I saw bits and pieces of the debate last night and I have listened to all of the candidates over time. Being president is a serious matter, running for president is a serious matter. I think somewhere along the way we have lost sight of the gravity and graveness of the position of president. If are running for president you must have the political heft that goes along with being president, you can’t be a one trick pony i.e. Bernie Sanders and his obsession with blaming the “Oligarchs” for every problem under the sun. You can’t be a billionaire that thinks your business acumen can vanquish every problem under the sun. All of our past presidents minus the current one were people that understood the gravity of being president. They didn’t run out of vanity, I believe they truly wanted to make a difference, yes, even the ones you disagree with. Even the ones that had moral failings. Your vision for the country and what it can become is what will get the people out to vote for you. I’m sure all of the candidates are good people that want nothing but the best for our country. But now is not the time for vanity, what we need now is a visionary with political heft that can lead.
Good morning TOD. Meta congrats on first. You are up early this Friday. I just have to again thank Nerdy Wonka for keeping this place going and for all you wonderful people for bringing news and information here. This has been a very hard week for me. My precious cat has disappeared. I have everyone looking for him and done all I know to do but still no Lucky. My prayer is that someone has found him and given him a home and there is a child there who needs him more than me.
So proud of all the Dems and especially Speaker Nancy. I agree with Obama if the world was run by women we would have it whipped in to compassionate care.
Thank you all for all you each contribute to all of our lives.
Thanks, Alycee. We’ve had snow now for 2 days it’s in the 40’s so the snow is melting away. I’ve finally got some pictures on my walls. Feels so much better. Are you better now. You’ve had such a tough fall hope this season of love surrounds you.
Marilyn, I’m feeling much better. Pictures on the walls make a difference. I’m still living among the boxes, however, my art was hung about two months ago, and the positive, calming effect has been wonderful.
I normally have a full house between the day after Christmas and the day after my party. I expected to be away this year and moved my party to MLK weekend. The kids are all grown and in college, each doing their own thing; so this year I have rolling visits. One of my Goddaughters arrived Tuesday, she leaves on Sunday; her sister will be here Jan 2 – 8. My Grandson and his Mom arrive Sunday, and will leave the day after Christmas. I loved having everyone here at the same time, providing them a chance to see each other; benefit to separate visits is they are not competing for my attention; I have one on one time with each kid.
Need to hit the road for today’s adventure. Later.
Alycee, sounds like you will still have family around which is wonderful. This season will be very different for us but it’s ok. Heath is staying in Malaysia and traveling during his Christmas break. Then in January he goes to Bangkok to a teacher fair to see where in the world he wants to go next. I told as long as I can visit I don’t have a preference where he goes. We’re just having a quiet Christmas Day with a Brunch for family and friends here. I still love Christmas. It’s just very different now.
You take care of yourself and have a wonderful time with your family that’s there.
No my cat hasn’t returned. I now am telling myself that he is safe in a new home where someone needs him more than me. He was a gift to me for 6 months. I have to believe he is safe and warm.
Him MtMarilyn, I hope your cat you find or your ca comes back. I saw below you told Alycee it was snowing, maybe he’s hiding out. Praying he’s safe. 😢❤️🙏
Thanks Dudette. I now think he was picked up by someone because no one in this neighborhood has seen him. I guess he is with someone who needs him more than me.
– Mistakenly attacks ET – “Radical left nonbeliever” – ET phone home? – No one knows what the hell he’s talking about – Tweets “smocking,” deletes it – Impeachment has melted what was left of his brain – Trump is going to prison – It’s still only 10am
Because Trump hires imbeciles, any bag-man worth his weight in gold would never implicate his boss or at the very least draw attention to his boss. No, a true bag-man would first keep his mouth shut. And if he’s forced to speak he wouldn’t expose his boss on the scale that Parnas has. At best Parnas is a blunt instrument. Now Terry McAuliffe, that was a bag-man, he was a bag-man’s bag-man. Few bag-men have possessed the skill and wit of a Terry McAuliffe, oh how I long for the days of competent bag-men. A bygone art for a more civilized time.
Before you speak to me about your religion, first show it to me in how you treat other people. Before you tell me how much you love your God, show me in how much you love all His children.
– Nancy Pelosi twists the knife with State of the Union invite – Trump attacks evangelical leader – Also attacks ET the extra terrestrial – #FakeChristian#IMPOTUS – What a "smocking" idiot – Trump is going to prison – It's still only 2pm
Reason enough to do to the Senate what we did to the House. Dominate.
“If McConnell stays as leader, even if we have a Democratic president, he will not put another nominee on the Supreme Court. He will prevent a Democratic president from getting anything done. All the things we want to do. And it will be a disaster.” https://t.co/OZvgShUAS9
What a crock. I turn him off. Can’t stand him and his interview skills stink, imo
.@Poynter named @chucktodd "Media Personality of the Year" saying, @MeetThePress is the "gold standard" of Sunday shows. "His excellent interview skills and accessible delivery make him THE voice when it comes to news in these politically divided times."https://t.co/DyB0cP0e7c
(SUMMARY) The status of the articles of impeachment is this: Pelsoi and McConnell are fine with the status quo, and Trump is livid. If you understand negotiations, you understand this means Pelosi is winning. In the next tweet I'll tell you the one thing that could defeat Pelosi.
Maybe the Circle Game evolved from assholes and racists being assholes and racists? Maybe people are sick of toxic white males getting away with being assholes and racists. If your game causes you to LOOK like a white supremacist, the lesson would be to PLAY ANOTHER FUCKING GAME
1/ The fact that media has waded into the negotiations because a) they want a Senate trial for ratings and b) the sort of analysts they favor are those whose inherent conservatism of logic favors tradition means that media *is one of the negotiators*.
Truth: “But the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, appears more interested in covering up the president’s misconduct than in pursuing truth and fairness.”
One man's opinion, but if the president of the United States told *me* that he was basing his foreign policy on disinformation from Vladimir Putin, I'd shout my head off the very first minute, damn the consequences – not wait 30 months and then tell a reporter on background
This week has been one for the books. I've witnessed some of the most vicious racism at the hands of super liberal white folks, those whom spend nearly every waking minute of the day berating Donald Trump.
So I want to take a minute to talk about Trump. 1/8
It means that they know they're gonna lose. And if they win, they’re going to serve in the minority under a Democratic President. -NP https://t.co/FNgqIEPy7c
“As a former prosecutor, I understand the importance of holding powerful people accountable. I know that every trial requires fairness and truth. Any trial that abandons the pursuit of truth cannot be considered fair or just.” — by @KamalaHarrishttps://t.co/wfz0WoqE6R
I really miss her presence in this race. Really miss her and everything she brings to every situation, from the drum corps to the full-throated confrontation with GOP criminals facing her to the constant inclusion of vulnerable populations to the love of the innocence of children. I miss her.
She brings so much intelligence and insight and compassion to the table. I don’t know what the future holds for her but I am grateful she is my Senator for now.
It is abundantly clear that Matt Shea believes in, and has given material assistance to groups that have committed, violent insurrection against the federal government.
I also don't expect he'll leave office voluntarily. He'll have to be dragged out by the FBI.
Wow. While Trump is being excoriated in @CTmagazine as morally bankrupt, @NCRonline says @SpeakerPelosi's leadership "exemplifies in all its complexity a public and in this case political role in which her Catholicism acts as a kind of moral bedrock.” https://t.co/xeMivWYETr
BREAKING – GUILIANI is interviewed on Official Russian State TV to discuss what he says are "the realities" behind the Ukraine Conspiracy Theories. He tells the Russian audience, he and TRUMP, have found them to be true!https://t.co/SoifycSBUd
When you account for states like a California that aren’t included today and is up 14% and still on going and states like Maine where people flipped to Medicaid with expansion.
Thinking of you, 99ts, this was sent over from a dear old friend in Sydney, written by her son, I used to babysit him and his little brother 40 years ago.. speaks volumes for the strength of the human spirit, keep us all the heart.
21 December 2019
From Patrick Buckle
Son of old friends in Australia
“Today I rest after spending the last four days on 12-14 hour rotations at Mt Wilson. This was preceded by similar shifts last week. I am safe, our house is safe, but the community, like many now suffering, has been heavily affected by fire. I left last night with a sense of guilt knowing what is still to come, departing from what I can only call the pits of hell. Yesterday we operated as a self sufficient crew running a Cat 1 tanker to protect properties and set containment lines in Mt Irvine as the weather shifted the fire into new areas. We saved a street of properties with a back burn on a ridge line, pushing it around a well prepared property resting in a known fire gully. We knew the fire was running beneath us deep in the valley and had set our strategies to stay safe and protect property. Our only warning was the sound of what I thought to be a large low flying plane. This was followed by flames whipped to twice the height of the surrounding 20m trees, moving at extra ordinary speeds up the steep hill. The fire passed in a few minutes, but tore through, burning everything in its path. We lost hose lines dropped on the ground as we ran to shelter, some melted into the ground. The house was safe and we had adequate lines to protect the property after the fire past. Little did I know that the fire was only just the beginning of what was to come. We set about putting out spot fires and watching trees burn behind, beside and infront of us, meanwhile patrolling the property and assessing the area for hazards. Around us loud cracking sounds signified trees falling to the ground from the intensity of the fire, some dropping branches, others failing at the base and taking out more trees as they fell. We remained on duty until I heard the worst sound of all. A loud crack followed by screams from one of our crew. We knew what had happened, but not how bad it was. We had a crew member down, but thankfully with no major injuries after a large tree branch fell from 15m above. He was taken from the fire ground by a paramedic and escorted off the mountains to hospital in a stable condition. At this time we reassessed the property threats and our position before relocating to safer ground before being released and sent back to station. Easier said than done. We drove through areas that resembled a war zone. Black parched landscape, smouldering logs and trees silhouetted by the white smoke in the distance as we approached dusk. We had to cut trees that had fallen, blocking the only road back to the station. Two exhausted people seeking the end of a shift, knowing another crew was waiting to head back out for the night roster. We returned to station with a compromised truck, burnt hoses, broken live reels and melted branches. I was lucky to be under the lead of a Deputy Captain who had been through the same scenario in 2013 at the same property. He was cool, calm and collected and kept us as safe as possible. We had a team behind us that comprised local community members and expertise that cannot be faulted. Our Captain lost her home earlier in the week whilst directing strike teams and attending to what was an emergency situation. Our senior Deputy Captain continues to work tirelessly across both mountain villages, coordinating teams in the field whilst his own property has been under treat. Local crews continue their own 12hr rosters, regularly extending into 14hr shifts by the time relief arrives. The power was cut to the villages a week ago and is unlikely to be reinstated for another week or more. Phones lines are down and water is running low. People are tired, exhausted, stressed and anxious, but determined to continue until the threat is removed. We had, and continue to have, so many strike teams assist, driving long distances to patrol alongside the local crews to defend properties. Some crews from as far away as Hornsby, others coming from areas already impacted by fire in their own communities. My story is an insignificant part of what is a larger disaster. A story that helps me release the thoughts running through my head and an attempt to express what the amazing volunteers are currently experiencing across the state. I get to step away for a moment as my home is in Sydney. But for those living in affected areas please stay strong, stay safe and please reach out for help or talk to people if you need to. My thoughts go out to the families of the fire fighters who lost their lives whilst fulfilling duties in the field. There is nothing that can express the sadness of this incident.
Today I rest after spending the last four days on 12-14 hour rotations at Mt Wilson. This was preceded by similar shifts last week. I am safe, our house is safe, but the community, like many now suffering, has been heavily affected by fire.
I left last night with a sense of guilt knowing what is still to come, departing from what I can only call the pits of hell.
Yesterday we operated as a self sufficient crew running a Cat 1 tanker to protect properties and set containment lines in Mt Irvine as the weather shifted the fire into new areas. We saved a street of properties with a back burn on a ridge line, pushing it around a well prepared property resting in a known fire gully. We knew the fire was running beneath us deep in the valley and had set our strategies to stay safe and protect property. Our only warning was the sound of what I thought to be a large low flying plane. This was followed by flames whipped to twice the height of the surrounding 20m trees, moving at extra ordinary speeds up the steep hill.
The fire passed in a few minutes, but tore through, burning everything in its path. We lost hose lines dropped on the ground as we ran to shelter, some melted into the ground. The house was safe and we had adequate lines to protect the property after the fire past.
Little did I know that the fire was only just the beginning of what was to come. We set about putting out spot fires and watching trees burn behind, beside and infront of us, meanwhile patrolling the property and assessing the area for hazards. Around us loud cracking sounds signified trees falling to the ground from the intensity of the fire, some dropping branches, others failing at the base and taking out more trees as they fell.
We remained on duty until I heard the worst sound of all. A loud crack followed by screams from one of our crew. We knew what had happened, but not how bad it was. We had a crew member down, but thankfully with no major injuries after a large tree branch fell from 15m above. He was taken from the fire ground by a paramedic and escorted off the mountains to hospital in a stable condition.
At this time we reassessed the property threats and our position before relocating to safer ground before being released and sent back to station. Easier said than done. We drove through areas that resembled a war zone. Black parched landscape, smouldering logs and trees silhouetted by the white smoke in the distance as we approached dusk. We had to cut trees that had fallen, blocking the only road back to the station. Two exhausted people seeking the end of a shift, knowing another crew was waiting to head back out for the night roster. We returned to station with a compromised truck, burnt hoses, broken live reels and melted branches.
I was lucky to be under the lead of a Deputy Captain who had been through the same scenario in 2013 at the same property. He was cool, calm and collected and kept us as safe as possible.
We had a team behind us that comprised local community members and expertise that cannot be faulted. Our Captain lost her home earlier in the week whilst directing strike teams and attending to what was an emergency situation. Our senior Deputy Captain continues to work tirelessly across both mountain villages, coordinating teams in the field whilst his own property has been under treat. Local crews continue their own 12hr rosters, regularly extending into 14hr shifts by the time relief arrives. The power was cut to the villages a week ago and is unlikely to be reinstated for another week or more. Phones lines are down and water is running low. People are tired, exhausted, stressed and anxious, but determined to continue until the threat is removed.
We had, and continue to have, so many strike teams assist, driving long distances to patrol alongside the local crews to defend properties. Some crews from as far away as Hornsby, others coming from areas already impacted by fire in their own communities.
My story is an insignificant part of what is a larger disaster. A story that helps me release the thoughts running through my head and an attempt to express what the amazing volunteers are currently experiencing across the state. I get to step away for a moment as my home is in Sydney. But for those living in affected areas please stay strong, stay safe and please reach out for help or talk to people if you need to.
My thoughts go out to the families of the fire fighters who lost their lives whilst fulfilling duties in the field. There is nothing that can express the sadness of this incident.”
Pamela, thanks for sharing. Due to our failed MSM, we get so caught up in the daily US drama that events outside of the USA are rarely reported. So sorry to hear about MT Wilson, it’s such a beautiful area; we spent a day in the Blue Mountains last April. Praying that the fires subside.
Yes, absolutely, Patrick posted it on FB, his Mom shared it, so except for my shabby editing, please correct first, you my share it far and wide. It’s important for people to hear a first hand experience like this one, frightening, and immensely awe inspiring.. thankful for such strong and caring humans. ♥️🙏🏼♥️
pamela, it is good to hear from you, but with such sad and heartbreaking news. I think I’ve heard one short blurb on the news about the fires in Australia. FAIL from our MSM again!
Hope all of you have a good day ahead. My husband just left for a day of hiking (with a friend). I have my list of ‘to do’s’ and will start that soon. Always get so much accomplished on days he is hiking. 🙂 We are both so thankful that at age 75 he is able to hike like he does. Thankful! Grateful! And, thankful and grateful for NW and this TOD family!! Much love and Christmas blessings to all of you and your loved ones.
This digital exhibition in the Atelier des Lumières, Paris, immerses visitors in the paintings of Vincent van Gogh. Projecting on all the surfaces and using music, it retraces the intense life of the artist in a deeply multimedia fashion https://t.co/ufffNQSsEZpic.twitter.com/5CxzpOeTD2
I just saw a German bloke jump into a freezing cold pond to rescue a dog who was drowning! He climbed out, handed over the dog and said “here is ze dog, dry him off, keep him vorm, he vill be fine” I said “Are you a vet?” He replied “Vet?? – I’m f*****g soaking”#SaturdayMorning
Criminal @RudyGiuliani is complete Scum. In an effort to have Yanukovychs (Manaforts boss)money unfrozen for his Putin mafia thugs he is claiming Maidan where over 120 Ukrainian protesters died was a scam. This has always been so much bigger than Biden. What him/Kislin working on
Michael Duffy wrote 2 emails the day of Trump’s call with Zelensky suspending aid to Ukraine based on direction he received. GOP wants to cover up Duffy’s testimony, which @SenSchumer has called for at the Senate impeachment trial. https://t.co/ZVxjlexoPz
– Still hasn't tweeted anything – Maybe he got abducted by E.T. – Rudy's gone quiet too – Ukraine scandal gets even uglier – These idiots are plotting their own downfall – It's all going to come out now – Trump is going to prison – It's still only noon
According to a new study by the Stanford Internet Observatory, Bing returns "an alarming amount" of disinformation, conspiratorial content, and Russian propaganda in its search results. https://t.co/HTcdSSSXQs
Sooo….how many smoking guns do the corrupt ass Republicans need to do their fcuking job? Because under any other administration the President would be resigning within 48 hours. https://t.co/2cHTja6rfI
BREAKING: A Trump advisor told the WI GOP that “Traditionally it’s always been Republicans suppressing votes in places”—& "It’s going to be a much bigger program, a much more aggressive program, a much better-funded program" in 2020.
One Democratic member told me this week that he had forgotten that Gabbard was still a member of the House before her present vote. https://t.co/9iuqeBxNPu
This year was the 142nd anniversary of the birth of Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, author of the famous Carol of the Bells. This song is called “a little musical miracle” and is probably the most popular Christmas melody in the world https://t.co/hce9vvO2gRpic.twitter.com/heAA6Oe0XZ
The Obama Diary 
Tough job!
Good morning, Meta! Congrats on first!
Morning!!
Creative delivery 😊
Hi meta, congrats on First sister 😘
Hello, gg!
I saw bits and pieces of the debate last night and I have listened to all of the candidates over time. Being president is a serious matter, running for president is a serious matter. I think somewhere along the way we have lost sight of the gravity and graveness of the position of president. If are running for president you must have the political heft that goes along with being president, you can’t be a one trick pony i.e. Bernie Sanders and his obsession with blaming the “Oligarchs” for every problem under the sun. You can’t be a billionaire that thinks your business acumen can vanquish every problem under the sun. All of our past presidents minus the current one were people that understood the gravity of being president. They didn’t run out of vanity, I believe they truly wanted to make a difference, yes, even the ones you disagree with. Even the ones that had moral failings. Your vision for the country and what it can become is what will get the people out to vote for you. I’m sure all of the candidates are good people that want nothing but the best for our country. But now is not the time for vanity, what we need now is a visionary with political heft that can lead.
Unfortunately, none of the current democratic candidates excite me. Nevertheless, I will #VoteBlueNoMatterWho.
Good morning TOD. Meta congrats on first. You are up early this Friday. I just have to again thank Nerdy Wonka for keeping this place going and for all you wonderful people for bringing news and information here. This has been a very hard week for me. My precious cat has disappeared. I have everyone looking for him and done all I know to do but still no Lucky. My prayer is that someone has found him and given him a home and there is a child there who needs him more than me.
So proud of all the Dems and especially Speaker Nancy. I agree with Obama if the world was run by women we would have it whipped in to compassionate care.
Thank you all for all you each contribute to all of our lives.
Good morning, Marilyn! Is it still snowy in MT? Cosign your thanks to Nerdy; we’d be wandering in the woods without her!
Thanks, Alycee. We’ve had snow now for 2 days it’s in the 40’s so the snow is melting away. I’ve finally got some pictures on my walls. Feels so much better. Are you better now. You’ve had such a tough fall hope this season of love surrounds you.
Marilyn, I’m feeling much better. Pictures on the walls make a difference. I’m still living among the boxes, however, my art was hung about two months ago, and the positive, calming effect has been wonderful.
I normally have a full house between the day after Christmas and the day after my party. I expected to be away this year and moved my party to MLK weekend. The kids are all grown and in college, each doing their own thing; so this year I have rolling visits. One of my Goddaughters arrived Tuesday, she leaves on Sunday; her sister will be here Jan 2 – 8. My Grandson and his Mom arrive Sunday, and will leave the day after Christmas. I loved having everyone here at the same time, providing them a chance to see each other; benefit to separate visits is they are not competing for my attention; I have one on one time with each kid.
Need to hit the road for today’s adventure. Later.
Alycee, sounds like you will still have family around which is wonderful. This season will be very different for us but it’s ok. Heath is staying in Malaysia and traveling during his Christmas break. Then in January he goes to Bangkok to a teacher fair to see where in the world he wants to go next. I told as long as I can visit I don’t have a preference where he goes. We’re just having a quiet Christmas Day with a Brunch for family and friends here. I still love Christmas. It’s just very different now.
You take care of yourself and have a wonderful time with your family that’s there.
I forgot to ask, any word on your precious kitty? Hopefully, he’s found his way home. Praying for a swift , safe return.
No my cat hasn’t returned. I now am telling myself that he is safe in a new home where someone needs him more than me. He was a gift to me for 6 months. I have to believe he is safe and warm.
Hugs to you, mtmarilyn.
Thank you, meta!
Him MtMarilyn, I hope your cat you find or your ca comes back. I saw below you told Alycee it was snowing, maybe he’s hiding out. Praying he’s safe. 😢❤️🙏
That was supposed to be HI!
Thank you Terri. I really think someone took him thinking he was lost and alone. I just pray he is with some who will love him.
Wow! Did I mess that sentence up. That was supposed to be Hi, MtMarilyn, I hope you find your cat or that he comes back.
Hugs mtm! I hope your fur-baby finds his way home to you. 😘
Thanks Dudette. I now think he was picked up by someone because no one in this neighborhood has seen him. I guess he is with someone who needs him more than me.
I hope he is well-loved. 🙏🏾
I fell out laughing when I read that he wrote ET. 🤣🤣
Can this wonderful man be any sweeter?
Nahhhhhh!
Because Trump hires imbeciles, any bag-man worth his weight in gold would never implicate his boss or at the very least draw attention to his boss. No, a true bag-man would first keep his mouth shut. And if he’s forced to speak he wouldn’t expose his boss on the scale that Parnas has. At best Parnas is a blunt instrument. Now Terry McAuliffe, that was a bag-man, he was a bag-man’s bag-man. Few bag-men have possessed the skill and wit of a Terry McAuliffe, oh how I long for the days of competent bag-men. A bygone art for a more civilized time.
Perfect response!
Is this response from Booker to the evangelicals who support Trump?
Come on over to MY House ..Mr President, IMPEACHED!
I love and greatly admire Speaker Pelosi ❤
Reason enough to do to the Senate what we did to the House. Dominate.
WHY OH WHY is Schumer purposefully lowering expectations and practically handing out permission for McConnell to do this? UGH.
What a crock. I turn him off. Can’t stand him and his interview skills stink, imo
How far we’ve fallen if Chuck Todd is the gold standard.
He sucks . I agreed.
Seriously
What? I find him extremely annoying.
Agreed. He is the worst.
Interesting thread
All righty then
Did you expect any other outcome?
For your consideration:
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Moscow Mitch and Putin’s puppet.
Thread…
I really miss her presence in this race. Really miss her and everything she brings to every situation, from the drum corps to the full-throated confrontation with GOP criminals facing her to the constant inclusion of vulnerable populations to the love of the innocence of children. I miss her.
So do I, Meta. I really hope Joe is the nominee, and selects her for VP. They would be a formidable ticket.
She brings so much intelligence and insight and compassion to the table. I don’t know what the future holds for her but I am grateful she is my Senator for now.
My dream.
I hope the young Dems in Congress now appreciate our Nancy. They have a lot to learn from her.
❤
So messed up
Wonderful.
Cheering Beto on. Really good news.
This is so sweet! Merry Christmas!
That’s the kind of things we need to see, instead of the hateful crap that comes from President Trump.
Love!
Blessings will rain down on that young lady ❤
Oww! 🥴
Thinking of you, 99ts, this was sent over from a dear old friend in Sydney, written by her son, I used to babysit him and his little brother 40 years ago.. speaks volumes for the strength of the human spirit, keep us all the heart.
21 December 2019
From Patrick Buckle
Son of old friends in Australia
“Today I rest after spending the last four days on 12-14 hour rotations at Mt Wilson. This was preceded by similar shifts last week. I am safe, our house is safe, but the community, like many now suffering, has been heavily affected by fire. I left last night with a sense of guilt knowing what is still to come, departing from what I can only call the pits of hell. Yesterday we operated as a self sufficient crew running a Cat 1 tanker to protect properties and set containment lines in Mt Irvine as the weather shifted the fire into new areas. We saved a street of properties with a back burn on a ridge line, pushing it around a well prepared property resting in a known fire gully. We knew the fire was running beneath us deep in the valley and had set our strategies to stay safe and protect property. Our only warning was the sound of what I thought to be a large low flying plane. This was followed by flames whipped to twice the height of the surrounding 20m trees, moving at extra ordinary speeds up the steep hill. The fire passed in a few minutes, but tore through, burning everything in its path. We lost hose lines dropped on the ground as we ran to shelter, some melted into the ground. The house was safe and we had adequate lines to protect the property after the fire past. Little did I know that the fire was only just the beginning of what was to come. We set about putting out spot fires and watching trees burn behind, beside and infront of us, meanwhile patrolling the property and assessing the area for hazards. Around us loud cracking sounds signified trees falling to the ground from the intensity of the fire, some dropping branches, others failing at the base and taking out more trees as they fell. We remained on duty until I heard the worst sound of all. A loud crack followed by screams from one of our crew. We knew what had happened, but not how bad it was. We had a crew member down, but thankfully with no major injuries after a large tree branch fell from 15m above. He was taken from the fire ground by a paramedic and escorted off the mountains to hospital in a stable condition. At this time we reassessed the property threats and our position before relocating to safer ground before being released and sent back to station. Easier said than done. We drove through areas that resembled a war zone. Black parched landscape, smouldering logs and trees silhouetted by the white smoke in the distance as we approached dusk. We had to cut trees that had fallen, blocking the only road back to the station. Two exhausted people seeking the end of a shift, knowing another crew was waiting to head back out for the night roster. We returned to station with a compromised truck, burnt hoses, broken live reels and melted branches. I was lucky to be under the lead of a Deputy Captain who had been through the same scenario in 2013 at the same property. He was cool, calm and collected and kept us as safe as possible. We had a team behind us that comprised local community members and expertise that cannot be faulted. Our Captain lost her home earlier in the week whilst directing strike teams and attending to what was an emergency situation. Our senior Deputy Captain continues to work tirelessly across both mountain villages, coordinating teams in the field whilst his own property has been under treat. Local crews continue their own 12hr rosters, regularly extending into 14hr shifts by the time relief arrives. The power was cut to the villages a week ago and is unlikely to be reinstated for another week or more. Phones lines are down and water is running low. People are tired, exhausted, stressed and anxious, but determined to continue until the threat is removed. We had, and continue to have, so many strike teams assist, driving long distances to patrol alongside the local crews to defend properties. Some crews from as far away as Hornsby, others coming from areas already impacted by fire in their own communities. My story is an insignificant part of what is a larger disaster. A story that helps me release the thoughts running through my head and an attempt to express what the amazing volunteers are currently experiencing across the state. I get to step away for a moment as my home is in Sydney. But for those living in affected areas please stay strong, stay safe and please reach out for help or talk to people if you need to. My thoughts go out to the families of the fire fighters who lost their lives whilst fulfilling duties in the field. There is nothing that can express the sadness of this incident.
Today I rest after spending the last four days on 12-14 hour rotations at Mt Wilson. This was preceded by similar shifts last week. I am safe, our house is safe, but the community, like many now suffering, has been heavily affected by fire.
I left last night with a sense of guilt knowing what is still to come, departing from what I can only call the pits of hell.
Yesterday we operated as a self sufficient crew running a Cat 1 tanker to protect properties and set containment lines in Mt Irvine as the weather shifted the fire into new areas. We saved a street of properties with a back burn on a ridge line, pushing it around a well prepared property resting in a known fire gully. We knew the fire was running beneath us deep in the valley and had set our strategies to stay safe and protect property. Our only warning was the sound of what I thought to be a large low flying plane. This was followed by flames whipped to twice the height of the surrounding 20m trees, moving at extra ordinary speeds up the steep hill.
The fire passed in a few minutes, but tore through, burning everything in its path. We lost hose lines dropped on the ground as we ran to shelter, some melted into the ground. The house was safe and we had adequate lines to protect the property after the fire past.
Little did I know that the fire was only just the beginning of what was to come. We set about putting out spot fires and watching trees burn behind, beside and infront of us, meanwhile patrolling the property and assessing the area for hazards. Around us loud cracking sounds signified trees falling to the ground from the intensity of the fire, some dropping branches, others failing at the base and taking out more trees as they fell.
We remained on duty until I heard the worst sound of all. A loud crack followed by screams from one of our crew. We knew what had happened, but not how bad it was. We had a crew member down, but thankfully with no major injuries after a large tree branch fell from 15m above. He was taken from the fire ground by a paramedic and escorted off the mountains to hospital in a stable condition.
At this time we reassessed the property threats and our position before relocating to safer ground before being released and sent back to station. Easier said than done. We drove through areas that resembled a war zone. Black parched landscape, smouldering logs and trees silhouetted by the white smoke in the distance as we approached dusk. We had to cut trees that had fallen, blocking the only road back to the station. Two exhausted people seeking the end of a shift, knowing another crew was waiting to head back out for the night roster. We returned to station with a compromised truck, burnt hoses, broken live reels and melted branches.
I was lucky to be under the lead of a Deputy Captain who had been through the same scenario in 2013 at the same property. He was cool, calm and collected and kept us as safe as possible.
We had a team behind us that comprised local community members and expertise that cannot be faulted. Our Captain lost her home earlier in the week whilst directing strike teams and attending to what was an emergency situation. Our senior Deputy Captain continues to work tirelessly across both mountain villages, coordinating teams in the field whilst his own property has been under treat. Local crews continue their own 12hr rosters, regularly extending into 14hr shifts by the time relief arrives. The power was cut to the villages a week ago and is unlikely to be reinstated for another week or more. Phones lines are down and water is running low. People are tired, exhausted, stressed and anxious, but determined to continue until the threat is removed.
We had, and continue to have, so many strike teams assist, driving long distances to patrol alongside the local crews to defend properties. Some crews from as far away as Hornsby, others coming from areas already impacted by fire in their own communities.
My story is an insignificant part of what is a larger disaster. A story that helps me release the thoughts running through my head and an attempt to express what the amazing volunteers are currently experiencing across the state. I get to step away for a moment as my home is in Sydney. But for those living in affected areas please stay strong, stay safe and please reach out for help or talk to people if you need to.
My thoughts go out to the families of the fire fighters who lost their lives whilst fulfilling duties in the field. There is nothing that can express the sadness of this incident.”
My apologies y’all, I seem to have doubled the copy before pasting the text and didn’t catch it.. can’t edit now. Forgive me.
Pamela, thanks for sharing. Due to our failed MSM, we get so caught up in the daily US drama that events outside of the USA are rarely reported. So sorry to hear about MT Wilson, it’s such a beautiful area; we spent a day in the Blue Mountains last April. Praying that the fires subside.
Pamela, do I have your permission to share this? I want to send it out in an email to some friends who use to live in down under.
Yes, absolutely, Patrick posted it on FB, his Mom shared it, so except for my shabby editing, please correct first, you my share it far and wide. It’s important for people to hear a first hand experience like this one, frightening, and immensely awe inspiring.. thankful for such strong and caring humans. ♥️🙏🏼♥️
pamela, it is good to hear from you, but with such sad and heartbreaking news. I think I’ve heard one short blurb on the news about the fires in Australia. FAIL from our MSM again!
Hope all of you have a good day ahead. My husband just left for a day of hiking (with a friend). I have my list of ‘to do’s’ and will start that soon. Always get so much accomplished on days he is hiking. 🙂 We are both so thankful that at age 75 he is able to hike like he does. Thankful! Grateful! And, thankful and grateful for NW and this TOD family!! Much love and Christmas blessings to all of you and your loved ones.
Something beautiful for your morning. 😘
Beautiful!
😂🤣😘😀
Morning everyone
Important thread
Urgent warning
Thread.
This little fraud again.
I remember this:)
Only 90 minutes .
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Didn’t realize anyone USED Bing anymore!
A friend of mine constantly makes fun of me for using bing.
I use Bing on my Kindle when I’m not home, and only use it to go to websites I’m interested in.
Well guys, you may want to rethink:)
They are such a cute family!
New to me too. 🤔
Looks ok from the side, too:)
😁
😂😂😂
I’m not blind yet!
😂😂😂
They can not win if they don’t cheat
Unqualified
She still collects a damn paycheck though! For NOT doing her job! Makes more the $170,000/yr to skip work! Do better, HI. You deserve more
Pretend otherwise
New post.
https://obamadiary.wordpress.com/2019/12/21/an-incredible-2019/