Just wanted to give a heads up to everyone as to my sudden disappearance a few weeks ago. About 10:30 in the evening our house was struck by lightning, it was a direct hit and started a fire in the roof that spread to the master bedroom and bathroom, the computer room and the grandkid's toy room.

Since the fire department is about six blocks away, their quick response held the fire in check to just that one part of the house. Still a lot of damage from smoke and water throughout the house, and even downstairs in the home theater we suffered some damage in the form of about 300 DVD's, the screen for my front projection system, and just a lot of repairable damage that will take time to make like new again.

My wife and I are safe and staying with my daugher and son-in-law, who live about six blocks away. My son-in-law and I made several trips into the burning home to retrieve some precious mementos, and also to grab the projector out of the ceiling of the home theater. First estimates from the insurance company is close to $80,000. We are meeting this week to settle on some stuff, and the contractors are here getting ready to rebuild the part of the home that was damaged, and repair all that can be saved. We will be able to move back into the house around the 4th of July providing the Kansas weather doesn't go screwy and slow down work.

Will keep you up to date on the progress.

:tip:

Sorry to hear that, hope everything is sorted out to your satisfaction and you're back watching movies in your home theater soon. Best wishes.

Sorry to hear of your problems. Take care.


Geoff.

Terribly sorry to hear about all the damage. I hope you were able to save everything. Last year's tornado, hail and floods wiped us out, but all we lost were the two houses (one was my bookstore). We bought a new home, and lost nothing of value to damage. But we know first hand how bad Mother Nature can be. It was time I retired from the bookstore anyway! I donated 10,000 books to a local library, and sold 3,500 books to another store. None of my collection was damaged.

Wow Bill! I'm really sorry to hear that. I wish I lived close enough to be of some practical help to you. I hope your lives will get back to normal asap and you will be in my prayers as to such. Thank God that none of you were injured. Property can always be replaced. Take care!

Kevin

Bill, I am very sorry to hear about the lightning strike and fire. That's just awful. However, you and Beverly were fortunate to have escaped without injury and to have family nearby to stay with.

I think you were pretty brave to go back in the burning house to rescue your belongings. I hope that the insurance company will make a fair settlement and that the Kansas weather will cooperate so that the damage can be rebuilt and your lives can return to normal as soon as possible.

Bill, I'm sorry to hear about what you went through. :( That has to be such a horrible nightmare to live through! Fortunately, your children live close by and are to be commended for taking you in during your time of crisis! ;)

We'll hopefully see you back on your feet again soon! :thumb: :nana:

Sorry to hear of this, Bill. Good luck! :wave1: :thumb:

ED B)

Ikes. :no: That's terrible Junkie. But as said thank God no one was hurt. I hope everything gets repaired ok and that your home can once again be your home.

Just an update on what is going on with the rebuild of our home. This past weekend, we ordered the new furniture for our living room, bedroom and for the kids' toy room.

We also got the carpeting for the Home Theater back from the cleaners and it will be re-laid next week. Progress on the house is moving along despite our spat of lousy weather and over 90 tornadoes in Kansas. The Fourth of July weekend is looking as a realistic date to move back in to our home.

Damages totaled just under $100,000. We carry a $500 deductible so we aren't out a heck of a lot. Good old mother nature struck with a fury, but we are going to bounce back stronger than ever.

:tip:

No doubt about that! :thumb: :wave2: :wave1:

ED B)