God, lisah, I saw that. I can't even either. (One of my proof-anxiety-is-going-whacko, time-to-recalibrate-the-brain, is when I suddenly start having exactly that fear somewhat obsessively.) Can you point me to the page?

Also, I was thinking about things that would be helpful longer term and one of those mundane things that still might make life so much easier- once they have more permanent housing, depending on the storage situation,get a group to do a massive Sam's Club/Costco trip and stock up on all the boring shit: detergent, batteries, flashlights, cleaning supplies, spare towels, sheet sets, paper goods, a vacuum, containers for all of this... They'll quickly amass supplies for the short term. It's the back stock when they might really need to just buy enough clothes and toiletries for the next week.

Also, just thinking about it, while things like disposable plates and stuff might be the best choice for now, I'd appreciate a good (non formal, but fun and suiting them) set of dishes for a sit down meal. You know, pretty plates and enough wineglasses for the family.

Oh, no. Poor dogs and poor them. That must be awful. I hope they get reunited with their cats as soon as possible.

Did anyone suggest my character should ask a rat where God is? (I can't search on a word that short). Because I got stumped on my next attempt, and went rattus rattus to flush my blockages: [link]

lisah, I can't donate money right now, but I bet there are actual household things or clothes I could donate. Would that be helpful?

Damn, ita ! That is a wonderful drawing.

sara - those are some great ideas. We are having a supplies drive at work for the flood victims, many of the same types of items.

This is the page, sara, thanks for asking:

[link]

get a group to do a massive Sam's Club/Costco trip and stock up on all the boring shit

That's a great idea as is the dishes. I'm thinking that there will be an effort made from folks in the neighborhood to get some things together for the family. I'll let you know what's up.

In completely other news, I have a meeting with my grand-boss tomorrow that I set up to talk about my career. I have been on the same project for 2 1/2 years and, while right now is sort of an exciting time for the project, I don't want to be doing the same thing next summer that I've done for the last two years. I don't feel like I can really talk to my boss about possibly leaving the project and I know my grandboss has a good view of the opportunities at the company. She's also very sharp and her ability to deal with all kinds of political bullshit and all the personalities is something I admire so much. I've never really taken a deliberate step like this in my work life (other than leaving a job for another at a different company) so I'm pretty nervous about it. But I think it's a good idea and feel like now is the time.

Ugh, that's so awful, Lisa. At least when my uncle's house burned down they had enough warning to load up two cars.

I said rat! But not first. Good one!

I bet there are actual household things or clothes I could donate. Would that be helpful?

Thanks so much, Amy, that's really sweet. I'll let you know what happens with collecting stuff for the family.

Oh, poor dogs and poor friends! That's so sad, lisah. I can't even imagine.

Several of us said rat. Judging by your drawing, rat was the right answer.

I'll ask my friend whose house burned if she has any suggestions. Her insurance paid for some pretty amazing restorations.

I know that one of the things that still drives her crazy is thinking she owns something that was either destroyed by the fire or lost by the company that was de-smoking things. When she was back in her house, the first things she missed were things she still expected to be in kitchen cabinets, like spices and vanilla, and things like scissors and measuring tape.

Thanks, Ginger. My friend is a pretty hard core baker so I think helping her restock her pantry is something I want to do when she has a pantry again.