One of our members (Vealmonkey) had a fire!, update MOVED BACK IN!!!

[Vealmonkey]

Thanks for all the kind thoughts and offers. Just alot of things to deal with and I'm not doing well with it. Slightly overwhelming. If I hadn't had all the help from friends and board members up to this point,don't know what I would have done. Hard to stay positive right now. I think I just really need to cut alot of things loose and really simplify alot. Just spread too thin and too many irons in the fire. I know alot of friends say it will get better and it may, but I'm having a really tough time seeing it in the future. I lost alot of things that I was going to use on different projects, like the trikes and my 57 chevy. I really think I just need to cut my losses. The parts that survived don't really need to come back to my house and just be cluttered up again. Let alone all the other things that I had collected, harley items, magazines and such. An incredible amount of stuff. Thousands of dollars without exaggeration. Even though insurance has put me up in a temporary house for now, everything in it jacked up. A bed I'm not comfortable in for one, plus the cable tv situation. It's unbelievable how messed up it all is. I guess I shouldn't complain, but I'm just finding things difficult to deal with realistically.

[justin4]

Like I said anything I can do call any time. And building sucks but when it's done you will be a very happy man. It just takes time just hang in there. I'll keep a good thought for you.

[ironchop]

Pat, I just now learned of this and Im sorry for your losse. It made me think about losing all my stuff and then it hit me the VOLUME of stuff I have and the stuff I knew you have and with all honesty, I can say that 'overwhelming' is probably an understatement when I think of that possibility.
I know that I would be a complete pile of pissed and easily agitated once the pain from losing my pet dyed down some. Your situation also has me prioritizing my own garage and I immediately fixed the busted outlet in the hallway from where the vacuum cord was short and got pulled out sideways.
I was wondering why I hadn't seen you post in awhile this yr.

Anyway, anything I can do for you consider it done. And Im using this as motivation to thin my own herd, move my own magnesium stuff and my ammunition to a safer location outside the house and garage, check my own electrical as best I can and count my blessings... hang in there and dont hesitate to ask if you need anything

[Vealmonkey]

Good news, they started working on the house again. There is alot to do, but a group of guys was working on the house which made me feel real good seeing it. No idea how long it will take, but really nice to see progress again. Didn't go inside an look cause I didn't want to get in their way, but they've already repaired some of the termite damage and replaced part of the front of the house and framed up for the 2 new windows in the living room. Also replaced part of the burnt out wall at the front door and moved the front door as well. Not sure what else they accomplished, but I'm kind of fired up seeing it get started. I can hardly wait to get out of this temp. townhouse. It's nice, but it ain't mine, you know? The neighborhood kids all came up to me and seemed excited that they are working on the house. Seems some of the neighbors are tired of all the peace and quiet. There's talk I should have a cook out when I get back. I think the kids are missing me buying candy and candles and stuff for their school fund drives. Progressing slowly. Keep your fingers crossed. Have to get a new camera so I can post pics. Best news in a while.

[jays375]

Good to hear about the progress.

[tripledog]

Thank God you're still on the yellow side of the daisies, Vealmonkey! You'll get through this. I have never met you, but your prior posts reflect your inner strength, with a hint of stubborn pride. This past (at least I hope it has passed...) winter sucked, and posed many VERY difficult challenges that I didn't think I could overcome. When I almost lost my house, I just wanted to lay down and not wake up. As it stands now, I have never been happier to be so old, bald, broke and ALIVE. Not trying to hijack your post, just trying offer encouragement. And I feel your pain on your temp home. As a child, I was never comfortable sleeping over at a friend's house, 'cause it was so hard to find a toothbrush that I liked. Chin up, things can only get better.

[Vealmonkey]

Things have been pretty crazy for alot of people. I'm kind of realizing that now. Even though others have luckily not been dealing with what I've had to deal with, that I know it's been no less exasperating for them. Thanks for the kind thoughts. Hopefully things are turning around for everybody.

[CRAZY70MAN]

Glad to hear the ball is rolling for ya. Brighter days ahead Pat.
My

[atc007]

Best post on here Pat. Thanx for the update!! Sounds like a cookout is in order!

[the great gazoo]

yeah, cookout sounds great! It was really eerie going inside the other day, the place seems so much bigger with even more "no walls"......

[Vealmonkey]

More progress. Seems all the major replacement bits have been replaced, wall and studwise anyway. Windows are in, but not yet installed. Roofing materials due in Monday. I believe wrap and insulation materials due in Monday or Tuesday as well. Porch wood replaced. New wooden handrails on porch started. Bathroom floor repaired and where ceiling in the garage fell in also repaired. Alot of work done in the last week or so. Hard to believe it's the same house almost. I'm getting a little excited and the neighbors are all digging it as well. Looks like neighborhood value will be going up. Have an appointment for the Termite guy to see about getting a quote for a contract. May have to look into getting the driveway fixed. Not sure how the siding and the shingle and shutter color choices are going to turn out though??? I'm not very savvy when it comes to this stuff.

[wisconsinite]

Glad to hear things are progressing. Keep your spirits up!

[Vealmonkey]

Roof is all fixed and the felt and tiles are all up. House is all wrapped. Termite contract priced out and signed, ouch. House all scrubbed down by chemical sponges. Not sure if house is all termite hosed down internally or not. House will be spray encapsulated soon. I guess the house will soon be coverd by the outside foil backed insulation and the windows installed. House will also get the walls and floor drilled for termite and yard termite bait stations installed- the total termite scorched earth policy! LOL Not sure in what order all happens next.

[atc007]

man,,This is Exciting!!!!!!!!!!!! Won't be long now bud !

[tripledog]

Click your heels together and repeat "There is no place like home." several times. So happy that things are getting better for you! Good to know that you are weathering the storms of life with such courage. I wish you all the best!!!