning quickly what insurance covers and what it does not.
Ron - monumental is a good word.
Rodger - heard from Zoot. Still ok, but haven't been back yet to the house. And flare ups continue.
Wolfie - yes, since you asked. My brother put up a go fund me, much to my dismay. https://www.gofundme.com/hoytshoad
Jill, Erik, Peter, David & Paul - thanks for fb & email notes.
Fred, Tako, Sheena, Ralf, Paul G, Ian - thank you.
Pepe - moral fiber is good for the diet, I hope?
Upsides? People are overwhelmingly kind, from dear friends to total strangers. It's a profound lesson in what is essential.
Peter - yes, we're learning quickly what insurance covers and what it does not.
Ron - monumental is a good word.
Rodger - heard from Zoot. Still ok, but haven't been back yet to the house. And flare ups continue.
Wolfie - yes, since you asked. My brother put up a go fund me, much to my dismay. https://www.gofundme.com/hoytshoad
Jill, Erik, Peter, David & Paul - thanks for fb & email notes.
Fred, Tako, Sheena, Ralf, Paul G, Ian - thank you.
Pepe - moral fiber is good for the diet, I hope?
-barbara
F Hwt 53 yrs 5'10"
F Hwt 53 yrs 5'10"
- strider77
- Free Spirit forever
- Posts: 6157
- Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:43 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: Near Brighton
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Barbara I am so sorry to hear of your devastating news, my thoughts are with you and your family.
[b]67 5ft 10ins tall, 80k, proud to be a Free Spirit[/b]
[img]https://tinyurl.com/fsrsigs/fssig-285.png[/img]
[img]https://tinyurl.com/fsrsigs/fssig-285.png[/img]
- Stan
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2016
- Posts: 9405
- Joined: Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:28 pm
- I row on...: Model C with PM4
- Location: Malvern
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Barbara, so relieved you and your loved ones are safe and i apologise for not seeing this earlier.
pb times
-
- Spends too much time in the forum
- Posts: 63
- Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2009 4:00 pm
- I row on...: Model E with PM5
- Location: York, UK
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
What desperately sad news, Barbara. My thoughts are with you and your family at what must be an extremely difficult time.
As you so rightly say, though, the main thing is that you, your husband and your mum got out unscathed. Everything else can be replaced, after all. You appear to be handling this amazingly pragmatically, and a lot better than most of us would (me especially), I am sure.
Best wishes from Yorkshire, England to you and yours.
Dave
As you so rightly say, though, the main thing is that you, your husband and your mum got out unscathed. Everything else can be replaced, after all. You appear to be handling this amazingly pragmatically, and a lot better than most of us would (me especially), I am sure.
Best wishes from Yorkshire, England to you and yours.
Dave
-
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2020
- Posts: 4048
- Joined: Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:16 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: Henley in Arden, UK
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
thoughts are with Barbara, family and friends again this week.
I hope you've managed to avoid any further heartache with the mud slides.
Steve
I hope you've managed to avoid any further heartache with the mud slides.
Steve
Wolfie
Age 59 Height 6'4" Weight 93k
Age 59 Height 6'4" Weight 93k
- JonT
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2020
- Posts: 1950
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2014 2:31 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: Bath, Somerset, UK
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
It's been a while since we heard from Barbara, which is understandable. Is anyone in contact with her?
57 years old, 5"10', clinging on to 75kg and frustratingly but understandably inconsistent
- Jill
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2020
- Posts: 1970
- Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2014 1:37 pm
- I row on...: Model E with PM5
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Hi Jon and Steve.
I've only just checked out the forum, this thread and today's paper.
I decided not to send anymore emails to Barbara for a while, as I thought that she must have quite enough on her plate already without answering my messages. Her last Facebook update was over the Christmas period.
Anyway, I have now sent her an email and hopefully will receive a reply and will keep you posted.
I've only just checked out the forum, this thread and today's paper.
I decided not to send anymore emails to Barbara for a while, as I thought that she must have quite enough on her plate already without answering my messages. Her last Facebook update was over the Christmas period.
Anyway, I have now sent her an email and hopefully will receive a reply and will keep you posted.
- JonT
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2020
- Posts: 1950
- Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2014 2:31 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: Bath, Somerset, UK
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Thanks Jill
57 years old, 5"10', clinging on to 75kg and frustratingly but understandably inconsistent
- CamiCrew
- Friend of the Free Spirits web site 2017
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2011 8:59 pm
- I row on...: Model D with PM5
- Location: California, USA
Re: Thomas Fire 12/4/17
Hi all. Nice to see your notes. The mudslide situation is up the road 40 miles. We were not directly impacted, based on our decision to move south not north. Definitely grim scenes still occurring, we know people who are doing search and rescue. I'm so sad to see that at least 17 people have not made it through.
Our former neighborhood was under evacuation (again) the night before that storm - and our hillsides held up. The rain was much needed, just not right after the hills were stripped of vegetation and the soil rendered dry and unstable
Meanwhile we are now in a rental that happened to be furnished. Long story so I'll not go into that here, but it was a blessing for us. Far less stress for my mum than if we'd had to figure out how to furnish an empty place overnight. We are back to our full time jobs, with the additional full time job of wrangling insurance, debris removal, architects, builders, a mountain of paperwork, etc. I will say it was our easiest move ever as everything we owned fit into my car and Jack's (new, replacement) pickup truck. I call it my alternate reality. Like I've stepped through a portal into someone else's life.
My rowing club here all pitched in and delivered me a replacement Model D. I've done several rows and for some reason, that's when all my buried emotions come out. UGH! But, it's also where I feel the strongest and most in control. Hopefully can return to fitness soon. The lake is full of contaminated debris from the storm, so 2 rows is all I've managed to get on the water.
Thank you for your concern and notes. Back soon with attempts at CTC, IRL etc. It'll feel good to do something that's only mildly challenging, instead of epically challenging.
Our former neighborhood was under evacuation (again) the night before that storm - and our hillsides held up. The rain was much needed, just not right after the hills were stripped of vegetation and the soil rendered dry and unstable
Meanwhile we are now in a rental that happened to be furnished. Long story so I'll not go into that here, but it was a blessing for us. Far less stress for my mum than if we'd had to figure out how to furnish an empty place overnight. We are back to our full time jobs, with the additional full time job of wrangling insurance, debris removal, architects, builders, a mountain of paperwork, etc. I will say it was our easiest move ever as everything we owned fit into my car and Jack's (new, replacement) pickup truck. I call it my alternate reality. Like I've stepped through a portal into someone else's life.
My rowing club here all pitched in and delivered me a replacement Model D. I've done several rows and for some reason, that's when all my buried emotions come out. UGH! But, it's also where I feel the strongest and most in control. Hopefully can return to fitness soon. The lake is full of contaminated debris from the storm, so 2 rows is all I've managed to get on the water.
Thank you for your concern and notes. Back soon with attempts at CTC, IRL etc. It'll feel good to do something that's only mildly challenging, instead of epically challenging.
-barbara
F Hwt 53 yrs 5'10"
F Hwt 53 yrs 5'10"