Everything is grey.

by admin on February 9, 2009

I have been trying to write a post.

A post to thank. A post to calm. A post to share.

But I just can’t deal right now.

I am fine. The house is fine. The kids are fine.

And you know what ‘fine’ means. So yeah.

Too many friends have lost homes. Still more are trapped, not allowed to leave.

Others lost their lives defending their homes, caught unawares or in their cars.

Dead in their cars.

S lost her house. A car burnt in front with the remains of another friends relative inside.

But we don’t know which one.

My head is reeling. So many dead. So many homeless. So many still in the line of fire. So many stories.

The sky is orange. But the world is grey. Covered in ash.

I just can’t deal.

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Bushfire Appeal « Stuff With Thing: February 9, 2009 at 7:35 pm

{ 82 comments }

1 Tess February 9, 2009 at 5:46 pm: It must be tremendously difficult down there. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. You’re in my thoughts.
Every time I hear a news report with an updated death toll I feel sick
2 Deeleea February 9, 2009 at 5:48 pm: Oh babe, wish there was more that I could do than send condolences and keep spreading the word. Sending hugs (er… have typed that twice once because I typed hogs, and once because I typed jugs… guess hugs is better eh?) and good vibes. If you need anything just holler ‘k?

Deeleea’s last blog post..What the Blazes Were They Thinking?
3 anja February 9, 2009 at 5:50 pm: Gentle hugs to you and those who have lost so much in this ghastly blaze.

What can you say at a time like this?

anja’s last blog post..Under a blood red sky.
4 Widget February 9, 2009 at 5:51 pm: Glad you are ok.

Sorry that others are not.

Numb with what is happening in my state.

Look after self.

Widget’s last blog post..OMG
5 frogpondsrock February 9, 2009 at 5:56 pm: I just feel numb..

frogpondsrock’s last blog post..I have, I want, I wish….
6 Widdle Shamrock February 9, 2009 at 5:57 pm: How is Boo?

Widdle Shamrock’s last blog post..Nobody’s Child
7 Mistress B February 9, 2009 at 6:09 pm: gentle hugs Kell.

Mistress B’s last blog post..Our prayer
8 Robin February 9, 2009 at 6:48 pm: Much love to all of you.

xox

Robin’s last blog post..Palm Tree
9 Andrew Boyd February 9, 2009 at 7:09 pm: Nothing much to say. Madly trying to organise a bunch of geeks to get a better understanding of what went wrong and how to prevent it happening again in Australia. Reading academic risk quantification papers is not easy at the moment, but apart from donating some more, it is the best way I can cope.

Big hugs, Kel. We love you.

Andrew Boyd’s last blog post..The Inaugural UXAustralia Conference and the UX of Blogging
10 Veronica February 9, 2009 at 7:16 pm: No words.
11 Ness February 9, 2009 at 7:25 pm: I’m constantly logged into the newspaper site to keep up. I’m trying focus on survivor stories, otherwise I just lose it completely.

Trying to focus on the good, and even the absurd, somehow lessens the shock and horror of the reality of it all.

Did you read about the guy that saved only his horse, and a beer? Jesus, I’ve never been so glad to hear about an alive horse in my life. The fact that the guy also just grabbed a beer, shows you the enormity and ridiculousness of it all, like he was saying, “Well I’m totally F*cked so best get the horse and take a beer for the road, screw everything else!”

Ness’s last blog post..The People, The Animals, The Fire, The Trees.
12 Dan February 9, 2009 at 7:27 pm: Sad to hear of the losses. It looked bad on the news, Glad to hear you are OK. Good luck in the days ahead.

Dan’s last blog post..Sunday Going Down
13 Marita February 9, 2009 at 7:29 pm: Hugs, prayers.
14 Kelley February 9, 2009 at 7:31 pm: I love that story. Aussies fucking rock.

S saved a box of soap. But forgot her toothbrush.
15 tiff February 9, 2009 at 7:37 pm: Hugs.
It is devastating.

tiff’s last blog post..Weekly Winners.
16 Lea February 9, 2009 at 7:39 pm: My heart and prayers are with you as you go through this horrific experience.

Please keep us updated, letting us know you are all ok.

God Bless

Lea’s last blog post..Wordle
17 river February 9, 2009 at 8:17 pm: {{{{HUGS}}}}.
18 Dingo February 9, 2009 at 8:21 pm: I am so glad you are okay. Even if you are just “fine” for the moment. I am sorry for all the losses.
19 Lilacspecs February 9, 2009 at 8:28 pm: I’ve been reading the horror stories and feeling sick and devastated for you all. I’m so so sorry this is happening to you right now.

Lilacspecs’s last blog post..Weekly Winners – A More Poetic Look at Gent
20 Emma February 9, 2009 at 8:46 pm: It’s just so incredibly awful. Thinking of you, Kelley, and everyone else affected.
21 Amanda February 9, 2009 at 9:18 pm: I can’t take the news anymore.
Just sending you all big hugs.
… and blood ’cause that’s what we’ve been told is needed the most just now.

Amanda’s last blog post..It’s just a cephalopod Mum….
22 Riayn February 9, 2009 at 9:28 pm: Gods, I am so sorry to hear that S lost her house, but I hope that her and her entire family made it out and are safe.

I am dreading reading the newspaper or watching the news because every update brings a higher death toll. I can not imagine this happening to me and my friends and going through what you are going through now.

Take time to grieve and regroup. Let us know if you need anything, anything at all.

Riayn’s last blog post..I think I have pissed off the fibro community
23 shelly February 9, 2009 at 9:36 pm: am just speechless.my partner is from melbourne.family and friends there. we lived together there for four years. watching the news am speechless. am so so sorry for all of you and ones that have lost loved ones.thank god your kids are safe.
24 Ali February 9, 2009 at 9:55 pm: It’s just too awful. I don’t know what to say. I’m glad you are all safe.

Ali’s last blog post..Awful, awful stuff
25 Lee February 9, 2009 at 9:55 pm: Thoughts are with you hon

Lee’s last blog post..Supergirl catching some rays
26 Tammy February 9, 2009 at 10:26 pm: Like so many others I have no words – but know that my thoughts are with you. This is just surreal.

Tammy’s last blog post..Liv’s No Good Very Bad Day
27 Marylin February 9, 2009 at 10:29 pm: I’m numb from reading about the fires, I can only imagine how much worse you must feel being in the midst of all this. xx

Marylin’s last blog post..Photohunt: Bridges
28 Gemisht February 9, 2009 at 10:40 pm: Thinking of you all. So glad that S got out ok and hope that her family is ok too. At least she got the soap I guess.

Sending gentle hugs for all of you.
29 KiwiPulse February 9, 2009 at 10:41 pm: :X

KiwiPulse’s last blog post..Burger King: Let Nothing Get In Your Way
30 Lisa B February 9, 2009 at 10:43 pm: Words are hard to express what you must be feeling, my thoughts are with you, your family, and everyone that has touched your heart.

Lisa B’s last blog post..Can You Help
31 Chookie February 9, 2009 at 10:48 pm: Very sorry about your friends, and very glad you and your family are ‘fine’ in that ‘fine’ kind of way. (Which of your children is worrying you most?) I hope the Bureau is wrong about the teeny amount of rain they have predicted for your area and you get a reasonable deluge. Love & prayers…

Chookie’s last blog post..Pets in My Garden: a Multi-Meme
32 magikquilter February 9, 2009 at 10:56 pm: How can you deal? it is beyond anything we have ever known and for you it is personal….try to take care of you and yours and know that all of Australia is with you in this awful time.
33 Trish February 9, 2009 at 11:09 pm: I am sorry. I’m glad you are safe.

I feel numb for all of you and those affected.It will take people a long time to come to terms with this tragedy.

I hope the rain comes soon and relief comes.

I hope your community stands firm, that solidarity reigns.That your friends homes and lives are swiftly rebuild from the ashes.

I pray it never ever happens again.

Trish’s last blog post..Monkey see … you do
34 Kylie February 9, 2009 at 11:12 pm: I’m so sorry.

Kylie’s last blog post..Tales of the Religion Class
35 myst February 9, 2009 at 11:14 pm: <3

xxx

myst’s last blog post..Gina Needs MeMe….Oh Dear!
36 Jayne February 9, 2009 at 11:42 pm: It’s just too big to take in.
(((hugs)))

Jayne’s last blog post..Victorian Bushfire Support
37 Kel February 9, 2009 at 11:55 pm: Hugs and love, Kelley.

Kel’s last blog post..Gratitude
38 Sarah February 9, 2009 at 11:55 pm: Oh sweetie, I am so sorry all this is happening. Glad to hear you and yours are ok, so so very saddened to hear others are not. Please be safe. I wish I could help you.

Sarah’s last blog post..Holy crap I forgot to tell you!
39 lceel February 10, 2009 at 12:11 am: Please, please, PLEASE be safe. We don’t want you to become a statistic.

lceel’s last blog post..They can get their own
40 womb for improvement February 10, 2009 at 12:32 am: I have nothing to add but a weak ’sorry’.

Thinking of you and yours.

womb for improvement’s last blog post..Some Home Truths
41 Xbox4NappyRash February 10, 2009 at 12:46 am: You have no idea how long my fingers have hovered here wondering if I have the balls to make that Sullivan’s joke again.

Huge, too huge to really imagine, please stay safe.

You will deal, you know that much.

Xbox4NappyRash’s last blog post..Two all
42 Queen Of Clean February 10, 2009 at 12:53 am: Jesus Kelley, stay safe, and stay online so we know you’re safe.

Queen Of Clean’s last blog post..Bugger The Recession
43 Amber DBTD February 10, 2009 at 1:11 am: God Kelley… How terrifying. Please stay safe and know we’re all praying for your safety and that of your friends.
44 Ellie February 10, 2009 at 1:48 am: This is bad, bad, bad. We’re thinking about you all…..

Ellie’s last blog post.."Let’s Go Bowling."
45 pixiemama February 10, 2009 at 2:04 am: I am sorry. So sorry.

xo

pixiemama’s last blog post..summer breeze…
46 mama mara February 10, 2009 at 2:07 am: I may live thousands of miles away, but I feel like I’m right there with you after reading your post. I am so sorry; wish I could give you a hug and an obscenely large pina colada.

mama mara’s last blog post..Relapse and My Fair Mediator
47 O'Neal February 10, 2009 at 2:14 am: I don’t know what else to say except I am SO sorry all of this is happening and I hope ya’ll stay safe!

XOXO

O’Neal’s last blog post..Two Year Olds,Titties &Tears
48 O'Neal February 10, 2009 at 2:15 am: OOPS, it went through twice! AKA My blond is showing!
49 trannyhead February 10, 2009 at 2:29 am: I’ve been thinking about you. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to watch the horror. Hang in there.

trannyhead’s last blog post..Blondes DO Have More Fun
50 Barbara February 10, 2009 at 3:08 am: I’m so sorry. I can’t begin to imagine how it must be. I’m thinking of all the Aussie bloggers and wishing you all well and hoping you stay safe.

(((hugs)))

Barbara’s last blog post..39/365 – Flower Power
51 Mrs. Schmitty February 10, 2009 at 3:21 am: I have been worried about you so much. I am glad to hear you and yours are “okay”. My heart is heavy with this. I wish I could give you a hug.

Mrs. Schmitty’s last blog post..Just Ignore Those Subliminal Messages
52 heels February 10, 2009 at 4:20 am: I’ve lived through 25 years of fire summers in California, and it never gets easier. I know how unbelievable and terrifying it can be. I’m so, so sorry that you are all having to go through this. I’m so glad that your family is safe. My thoughts are with you.
53 Krissa February 10, 2009 at 5:04 am: Sweetheart. I am praying for you and all of those people down there with you. I am sooo sorry for you all.

Krissa’s last blog post..I will never make a good game show host…
54 magpie February 10, 2009 at 5:41 am: I’m glad you’re okay. I emailed you a few days ago, and I think you never got it (I keep getting “undeliverable” status reports).

And the fires were on the front pages of the Times today – top of the fold.

Stay well.

magpie’s last blog post..Snow
55 Jo February 10, 2009 at 7:57 am: I was scared for you, Kelley. I’m so sorry for what everyone is going through.

Jo’s last blog post..birth in Ireland
56 Sorrow February 10, 2009 at 8:04 am: Just adding my thoughts and prayers to the long list.
Hang in there lady!
57 anna l'americana February 10, 2009 at 8:43 am: I’ve been lurking but now, find myself in tears over the news and just had to send some word of support, I just don’t know what word that is. I too have lived through 25 years of So. California fires (most of them also arson) but none with this kind of loss of life. I am truly horrified by what is happening to you and everyone in Victoria, New South Wales and Yarra Valley, and wish I had more comfort to offer than just a few words of solidarity.

Please don’t take any stupid risks. Its just not worth it. Stay safe and stay online, you have plenty of friends here in the blogosphere and we need to know you are OK.

anna l’americana’s last blog post..Unstoppable Fire….
58 Gina February 10, 2009 at 9:04 am: Sweetie, I am so, so sorry.

There’s nothing anyone can say to make it better, even though we wish it could.

Gina’s last blog post..Friday Poll
59 12ontheinside February 10, 2009 at 9:20 am: So sorry – that’s horrible. Wish I could help.

12ontheinside’s last blog post..Fire
60 dizzy mum February 10, 2009 at 9:22 am: Glad you are okay, so sad for all the others. It’s just devastating, and my heart goes out to you all. x

dizzy mum’s last blog post..Waitangi weekend
61 derfina February 10, 2009 at 10:10 am: *smooches*

derfina’s last blog post..Request
62 Maura/MoBu67 February 10, 2009 at 10:32 am: I am so sorry that this happened to your beautiful area, and to you and your friends. I’ve been thinking about you often as I hear the news reports and have been hoping that you’re safe.

Maura/MoBu67’s last blog post..Grace in Small Things, 12/365-ish
63 Stacy February 10, 2009 at 10:51 am: You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers… ((HUGZ!))

Stacy’s last blog post..Not Me! Monday
64 Miss Ash February 10, 2009 at 11:10 am: I’ve been thinking of you all day.
Strength to you, my friend.
Strength and perseverance.

Much love.

Miss Ash’s last blog post..Patterns of a Mid Life Crisis
65 zuzu February 10, 2009 at 11:35 am: Much love darling. {{{hugs}}}

zuzu’s last blog post..This is it
66 kirstie February 10, 2009 at 11:59 am: Stay Safe hon.
You’ve been in my thoughts.
Hugs to you and all your family & friends.
67 Nan February 10, 2009 at 12:01 pm: Happy that you and your loved ones and home are “fine”. Stay fine! I am so sorry, the news is just awful. I wish I could send you some rain, we are having unseasonally wet weather here…

Nan’s last blog post..Where Did My Pictures Go?
68 hotmamamia February 10, 2009 at 12:05 pm: Just KNOW that everyone is thinking about you and your family all of the time…hoping that this awful tragic situation will calm itself down soon and that you all have the strength to carry on …sending guardian angels and hugs your way

hotmamamia’s last blog post..Ta-ta for now
69 Jodieodie February 10, 2009 at 1:09 pm: Kelley

The TV says hell on earth, and your photos look like you are living in Dante’s inferno.
I can’t imagine what you are going through and send you love and hope – feeling the impotence of both.

I woke up this morning, with a strong sense that you are a writer, living through this. And if/when you can write more fully of this experience, your story will contribute to the processing and grieving of people whose lives have been affected and the understanding of people watching from a distance.
70 Molly February 10, 2009 at 1:38 pm: There are no words to express my deep sympathy for what you and your neighbors are going through. You are in my heart and prayers and wishes. If there is anything I can do including putting together care packages say the word. I’m good at organizing and have the resources. I’m so sorry this is happening. Much Love,
Molly
71 jen February 10, 2009 at 1:47 pm: Oh hon. I can’t imagine. The fires here in Colorado have been bad in recent years, but NOTHING like this. My prayers are with you and your family and friends. Take care hon, and an extra kiss for Boo. I can’t imagine how he’s processing this.

jen’s last blog post..It’s time to break up with Perfection
72 Angel February 10, 2009 at 1:53 pm: Can’t stop thinking about you darling.
So relieved to hear you are “fine”.
If there is anything I can do, my mobile number has not changed since B’s birth, let me know?
Sending you all my love,
A
73 Ian February 10, 2009 at 2:11 pm: Glad to hear you’re safe. But I can’t imagine what it must be like to be in the midst of it all, other than horrible to the power of many.

Ian’s last blog post..Bushfire tragedy
74 Karen MEG February 10, 2009 at 2:18 pm: Kelley, I’m glad that you and your family are “okay”, but I just cannot imagine how horrific this must be, all this happening around you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all those who are dealing with this tragedy…
75 Ree February 10, 2009 at 2:45 pm: __hugs__ I wish they were more than virtual.

Ree’s last blog post..Mute Monday – Addiction(s)
76 Stimey February 10, 2009 at 3:18 pm: Fuck. I’m so sorry. Words can’t help, but I’m thinking of you.

Stimey’s last blog post..Homework Guy! to the Rescue!
77 Huckdoll February 10, 2009 at 3:22 pm: This is just heartbreaking, Kelley.

My prayers – HUGE ones – have been with you and continue to be with you.
78 Kelly February 10, 2009 at 6:33 pm: So glad you and yours are safe – praying that you stay so. Words can’t describe the destruction and devastation. Thinking of you all.

Kelly’s last blog post..Normal service will resume shortly.
79 Rachael February 10, 2009 at 8:06 pm: I just cannot imagine. I am so glad that you’re safe, but I know it must be painful to watch what’s happening to your friends and neighbors. I am keeping all of you in my thoughts!

Rachael’s last blog post..Heads or Tails: Love is in the Air
80 Juli February 11, 2009 at 5:40 am: You and all who are dealing with this horror are in my prayers.
81 Jeanette February 11, 2009 at 6:58 am: It’s terrible, so terrible.

Jeanette’s last blog post..Flower girl
82 Talina February 11, 2009 at 1:48 pm: Dealing takes time. We had tons of fires on the west coast before we moved. I remember hos scary it was when they were so close and hurting so many. Just take your time with the dealing. Glad you are safe.