Hello friends. This is the first chance I've had to get to the library in our new temporary town to check Mudcat and email. Thank you all for your encouragement and support.
We are still hurting at the loss one week after the fire, but are resting and helping none another gather strength, focus, and direction. We've been treated kindly, and are in an apartment for now. Sudden noises startle us both, and loud voices are too much to bear for now. We find many people want to know all about the fire; their questions thereby increasing our distress.
We did indeed find a couple pieces of cast iron as we dug in the ruins a few days ago; also what seems to be the only surviving piece of my artwork that we had- a colored pencil portrait of a Michangelo statue I drew years ago. We are thankful for such treasures.
The birds are still visiting the feeders back home. We saw a sharp-shinned hawk chasing a blue jay in the front yard the day after our house burned.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. We are alive and thankful for it.