Back to our regularly scheduled program...
Things, for the most part, for many of us, are getting back to normal.
The most amazing part of this week has been the out pouring of volunteers, neighbor helping neighbor, and a sense of gratefulness.
I met an old man today, all smiles and "what a lovely day"...only later to find out he wasn't even sure his home in Rancho Santa Fe is still standing.
Regardless, he said, "we are the lucky ones".
In other words, he and his family is okay--the importance remains even if the material does not.
I have to say I am proud of my community, proud of the firefighters experience and expertice, and proud to have the military presence here.
One excellent example of community spirit, is the following article that appeared in yesterday's newspaper.
If any of you are familiar with San Diego, just the thought of horses being on Fiesta Island is sure to bring smiles.
Stranger's kindness is an unexpected treat
October 24, 2007
It's been the kind of forced migration common to wars, hundreds of thousands of people uprooted from their lives and their homes: the rich and the poor, the young and the old. Some went to shelters in high-school gyms, a football stadium, church sanctuaries, community centers. Others bunked with friends, or made like tourists and booked hotel rooms. And then they waited.
FIESTA ISLAND – Marlene Holmquist, 51, had planned a quiet Sunday at home, catching up on work for her company, Studio One Interior Design. From time to time she'd look out the window at the Ramona countryside – a lovely view that was gradually obscured by smoke.
Marlene Holmquist of Ramona walked her horse at Fiesta Island on Monday. About 100 horses and dozens of dogs were on site.
By 7 p.m., Marlene and her husband, Tom, their quarterhorse, Spike, and dog, Mickey, had fled their home. In Del Mar, the animals found space in the racetrack's stables and the humans snagged a room at the Hilton.
But by Monday morning, with the conflagration moving closer to Del Mar, the hotel urged the couple to find other accommodations.
The Holmquists drove on to Mission Bay's Fiesta Island, joining 100 evacuated horses and dozens of dogs. But the clan arrived around 1 p.m. without a tent, sleeping bags or blankets.
“We just figured we'd be camping with my girlfriends,” Marlene Holmquist said.
Wrong. Instead, the Holmquists are enjoying spacious bayfront quarters, courtesy of a generous stranger.
“We weren't here 10 minutes when a gentleman from PB pulls up,” Marlene said. “He said, 'I've got a motorhome that sleeps six to eight people. Would you like to borrow it?'”
Their benefactor, who asked to remain anonymous, delivered the motorhome and stocked it with an ice-filled cooler, TV, chairs and food in the fridge. Other volunteers brought hay for Spike, chow for Mickey and water for the whole gang.
“We got some sleep that night,” Marlene said, “which is what everybody needed.”
Yesterday, the Holmquists took stock. They had each other, their animals, computers, documents, clothes, Tom's guitar – and a new appreciation for their region.
“San Diego is such a great community,” said Marlene Holmquist from the shelter of a stranger's RV. “I don't think a lot of communities would be this lucky. We have nice, wonderful people.”
– PETER ROWE
The most amazing part of this week has been the out pouring of volunteers, neighbor helping neighbor, and a sense of gratefulness.
I met an old man today, all smiles and "what a lovely day"...only later to find out he wasn't even sure his home in Rancho Santa Fe is still standing.
Regardless, he said, "we are the lucky ones".
In other words, he and his family is okay--the importance remains even if the material does not.
I have to say I am proud of my community, proud of the firefighters experience and expertice, and proud to have the military presence here.
One excellent example of community spirit, is the following article that appeared in yesterday's newspaper.
If any of you are familiar with San Diego, just the thought of horses being on Fiesta Island is sure to bring smiles.
Stranger's kindness is an unexpected treat
October 24, 2007
It's been the kind of forced migration common to wars, hundreds of thousands of people uprooted from their lives and their homes: the rich and the poor, the young and the old. Some went to shelters in high-school gyms, a football stadium, church sanctuaries, community centers. Others bunked with friends, or made like tourists and booked hotel rooms. And then they waited.
FIESTA ISLAND – Marlene Holmquist, 51, had planned a quiet Sunday at home, catching up on work for her company, Studio One Interior Design. From time to time she'd look out the window at the Ramona countryside – a lovely view that was gradually obscured by smoke.
Marlene Holmquist of Ramona walked her horse at Fiesta Island on Monday. About 100 horses and dozens of dogs were on site.
By 7 p.m., Marlene and her husband, Tom, their quarterhorse, Spike, and dog, Mickey, had fled their home. In Del Mar, the animals found space in the racetrack's stables and the humans snagged a room at the Hilton.
But by Monday morning, with the conflagration moving closer to Del Mar, the hotel urged the couple to find other accommodations.
The Holmquists drove on to Mission Bay's Fiesta Island, joining 100 evacuated horses and dozens of dogs. But the clan arrived around 1 p.m. without a tent, sleeping bags or blankets.
“We just figured we'd be camping with my girlfriends,” Marlene Holmquist said.
Wrong. Instead, the Holmquists are enjoying spacious bayfront quarters, courtesy of a generous stranger.
“We weren't here 10 minutes when a gentleman from PB pulls up,” Marlene said. “He said, 'I've got a motorhome that sleeps six to eight people. Would you like to borrow it?'”
Their benefactor, who asked to remain anonymous, delivered the motorhome and stocked it with an ice-filled cooler, TV, chairs and food in the fridge. Other volunteers brought hay for Spike, chow for Mickey and water for the whole gang.
“We got some sleep that night,” Marlene said, “which is what everybody needed.”
Yesterday, the Holmquists took stock. They had each other, their animals, computers, documents, clothes, Tom's guitar – and a new appreciation for their region.
“San Diego is such a great community,” said Marlene Holmquist from the shelter of a stranger's RV. “I don't think a lot of communities would be this lucky. We have nice, wonderful people.”
– PETER ROWE
Labels: san diego
5 Comments:
I'm so glad that you are safe and sound. And isn't it wonderful to find out just how wonderful and caring people really are?
I'm so happy that you were able to take from this experience something good and true.
Happy to hear from you again.
Yay San Diegans!
Oh, Barb, it's so good to hear that you are well!!!
Love,
Claudia
Awwww... This is so great. I'm glad you are safe and sound, Barb.
I'm glad you and your photos are safe! You've always got a place to bunk here if you need one!
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