House go boom; sleepy suburb atwitter
Published by punkass marc December 29th, 2006 in Punkass!This was my parents’ house, as of the afternoon of 12/26:
You know you live in a very boring suburb when a house burns up and that story remains the local paper’s breaking news headline for 3 days and counting.
Fortunately for my parents, now that their cat returned late last night, everyone is safe and sound. On that note, I’ll be taking the cat for the next several months (despite the sneezums she will induce), so I look forward to joining the internet’s version of Skull and Bones: Friday cat bloggers. Pot-bellied Calico Fiona will make her appearance here next week.
I came up from Austin the day after the house was burned to a crisp by an errant plumber’s welding mishap, and it’s been fascinating to watch the surburbanites mobilize to assist my parents. Many people have been extremely kind and/or generous, and for that we are grateful. But I’ve also been struck by how _desperately_ people in their neighborhood seem to need to be involved, as though this rare intrusion of real adversity has given them an exhilerating whiff of the less-insulated life, where things worse than waiting 30 minutes for AAA to come fix your SUV’s flat tire can happen to you.
I’m not trying to disparage people who’ve been helpful, and I’m sure most of them have faced tough times of their own at some point. But so many people seem so thrilled to shake off the slumber of daily suburban life and pitch in on a meaningful effort, I wish these suburbinites would find ways to do so more often; our drowsy nation would be much better off if they did.
13 Responses to “House go boom; sleepy suburb atwitter”
- 1 Pingback on Feb 2nd, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Wow, I’m sorry that happened to your parents! Good thing no creatures were injured, but still, bummer. And lousy timing too, as if the holidays weren’t stressful enough…
Nice of you to take in the cat, particularly since you’re allergic. But damn, this was one of the few blogs I could visit with no expectation of being assaulted by photos of petulant furballs. But I understand the urge. I got a new digital camera for Christmas and was unable to resist the compulsion to share a picture of a frog that resides in one of my birdhouses.
I’m just glad Fiona is fine. You can replace things, but pets are unique. Reading the story, I’m honestly amazed how much house can burn up in half an hour.
Dusty is going to be SO jealous that you have a new cat.
If you’re allergic to cats, give the cat a bath once a month and it will stop producing allergens after two or three months. I swear to God this works — they tested it at the University of Washington.
But I’d suggest having a professional do it for you, unless you prefer going around with skinless arms.
Hope everything goes well for your folks, Marc. And Mnemosyne is correct, my sister does the same with her cute little kitty (she’s developed an allergy to cats over the years) and it’s worked like a charm. Vacuuming often also helps.
Thanks for the tip, Mnemosyne! And sorry to threaten you with furball assault, Betty, but when a mysterious secret society calls, I must answer.
If it’s any help, I promise to keep it below the fold. After all, that’s how the society stays secret, right?
Oh, that’s awful. I’m glad everyone is safe.
Wow, that is quite the raging fire you have going on there. I’m sorry if your parents lost anything irreplaceable, like wedding photos or anything. Since everyone got out safe, that’s the next worst thing about fires.
Shit. Glad everyone is safe.
I’m honestly amazed how much house can burn up in half an hour.
First, and foremost, many thanks to whatever supernatural non-being will suffice that everyone got out okay.
My SIL’s friend was not so lucky when her car/house suddenly exploded on Wednesday: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/local/16341553.htm I am completely stunned how much house can go away in five fucking minutes.
I hope that your parents are able to stand strong and proud to get their due from the insurance company - if any of those “helpers” around have mad legal or other useful insurance type skilz, get their cards. After what my BIL went through when his car blew up his garage, taking the A-frame and everything in it along for the pyre, you might need them.
Yes, there are solid reasons Ms Kate and Zog do not keep flammibles in their basement garage, including cars.
wait… this isn’t the cat that dive bombs people with her claws out is it?
please tell your mom i’m sorry. what a crappy way to spend the holidays