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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-b0iv9W6g8
Just saw this - gives some idea of the terrible conditions there. -
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Thanks, Larry. Jim and his family have a herculean challenge getting through this thing.
Gil -
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G’day all and thank you for the well wishes.
Still not great down here, road still closed to residents only. The army has put truck sized gennys at street corners and after 9 days we have power at Lake Conjola (not all streets in Conjola Park though), which is good, but makes us also very aware that 90 or so houses aren’t there for power to go to.
Incredible to have the internet and information, lived with an old battery tranny and that’s been pretty much our only contact with the outside world.
Mobile phones are still SOS or No Service, we haven’t heard when that will be fixed.
The garbage has finally been picked up after 15 days, they were full of Xmas foodstuffs and NYE foodstuffs and seafoods that never got to be eaten. And also the fridges and freezes full of rotten food, the bins were pretty ripe after that 47°+ day. Also the pump out sewers have been finally pumped out.
There’s a large semi type vehicle today that’s been brought in with hot showers and washing machines for the poor buggers that didn’t get hooked up to one of the army gennies.
There’s not a single tourist here, its eerily quiet. The residents that stayed all look pretty haggard, the ones that evacuated are dribbling back and I think the adrenaline that we have lived off has gone and the reality of the rebuilding problems that the area and the lake are in for in the future when we get rain and toxins get washed in are starting to sink in.
The devastation down here is seriously indescribable. I don’t know how much has been on the news as we just haven’t had any. Cops have been patrolling around a lot for looters, can you f#cking believe that there are looters?
Would it be ok to put a .357 between their eyes?
Hope all are well and looking forward to things improving.
Cheers,
Jim
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Good morning Jim.
We're so pleased you have come through.
Sorry... We have no meaningful words to express our sorrow.
David & Christine. -
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Its good to hear from you personally Jim, I doubt any of us can actually comprehend what you've been through , but things sound a bit better & that's a good thing , you description of matters make me think of things I hadn't considered before.
carry on & be safe mate.
best regards, Bruce & Angie. -
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Jim, You've made my day!
We are so glad to see you have made it through the worst of it.
What you have experienced is near beyond comprehension.
For me, the only reference I have to watching your last few weeks is the fear of feeling again, the profound horror I felt when I watched the World Trade center come down on one of our friends who is in the U.S. Secret Service and his office was in the first tower that came down. He was also my assistant's husband. I arranged a ride to her Mom's home for her. We thought for sure he was a goner. Miracle of miracles, I got a phone call from him 4 hours later, looking for his bride! He was helping people out of the building and directing them to safety. He was just outside the main doors, heard something, looked up and saw the tower coming down. He was able to run fast enough to escape the falling concrete, glass, and steel. We have been praying you would come though this and I imagine you have been feeling similar for weeks. That is the part I cannot quite get my arms around. Had to be absolute torture.
We are all blessed to still have you and your family with us. We do hope you and yours emerge with minimal or no related health problems. I hope it isn't too early to say let the healing begin.
It may be a while and look forward to one day seeing a fresh picture of kangaroos stopping by your place for a snack!
And, of course... a few good steam-ups.
I believe it is safe to say our entire steam engine community has been pulling for you.
Be blessed,
Gil & Simone
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Well said, Gill.....
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Jim, I hope you and your family have a better day today and things get for you
and your country. I have never walked in your shoes but I feel your pain in what
you are going through. I agree with Gil and that all our steam engine community
is been pulling for you and your family that one-day things will get back to
normal. -
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So glad for the good news of prayers answered - hope the rebuilding of your lives and all the others affected goes well.
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Great to hear your ok Jim. I’m sorry for all you’ve endured. Better days are ahead and your community will recover. God bless.
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Somewhat late to the thread but I've been following this on the news as best I can. I don't think any of us who haven't been through it can begin to imagine what it's like but I'm sure you know the whole world is wishing you well and a speedy recovery, in all senses.
I have family living in Nowra and Berry, not far away and also affected. Trying to keep in touch and getting any updates has been a nightmare and a worrying time.
I've been to some of the places devastated and comparing my photos with news shots has left me with no words, it's just awful. -
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So glad to hear that you have come through this devastation alive and at least somewhat intact. I've no doubt the stress, anguish, fear and smoke have taken an unfathomable toll on you and your family. Deep sadness felt here for all who have suffered and are still suffering through this tragic and widespread disaster.
A situation like this typically brings out the best and the worst in people, so no surprise that opportunists with a criminal mind, are hard at "work" now. Perhaps best if you only shoot them with your camera as evidence at this point though, as for you to do what they truly deserve would only worsen your own lot at this point.
Please know that our concern for your well being is great. If there is anything I personally can do to assist you at this point, please do not hesitate to let me know!
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Great to read a post from you Jim!
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Glad you are all OK Jim
Dave -
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So glad to hear you made it through that ordeal, it is sad to hear that there are those so low as to be looting in such circumstances, however it is certainly not unique to your area. My aunt here in British Columbia related to me that when the RCMP came around to notify them to evacuate they also took any firearms for safe keeping otherwise they would not be there when they returned.
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