Haven't been around for a while...here's why

[ale52]

Hi everyone,

We've been staying at some friends from church house for the past week.  We had to evacuate as our home was in a direct path of the fire.  The house got 'nicked' by the fire on one corner but 98% is still intact.  We have a contractor lined up and coming out today to prepare a quote for the insurance company, which sent out an agent yesterday.  Probably looking at least a week, possibly 2 or 3 before we can continue withe. 

When I get the chance I'll post some pictures on my website and send a link.

I'll be back as soon as possible.

Alan <>< 

[Calum]

Hey it's great to see you back Alan, we've missed you round here.
Glad to hear you're OK and that the fire didn't cause too much damage.

All the best.

[michaewlewis]

Didn't you just buy a new house, too?

[Aegis]

Oh, very good, M!  I hadn't remember that until you mentioned it!

We hope, ale, all will be set right soon!

[Computer Hope Admin]

Sorry to hear about the house. But it's good to hear it wasn't a complete loss and that everyone is safe.

[street1 (RIP)]

Wow! Alan.I just mentioned you in Calums post.

http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,59526.msg376066.html#new

Hope all goes well for you friend.

[ale52]

Thanks all for the warm greetings.  I miss being an contributing member and hopefully this time will pass quickly.

Right now I'm running my Mac/Internet off a generator.  No water yet as the power company hasn't restored power to the well.  Guess I'll be kinda stinky for awhile   

From what the contractor said it may take 2 or 3 weeks to get back to functioning normally.  In the meantime the electrician is waiting for a pole to arrive so the power company can get power to the pole and he can get the power to the house.  Boy, I can't wait for that.

Temperatures are hovering around 100' or so around here so it's kinda toasty.  Doesn't help with the no water situation 

Well, gonna sign off for now and give the generator a rest.

Thanks again folks.  You're all a neat group of people and I'm proud to be associated with you.

Alan <>< 

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Hey, Haven't seen you in ages. 

Glad you have you back!

[patio]

Good Luck with everything Alan and may the time fly by quickly...

[ale52]

OK, here's the latest.

1. The insurance company has given the go-ahead for repairs and I'll be getting a check in the mail in a week or so to start paying the contractors. 
2. Power pole is going in today as I write.
3. All the burnt insulation was taken out by me yesterday...itch to the max
4. Water should be back within the week as I saw that power pole which had been burned being installed today.
5. My wife went to town to get the necessary permits to get the corner burned demolished and electrical started.

We have some really cool people working here and feel very blessed to have them.

Also the insurance company (Travelers) thru my wife's work at the hospital has been super.  Amazing 

Well, that's it for now.

I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks for all your encouragement.

Alan <>< 

[michaewlewis]

Glad to hear things are going quickly.

[ale52]

A quick update.  The reconstruction is going along nicely.  4 more floor joists, a main support beam and the electrician and plumber can get in and do their thing.  Hopefully we'll be back in within 2 weeks or less.  Motothoming is OK but like Dorothy said..."there's no place like home".  Besides, cold showers on the back porch just ain't makin' it 

Alan <><

[Calum]

That's good, glad to hear things are moving along pretty quickly for you.

[Broni]

Hey, nice to see so many problems resolved quickly, and what's more important, you, and your wife, being safe

[ale52]

Thanks folks for all your encouragement 

Seems the smoke migrated further into the insulation than expected.  The contractor is taking down some of the drywall ceiling to see how far it went.  When he finds the farthest point then he'll start to work his way back replacing the insulation and the ceiling.

The electrician is running cable and the plumber is supposed to show up tomorrow (all the PVC is toast).  Also we'll be replacing the carpeting and getting the place painted.

Lots to do but the Lord is good.

I'll be posting from time-to-time in between the bedlam here.

Alan <><