Sunday, February 8, 2009

Night at Day

It wasn't not only incredibly HOT yesterday, but thanks to arsonists, it became one of the most terrible fires we ever encountered here. My husband is born here and never saw something like this. We have almost every year bushfires here around, but yesterday was so terrible that we all here are shaken.

Whole communities are wiped out. We were in fear for the house of our Uncle and Aunt, everybody knows someone who had to be evacuated. Our favorite walking area got burned down, lots of houses lost, most likely at least one dead, may be more. All around their are estimated 40 people dead. 26 are confirmed. No clue how much people lost their homes, their belongings - their animals. At the shopping center - before things turned really ugly, I met a woman who was terrified for her horses. The houses, the cattle, the wildlife. I'm not a really weak person, but while I'm writing this, tears are standing in my eyes.

And I wonder, how in heaven can an arsonist live with something like that? Obviously they don't care about the loss of precious possessions, the loss of homes, safety, the loss of things that can't be replaced. The life of animals they don't care much about either. But how in heaven can you live with the knowledge you killed people? I don't think an "oopsie" will do. Boy I hope they get them and put them for long long years to come in jail.

We are safe here, be it that our oldest daughter wasn't able to come home. The highway is closed down, so are most of the other roads out of town, trains don't run either. And everything is filthy with black soot.

Picture taken in the afternoon. It should have been still sunny. A moment before it was, then the sun went away and the light turned more and more orange. This picture shows pretty well the correct color of what we saw
Fire 1


20 Minutes later it was dark. While there should be normal daylight still
20 minutes later

view from the backyard

The next morningThe next morning 2



What concerns stitching, I finished page 5 of "Coming to Life. 11 more pages to go. I also finished a biscornu that I started while being with my Dad in hospital. But I can't show a picture of that. It's for an exchange.

Coming to Life - Page 5 completed

My father is doing better but my parents are looking forward to go home next week. With him being out of breath so easy, we can't do much. There is no German tv, they don't speak a word English and they just want to get home - back to their normal lives. Which is understandable.

17 comments:

htimcj said...

Incredible pictures. I agree, the arsonists should be put away for a very long time! Where I grew up in California we had similar brushfires. It would be a beautiful sunny day then the smoke would come in and turn it to night. Scared me to death when I was a kid.
Stay safe.
Heidi-ILCS

Nancy M said...

Just terrifying, I am sure!! Any with fires you really have no time to do anything, but get out, well even then, maybe not. I sure hope the fires are out and you are not in anymore danger. I don't know if it will be easier for you, once your parents leave. I know you will worry about your Dad. Take care of yourself and keep us posted. Your stitching is awesome as always! Congrats on completing another page!

Daffycat said...

Oh wow. How scary. I'm so glad you are safe...but, I have other friends in Victoria, oh dear!

Lovely stitching!

Emily in NC said...

Sorry to hear about your dad, those fires can't be helping much. Hope they find who is doing it soon. Will be praying for you and yours.
ILCS

Donna said...

How horrible. I just cannot imagine. Please take care of yourself.
Your stitching is beautiful!

Rene la Frog said...

The fires are terrible. I hope they catch the person who started them.

Glad you Dad is out of the hospital and will be able to return home soon. I'm sure he will feel much better when he is in his own home.

The stitching is coming along beautiful. Can't wait to see the next progress pic of it.

I haven't forgotten you tins, will get them off to you by the end of the month.

Lou's addictions said...

I've been following the news on the bushfires here in the UK as I'd love to move to oz. I cant believe that someone thought it would be a good idea to start that with the warm weather you guys have been having. Stay safe and take care of the family.

Jacinta said...

Gabi
we all all horrified at the devastation Victorian communities have endured again. You must have been frightened witless with the fires so close. If I could send you some of our excess rain I would in an instant.
stay safe
Jacinta
Cairns - ILCS

Unknown said...

Hi Gabi, I have been watching about the fires on the news as I have relatives Down Under. You must have been very scared and I can't imagine for one moment how you all felt, but I am glad you are safe.

I love your stitching, it's coming along so nicely.

Kathy said...

I will be adding prayers that you and your fmaily and friends stay safe and out of harms way. I hope that the fires are out soon. And that the person responsible is caught.

Nessa G. said...

Take care Gabi...and stitching is great therapy! My hopes they stop/catch these horrible people.

Debbie Jo said...

I am so very sorry about the fires. We went through alot of that a few years ago,,barely missed my sons home. We have seen it on the news here as well. My prayers for you and your family to keep yous safe. Your stitching is really coming to life!

Carolyn NC said...

How sad - really incredible pictures of how frightening it was! I'm so sorry for all of those who've been affected. I hope they catch the ones responsible. Glad your dad is better, and I hope that everything settles down. Your stitching is beautiful, as ever. Take care.

Cindy F. said...

Found your site from The Speedy Stitcher's site! Your fire story is horrible. I hope everyone is still safe and the fires are out!
You have a wonderful place here and your stitchings are beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

Goodness, how scary! I hope all your loved ones are safe, and that the situation will improve soon.

Jen said...

Amazing pictures. On our evening news here in the UK they said up to 170 people have lost their lives. Hope you and your family are safe and the fires are brought under control soon.

Wendy said...

This loos very scary! I really hope you are all doing well!

Great progress on your projects!