It's All Just Stuff

Photo Claui Skemp

Our big barn was completely destroyed early Sunday morning. Once a tobacco barn, it was converted years ago to John's wood-working shop. It was also the site of the Easter Party.

The good news is that friends, here helping Justin work on his house, who were staying in the barn got out safely.  And that the wonderful crews of the Walnut and Big Pine Volunteer Fire Departments were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings or to the woods. And that we have insurance.

As we watched, we thought of California and the real devastation there . . .

The fire may have started with the wood stove, which was in use. The shop was full of flammable stuff -- propane tanks, varnishes and solvents, lumber, etc.,etc. etc. so the fire too hold quickly

Thank goodness our friends awakened in time and were able to escape out a back door

Morning came and we were thankful the fire had remained contained. It's likely to smolder for several days, the VFD guys said. 

We are all a little numb, but after viewing the remains this morning, the guys went back to work on fitting new windows in Justin and Claui's house. 
I mean, what better way to move forward?
Besides, it's all just stuff.