Unpacking in Rental
Category Archives: Fire
Seahorse Move-in
Hugh’s dogs and Snoopy enjoyed the hill in the backyard now that it’s reinforced and unbreachable. I felt very loved when over a dozen folks volunteered to help me move furniture in and set up the rental house while my home is being renovated a few block away. These people took time out of their day even though it was a rainy weekday morning.
Can beauty come out of ashes?
That’s a line from a beautiful Celine Dion song.
I got a call from the veterinarian’s office downtown. I was told in the chaos of the fire that they would cremate all five dogs that were killed in the fire individually for free, which is very touching. I think one of my neighbors arranged that for me. The remains of the last of the five are expected at their office tomorrow, so I’ll have to pick them all up. I will make sure someone drives me because I’m not sure how I’m going to handle it.
Two Days Until Temporary Move
Two-day countdown to temporary rental and I’m feeling less scruffy after using my replacement beard trimmer set. I’m so appreciative of my hosts, whose home is like a second home to me. Snoopy and I (and other dogs who are now sadly gone) were here all summer at their pool. Year-round I always love coming over here for meals and coffee visits. I look forward to hosting them again where I am, both this year and next year when I’m actually home. Indeed, I’m so grateful for so many aspects of the community coming forward. No matter how much I critique FB, it has facilitated communications during this devastation. I still use my blog as the source of truth, but happy to garner all the resources I can at this dark time.
Fire, then Rain and Wind
My burned out house is once again secured after the Bay Area storm blew over the chain link fences around it, falling into the street TWICE. Thank goodness the neighbors facing me on both sides of the corner are so attentive and simultaneously texted me. Late at night the company came back to secure the fence with more reinforcement. What a mess. Where I’m staying about five minutes away also lost power briefly twice. Hopefully the worst of it is behind us. Move day is supposed to be a break in the wind and rain, thankfully.
Snoopy and I got approved to rent a house nearby in the Westpointe development of Glen Cove neighborhood in Vallejo starting next week. I’m glad I got approved, but of course it’s bittersweet under the circumstances. Having just become president of the community association for a second term, it made sense that I stay in the neighborhood, and my own home will be accessible for me to tend to the garden. I can also check mail with a modest bike ride. Thank you for all of the support my communities have given me. There is a lot to rebuild, but I feel weird asking for things. Last night I got a whole seven hours of sleep for the first time in two weeks since this nightmare began.
Front Lawn View of Rental
Scoping a Rental House
Survivor Snoopy
I don’t know what I would have done without his companionship. He was the youngest of the dogs that terrible day so at least he had the longest life to live, statistically. He’s an amazing dog and is carrying the spirit of his lost siblings. He has his own trauma that I’ve been observing. It’s a terrible way to bond, but we have it nonetheless.
Family Visit Post-Fire
My sister and brother-in-law came to visit with their dog Ricki, who Snoopy had a wonderful time with. Panda joins in for a moment as well. This is the first time Snoopy has played with a dog since the fire, since he lost all his playmates in minutes. It’s difficult to think about this period since I was still in a fog and barely sleeping, but I appreciated the emotional support visit at my friends’ home nearby.