Smoked Squirrel and Scrubbing Bubbles: An Update on our Fire Restorations

I have been realizing that much time has passed since last posting here, and that much has transpired in the ongoing saga of the fire next door. Here is an update as to where we are...

As we speak, Katie and the kids are sleeping at our friend's--Randy and Regina--house. We have been there since January 18, living on a room on their second floor as well as the whole third floor. It's been a good provision for us.

The restoration company is in their second full day of cleaning our house, now two weeks later. Two bedrooms upstairs are cleaned from top to bottom...well, minus the carpet. And that means wiping down ceielings, walls, outlet covers, anything setting on shelves and the shelves themselves, light fixtures... The carpet will be left for last.

The big surprise of the day? They discovered taht the fire actually began to creep over into our structure, so the damage is more extensive than first believed--more than just smoke. They even found two dead squirrels in Lydia's ceiling (her room is the source of greatest damage), trying to flee the smoke from our neighbor's house.

All of our clothes are with the dry cleaners, cleaned but in storage. So, we are particularly grateful for those who have helped us attain a small wardrobe of things to wear in the midst of all this.

While the ceiling and floor are being opened up in Lydia's room, and the living room wall and ceiling are potentially being opened up as well, we are hoping to actually sleep in our own home tonight, living around the workers, but having access to homeschool materials, especially the computer. Katie should be able to get back on track, feeling a bit more settled in that whole arena, and not having to worry about the toddlers handling other people's things.

Did I say the smoke smell is just about gone from the house? Well, with the exception of Lydia's room. We just keep her door shut (and the air scrubber will be placed squarely in there too).