Thank you Lord for our hardworking firefighters! God Bless them and their families.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Great News!
I just received a text alert from KOAA that the estimated containment is now at 25% - that is GREAT progress!!!
Thank you Lord for our hardworking firefighters! God Bless them and their families.
Thank you Lord for our hardworking firefighters! God Bless them and their families.
Ways to Help
Please see this article for ways to help the victims of the Waldo Canyon Fire: http://www.koaa.com/news/how-you-can-help/
Short Video of Evacuation
I took a very short video on my iPhone just moments prior to evacuating our neighborhood.
Waldo Canyon Fire - Stat Update
Information taken from http://www.koaa.com - Colorado Springs Local News Station
Here is the latest information on the Waldo Canyon Wildfire
16,750 Acres
346 homes damaged or destroyed
15% Contained
346 homes damaged or destroyed
15% Contained
One fatality at 2910 Rossmere Street and 1 unaccounted for at this address. (*this is 3 blocks from our home)
Under 10 others unaccounted for, according to Colorado Springs police.
Mandatory evacuations continue for the area west of I-25, north of Woodmen, north and west of Rockrimmon Blvd and west of Centennial and 30th Street.
President Obama will be flying into the Springs at 12 p.m. to talk with city leaders, U.S. Forest Service personnel and firefighters.
Two people have been arrested for burlarizing a home in the Waldo Canyon Fire area.
Pre-evacuation orders for Douglas County have been cancelled.
Teller County evacuation orders remain the same so far today.
Highway 24 will remain closed through the weekend from Cave of the Winds and the Swiss Chalet.
There was no fire growth overnight. (YAY!)
Highway 24 fire line solidly contained.
Today's fire plan: Complete work around the Stanley Repeater site. Complete direct line construction in divisions C and D. Secure line in Williams Canyon to reduce threat to Manitou Springs. Contain and secure spotfires north of Rampart Reservoir. Continue to secure line on US Air Force Academy.
Get the full story on KOAA's site here.
Waldo Canyon Fire - Day 3
Well, I'm getting through today relatively well considering what little amount of sleep I got.
Today is the most normal I have felt in days. Still exhausted, and in a daze, but being at work is helpful and staying busy is good.
Sarah went to visit a friend in Boulder last night and had a fantastic time there (Which I was so glad to hear). I'm sure it was refreshing and rejuvenating to get away from the fire, smoke, destruction, and chaos. I am so glad she had the opportunity to go there, see a familiar face, and meet some amazing new ones. We had lunch together today and had a chance to catch up which definitely brightened my day.
Brandon, my friend who owns the apartment we are staying in got home last night. He and I had sandwiches, wine, and watched a movie. This was of course after I got him up to speed on the events of this week.
Despite the wine I had an incredibly sleepless night. I lied awake on the couch for hours with a million things rushing through my mind. Things at work I started freaking out about whether or not I had completed the - constantly second-guessing myself. I thought about all of the "what-if's" with the home. What if there are still things inside that are salvageable. What if it's still standing but all is a total loss. What about rebuilding? What if the home stays and is restored, there is a great danger of flash flooding in the area.
I am so thankful that none of my mother, Patrick, or Meemaw's things have been moved out here and they are still in their home in MD, nothing displaced - but the contents of the house on Courtney Drive contains all of my things. Granted, they are just things - and nothing of great value, but I started over from scratch 2 years ago - building my life out of nothing. Am I strong enough to do this again?
I know that the mere fact the house was spared from total devastation is a miracle and a blessing. But, other than a standing structure - nothing is for sure. I know that on the other side of this, God will have me come out as a stronger woman, but there are moments I ask why? Why after going through so much in the last two years does it seem I'm back to where I started?
Then, I remember that I am not the same woman that I was 2 years ago. I'm little older, a little wiser, and a LOT stronger. Not to mention, I have my better half (Sarah) here with me and this time, I don't have to go it alone. All these things considered, I am a blessed woman and I smile when I think of how truly rich I am.
I am overwhelmed by the amount of support and love we have been shown. I know because of the people in my life and the community around me that I have absolutely nothing to worry about. I have clothing, shelter, food, and most importantly fellowship.
People at my work have already begun to show great generosity. I look forward to a few needs fulfilled this coming week. Bed sheets, towels, help with needed essentials, and dinner casseroles are among the gifts we have been offered. Community is a beautiful thing.
Despite trying my hardest to maintain a positive outlook, I am still exhausted and stressed beyond what is tolerable. I had a trip planned for this weekend that has been the highlight of my summer since January - and overnight moonlight rafting trip with dozens of rafting friends. I considered forgoing the trip due to the circumstances, but after talking with those close to me and who know the events of this week and what we've been through, they (and I too) feel it is a good idea for me to get out of town for a couple of days. The devastation and terror we have felt over the last few days have been overwhelmingly exhausting. I need to regroup.
Sarah will be here in the Springs with Campi taking it easy and relaxing. She has made several friends here who are available to her at a moment's notice and she is looking forward to an uneventful weekend. I will have limited reception on my phone, but might try to post some pictures of beautiful Buena Vista, CO where I'll be in Brown's Canyon.
I know reality will be waiting for me when I get back, but I am sincerely looking forward to a day of smokeless air, white water, good friends, and sunshine.
Love to you all!
MJ
Today is the most normal I have felt in days. Still exhausted, and in a daze, but being at work is helpful and staying busy is good.
Sarah went to visit a friend in Boulder last night and had a fantastic time there (Which I was so glad to hear). I'm sure it was refreshing and rejuvenating to get away from the fire, smoke, destruction, and chaos. I am so glad she had the opportunity to go there, see a familiar face, and meet some amazing new ones. We had lunch together today and had a chance to catch up which definitely brightened my day.
Brandon, my friend who owns the apartment we are staying in got home last night. He and I had sandwiches, wine, and watched a movie. This was of course after I got him up to speed on the events of this week.
Despite the wine I had an incredibly sleepless night. I lied awake on the couch for hours with a million things rushing through my mind. Things at work I started freaking out about whether or not I had completed the - constantly second-guessing myself. I thought about all of the "what-if's" with the home. What if there are still things inside that are salvageable. What if it's still standing but all is a total loss. What about rebuilding? What if the home stays and is restored, there is a great danger of flash flooding in the area.
I am so thankful that none of my mother, Patrick, or Meemaw's things have been moved out here and they are still in their home in MD, nothing displaced - but the contents of the house on Courtney Drive contains all of my things. Granted, they are just things - and nothing of great value, but I started over from scratch 2 years ago - building my life out of nothing. Am I strong enough to do this again?
I know that the mere fact the house was spared from total devastation is a miracle and a blessing. But, other than a standing structure - nothing is for sure. I know that on the other side of this, God will have me come out as a stronger woman, but there are moments I ask why? Why after going through so much in the last two years does it seem I'm back to where I started?
Then, I remember that I am not the same woman that I was 2 years ago. I'm little older, a little wiser, and a LOT stronger. Not to mention, I have my better half (Sarah) here with me and this time, I don't have to go it alone. All these things considered, I am a blessed woman and I smile when I think of how truly rich I am.
I am overwhelmed by the amount of support and love we have been shown. I know because of the people in my life and the community around me that I have absolutely nothing to worry about. I have clothing, shelter, food, and most importantly fellowship.
People at my work have already begun to show great generosity. I look forward to a few needs fulfilled this coming week. Bed sheets, towels, help with needed essentials, and dinner casseroles are among the gifts we have been offered. Community is a beautiful thing.
Despite trying my hardest to maintain a positive outlook, I am still exhausted and stressed beyond what is tolerable. I had a trip planned for this weekend that has been the highlight of my summer since January - and overnight moonlight rafting trip with dozens of rafting friends. I considered forgoing the trip due to the circumstances, but after talking with those close to me and who know the events of this week and what we've been through, they (and I too) feel it is a good idea for me to get out of town for a couple of days. The devastation and terror we have felt over the last few days have been overwhelmingly exhausting. I need to regroup.
Sarah will be here in the Springs with Campi taking it easy and relaxing. She has made several friends here who are available to her at a moment's notice and she is looking forward to an uneventful weekend. I will have limited reception on my phone, but might try to post some pictures of beautiful Buena Vista, CO where I'll be in Brown's Canyon.
I know reality will be waiting for me when I get back, but I am sincerely looking forward to a day of smokeless air, white water, good friends, and sunshine.
Love to you all!
MJ
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| Mount Princeton, Buena Vista, CO |
Can't sleep
So many things racing through my mind. My throat and eyes are irritated from the smoke. Found some photos on facey space I thought I would share...
Update on Waldo Canyon Fire
16,750 acres burned, 15% contained, 1,118 personnel.
This is officially the most destructive fire in the states history :(
This is officially the most destructive fire in the states history :(
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Waldo Canyon Fire - Day 2 - Update
Sarah and I are settled in Brandon's apartment. What a God-send! It was perfect for us to have some space to think, breath, have some quiet, and paint our nails. I can't tell you how amazing we felt after only taking a shower and painting our nails- a normal, girly, every day task.
So for today... it's been an up and down kind of day. I came in to work late. I didn't have the energy or the motivation to get up until 9. Sarah went to a job at 8:30. All morning we have been texting each other how we feel cloudy, dazed, and can't describe how we feel - if we feel at all - numbness actually describes it pretty well.
When I got to work, my friend Julie had found a map showing the effected burn areas - my neighborhood was considered gone. Although I had prepared myself for this - seeing it on an official site still made my stomach sink.
Everyone at work has been SO supportive, loving, and caring. It is so amazing to feel such a sense of community and support here.
Later this afternoon, I received an email from my mom... my cousin had found an arial photo from the Denver Post of our neighborhood... I prepared myself for the devastation, which there was plenty of, but miraculously two houses remain standing on Courtney Drive - and one of them is 2210!
In the picture below, the red arrow points to our home on the corner. Unbelievable! My friends somewhat teased me about running back into the house during the evacuation to turn on the sprinkler system... I can't say that it helped... but I like to think it did. :)
There is no telling when we will be allowed back into the evacuation area - likely days, maybe weeks. I still feel the need to prepare myself for whatever is there. Although the structure of the home still stands, with all the burning that went on around it, it's anyone's guess as to what type of smoke and heat damage has been done - or even water damage considering they were fighting these fires all of Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
As more information becomes available - I will certainly keep everyone posted. Until then please continue to pray for the firefighters as they still battle this growing fire over Blodgett Peak, the Peregrine Neighborhood, and the US Air Force Academy.
Please pray for the families in these neighborhoods that have lost their homes. I have only lived in this neighborhood a short time, but most of the families were residents for up to 20 years. I can't imagine the loss they are suffering.
Pray for our community. Though this is a tragic and devastating event, the beauty that I've seen in the amount of selfless support, compassion, and generosity has been overwhelming. It is truly an amazing thing to see a city rally around it's people in every way possible.
Love to you all!
MJ & SJ
PS - My fish, Laredo, was not remembered in the chaos of the evacuation... I'm saying a little prayer the guy is still there! :)
So for today... it's been an up and down kind of day. I came in to work late. I didn't have the energy or the motivation to get up until 9. Sarah went to a job at 8:30. All morning we have been texting each other how we feel cloudy, dazed, and can't describe how we feel - if we feel at all - numbness actually describes it pretty well.
When I got to work, my friend Julie had found a map showing the effected burn areas - my neighborhood was considered gone. Although I had prepared myself for this - seeing it on an official site still made my stomach sink.
Everyone at work has been SO supportive, loving, and caring. It is so amazing to feel such a sense of community and support here.
Later this afternoon, I received an email from my mom... my cousin had found an arial photo from the Denver Post of our neighborhood... I prepared myself for the devastation, which there was plenty of, but miraculously two houses remain standing on Courtney Drive - and one of them is 2210!
In the picture below, the red arrow points to our home on the corner. Unbelievable! My friends somewhat teased me about running back into the house during the evacuation to turn on the sprinkler system... I can't say that it helped... but I like to think it did. :)
Actual Link to Arial Photos: click here
There is no telling when we will be allowed back into the evacuation area - likely days, maybe weeks. I still feel the need to prepare myself for whatever is there. Although the structure of the home still stands, with all the burning that went on around it, it's anyone's guess as to what type of smoke and heat damage has been done - or even water damage considering they were fighting these fires all of Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
As more information becomes available - I will certainly keep everyone posted. Until then please continue to pray for the firefighters as they still battle this growing fire over Blodgett Peak, the Peregrine Neighborhood, and the US Air Force Academy.
Please pray for the families in these neighborhoods that have lost their homes. I have only lived in this neighborhood a short time, but most of the families were residents for up to 20 years. I can't imagine the loss they are suffering.
Pray for our community. Though this is a tragic and devastating event, the beauty that I've seen in the amount of selfless support, compassion, and generosity has been overwhelming. It is truly an amazing thing to see a city rally around it's people in every way possible.
Love to you all!
MJ & SJ
PS - My fish, Laredo, was not remembered in the chaos of the evacuation... I'm saying a little prayer the guy is still there! :)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Waldo Canyon Fire Evacuees - Day 1
Day 1 as evacuees. We will be sure to to give better details in the next few days, but I wanted to get this blog up and started as we have had many requests for a central place to update our friends and family.
We were very quickly evacuated from our neighborhood yesterday. We did have a little notice as a pre-evacuation status to get some things packed. To let those of you who aren't sure know there are three levels of statuses. The lowest is "Pre-evacuation" which is, "hey, you might want to go home and start getting a few things together. "Voluntary Evacuation" is next. This is like, "Go home and get together your valuables. There is a slight chance that your area MIGHT be threatened, so be ready in case you do have to evacuate." Finally, we have "Mandatory Evacutaion." This is just as it sounds... cops drive through the neighborhoods on their loud speakers saying something along the lines of, "This area is under mandatory evacuation. Please leave the area immediately. It is no longer safe to be in the area. Leave your home immediately."
This was what we expereinced yesterday. I went home about 2 pm to pack some things. I had a glass of wine to relax a little and very calmly just started gathering things of value. I was in no rush, no hurry. It was a PRE-Evacuation notice. Some friends came to help... we were chillin, relaxing on the couch wacthing the news, packing things and joking non-chalantly...
Then, the cops... the loudseakers... people rushing round the neighborhood in a panic. Neighbors were hugging and crying... it was surreal. We walked outside the house and looked at the ridge just behind us. The sight we saw was by far the most terrifying thing I have ever seen in my life. Flames consuming the ridge within minutes. The fire and smoke that was so far away Saturday through Monday was now in plain sight. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up... the heat from the fire blew in my face. That was when I knew... this is for real and we have to leave NOW.
We quickly grabbed everything we had packed, locked everything up, and joined the hundreds trying to leave the neighborhood. Of course reality set in and I started to cry... to panic even. I drove in our little caravan with me, Sarah, and my friend Ted as we entered the bumper to bumper traffic leaving the Mountain Shadows neighbohood. As we sat in our cars, I was crying. I looked to my right and a guy in the car next to me looked over and gave me a little shrug and sympathic look as if to say, "If we weren't driving, I would totally give you a hug right now... yea, this sucks."
I can only imagine what happened to our neighborhood from that point. All I know is of the smoke. It consumed the entire city... where we were sitting in traffic, the smoke was so thick that it made the sky look like night. Ash and embers were raining down all around. Businesses were closed and parking lots were empty. Surreal... that is the only word I can think of to describe it.
We of course got split up in the traffic and ended up meeting at Colorado Mountain Brewery to regroup. We had to just let it sink in. There was optimisim in the conversation. We tried to encourage each other that surely the house would be ok. After a beer, a delicious meal, and some quality time with friends, we decided we better get settled in somewhere for the night. We stayed with Ted's very gracious parents in their guest rooms. I think Sarah and I both wanted to cry... but shock was set in... and numbness and exhaustion was about all we had.
A sleepless night and some strange dreams later, we started day one. Woke up to news and pictures of the devastation of the Mountain Shadows neighborhood. The optinism diminished by far.
We've settled in today in a friend's apartment. I am SO BLESSED to have such generous people in my life. My friend Brandon works in construction and is only home on the weekends. He has offered to let us stay here for as long as we need.
This evening has been strange. As we settle in, we have moments of, "Oh my gosh, I left this..." or "Crap, I forgot to grab..."
There's nothing we can do. Sarah, Campi and I are safe and together. Aside from that, we have lost some things and been displaced, but all in all we are OK.
I have had so many messages, phone calls, and texts from friends and family all over the country and I am overwhelmed by the willingness and generosity to help.
I can say that right now prayers are the best thing. Please pray for us to have peace of mind and clarity as we continue to work through this. Secondly, pray for those who are evacuated and living in shelters. Pray they find comfort and solace in the community around them.
Pray, pray, pray for our firefighters. They are working around the clock battling a very large and unpredicatable fire. It has consumed 18,500 acres so far and is only 5% contained. They are working so hard to protect the homes and landmarks in our beautiful beloved city of Colorado Springs.
As far as any needs for Sarah and myself... I'm really taking things one day at a time. We packed some clothes and a few other items. If the house is truly gone, we will eventually be in need of things like furniture and houshold goods, etc... but I can't even get my mind around that right now. This is day one and right now we are coping, processing, and greiving. I am sure that in a few days we will begin to plan and take steps in a direction but for right now we are just existing and that's ok.
Bottom line, "Thelma & Louise" are in this together for the long haul. No matter what we are going to come out on the other stronger, closer, and better friends than ever.
Love you all!!!
MJ & SJ
We were very quickly evacuated from our neighborhood yesterday. We did have a little notice as a pre-evacuation status to get some things packed. To let those of you who aren't sure know there are three levels of statuses. The lowest is "Pre-evacuation" which is, "hey, you might want to go home and start getting a few things together. "Voluntary Evacuation" is next. This is like, "Go home and get together your valuables. There is a slight chance that your area MIGHT be threatened, so be ready in case you do have to evacuate." Finally, we have "Mandatory Evacutaion." This is just as it sounds... cops drive through the neighborhoods on their loud speakers saying something along the lines of, "This area is under mandatory evacuation. Please leave the area immediately. It is no longer safe to be in the area. Leave your home immediately."
This was what we expereinced yesterday. I went home about 2 pm to pack some things. I had a glass of wine to relax a little and very calmly just started gathering things of value. I was in no rush, no hurry. It was a PRE-Evacuation notice. Some friends came to help... we were chillin, relaxing on the couch wacthing the news, packing things and joking non-chalantly...
Then, the cops... the loudseakers... people rushing round the neighborhood in a panic. Neighbors were hugging and crying... it was surreal. We walked outside the house and looked at the ridge just behind us. The sight we saw was by far the most terrifying thing I have ever seen in my life. Flames consuming the ridge within minutes. The fire and smoke that was so far away Saturday through Monday was now in plain sight. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up... the heat from the fire blew in my face. That was when I knew... this is for real and we have to leave NOW.
We quickly grabbed everything we had packed, locked everything up, and joined the hundreds trying to leave the neighborhood. Of course reality set in and I started to cry... to panic even. I drove in our little caravan with me, Sarah, and my friend Ted as we entered the bumper to bumper traffic leaving the Mountain Shadows neighbohood. As we sat in our cars, I was crying. I looked to my right and a guy in the car next to me looked over and gave me a little shrug and sympathic look as if to say, "If we weren't driving, I would totally give you a hug right now... yea, this sucks."
I can only imagine what happened to our neighborhood from that point. All I know is of the smoke. It consumed the entire city... where we were sitting in traffic, the smoke was so thick that it made the sky look like night. Ash and embers were raining down all around. Businesses were closed and parking lots were empty. Surreal... that is the only word I can think of to describe it.
We of course got split up in the traffic and ended up meeting at Colorado Mountain Brewery to regroup. We had to just let it sink in. There was optimisim in the conversation. We tried to encourage each other that surely the house would be ok. After a beer, a delicious meal, and some quality time with friends, we decided we better get settled in somewhere for the night. We stayed with Ted's very gracious parents in their guest rooms. I think Sarah and I both wanted to cry... but shock was set in... and numbness and exhaustion was about all we had.
A sleepless night and some strange dreams later, we started day one. Woke up to news and pictures of the devastation of the Mountain Shadows neighborhood. The optinism diminished by far.
We've settled in today in a friend's apartment. I am SO BLESSED to have such generous people in my life. My friend Brandon works in construction and is only home on the weekends. He has offered to let us stay here for as long as we need.
This evening has been strange. As we settle in, we have moments of, "Oh my gosh, I left this..." or "Crap, I forgot to grab..."
There's nothing we can do. Sarah, Campi and I are safe and together. Aside from that, we have lost some things and been displaced, but all in all we are OK.
I have had so many messages, phone calls, and texts from friends and family all over the country and I am overwhelmed by the willingness and generosity to help.
I can say that right now prayers are the best thing. Please pray for us to have peace of mind and clarity as we continue to work through this. Secondly, pray for those who are evacuated and living in shelters. Pray they find comfort and solace in the community around them.
Pray, pray, pray for our firefighters. They are working around the clock battling a very large and unpredicatable fire. It has consumed 18,500 acres so far and is only 5% contained. They are working so hard to protect the homes and landmarks in our beautiful beloved city of Colorado Springs.
As far as any needs for Sarah and myself... I'm really taking things one day at a time. We packed some clothes and a few other items. If the house is truly gone, we will eventually be in need of things like furniture and houshold goods, etc... but I can't even get my mind around that right now. This is day one and right now we are coping, processing, and greiving. I am sure that in a few days we will begin to plan and take steps in a direction but for right now we are just existing and that's ok.
Bottom line, "Thelma & Louise" are in this together for the long haul. No matter what we are going to come out on the other stronger, closer, and better friends than ever.
Love you all!!!
MJ & SJ
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