BS: Open Mike has lost her home & contents 2008

Subject: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:03 PM

Open Mike (Laurel) has lost her home and its contents. She was one of the firefighters battling the blaze. She could have been at home getting her stuff into a van and out of the fire area. Instead, she was with fire crews (she is a volunteer firefighter) helping save other people's houses and even lives. So what's this gotta do with the price of eggs?

Laurel has been and continues to be a contributing member of this community and she needs our help. Parcels might be a bit clumsy at this time, so in conversation with Rapaire who graciously and generously agreed to be the banker I am appealing to all of you to help this great gal we all call our friend. She was NOT insured, so what she faces is complete loss of her home and contents. We cannot replace the memories, but we can help her build new ones. She has given so much of herself to music through her 'open mike' radio show. She has played music by various 'catters and been supportive of us all. Perhaps we can give back some of what she's given us.

Rapaire has no PayPal account. The only way he can take in donations is via cheque or postal money order. (PMO is a bit slower because of time it takes to get it through the bank, but if cheque is not possible, PMO is a good alternative.)

Please, let's dig deep on this one.

Bruce

PS Your donations can be sent to

Mike Doellman
PO Box 4905
Pocatello, ID 83205-4905

Whether cheque or PMO, please make it out to Mike and perhaps attach a post-it note with the name Laurel on it so Mike knows what it's for.

Thank you all. Remember, there are NO small donations.

Mike, thank you for agreeing to handle the paperwork. Let's hope there's lots of it.

BM

---

For donors outside the United States, the best way to donate may be through Big Mick's PayPal account. See his explanation below.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:06 PM

What can you tell us about her temporary housing, transport, etc? Does she have a cell phone, a portable computer, what kind of connectivity?

Did she have pets or livestock? Is she living in a trailer now, am I thinking of the right Northern California person?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:12 PM

As far as I know, she is 'living' in her own RV, parked in her daughters drive. She did save some stuff, including her pets and instruments, but pretty much lost everything else.

I will do this. Tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: maeve
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:12 PM

The latest info from Open Mike/Laurel

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:12 PM

Yep. That's her. She wrote earlier today and so she can access a computer, but I don't know if it's hers. Details are scant just now, but we managed to exchange enough info via message and the info I gave is what I have. She was able to save a few instruments. I do not know about pets, SRS. Nor do I have a number for her. I asked her permission to start this thread. I think she had to think about it for a day. Finally, she gave me permission. What ya see in my first post is what I know at this point. She's a strong lady, and she will get through, but she could use some help right now. I figure this is the best place to seek that help.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:13 PM

Sorry. That was addressed to SRS.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: maeve
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:16 PM

Of course, Peace. It may take some of us a little time to send contributions, but it will also take some time for Laurel to be able to evaluate her precise needs. It's good you and Rapaire have started the process, and gracious of Laurel to allow us to help.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Azizi
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:33 PM

I'll be sending a check. I wish it were more.

I'm glad that she saved her pets and instruments, but it still is difficult to lose the rest of your possessions and the photographs and other things that you treasure... But I'm glad she's safe.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: artbrooks
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:34 PM

My contribution will go out tomorrow. I'd suggest we hold off on contributions "in kind" until we know Laurel has a place to put them, but that sounds like a great place for all of those duplicate CDs we all collect.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 08:50 PM

Sounds like it is time for some Secret Santas in July. Of course, for those of us busy de-cluttering our homes, we know that targeted giving is best, especially if approved by the recipient. If she is in a motor home she at least has a roof over her head, but she doesn't have a lot of space.

For point of reference, here is last year's Secret Santa hint from Laurel:

ok here is my info....my name is Laurel.
1. what is your age ? 54

2. gender? Female

3. My favorite colors are purple and green

4. favorite authors/ type of book? I like Tony Hillerman, Nevada Barr and they write mysteries, and murder mysteries which take place in the south west u.s. or in various national parks and forests.

5. what books have you really been wanting? Well, since i drive the bookmobile for the local library, and have an "ex" who is a book dealer with over a hundred thousand titles in his catalog, I have access to most reading materials i might need. Anything specific to
my santees locality would be of interest--maps, stories, history.

6. what type of music do you like? Folk, Cowboy, Celtic, Scandinavian, singer-songwriter, "americana" or "alt.county", bluegrass, acoustic.

7. what CDs have you really been wanting? anything i might play on my radio show. especially if it included my very own santee's music.

8. What movies have you been wanting? (specify DVD or VHS) any thing

9. what is your t-shirt size? X-large-

10. do you collect anything? if so, what? dung beetles, scarabs and labyrinths. and anything Cowboy related

11. what are some of your other hobbies? Gardening, video production, making music on guitar, mandolin, nyckelharpa and singing.

12. i prefer silver-tone jewelry? i have pierced ears

13. please include anything else you feel is important that would help your Secret Santa know what you would like. I am a vegetarian, and a believer in community and communal living, am involved in environmental conservation, and would like to get back into spinning wool as i have in the past. also would like to learn to fly fish. I am a firefighter, E.M.T.,fire lookout and have a 1940 Ford Tractor.
I live in the country, in a small cabin, heated with a wood stove.

Negative Hints: No meat

Rather than offer a deluge, this modest proposal (she's a vegetarian, not THAT kind of modest proposal!) is that those who are interested poke around for a great shirt, skirt, pair of pants, whatever, and contact Bruce to run it past Laurel. Then she doesn't have to deal with stuff that doesn't fit, and doesn't have to say yes or no in a public venue. If people wanted to purchase and ship something (i.e., buy a LL Bean shirt or an Eddie Bauer top, etc. and have the store ship it directly) then still run it past Bruce first to see if the size, color, style are good. Or Laurel could put together a wish list and let Bruce administer it.

No rush, and this may amount to nothing. But I hope that in the days that come, we can help by sending cash or truly useful items to help rebuild the material side of a life. (Hey, this is the easy part--it's just stuff!)

Bruce, you weren't doing anything else this summer, were you? ;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 09:28 PM

Rapaire and Peace - thank you for coordinating this.

When the time comes, and Laurel needs basics like sheets, towels, china and silverware, let us know. I am sure we can furnish a home. I will even throw in a piece of Maine hideobilia to round out the collection.
Check goes out tomorrow,
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 09:45 PM

"When the time comes"--yeah, I'm in for that too.

The problem is being able to afford re-building. I'll send a check tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 09:57 PM

I'm already in it for some.

And I'm willing to share the accounting with anyone who asks. 100% goes to Laurel; no "administrative costs".

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Donuel
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 09:57 PM

Now you're talkin.
Open Mike has always been nice to me. Imagine how hard that really is.
Jeez I always thought Mike was a guy.
( I hope her California bank isn't the one that closed )

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Beer
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 10:06 PM

I was taken in as well Donuel. I thought she was a he for a long time until I saw her photo. I will help in some way but but not sure how just yet as I'm up to my elbows in festival stuff that is taking place starting Friday. As soon as the dust settles I'm in.
adrien

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 10:50 PM

I have been trying to find the photo of Laurel playing her nyckelharpa, sitting on my deck when she visited me here in Montana. I used to have that photo linked to the thread , but lost the image when my old computer crashed. Still looking for the original print photos taken. I hope her nyckelharpa was in the storage place with her guitars instead of at the house. If anyone else has photos of Laurel, maybe we can at least replace those burned.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 11:32 PM

I will get a check out later this week. And when it is time to refurnish the house, let us know. What a heartbreaker. I have a personql Paypal account, as well as one for The Conklin Ceili Band, if folks from over the pond want to contribute. Drop me a line, Bruce, and let me know if you want to use it. We will put it together.

Laurel, you have always been one of the best here. You have friends, and we will help see you through this.

Love and All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 11:36 PM

For an idea of what Mudcat and Mudcatters did when this happened to Night Owl, please see A Mudcatter's Thank You. It will give you a good idea of what a person who suffers this kind of loss goes through and what is helpful, etc. Plus, it will make you feel darn good about the Mudcat. We've been here before and we made a difference. We will do so, again.

Rapaire, it will have to wait until payday after next, but I will send you a check.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 11:57 PM

Mick: I think folks would find the PayPal idea wonderful. I don't know if you could/would post it to the 'cat so people would know how to use that, but it sure opens some doors. Then perhaps you could talk with Rapaire. The two of you have the bases covered.

Also, I never liked being 'in charge' of things, but I will be glad to help with SRS's suggestions and I'll coordinate where I can. I have a busy two weeks ahead, but I'll find some way to check in daily. I'm hoping Laurel will get in touch soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Bee
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 12:06 AM

Stupid question: it's so long since I sent a money order to the US - does it have to be put in US dollars or is it hard to cash a Canadian MO?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 12:10 AM

If any of us in England are to contribute, sterling cheques will be a waste of space in view of the long clearance delays and high bank charges, and the old "International Money Order" unobtainable. It is in theory possible to use something like Western Union or American Express or Cooks, but the charges are still pretty high - about £10 or so which really eats into "small" contributions.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 12:23 AM

True, Richard. But postal money orders happen real fast. Slowest thing in accessing the cash is getting the letter with the PMO from there to there--in this case, England to Idaho.

The post office will send in American dollars, Bee. Ya say, "I'd like to send x dollars American." I don't know the exchange reates, but the dollars were about even as of a few days back.

If a person had $10 to send, it might end up being $9.50 American. If a person were to say, "I want my buddy in the USA to receive $10 American, it might cost $10.59 Canadian to do so.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 12:26 AM

OK, folks. For those that wish to use PayPal, you can send it to my account. Use micklane at comcast dot net. I will be providing an update of contributions received to Rapaire on a regular basis. If you want to make sure it is properly handled you can send him a PM when you paypal it to me. I will bundle the contributions and then have a check cut and send it on to him. Please be sure to notate on the contribution that it is for Laurel.

All the best,

Mick

---

For those who have Paypal, or want to use it, HERE IS A TUTORIAL ON HOW TO SEND THE MONEY<

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: mg
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 12:48 AM

I have a room she can stay in for a while if needed. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 01:19 AM

Check on the way, guys.
Chin up, Laurel.
Is there any chance of a Mudcat auction with the proceeds going to Laurel?
I'll donate 10 copies of my book Clean Cabbage in the Bucket, and 10 copies of my new CD Sailing Ships and Sailing Men.

Seamus

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 01:28 AM

thanks for all offers..
the REAL needs are whatever it tqakes
to re-habilitate 50 acres of
scorched forest--salvage logging
and milling lumber for re-building,
and repair of 3 wooden bridges and
renovation of water and septic
systems..

the post service is spotty
as most mail boxes burned
down.

and i have no place to put "stuff"
now.but...
know that i am in good spirits
and am continuing to do my
radio show--yesterday's theme
was the Phoenix rising from the
ashes. played lots of songs
with fire, ash and also the theme
of hope, thankfulness and...strength.

3 d.j.s at my radio station lost
our homes..at least i saved many cd's.

not so lucky on the cats...not found.
birds were at daughter's house.

plus today is my birthday...
well, trying to have a happy one...
surrounded by daughters and their
boyfriends....

life goes on...

thank you, my friends.

Laurel--55 y.o. curmudgeon
on the look out for senior discounts...

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: DebC
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 01:34 AM

Oh Laurel!! I have been thinking of you and all the others up in Concow for the last couple of weeks. I am so so sorry about your house. I seem to recall a few visits to you up there.

I'll also donate a couple of CDs to an auction for Laurel who has been a good friend for almost 25 years now. I knew her before the Internet!

Deb Cowan former Chico resident

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Genie
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 02:14 AM

Oh, Mike, I'm so sorry to hear such devastating news. Especially since you were out there fighting to protect others' properties at the time.

I empathize especially since my sister and her family and a friend's family all had to flee Rancho Bernardo last year and stay with my mom in San Diego when large portions of RB were on fire.   Their houses escaped the fire (but had smoke damage), but my brother's friend and business partner in Poway lost his home to those fires. And I've recently had other friends lose their homes to fires in Washington state. This is a terrible year for forest and brush fires.

So glad to know where to send checks.   I know there's a lot that can't be replaced, but I'm glad to help out with meeting whatever needs you have now.

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 02:49 AM

Words aren't enough.... here in the UK we can't really imagine what forest fires do - we haven't had a big one for 30 years.

Let us know what you need, when you need it and we'll be there for you.

Take care, keep breathing.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 04:11 AM

paypal sent

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 04:13 AM

Oh my!!! I started to tear up and then read "... yesterday's theme
was the Phoenix rising from the ashes." Well, that did it.

Re cheques (from Canada)... I write "U.S." before the written and numeric amounts and it works fine. As for Brits or anyone else, could you not strike out pounds or euros or whatever and write in "U.S. Dollars" or "USD"?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 04:25 AM

No, we can't. The banks still take up to 28 days to clear a cheque paid into a US bank, and charge up to £30 for doing so.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 04:27 AM

Excellent idea, Seamus.

I would think all you need to do is put the deatils of the cause, the payment options for Rapaire and Mick, and a link to this thread in the auction thread.

Of course, I assume you would run it by Max first... or second. >:-)

Anyone else got any suggestions for Seamus?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 04:29 AM

Richard. Well, that sucks.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 04:32 AM

My bank insists that money orders or checks (cheques) from overseas or from Canada MUST be in US dollars and drawn on a United States bank. Otherwise, they charge me about $20 each to process them. I urge all of you to use the PayPal account that Big Mick has offered in order to avoid similar charges. Most banks have an affiliation with one or another of the big US banks and can make up a cashier's check for you, but PayPal makes it simple.
    Sandy

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: GUEST,1
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 05:20 AM

From the UK.

Go to any Western Union agent (see link below) often found in travel agencies. Tell them you want to send ??? US dollars to the USA. They work out the exchange rate and fee, you hand over your sterling, after filling in a form.

You may be able to do this online (again, see link below), but some countries require you to do this in person, via an agent, because of fraud, terrorism, etc. It depends where you are sending the money to. If you go to an agent, take identification with you, just in case you are asked for it. For a full list of all Western Union agents around the world, see the link below.

Western Union

If you do this in person, you fill in a short, easy form, putting your name and address down, write who it's to be paid to, stating Laurel's first and last name, the country, state/city it's going to. You do not need an address for her. You then sign it in front of the agent.

You're given a reference number. Do NOT lose this, as you need to pass it on to Laurel, along with your details (name, address, place sent from, etc) to enable her to collect it.

The money is transferred in minutes to her local city or town, where she can pick it up from any WU agent, at her convenience. (You can transfer it in a few days, which is a fraction cheaper.) As stated above, there is a charge for this, but you are paying for ease, speed and efficiency.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 06:30 AM

BIRTHDAY!!

With your spirit, there is much to celebrate. I've had several years recently when the right greeting wasn't "happy birthday", 'cause it wouldn't have been, but "BIRTHDAY!" needs to be shouted nonethless, because you are here to celebrate it, and you are not alone.

Stay well, and thanks for letting us help : )

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Beer
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 06:56 AM

About 5 months ago I received from a friend $500.00 for our festival through Pay/pal. It came in my name, to my account, as our non/profit status was still in the works. Pay/pal took 5% off the top so I got $475.00 for the festival.
When your trying to raise funds this 5% hurt so I closed my account.
Does anyone know what percentage Pay/pal will be taking?
It would be really good to know the cheapest way to send financial aid. This is not meant to be a put down on the efforts of those going through this particular system, but maybe it is better to send an International Money order. It has been my experience as well that the money order should state "International" as even with a post office money order, some banks will not cash it.
Sorry if I'm making things complicated, but heads up.
Adrien

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: jacqui.c
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 07:21 AM

For those in the UK - I will be visiting in August and, if you want to send a cheque for Laurel I am quite happy to put them through my UK bank account and then send a US cheque from my American account to the fund. PM me for where to send cheques.

I'll also put a shawl in the auction for Laurel.

Kendall and I visited with Laurel in 2006 - he even panned for 'gold' in her stream. This is so sad.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 07:50 AM

Oh, Laurel, all I can do is add my love and caring to the chorus and wish you courage, strength, and a dose of good humor as you and those around you rebuild your lives.
Blessings,
Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Mr Red
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 08:12 AM

Unless Western Union have got their act together, PayPal-5% is insurance, and pretty good, if expensive. What is the cut if you spend via PayPal?

I only use it to make purchases and very rarely at that.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Beer
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 08:49 AM

I think on a purchase (like E/bay) it is 3% but dealing with money from bank to bank it is 5.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 09:15 AM

POSTAL MONEY ORDER

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 09:19 AM

As Big Mick noted above, you can send him money via Pay Pal. Mark it for Laura.

If I have to be contacted by voice my mobile phone number is two zero eight, four zero six, eighteen sixty-one.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 09:20 AM

. . .Laurel you mean.

Thanks again, Mike. And to Big Mick, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 10:14 AM

Well, I've GOT a 16' flatbed, but no way to get it to Cally.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 02:09 PM

For those who haven't used Paypal, or don't know how to send money using it, HERE IS A TUTORIAL ON HOW ONE SEND'S MONEY to an email address. Pretty easy peasy, but if you are having trouble, pm me and we will sort it out.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 02:27 PM

thank you, my friends...we will get thru this..

At the time the flames were
reaching my house i was at home, and was awakened by sirens
and looked up to see a wall of flames and red glowing sky.
i had removed myself from fire engine duties when i saw the
fire jump the line and head towards my house. i was able to
rent a storage unit in town and safely evacuate some treasures.
i did save musical instruments. and have a vehicle,so may be a wandering minstrel when i grow up.
(if i grow up...)i guess if i was gonna, i would have by now...

it does my heart good to know that you are sending good energy and other resources my way.....

one of the most significant losses may be my address book .

the mudcat is a great resource and i have always been amazed
at the community feeling here. It is heart-warming to feel
your support network...so i know i am not working without a net!

let the healing begin..

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 02:31 PM

I can tell you from a very personal place...... we are all family and community here. And you are right.... We will get through this.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Pistachio
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 02:52 PM

I've PM'd this to Jacqui... think it might be the most economical   ££s Sterling route for UK donations.

Please let me know your name and where to post a cheque to get to Laurel. I think it's a great offer that you've made for 'this side of the pond' to help.
I love the comment that No donation is too small, it's a squeeze for most of us these days BUT, to try and imagine what it's like for someone to have lost everything brings me to a reality check! It's too easy to take everything for granted.
Looking forward to your info and Thank you.

Hazel

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Pistachio
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 04:02 PM

Kat, I've spent the last long minutes reading Night owls' posts... thanks for that link.

I've learnt so much from Mudcat, everyone dealing with what's thrown at them, giving me a chance to adjust my perspective on 'things' and an insight on what 'really matters' in this world.

I was at a funeral today, victim of a broken heart, and another life lesson for me.

((((((((((((((((Hugs to all that need one))))))))))))))))

Hazel xx

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 04:15 PM

Jacqui

Can I let you have a cheque please to pass on?

Blessings
Rhiannon

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Hollowfox
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 06:21 PM

Happy Birthday, Oopen Mike. Really. I'm glad you're alive to read this. I'm sending out good thoughts and prayers now, of course, and when I get home tonight, I'll start up your first #!@$-reduction candle (it'll be cool here tonight, and I'm very careful as regards safety). The check should go out in tomorrow's mail, and someday we'll meet, so I can hug you.
The land itself will recover over time, but yeah, the bridges/water/septic system are gonna need some work. I wish I could run out to help you on that.*g* Take care, Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: My guru always said
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 06:21 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about this. Haven't managed to read all this thread yet as I diverted to Night Owl's and I've gotta take a break. I'm sure when I try to read this thread again tomorrow I'll find that there's a way of sending from the UK, maybe via FoM. 'Fraid it'll be after pay-day though.

Meanwhile I'm sending positive thoughts, love and hugs to Laurel. Also huge thanks to Max and the Mudcat community for being real.
Hil

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: JennieG
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 08:47 PM

Oh Laurel...love and hugs, and slightly belated birthday wishes. Due to a crashed computer (I'm using my son's today) I'm not able to check in as often as usual so I missed the original news.

The ever-present danger from fire is something we in Oz share with the US, and I know some of our firefighters have gone to California.

I shall check out the auction immejetly!

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 09:15 PM

Rap...check is in the mail. Left the To: blank....

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 11:06 PM

Lost her own place after protecting others as a volunteer firefighter? Damn straight something's on the way via paypal.
- Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 11:13 PM

And her kittehs as well, Phil. I'd send her one of mine, but the Yenta is just too old for a new home.....besides, I'd have to drive her there, and Laurel has no place for a kitteh just now.

She needs bulldozers, front end loaders, flatbeds, etc. And later, lumber, plumbing pipe, electric conduit, etc.....maybe even seeds too.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 12:13 AM

What kind of boots do you wear on fires in your part of California? When I was working in the Cascades in Washington I wore climbing boots to work in the woods and on fires, since they were typically in steep mountainous terrain.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: sian, west wales
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 06:12 AM

Rapaire, can you deal with cheques in Canadian funds? Otherwise, jacqui's plan might be my alternative route.

sian

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 09:19 AM

Probably easiest to go Jacqui's route. I'd probably get a teller who didn't know that Canada exists.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 02:25 PM

OK, Paypal is coming in nicely. I have received payments from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, and around the US. If anyone is not using it due to service fees on my end, please do not worry about that. I am absorbing those costs, and they are minimal. For those overseas from the USA, this is probably your easiest method.

As an aside, I am always amazed at the generosity shown by Mudcatters. As I receive these, I am knocked out by your caring gestures. Good on the lot of you. I will send you each a PM eventually telling you I recieved the money.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 02:31 PM

Check out the auctions as well. Most are 90% to Laurel/10% to Mudcat.
All sorts of goodies and the list is growing.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 03:31 PM

I can't get any CDs until tomorrow. DAMN!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: jacqui.c
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 04:17 PM

Never mind Bruce - maybe leave putting them on until some of the other stuff has gone - less competition, more bids, maybe?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 11:26 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Mudlark
Date: 17 Jul 08 - 01:01 AM

Hi Laurel...

Will do what I can to help with all the heavy duty renovation that will be needed. And please keep me in mind when it comes time to refurnish your nest...will happily share what I've got. Belated Happy B'day, you are an amazing woman!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jul 08 - 10:25 AM

Refresh!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Marion
Date: 17 Jul 08 - 11:22 AM

I'm very sad to hear about the loss of Laurel's home and cats. About 5 years ago I took a long bus trip around North America which included meetings with many Mudcat pen pals, and Laurel was one of those who took me in for a few days. I have many wonderful memories of her kindness and hospitality.

This is my recollection of Laurel's habitat... no doubt the facts have shifted in my mind a bit over the years, so do feel free to correct them, Laurel! She lives on a forested area that is jointly owned by many people - the group moved there together in the 60's or 70's, as a part of a "back to the land", communal movement of the times, and have been able to sustain this cooperative model since then. I remember walking around the commune and seeing all the gardens and creative architecture - if I recall correctly, the roads and bridges were made by the group. There was a sauna for everyone's use, and Laurel and I had ourselves a little two-woman a capella song circle in there. I remember that there was a heavy rain and we did some impromptu trench-digging to direct the water away from the houses.

I remember Laurel's house as being very rustic and eclectic, full of animals and instruments, and very ecological and resourceful (ie. wood stove, composting toilet, big jars of dried foods). It fit her very well, as a woman who lives a creative and examined life, and knows how to surround herself with what she needs, and dispenses with what she doesn't need. Right next to her house she had a guest cabin and that was where I slept, and it seemed like an oasis of quiet and privacy. Laurel invited me to come on outings with her and I went with her to a house concert, to her library, and to her friend's house, but there was also one night when I turned down her invitation because I wanted to stay behind and soak up the peacefulness of a cabin-in-the-woods evening.

The fact that Laurel's house was destroyed by a forest fire (as opposed to, say, the kinds of fire that take single buildings) means that this is a bigger loss than just Laurel's house... it's also about Laurel's cabin, and her bridges, and her sauna, and her trees, and her neighbours. I hope that not all of the houses were lost, and that not everybody in the group was uninsured. And I can't help but wonder what this disaster will mean for the cooperative - will most or many be willing and able to rebuild on the same land, or will this be the end of a grand experiment that has outlasted so many attempts at communal lving?

Love, Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Marion
Date: 17 Jul 08 - 11:36 AM

PS. I agree with Mick that Paypal is the most time-effective and cost-effective way of donating for non-Americans.

I used to think that having a Paypal account was like having an online bank account and that you had to transfer money in from a regular bank account (i.e., like the ING model) then spend it online. But that's not the case. Getting a paypal account just means registering yourself with a user ID and password, then you can use a credit card to make the payment. It only takes a few minutes, and the recipient doesn't get your credit card number.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jul 08 - 01:37 PM

Laurel,

Since you have a cooperative group there and several of you will need new homes, you might be interested in looking at flying concrete homes. They are inexpensive (one woman had one built in NM for $5,000) and ecological, etc. Have fun poking around in that site; he's got lots of pictures and is very helpful. He only charges $25 per hour for phone consultation. He started this as a project to provide affordable housing to third world countries.

I didn't realise you'd lost your kitties, too. I am so, so sorry about that. My condolences.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 08:17 AM

kat - have you gone back to smoking those funny cigarettes again? Some of those homes are nightmares - but I guess they wouldn't burn, would they?
Sorry, the whole concept makes me claustrophobic.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 10:37 AM

See the "Little Precast House on the Prairie" section of this article.
Click Here & Scroll Down

"A new technique for making log homes replicates the look of wood logs so well that it might fool termites—at least until they tried to bite into one. ...The concept has been developed by Cultured Log Systems in Missoula, Mont., which worked with Missoula Concrete Construction to create the system and products."

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 11:15 AM

Direct link to their site

http://concretelogs.com/
Cultured Log Systems
honored by "Built Green" Home of the Year

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Cool Beans
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 01:02 PM

Check's in the mail to Mike for Laurel. Thanks, Peace, for bringing this to our attention.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Irene M
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 02:23 PM

The "log" cabins look quite realistic. At least they are going to resist fire, but I can't help thinking it would be a bit a bugger trying to knock a nail in to hang a picture.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 18 Jul 08 - 02:54 PM

The interiors look like they are finished with wood paneling or painted sheetrock. I don't think they would leave the inside just the bare concrete wall! But you can attach things to concrete, too.
Photos of homes inside and out

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 02:21 AM

Straw bale houses are less expensive and very well insulated, but you'd need a good vent system (check out the fire code, it is in place now) to keep the embers out and the house intact in fire season.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 10:30 AM

When I had my land in the forest in n.w. Montana, I was interested in building a rammed earth house. The clay and sand soil there was perfect for it, and I made a big test block of rammed earth. Eventually sold the land, though. I don't know if the soil where you are would work for it, Laurel, but rammed earth would be very inexpensive as well as fireproof if you could use it.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 10:41 AM

We had another thread years ago where I posted links about rammed earth. One of the most successful companies building with rammed earth in the USA is in Napa, CA.
Rammed Earth Works

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 10:43 AM

I like the Arts & Crafts Style look that a lot of rammed earth houses have. I can see you nestled at home in one of those, Laurel!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 10:49 AM

Photo

Rammed Earth Works house

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Irene M
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 11:00 AM

The cottage I grew up in was made of cob. This is a mixture of earth, cow dung and anything else, including bracken and gorse that came to hand. At the bottom, the walls were 4 feet thick, and at the top, about 18 inches.
It was fan shaped, to fit the available space. Not a right angle in it anywhere.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 11:10 AM

thanks for all good wishes, ideas, etc.
at this time my plan is to get a motor home
large enough to live in long term (i have a
very compact one for weekend outings and
travelling in, but it is not large enough
to live in....but then, i do not have that
much stuff any more.

yes, there is a lot of work ahead to clean
up the site and get water and other systems
and infrastructure back for all of us. of 8
partners, onluy one house remains.

i am glad that some of my mudcat friends
were able to visit and enjoy that house
and land...marion, kendall and jacqui.
and that a few others have seen the area
when they attended the camp out i hold in
the local camp ground. i believe there will
be many who will reside at that camp ground
while re-habilitating their homes.


yes, we are in process of re-building our
communal family as well as the entire neighborhood.
a daunting task. this weekend i have the
opportunity to attend a music vestival and a
wedding, so am able to celebrate these events
and that is a positive step.

one thing i would requewst from mudcats is a
copy of the baby lullaby disc...bottle(??)
as i will be a grandmother soon and would
like to share this with the little one who
will arrive this fall!

o.k. luckily i have wireless internet in the
campground at the www.worldfest.net
wish you all could be here....i am soaking in
lots of hugs.

Laurel

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: gnu
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 12:00 PM

Hugs are good. And so is your attitude. It's comforting to me to know you are "okay". You are gonna be fine.... great stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 12:18 PM

More HUGS to you from here, Laurel.

Love, Alice

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 02:24 PM

So good to hear from you Laurel.

That motor home sounds like a very good idea!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Bert
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 10:19 PM

Rachael has some surplus building materials from her remodelling business. We could load up Sorcha's trailer and relay it down to California.

Off hand there are some doors, a bathtub or two, a bidet, a vanity sink and a kitchen sink.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 08:37 AM

Bert! Capital Idea! I've got some sheet rock/dry wall in the garage too! Uh, I don't pull this trailer.....need a driver or drivers plural. I could also donate some chairs, a desk, and a futon bed.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 09:04 AM

The Big Sur fire has encompassed an aread the size of Rhode Island as reported on npr this morning.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 11:21 AM

With the cost of gas, it might be cheaper to just send the gas money as a donation, esp. hauling some heavy stuff...?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 11:48 AM

There is that, kat, and I've already sent some money.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 02:24 PM

Laurel:

PM me an addy and Blue Bottle CD will be en route.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 10:45 PM

For those who need an address again:

Mike Doellman
PO Box 4905
Pocatello, ID 83205-4905
USA

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 11:07 PM

.... and if you need a Paypal, the addy is micklane at comcast dot net.

C'mon folks, let's show them our heart.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 02:56 PM

Might be a little soon to deliver anything into the area. Fire season has a ways to go.

Meantime, there are a number of items in the auction specifically for the Open Mike fund. Bid high and bid often.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: jacqui.c
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 03:55 PM

Mary - Laurel actually asked for that CD so I reckon that it's safe to send it.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 09:05 PM

I've just placed 10 CDs in the auction, fyi. I think you folks have been and continue to be wonderful.

Bruce

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jul 08 - 10:28 AM

Right Jacqui - I was referring to Bert's offer of a bathtub and Sorcha's dry wall.
eantime - REFRESH!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 02:12 AM

i do beieve my claw foot tub survived the blaze

it was in theroom

yard...waiting to be put in the bathroom

one that is large enough to strecth out in

no more scrunching..


i went to the land today to try to get some
water on the plants that survived the blaze.

i got 3 rolls of 500 feet of 1/2 " drip line.
after i got thru stretching it up the creek
i was stomping thru ashes, and soot and burned
trees, but there is water flowing thru the ashes.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 02:27 AM

good to hear about the plants & bath.                                                                     

A few years back friends lost part of their backyard in one of our big bushfires, & posted pics of little green shoots on burnt land a short time later.

sandra
my little brother is 6'6" & always wanted a bath to stretch out in!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 10:29 AM

Forgive my ignorance but what is 1/2" drip line and why are you stretching it up the creek?
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 10:41 AM

Sounds like Laurel is using creek water, running through three lengths of hoses with tiny holes in them (so water will seep trhough to the soil around the plants), to irrigate her plants. Good idea, that!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 11:40 AM

AHHH. Where I come from they are called soaker hoses.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 02:17 PM

Rap....

Mike Doellman
PO Box 4905
Pocatello, ID 83205-4905
USA

Ummm....

Mike Doellman
PO Box 4905
Pocatello, ID
USA
83205-4905

No? Or are your optical sorters different down south?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 02:34 PM

I've always put the country last:

Gnu
Moncton City Jail
Moncton, New Brunswick
          D233 S981
CANADA

Like that.

If they can't figure it out let 'em sort it by hand, I say!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jul 08 - 12:35 AM

Ha! Gotcha, Gnu!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 25 Jul 08 - 02:22 AM

drip line is poly tubing
http://www.dripirrigation.com/drip_irrigation_info.php?products_id=263
it doesn't have holes in it until you poke them in to set little connectors in for tubes which carry small amounts of water to each plant.
I laid it in the stream so it would carry water by gravity feed down
to the plants below which have survived the fire, but my water system
was burned up so i am trying to keep the lilies, tomatoes, and herbs alive.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Jul 08 - 08:03 AM

Good to see you doing something, rather than sitting around moping, OM - my thoughts are with you.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jul 08 - 08:56 AM

I admire your ingenuity and ability to take back control of your life.
Stay strong, lady.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Jul 08 - 05:33 PM

I'm sitting here in my office, listening to the planes and copters dropping retardant and water on the wildfire on the hill immediately west of town -- and the Library. Great view, and that's ALL I want of it.

The hill doesn't seem to have a name, so we're calling it "Old Smokey." But I can identify with Peace and Open mic about wildfires. This is not the first one I've seen first hand, but it's the closest, being maybe 1.5 miles away.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: ranger1
Date: 26 Jul 08 - 06:59 PM

We had a close call last year at Wolfe's Neck Woods during the Labor Day holiday weekend. It was bone-dry and some moron pitched a cigarette butt into the duff on the side of a trail. Luckily, I was out doing a quick patrol and smelled wood smoke where there shouldn't have been and we caught it before it burned much more than a dollar bill-sized area or went underground.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 26 Jul 08 - 07:39 PM

On news here now, a wildfire at Red Lodge, MT, houses and cabins will burn in canyon, as it is inaccessible right now. Evacuating people. It is 3 miles from the ski resort and moving toward town.

Sounds like a good start on the irrigation, Laurel.
I love claw foot tubs! Most relaxing bath, an old one in a house I used to rent, wish I had it in this home.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: kendall
Date: 27 Jul 08 - 06:44 AM

Only 4 days left to bid on the Phillips/Morse DVD folks.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 Jul 08 - 10:50 AM

Yesterday 7,900+ acres burned just west of here -- like 10 miles west. Homes were threatened, but they managed to use a road as a firebreak. Some hundreds of acres of wheat when up though.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: gnu
Date: 27 Jul 08 - 01:14 PM

Well, Rap, first off, it's gnu with a lower case g.

I guess our optical sorters aren't quite as smart as yours because ours sort from bottom right to left after the postage is confirmed. As far as "letting them sort it by hand", I would rather my cheque arrived post haste in this particular case.

As for the lockup, I haven't been there in years and years. Well, I'm pretty sure anyway. I would think that I would at least remember getting out.

Anyway, the cheque for Seamus' book and for SINS' book is in a PROPERLY addressed envelope and shall be through the optical reader tomorrow evening, thence speeding it's way to you. There are other things I would like to bid on, but I am at my limit for this month.

Lastly, cash that sucker as fast as you can. I am serious. With the price of gas dropping, the Canuck Dollar just might follow and pennies count... well, I count them.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Irene M
Date: 27 Jul 08 - 01:17 PM

Have just had a thought. (Yeah, OK, you felt the earth move.....)

As second highest bid for the bracelet, I now owe someone $81.

I think I have answer to sending money all over the globe.

Jacqui C, I am about to PM you.

Irene

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 08 - 01:25 PM

it doesn't have holes in it until you poke them in to set little connectors in for tubes which carry small amounts of water to each plant. I laid it in the stream so it would carry water by gravity feed down to the plants below which have survived the fire, but my water system was burned up so i am trying to keep the lilies, tomatoes, and herbs alive.

Laurel, you sound like a natural for the Mudcat Gardeners group. It has only a few members so far, but it has been a great place to park photos from Bobert, Leo (MMario) and my yards. We'd love to see your progress after the fire. Do you have a digital camera?

I worked as a USFS firefighter for several years, and also in the timber management/reforestation end of things (when it wasn't fire season) and I always enjoyed watching the succession of plants colonizing a burned area, and as you get further from the date of the fire the range of plants is amazing. Fireweed, grasses, wildflowers, shrubs (blueberries and huckleberries, elderberry, etc.) and the sorts of trees that return to provide the understory where the species that will eventually be the climax species in succession get started. I compared the various stages in a lot of burned over wildfire and clear cut areas around the district. The wildlife that follows that succession is also pretty interesting.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 29 Jul 08 - 09:24 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Jul 08 - 11:12 AM

Visit above the line - a Song Challenge posted by Laurel.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Jul 08 - 02:58 PM

Been there...but it takes me months to write a song.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Peace
Date: 29 Jul 08 - 04:59 PM

I'll get to it on Thursday, SINSULL. Busy as all get-out right now.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: GUEST,open mike
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 01:25 PM

i have posted some pix of the fire and its damage at
www dot myspace dot com / laurelwoodsorrel

and hopeto have pix of the re-generation fo new ligfe
there a.s.a.p.

Laurel

thanks all..
i did post a comment on the O.M. auction thread...too.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 02:30 PM

Link to Laurels page I clicked on the My Pics...and didn't find any pics....???

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 02:37 PM

SingOut! note....with links to Mudcat!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 01:53 PM

there is an album of pix called fire july 2008 on myspace
i can see it...does anyone else have problems viewing it?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Alice
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 02:06 PM

i could not see the photos

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Marion
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 02:45 PM

I was able to see the photos, but I had to log into my myspace account first.   Also, FWIW, Laurel and I are myspace friends - I'm not sure exactly how the privacy settings at myspace work, but if you're logged in and can't see the photos, it may be that they're only available to Laurel's friends.

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 09:00 PM

It told me I had to log in, but I don't have a myspace account, so I didn't see them, either.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sorcha
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 10:53 PM

Yup, must be an account thing, cause I don't have one. Not planning to get one either. Sorry, sis.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 06:25 AM

laurel, as the pics are apparently only available to myspace members, maybe you could send some of them to [e-mail] so he can post them on the Mudcat photosite where everyone can see them

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 07:02 AM

Yes, I had the same problem as everybody else but would love to see the photos.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: ragdall
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 06:00 PM

I'm not a myspace member, either, and couldn't see the photos.

Laurel, you can get a free account at Flickr for up to 200 images. http://www.flickr.com/ Nobody has to be a member to see photos there.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 07:01 PM

Just to keep you all updated, I mailed a check (the first of what I hope will be many) to Laurel yesterday.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 08:07 PM

Copies of the photos on Flickr Mudcat group at least temporarily.
- Phil
http://www.flickr.com/groups/mudcat/

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 10:24 PM

Thanks, Phil.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 11:23 PM

Not sure why this thread was closed, but I am reopening it.

I want to thank all of you that are using Paypal. It is working fine, and I am about to send a check to Laurel. The addy is still available and I hope this is the first of several. Thanks for all your generosity.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 12:13 AM

I didn't know (remember?) that there was a Mudcat Flickr group, and I've now added it to my Mudcat links.

Lots of good pics there, Phil, thanks for posting Laurel's pics.

sandra (getting older!)

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Joybell
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 08:36 PM

My thoughts have been with you, Laurel. A donation may take a little longer -- but it will be there.
Had a passing problem of my own. Good luck and happy thoughts,
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: gnu
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 06:23 PM

Thanks Mick.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 12:09 PM

i should've put captions to those pix
and rotated correctly..the one (sidewards) tree
used to be a beautiful redwood.

the melted aluminum is beautiful in a strange way.

the burned bridge has been repaired now

and i can get to the (former) house site without having to
4 wheel drive thru a creek

yesterday i got a motor home--so will have a roof of some sort
over my head after all..

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sorcha
Date: 09 Aug 08 - 03:02 PM

GOOD!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 06:30 AM

great, mate

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 07:01 AM

Great news.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 01:34 AM

thanks to my mudcat frienda a family
i will now be able to replace my
music system--c.d. player, amps, etc.
will send details of what you helped
to get!!

Laurel

i found a unit which both plays and
makes copies of c.d.'s a "dual deck"
type affair...this should prove quite
helpful..i plan to reproduce my radio
shows -- i have hosted 2 since the fire.

July's show had lots of fire, smoke, ashes
in the songs,,,and also survival, hope and
remembering to be thanks ful for blessings
we have. Today's show had some songs about
natural disasters, floods, hurricanes, and
also homelessness, and loss. perhaps i will
offer some copies to the mudcat somehow....
we shall see. i do not really havre a home
base yet from which to do such projects...
am gewtting electricity restored on my land
soon and then after clean up can re-turn.

if i can stand it..it is pretty bleak there
with grey and black being the pre-dominant
color scheme, but green sprouts are appearing
at the base of some of the broadleaf trees,
and grapes, bracken fern and bulbs are coming
back again...

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 01:57 AM

life continues, with music!

In Australia we have plants that need fire to germinate, dunno whether that's a common plant behaviour.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 04:08 AM

Good to hear that things are starting to look up, Laurel, even if it's only the beginnings of it all. Love to you, out there..

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: jacqui.c
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:26 AM

Laurel - the beauty will be watching the way that Nature takes back her own from the fire over time.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 10:09 PM

Laurel,
What about the little things that are gone - a favorite tea caddy or a picture? What can we replace from our own larders that will fit in a motor home and make life more liveable? In need of a Billy the Bass or a dancing chicken or a favorite tea cup? Little, familiar things make your home cozy. Anything?

If I lost everything, I would want a woven cotten blanket to snuggle up to at night and strong coffee in the morning.

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 05:26 AM

well, i do want to sent giant hugs and thanks to all my mudcatter friends. i got a great check today from Rapaire and plan to use this
to replace a big thing.....my sound system, amp. for gigs,,,and mike stands...also there will be another gift coming from big Mick and that will help to replace my sound syst3em....c.d player, speakers, etc.
it seems only fitting that my music friends should provide musical
help!! as for the little things--the community here has been SO, SO
generous-there is a huge free store where donations have come pouring in.

i do happen to think occasionally of my cook books, and music books, and i had some funny drinking glasses that looked like cowboy boots and some shot glasses that looked like mini- frosty mugs....

the hardest to replace will be the 200 year old danish sour dough starter and the amish friendship bread/cake starter...although there may be some of each floating around somewhere..

perhaps when it comes to be secret santa time i will put out a plea for tree ornaments, but i willnot have room to put a tree in teh motor home anyway....alas, all life has changed, for now. I often end sentences with "for now" these days....i am bouncing between my 2
daughters' homes, most of the clothes i wear ar unfamiliar to me, and
even the cell phone i have is a recent acquisition, as i slammed mine in the car door because i was not used to the new law requiring hands free devidce and ear phones and i got out of the car and it dragged
along....strange bed, strange room, a stranger in a strange land...

one thing that remains constant is that i do my radio show each month and also will drive the bookmobile for the library...and that this mudcat family is here each time i log on! thanks for all support and
caring hearts!!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 06:06 AM

one of my christmas trees is a cardboard pic of a decorated christmas tree! It's a a repro. of a Victorian/Edwardian ornament & I can hang small things, like christmas earrings & christmas wine glass identity thingies, on it.

Maybe by December one of your plants will be big enough to hang a few tiny things on it.

Somewhere around here I have a recipe booklet put out by a local choir, I'll put it aside for when you have a bit more space. And when I make my annual chrissy decoration, I'll make one for you, too.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 10:03 AM

There'll be another check and the Blue Bottle CD coming soon. In fact, you might find some other surprises as well....

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Oct 08 - 10:37 AM

There are new fires in California. How are you doing, OM?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Donuel
Date: 13 Oct 08 - 11:04 AM

Rapaire, what is the pay pal email address to make any emergency donations to OM?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Oct 08 - 11:26 AM

Big Mick is handling Pay Pal. I'm doing cash and checks -- and if OM is reading this there'll be some more shortly.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 14 Oct 08 - 01:52 AM

thanks for all your kind help and special pressies...
the motor home i got to live in should be out of th e
shop in a day or two. i make frequent trips to the
land to gather metal, debris and "frubble" my word
for fire rubble.

i have a cat that has survived and is still there,
and i bring canned cat food to her. i am amazed she
manages to escape dogs, cougars, etc. she is a survivor.

sometimes i tink i should put her in a kennel until we
have a house or home, but i think that would be more
traumatic..with vehicle travbel, etc. than b3eing in
familiar surroundings.

meanwhile, my daughter and her partner are due to have
a baby in a month, and her sister and partner plan to
get married next year, so there are wonderful events
to look forward to in the coming days.

another hopeful sign is the sprouting green leaves
in the fire zone...the broadleaf trees are coming
back from the base. the lumber mills are not taking
any more trees. the fire scorched 60,000 acres and
the logging has been going like it is going out of style.
and well,k it is, as there is no more room for lumber.

also t6he scrap metal prices have plummeted, as there
is a surplus ... you see mountains of it at all the
scrap yards.

meanwhile there has been one rain and soon will be more.
this settles the ash, but also causes run off and other
problems.

that's the news....for now...

life goes on...


Laurel

Laurel

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Oct 08 - 04:49 AM

as you say life goes on - cats, new babies, marriages, leaves on trees ...

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Oct 08 - 12:14 PM

Thanks for the update, om. I hope you can get back out there very soon. I don't think I'd be able to sleep knowing my cat was out there!:-) I am so glad to hear she survived.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Pistachio
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 04:52 PM

I guess your new grandchild is keeping you occupied - but is there time for an update on your accommodation situation. We're still thinking of you across the pond. Belated new year wishes, hope you have more opportunities to smile this year.
Hazel xx

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 09:19 PM

Laurel-

Thanks for the update and I do hope things return to a more manageable level.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 01:13 AM

hoo boy i had just crafted a great post and "poof" it disappeared with the twitch of my little finger...

but basically i am alive (if not so well--have a monster cold and cough) and find something to look forward to every day. tomorrow
a guy with a portable lumber mill will come to see about turning
these trees that have already lost their lives...into lumber so that
they can be used to replace the shelter lost in the fire. we have
nothing but dead timber here for miles around. i used to be anti-
logging to some extent, but it seems the only hope here now is for
salvage logging.

i am in my small motor home now..one which i had intended to use only for temporary weekend music fest and travel, but it is a roof over my head and better than being on the street.

many dumpsters full of debris and ash and metal have been cleared out of here. the fire leaves behind mountains of stuff to deal with..
i did take my kitty to the kennel so she would have a safe dry warm place to be with regular meals and not have to fend for her self against packs of wild dogs and predators. i visit occasionally.

some folks have taken what i call the easy way out and pulled in trailers, mobile homes and pre-fab manufactured modular homes and are getting on with living. i hope to put together a more unique home perhaps a straw bale, or maybe even a converted grain bin/silo
http://flickr.com/photos/48992494@N00/97169596/ well, now that would be a type of pre fab, now wouldn't it?!

some local folks have organized a project to help those hundreds who lost homes to rise up from the ashes...the Concow Phoenix Project.
I took a video of one of the sheds they built for a neighbor. it has
my beloved Wild Mountain in the background. i can see it from my r.v.
the movie was quick...shot one day, edited on my lap top in my r.v. to show the next day at a benefit dinner. it is here: on www.myspace.com/laurelwoodsorrel under videos. it has a sound track of Laurie Lewis singing Hills of My Home as i looks to the mountain beyond...

the hills are alive with the sound of chain saws...la la la....

i jsut got back from the national/international cowboy festival and heard some great music and poetry and got to make music too.

so life is good. Laurel

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 07:01 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 07:04 AM

I know how I missed this in the summer-- we were away-- but I can't think how I missed it in October. And now life here is fast-tracking bigtime and I almost missed it AGAIN.

Laurel-- !!!!

I'll have to sit Hardi down later tonight to see what we can share.

For now--

!!!!!!!!!!

love,

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: michaelr
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 01:26 PM

Good to know things are looking up, Laurel, and that you manage a positive attitude. Let the music keep our spirits high!

Best wishes,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: open mike
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 02:28 PM

music definately has helped me thru all this.
i saved most of my instruments and have been
making music everywhere from fire-fighters'
base camp to fire survivors' benefits since
july.

as well as at horse arenas, wild horse sanctuary,
junior high auditorium, grange hall and stages
all over...

hooray for music!

and thanks to all my mudcat friends for all the
support and assistance! Laurel

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 10:35 AM

Fire season has started in California - 23 started yesterday by lightening. Any news, Laurel?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 10:55 AM

Kelowna, BC has it rough.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 11:07 AM

Here's part of what she did on her BIRTHDAY, July 14th:

I spent the day on the fire line driving the fire engine to a place where there were 4 or 5 fires spotted last night just before midnight by the lookout tower. I delivered water to the hose lay that was used to suppress one of the fires. Later i returned in my personal vehicle to deliver drinks and supplies to the crews.

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home & contents 2008
From: open mike
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 04:44 PM

One year after the fire and I have had Barry here with a portable wood mill (www.woodmizer.com) to turn the burned trees into lumber for building a cabin. pix of my former home are on my facebook page...
http://www.facebook.com/LaurelWoodsorrel
this saw mill has a band not a blade, so has a smaller "kerf" and
gets more lumber (and less sawdust) out of each tree.

I also have a small nursery of pine, cedar, fir and sequoia trees
as well as Osage orange, or hedge apple, in containers ready to
plant when the land is recovered from the logging, and slash removal.

i am living in a motor home on the future building site, and also share a near-by cabin with one of my land partners, who also lost his
home. I use the cabin mostly for the bathroom, washing dishes, and storage. (as well as internet access..)

the fire i worked on last week was in an area that had a logging operation .. it is not known if the fire was started by the loggers,
but that is quite likely. the lightning fire i was called to last
month was fortunately accompanied by rain, so did not spread like
last year's dry lighting fires.

it is over 100 degrees here today...with possible highs over 110 in the valley...whew....i recall times when we have fought fires in the snow...i think i prefer that!!

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home & contents 2008
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 05:30 PM

I am glad that things have worked as best they could. Newcomers to this thread should know that I and a LOT of Mudcatters donated cash to OM in her time of need... problem is, it appears it wasn't enough. Now, I know everyone is hurting these days. Me too. But, even a few bucks would help. Especially if we ALL sent some. Seriously, a few bucks.

Rapaire... you still in the mix on this?

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home & contents 2008
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 05:32 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home and contents
From: Rapaire - PM
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 10:45 PM

For those who need an address again:

Mike Doellman
PO Box 4905
Pocatello, ID 83205-4905
USA

Subject: RE: BS: Open Mike has lost her home & contents 2008
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 05:41 PM

Oh... just one more thing...

At that time, another Mudcatter was in need and some of that 'Catter's friends were raising funds for that 'Catter, privately. That 'Catter told us all to send anything we had to Mike for OM. Brought tears to my eyes.

That 'Catter still could use help. But, that 'Catter is rich in compassion and friends. As is OM and many others.

Brings tears to my eyes seeing the compassion and dignity of the many friends I have made here. The Café is far more than a forum.

Thanks to Max and his "volunteers"... for lack of a better term.