I spent a couple more hours cutting apart burned pages of slides to save what isn't already ruined. As they dry I put each "page" of slides into an ordinary letter envelope for storage. I wrap up the charred plastic and other burned things and get them out of the apartment as fast as I can. Nevertheless, the smell of ruin was the first thing a recent visitor noticed upon entering; not the new drapes (Goodwill), or the newly printed photos of happier times...just the smell.

Another thirty pounds in weight has disappeared since the fire, and more to follow, I hope. Ironic- I can taste the good food but have no appetite, while my sweet husband lost his sence of taste with the pneumonia but is hungry. We've both lost weight we needed to lose.

My back and arms hurt all of the time, and I can't sleep, but it's good to feel lighter physically if not emotionally. The Lion's Club has paid for new eyeglasses for each of us and we are grateful to have good vision again.

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