As many of you know Texas is having the worst drought since 1917 and because of that there are hundreds of fires in West and Central Texas at this time.

One of these fires is about 2 miles from our lake house and the smoke can be seen in Ft. Worth 70 miles away.

They have evacuated an area of about 30 square miles because there are so many fires.

Please pray that the fire fighters and residents of these are homes stay safe.

Oh Susan, I am so sorry to hear about this. I had been wondering if Ken might be called out to help with these fires, but I never realized how close they might be to you or other LCTers. Please keep up advised as you have time.

Stay safe Susan and I sure hope the winds die down soon.

Susan, Doug's and my thoughts are with you. We hope everything resolves quickly and safely.

Fires are still burning and it is suppose to be another dry and windy day today, not good.

Thoughts and prayers to all in Texas. We in So Cal know only too well how frightening those fires can be.
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Helen

We too send our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected. Please keep us posted Susan.

Oh Susan, we've been watching this on the news. So sad. Yes, please keep us posted.

There is a fire just north of us in Spring but we can't see any smoke from it. It's 45 acres and 30% contained.

Great map Karen. Ours are the fires between Ft. Worth and Abilene north of the Hwy. which is I20.

The one between Midland and Odessa is mostly contained.

Susan, I should of provided the link! You can hover over the little flames and it tells you how contained the fires are.

Texas fire map

To all of my dear LCT friends. We lost our lake house to fire about 1 hour ago. About 100 homes in our addition are gone.

Susan I have no way to say we are sorry with the right words... except you and Russ are in our thoughts and prayers

Oh dear Susan & Russ, Don & I are so very sorry. You must be in shock, dear friends. Please know that we care & that we are here for you. Bless your hearts.
xo, Michele & Don

Oh Susan, I am so sorry.
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Helen

Susan, I am heartbroken for you and Russ, thank goodness you are both ok.

The lead story of the local news here in Houston was the fire in the area where you lost your home. It was terrifying to watch. I am truly sorry.

I just spoke to both Susan and Russ, and all I can say is that they are the strongest people I have ever met. Susan says she is just in shock, but she and Russ are both very circumspect about it all. They built this house almost completely by themselves and I cannot even imagine being in their shoes having only memories left. I am just sick for them both. True LCTers that they are they both told me that they are still going on the CLEO cruise and will deal with things when they get back!

Doug and I can only begin to imagine what you are going through. Just know you are in our thoughts and words cannot express how deeply sorry we are that this has happened to you. You see this on TV, but it becomes so much more real when you know folks whose lives a disaster like this has affected.

Susan and Russ, what sad, sad news. I'm just glad you are okay and safe,but I don't know the right words to comfort you. What troopers you are from Arlene's comments. I don't think after all the years I've spent in my house I could be quite so strong.

Our sympathies, too. Having just gone through this with Gail's house fire last Christmas, we know first-hand what it's like. Fortunately, once the house is reconstructed, we think that much of the contents will also be restored--we really don't know yet exactly what survived--but it was the destruction of irreplaceable photos and items related to the children growing up and to momentos from some our trips that is the most upsetting.

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Eugene

Oh Susan and Russ, how very sad to hear this. Add us to those who are thinking about you, but so very glad to hear that you are safe. I'm sure its a very difficult time and stressful. I'm glad to hear that you are still doing CLEO and we will be waiting with hugs for you on the 7th.

Susan & Russ, I am SO sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and I am glad to hear you are still going on CLEO.

Susan & Russ, this is such heartbreaking news. Tom and I are just soooooooooo sad to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Susan and Russ, we were thinking of you as we watched the horrible fires on the news last night. We're so sorry about your lakehouse, we know how you loved to go there. Unfortunately the weather isn't improving and I'm afraid things will only get worse. We have hot, very windy and very dry conditions here in Fort Worth and we can see the smoke from the fires west of here in the air. Unless the weather changes and the winds die down, the reports are that the fires will move into the metroplex in the next few days. Some rain is predicted east of Dallas, but nothing where it's really needed in Fort Worth and especially west of here. In some of these areas there's only been .1 inch of rain since the beginning of February.

Posting Susan's lake house for her:

Brad and I send our condolences - we know how stressful it is to live in an area prone to wildfires, but to lose a beautiful home like yours that you put so much love and effort into must be unimaginably sad.

What a gorgeous home !! Hoping it can all be rebuilt and you'll continue to have wonderful times there.

Praying for rain in the fire areas....just so sad.

I'm so sad to hear of your loss. That is a beautiful area of the state and I hope you are able to enjoy it again.

Susan and Russ - we are so sorry to hear the sad news about your home. Is there anything we can do to help?

Cheers, Anne & Gary

Susan and Russ, you already know how sad John and I are about your lake house loss. You have not been out of my mind all day. What a beautiful place, with so many happy memories.

Susan and I spoke this morning, and as Arlene wrote, she and Russ have the most wonderful attitude. Very strong through the sadness. They are an inspiration.

Susan and Russ, I can't tell you how sorry we are to read this terrible news. So glad to know the two of you are safe. Please know we are thinking of you and we'll see you soon.

Susan and Russ: Although we've never met, I just had to say how sorry I am for you both. I can't even begin to imagine how you are feeling. Lee

Susan and Russ - We're so sorry you lost your lake house. It was certainly spectacular.

Since I'm the LCTer of the family, Gail asked me to post this additional message to Susan and Russ:

"Hearing of your situation dredged up all the feelings I had as I watched my house burn in December. The memories are not gone just the tokens we keep so that we will remember them. I am glad that you two are safe and holding up. I am glad you will be going on your trip and putting this behind for at least a few weeks. I was glad to get away on KANGAROO and the support I got from LCTers and others was so welcome and appreciated. At times I just needed to talk about it. Now that I am back I continue to watch the snail pace of the rebuild. I now have windows and a new roof. That's about it. They still say they should be done by the end of August but.... If there is anything I can do to help or advice of one who is going through the process, please just reach out."

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Gail

Susan and Russ - I seldom go to off topic but noticed a comment on another thread "sorry about your house Susan". So I came over here and saw this news. My heart goes out to you both. Such a terrible situation with these fires. I know you have loved that house.

So sorry to hear about your terrible loss
Susan a Russ.

Susan and Russ, I am so sorry to hear this sad news.

Susan & Russ,

We're very sorry to hear about the loss of your house.

Dave & Joan

Susan & Russ,
Like so may others have said, there are just no words to tell you how sad we all feel for you. You are in so many thoughts and prayers.......I am very sorry....that is awful.