This is the same place as I posted yesterday - http://365project.org/taffy/the-also-ran-ph/2014-11-14 - after hiring the new contractor. It is incredible. He created the crew within 2 hours and had them at our house yesterday afternoon. They were back this morning with a crew of at least 10 and worked all day. This is what it looked like at 5:00, taken by Jim on his cell phone. Holes in floor boarded after they carried out all debris, stacked books, and other items in the back of the house, mopped the floors, brought in dehumidifiers, boarded up fireplace area, reinforced bannister of 'loft' along the front. And the other crew that was supposed to be cleaning out the contents? Still didn't show up -- but are coming again on Monday. I think we've made the right choice in contractors!! Things are definitely looking up. We also picked up the keys to our temporary condo and we may move refrigerator contents there tomorrow depending on the snow we're getting (ugh). We went over there tonight to see it and it's beautiful even without furniture. Still no sign of Danbo but maybe now that things are under control he'll come home. Hoping that is the case. It's hard to believe how our contractor has turned things around.
Fire saga update, good things first:
1. New contractor
2. Keys to condo
3. Photos can be restored (can't remember if I posted that yesterday, losing track of time)
4. We're enjoying our time at Bill-Junko's home
The Less Good:
1. Danbo's still missing
2. We have items in the house that they have said cannot be salvaged but that seem perfectly fine -- like a mug from a dear friend that had been in my study with tea in it, the night I fell asleep there and thus heard the smoke alarm). Worried about their (Company #1 that still is in charge of our contents) decision-making on our belongings.
3. Magnitude of loss is starting to sink in
Thank you all for sending such positive thoughts my way. It has, in fact, made a difference and we are on the long road to recovery!
Incredible difference from your last post. Things seem to be moving ahead which is positive and that you have found some things to be salvageable. I know its hard but try to stay focused on the good things. "Sterkte" (strength) as we say here in Afrikaans.
It's hard to believe that this is the same place. What a different good staff and organisation make. Hang in there and I'll check to see if Danbo has turned up in Australia
Wow what a difference! Your new contractor seems very efficient which is just what you needed! I hope you are able to check exactly what the first contractors are discarding - it sounds like their decision making is a bit suspect! Little items to them not worth saving may be little treasures to you and Jim! Big hugs and lots of positive vibes!
I can't understand how "someone else" can decide if certain items will be returned to you or not... None of us like having that sort of decision-making taken out of our hands... Funny, thinking of those things, Tracy, who is my California cat+house sitter, is an artist who would want damaged and charred items and would work it all into a piece of art. No pivotal moment in life escapes her as a possible artistic outlet... To meet her, you'd think "mousy & quiet", but when she wants her "stuff", step back! Persevere, Taffy! and good luck!
Gosh, you are going through the grieving process for this horrible loss of your personal belongings. Your contractor sounds like a good guy. Take care.
I'm so glad to see that the new contractor has done things right. You may have to go pick up the stuff the first one took and pay them for the "work" (and I use that term loosely!) they did already. But if you're dissatisfied and they are uncooperative, reminding them you have pictures and you're sure the local news-watch consumer people would be very interested in how they operated might do the trick!
Hang in there! The worst will all happen within the first month and as time goes on, it will get better. You have lots of people cheering you on here!
Wow, what progress :-D.........really hope you get your mug back from the original waste of space contractors.........why can't a mug just be washed up!!!
That is great progress, and despite the tragic circumstances, this is a beautifully composition. That pop of red makes me think of hope and better days to come. Hope you find Danbo soon.
OMG!! That's just plain incredible! That must've lifted your spirits a little to see the debris all gone. Hang in there Taffy, it must be so tough for you and Jim, but all this will pass eventually. More virtual hugs on the way for both of you!
So glad you got a new contractor and things are moving along now. Great photo of progress being made though also the thought of loss too. Yes they are possessions but they are yours and your husbands. So sorry for that as that will take time to process. Lucky you have your friend to stay with, while she is gone and happy that you move into your new permanent place till you can move back home. Sorry I have been MIA. Next door stress got to me big time and they get to stay while neighbor is in jail. Take care and more hugs!
I have been out of touch for a few days due to day surgery, but I have just read the updates on how things are going. Good to hear that things are slowly getting back on track. Hope Danbo turns up. Take care.
Hang in there! The worst will all happen within the first month and as time goes on, it will get better. You have lots of people cheering you on here!
Super improvement.