What I wrote yesterday was meant to be a kind of balance on the 'goodness, it's still so cold' comments that weave thru Dig In - I wanted to share with you a Hobart experience of summer. I had no idea it would turn so personal.
Last night, after much manic pacing thru the house and hysterical crying, I took up my journal in an attempt to calm down and make sense of the day's events. This is what I wrote last night; I hope you don't mind me sharing something 'off-topic' again. My parents are an important part of my life, my kitchen and therefore this blog, so it seems right.
**
I have just heard from mum and dad after hours of no communication from them and horrendous news on the TV and radio. I am hysterical with relief that they are safe and their home is safe, but equally hysterical that so many of the neighbouring homes - evacuated, thank goodness - have been lost to the flames.
I still have no way of seeing my parents in the near future, as roads remain blocked and closed (though I dread seeing the area; from what mum has told me, the imagined blackened landscape is nightmare enough). But I am so grateful I finally spoke to them and they are alive. Somehow the dog is alive, though sick from the ash, and miraculously, those little chickens are all alive, though understandably traumatised. And mum and dad found a singed and trembling little possum, sheltering in the vegie garden. They rescued him, popped him in a safe tree and fed him apple peelings.
Today was Hobart's hottest day on record, with temperatures around 41. Just before the firefront descended, Dunalley's automatic weather station recorded a temperature of 55 [I should say that my parents live at Boomer Bay, near Dunalley, which bore the brunt of yesterday's hellish conditions].
At my place, the sky turned that ghostly orange-grey colour; ash fell thru the air as my neighbour asked after mum and dad.
Thank you to everyone who has called or texted me. Your concern is a great support to me in a terrible time. I will not truly be comforted though until I can see my parents again.
Oh, my goodness, e, I am so sorry, for you and your poor Mum and Dad. So glad their house is saved, but you must all be in shock. I have been following the fire news every half hour, like most Tasmanians, and I am just heartbroken about all those lost homes. And of course, you won't be able to see them until the highway is clear. Sending lots of love to you and your parents. When you see them, let them know that people they don't know, but who love their garden and chickens, and their kind selves, through your blog, are thinking of them..
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Jo - that means so much to me. i only shared because i figured people have heard me talk about them - only recently of course i documented dad's garden. thank you so much.
Deletethere is so much heartbreaking news at the moment, the only silver-lining is that no lives have been confirmed as lost, which if that remains is amazing.
thank you Jo. i hope you and your family stay safe and the north remains fire-free.
I have been worried about you and your parents and dog and was SO glad you blogged! I am very grateful they are safe and you are OK. I only hope you can get to see them soon. Me and Andrew didnt sleep I was up checking the status online. I hope doggy is ok, lots of vets offering free support. Your kind parents saving a possum. SO HAPPY they are safe. Take care, if you need any help txt me. Love lauren xxxx
ReplyDeletehey sweetie, thank you - it's still difficult, especially as communication is so snatched (mobile phone reception is very unreliable. as soon as the arthur highway is open, i'll be zooming down - i am anxious because i am unable to help them with all the work they still need to so to ensure their property is safe. thank you to you and andrew XX
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear about what's going on over there -- it must be a huge stress and worry. You obviously have an amazing family, taking care of a singed possum when their own lives were threatened. Sending you supportive thoughts from NZ -- I hope things get back to normal very soon.
ReplyDeletethank you sue. mum was quite amazed when i told her people further afield were thinking about them.
Deletei'm hoping just for power and access - i'm sure normality will be months off. thank you again.
Hi e, I know it's still incredibly difficult getting in or out of the Tasman Peninsula, but I hope you have managed to see your parents. Thinking of you all...
ReplyDeletethank you again Jo. not yet - i have heard the road could be open in a few days time. my new car will help me speed down to them as soon as it is safe to do so.
DeleteHello. I hope things are better for you today. It's so sad watching and hearing the news. We are thinking about you. We were very much thinking about you yesterday when we were eating your yummy cheesy puffs. :-) M & J
ReplyDeletehey sweetie, thank you to you and J-Ro :-) and i'm glad the cheese puffs worked out - aren't they wicked?
ReplyDeletethanks for keeping us in your (cheesy puff) thoughts XX
My, I´m just reading this and am so glad your parents are OK! What devastation, I can only imagine. We had 45º on christmas eve and have seen many fires in the countryside through the years. Hope you´re all returning to your everyday life, and I wish all the damage will be taken care of as soon as possible. All the best possible thoughts to your and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Paula. It think normality is a long way off. i am trying to 'get on with it' while i am unable to be down there and help my parents, but it is very hard to be on holidays while my parents are in such a horrendous situation.
DeleteI can only imagine your fear. What a difficult situation. So pleased to read your most recent post and know that your parents are ok although a close call. I do love your Dads attitude yes you can buy more trees. Hold them close!
ReplyDeletehello michele, and welcome to dig in under very unusual circumstances. thank you for your best wishes. yes, that is my dad thru and thru, and i guess being practical like that is the best way of getting thru somethign as horrid as this.
Deletethank you again, and i hope you enjoy dig in when its back to normal!