My wife and I got a call on our land-line telephone at about 1:45 Sunday morning stating that it was a “life-threatening emergency” and that we were to evacuate immediately. We had been hearing the winds (up to 80 miles per hour), but looked out the window to see flames racing toward the house. We put on the clothes we had been wearing the day before and each drove our car to safety. Both cats were outside at the time and we could not catch them. Animal Control found one of them yesterday and he’s at the vet and will recover. Other than two cars, one set of clothes each and the cat, we were able to save nothing. Things can be replaced and we will do O.K. It will just take some time to begin to pull things together.

I have lost all of my telephone, email, and snail-mail addresses. Other than immediate family, I could only remember two telephone numbers: a cousin and Paolo. If I had your information before, please send it to me again. My email address remains the same (on a new computer) and there are always Private Messages here on the Archive.

I look forward to continuing to be a part of the conversation here.

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. This fire is so terrible; so many lives lost. You are fortunate to have escaped with your lives.

Sorry to hear about your loss - but you are safe

Dear Jesus, I was most saddened by your terrible experiences but relieved that you both are alive. Shame about the cat though. You can always come to me via [email protected] in the first instance albeit I no longer can get any E Mail s I just wish there was something I can do from this side of the pond, keep in touch old friend.

I was so sorry to hear you got caught up in this terrible fire. I did send a text to the phone number I had for you. I plan to talk to Paolo tonight on the phone. He's keeping me informed.