OT: Happy New Year and Prayers PLEASE

Oh Cec, I'm praying for some relief and cooler weather for you guys down in Oz! I have lots of understanding for what you guys are going through. It's 40C here in Cape Town today and it's really unbearable, I can't even imagine how 48 must feel like! About 20km from where we stay, a veldfire is burning for a stretch of 50km! Thankfully our wind has died down a bit as it has been gusting for days and as you know, that is making things worse. Our weather just seems to get hotter every year causing more and more fires. The poor fire fighters can't keep up!

Please check in and let us know how things are going! Wishing you and your loved ones a cooler and safe New Year.

Judy, SA

New Year wishes and prayers being sent your way!!!!! Having lived in Western Australia for seven years I know what the weather can be like and the tinder dry conditions of the bush. Don't know where you are located in Oz but hope that you remain safe and that some relief from heat and wind is on the horizon. Bushfires are very unpredictable and scary. Stay safe!!!!!!

Take care, Marilyn

OY! Fire so scares me... hon, get your pictures and mementos packed just in case okay? that and start digging a trench around your house if it starts coming your way... we had fires once in PA... a house on the other side of the mountain started it and the whole hill started up... took us 4 days of digging but we dug a huge trench line about 500ft away from the house (cleared it of brush) and on the one side where the fire came up to it.. it worked! The fire very lightly jumped it and we could put that out... but it stopped... don't wait on the firefighters, they are overworked during these times... brush fires scare me, which reminds me this spring I need to go back home and help do some clearing... Stay safe!!!

April, you okay? How close is this to you?

Here is the latest new clipping regarding the fires. I'm gonna try and get some sleep now, we've had a really exhausting day with the heat. Thanks for your prayers and kind words, it really is appreciated. I feel so much for all the families who are right in the thick of the blazes though, and hoping desperately that the fires do not keep moving north up the coast.

Prayera aregoing your way Cec. Stay safe

Cec I hope that everything calms down and that the fires goes back on itself and burns out before more damage is done. There is a similar situation in Northern Texas and southern Oklahoma, which is why RJ was asking about April.

I'll keep you all in my prayers!

Oh my! You're in my prayers Cec, along with those affected by the fires around you and in TX & OK. Stay safe! And keep us updated when you can.

WOW Celie, that is so coincidental. Here in Oklahoma City where I am, the same here. We had a record high temp today as well as winds up to

It is REALLY bad as I write this, just 7 miles to the north of me there is a huge fire going, there was TWO in the metro area proper. Several homes have been lost. Two major interstate have been closed too for a few hours now. Really bad. It is so scary as we have had no rain here since Halloween. It s so dry.

Anyhow my thoughts are with you and yours and what is so bad too, as warm as it has been for past two weeks, the trees, roses and bulb flowers are sprouting. Really scary!!

OKC Dave

Check out my pix and crafts!

Thanks for all of your well-wishes.... the fires seem to be contained at the moment, although reports say that conditions may change. At least the temperatures are down today, about 26deg which is a big relief from the soaring heat of yesterday. I feel I can relax a lot more now, and we are taking the family to the lake for a picnic lunch and a swim.

Thanks again for your kindnesses. luv Cec...xxx

Judy, I hope that you guys stay safe during the hot weather. Luckily the fires have calmed a lot today so we're doing ok. Thanks. luv Cec....xxx

Hi Marilyn, We are on the east coast of oz! The weather is a lot cooler today too, thank goodness... yesterday was awful. Where are you now? Still in Oz? luv Cec...xxx

Hi RJ, I really have to get things organised here so that if/when an emergency does occur, I can just grab things and run. At the moment I have photo's, albums and precious momentos in different areas.... all over the house! Glad the situation has eased today and the weather is a lot cooler. Thanks for your kindness. luv Cec...xxx

Thanks Trish.

Thanks M-C, I too will be keeping all you guys in Texas and Oklahoma in my prayers. (I was wondering why RJ was asking about April, I was sure she wasn't in Oz, hehehe - now I know). Cec...xxx

Thanks Deb, things are a lot better today, here's hoping for complete ease in the effected areas. luv Cec...xxx

Oh Dave, I will be praying for you too... Stay safe!! Let us know how the situation over there is going. luv Cec...xxx

Cec,

We returned to Scotland, late 1979 when my Mum was ill. She had been in hospital several months then pretty immobile at home. She didn't improve much and in October 1988 was diagnosed with colon cancer and died Christmas Day.......by which time the kids were real settled in school, with the older ones nearing crucial exams. We didn't feel we could go through all the upheaval to go back to Oz and as time passed it became even harder, kids leaving home, granchildren, etc. So we are stettled here now! :o)

So glad that you are having some relief and I do hope that it continues! Take care, Marilyn

WOW.....I hope you are staying safe Dave and that things are more under control in your area!

Take care, Marilyn

Oh Cec your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope things cool down and the fires stop. Please keep us updated.

Chrissy