Our story began on Sunday afternoon, when smoky clouds filled the sky from two fires that were raging in San Diego. Later that evening, ash started falling… very reminiscent of the 2003 Cedar fire. Although news from the fires was bad, they were not anywhere near us.
We worried a bit about going to the theater on Sunday night without Erica, but told a neighbor that if the winds picked up and danger encroached, our teenage daughter was home alone. Howard offered our house to friend in Ramona in case he needed to evacuate.
Early Monday morning everything changed. Poway and Rancho Bernardo were being evacuated. Howard and I offered our home to another set of friends. By 6:30am, Erica’s school had been canceled, and we started seriously worrying about the high-speed Santa Ana winds that were heading from the fire in the east, towards us.
By 7am, Howard wants me to video the house for insurance purposes. Have you ever done this? Everyone knows it’s a smart thing to do … but did we do it? Not until that morning… as I walked through the house, pointing out all the stuff (mostly artwork) that’s dear to me. That put me over the edge..and now I was crying into the video as I chronicled our home. I handed the camera to Howard. He finished the tape in silence.
By 8am, we were packing. Erica had her suitcase packed in about 5 minutes.
What did I take? Photos, photo albums, photos in frames, jewelry given to me over the years by my husband, two pairs of jeans, two pairs of shoes, a jacket, 4 computers, and my silver kiddish cup collection (including one my mom gave me on my wedding that her family smuggled out of Nazi Austria.)
What would you take?
We packed two cars with two dogs, two cats and our stuff. The phones were ringing constantly. “Are you leaving?” “Where are you going?” The fires were raging on the big TV in the family room.
Now what? Neighboring towns had gotten “mandatory evacuation orders” but we were in a “voluntary evacuation” area. What should we do? Erica voted to leave, “PLEASE!” she said. It was very stressful sitting around waiting for a fire.
And so, a few hours ahead of the mandatory order to leave, we evacuated.
Barbara,
First, To you and your family, I am glad you are all safe and will be celebrating Thanksgiving at your home with your family.
Second, I want to say — what a small world this is—
I live in Honolulu, my twin sister lives in San Diego. During the fires, my friend Brenda who lives here in Honolulu, forwarded this Blog, to me. Brenda Home schools her children, that is how she came to read this– The Evacuation. It sounded much like what my sister and her family were going through when they evacutated their home. Video taping their belongings and thinking “why didn’t we do this sooner. What to take with them when they evacutated etc. When my sister was finally back home and safe,I told her about the blog that I read. Off hand I couldn’t remember your full name— only a Barbara, who is a columnist in the San Diego area. I told my sister I would forward your story to her. Well, here is where the “small world” comes in. My sister is Joyce Levi… a family friend of the Filibas, your son’s girlfriend Michele’s family! Small World… don’t you agree.
Again… Glad your family is safe. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Aloha from Honolulu..
Robin
I can’t imagine how frightened you all must have been, hope you’re all doing okay now, with best wishes from the UK
Dear Barbara
I hope you and your family are doing OK now. God be with you and your friends and neighbors.
Dear Barbara and family,
I shared your story with my 4th grade class. We hope you have found safety and all are doing well. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Park Avenue School
4th Graders
Port Chester, NY
Barbara,
You have always answered my letters and it is my turn to answer yours. Of course, the first priority is life. As my neighbor watched his house burn down a few years ago – once he realized his children were not home – his next words were that his photos were gone. You had time, thank goodness, and you packed exactly the right things. You packed the memories that could be handed down from generation to generation – L’dor v’dor. I have not kept up with the news since I have been in the hospital with my eldest son. He is now recuperating. We will be praying that all is well for you and your family. You have given so much to others, you have a good neshamah. Be well.
Thank you for sharing your story. It pains me to see so many families in the same situation as yours. I hope the firefighters can contain all the fires soon. May god bless you and and the families affected.
Dealing with fire situations is awful, but we are survivers and so are you. Good luck and may you and your family have all the support you need right now. God be with you.
Wow! It is sad to read about what you and your family are going through right now. I too, feel like I know you through your newsletter. My family and I are praying for you and hope that the fires are put out soon. I write to you from
Fresno, California. Keep us up to date so that we may know that you and your family are OK. God bless you and yours and may He keep you safe always.
Sad Greetings from Puerto Rico:
My heart is with you and your family in this hard moment.
I hear the Cable News and can’t imagine how hard it could be. Hope health and well being comes upon your family…Have and love one another..the rest will come later.
Sincerely Ms Delgado
Dear Mrs. Feldman: I am six years old and I want you to know that I am sorry about the fire. I want to tell you that I like your newsletter; I play with the ideas. I hope you are safe.
Love
HannaH
Dear Barbara and family,
I am overwhelmed by your courage and concern to share your story with us when you are facing such calamity. All my family members are praying for your safety. Hoping to hear from you again….
My daughter and I have looked forward to your web news for years and she has literally “grown up” with you. We both both hope you and your family are safe.
I can only imagine what must be going through your minds as you leave. I hope that your evacuation was only a precautionary measure.
God Bless.
Chris and Rachel
Hope people from that area find peace and comfort soon coming out of the tragicevents.
For people like us sitting far away at the other end of the world it was just another fire in California.But your message has made us feel the heat of the fire as if it were next door. We can understand your anxiety and fear of losing things and people precious to you. Leaving your home in such uncertainity is hard for any one to deal with.May God grant you strength to cope with these difficult times and may you be a source of inspiration to others.
Hope you are all safe–my thoughts are with you!
I pray for you and your family.
Along with the other messages and prayers, know that ours are with you too. When we loaded a storage space with our belongings a few years ago due to threats of fires close to home in Colorado, we too, had to carefully and selectively pack things away. Each of our children was given one box to hold keepsakes, etc. All children packed their tallis from Bar and Bat Mitzvah along with their Sunday School keepsakes. That was an amazing process to witness. You are in many hearts and minds at this difficult time. Hang in there. Teri
You have no idea how much I feel I have come to know you over the past few years…please know that you and your family are in our prayers here in NJ.
Thank you for sharing. I can only imagine how hard it is. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,as well as the other Californians who are out there away from their homes.
Barbara,
Over the years you have been my friend and don’t even know it. You have your own folder, and keep me abreast of the best lessons ideas and utmost best ideas out there on the web. FIRST-Nice to meet you my dear friend…Thank you for sharing your family with us. Know that this is a trial that someday will be behind you, but now as you go through it, know dear Barbara…. God is Right there, his hand and arms will reach for you and your family now and always. Find the way to others going through this, but DO NOT have the hope that GOD gives us. You are my hero, and I will be praying sister.
Love and Prayers
Tammy Hunt
Oakdale CA
Hi Barbara and family,
Please know that you and your family and the rest of California etc are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you so very much for sharing your story with us. God’s blessings in this very trying time. Remember, you are not alone in this terrible ordeal.
With Christian Greetings
Audrey Tromp
I hope that it is somewhat of a comfort to you to know that there are many of us out here praying for you and your family. We will never truely understand all that you are going through, but know that we care about you. Hope to hear from you soon.
Beth from Rochester, New York
Be safe. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May the winds die down and the fires be extinquished soon.
Sue
We are so thankful that you and your family are well and safe. Dont look back on yesterday but keep your chins up and look forward to tomorrow…The sun will still rise for you and the moon and stars will shine on you too. Your friends and family are safe, surround yourselves with them and concentrate on NOW. I pray that all worries will be lessened for your family and that god will guide your family through this hard time.
Brenda and family in Honolulu, HI
I pray that you and your family are well. As long as your family are safe that’s all that matters. I’m so glad you DID evacuate. Life cannot be replaced Stuff can be.
Me and my family would like to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. It’s already a blessing to know that you and your family are safe. I know it must be a traumatic situation for you and your family, but you will overcome this, be strong. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always at this difficult time.
May God Bless you and your family every step of the way.
Oh My, thank you for sharing and you and your family are in my prayers!!
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
praying for you all at this stressing time
mary N.Ireland
So many e-mails, newsletters and lists in our jobs and lives, but your newsletter has always had a lovely human component. I’m sure I can speak for all of us in hoping and praying for you and yours! You are not alone! Take care and worry not about Surfnet!
Dear Barbara and Family,
My prayers and good wishes are with you and all the people going through this terrible ordeal. Keep the fait and stay well.
Syosset, New York
Dear Barbara.
I hope you and your family are safe and secure. I hope your house survives. You
Sending my sincerest wishes for the safety and protection of you and your family. You are always an inspiration and you continue to be during this time when you are being courageous and strong. Be well. From Joanne Sleightholm in Toronto Ontario Canada.
From Virginia, we’re watching and hoping all is well with you and your family.
Barbara,
You and your family are in my prayers. God will watch over you and keep you safe.
Lisa in Binghamton, NY
I am praying for your family and all of the other families whose lives are being affected by these fires.
We have been watching all the events as they unfold on television. I can only imagine going through what you have. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. As an animal lover, I have worried about all the animals that might have been left behind. I could never leave my animals, and I saw on tv today that people were being encouraged to bring their animals, even to some of the shelters. Thank God we learned something from Katrina. Take care. Debbie from Hartsville, SC
Barbara,
I am praying for you and your family. I hope your house survives. We lost our house in Hurricane Hugo. It isn’t easy to deal with the insurance people. Good thinking to make a video.
I hope you won’t have to use it.
Keep us posted,
Dee
McKeesport, Pa
Your entire family is in my prayers, best of luck!
I’m so bad at making choice of things to leave with, when emergency situation calls; I feel your pain, knowing that your case involves your home; (your weakest point, in this situation). Predominantly, what counts best in this situation, is the safety of your family.
I pray that the good Lord will see you through this unprecedented trial; you’ll all get back home, with enough stories and lessons to tell us…. Stay safe.
Bless you all.
May God send Angels to watch over you.
Be safe.
Lots of Love and Light.
Mick
x x x x
x x x
Hi Barbara! I pray that God will extend His great Love and Peace to you and your family during this harrowing time. Living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, I have so far never had to contend with such an experience, but my thoughts are with you and your family.
God be with you and yours. I hope everything goes well for you. You are in my prayers. Let us know how things turn out for you.
Last Sunday about dusk my husband and I were hiking in a small hill in Beijing, when suddenly we were hit by a scene that a heartattacked lady in about her fifty were lieing on the ground gasping for everything breath, her body were twisting,the panicked husband neglect the shouting leaving the patient lie flat and blow into her mouth, I shouted also but I also shouted that just hold her hands, this time he listened and followed. finally a hiking doctor passed by and stay helping, more medical professionals arrived later, some physical treatment were given but still no medicine…I was so shocked…But God answered our prayer and the lady stayed safe until the ambulence with oxygen sack and medicines arrived. On the site I said to my self and my husband now we will begin to understand NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN OUR BEING SAFE AND WELL AND THE WHOLE FAMILY STAY TOGETHER ALL SAFE AND WELL…
Barbara, I pray that God be with you and his blessing be with you with the littlest test!
And I want to use this chance to thank you, I benefit so much from your newletters, and I just decided to updated to a printable membership.
a two-year reader-Yuehua
Thinking and praying for you all from Hungary:
Margo
All the way from Baltimore, we are thinking about you and yours, and praying for the winds to bring rain instead of fire, keeping your lives and possessions safe and intact. Keep on blogging!
Prayers from me to you and yours.
Your Canadian Collegue,
Brenda
I am sorry to hear you had to evacuate. You, your family and everyone that has been affected by the fires are in our prayers here in Mexico City.
As long as you took yourselves, the most important thing survives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and neighbors. We have lived in Central Florida since 1967 and remember the summer of 1998 when the wild fires started and the hurricanes of 2004. The difficulty of choosing what to take and the uncertainty of evacuating your home is not something we ever want to be faced with. We hope you will be in your home again soon.
Thank you for this blog. I grew up near Modesto, California. I now live near the Atlantic coast, but my roots are still in the West. I have been following the news on this terrible fire. I wish you well.
Greetings from Guyana South America. I have been reading about the raging fires and the displacement of families and their cherished possessions which can never be replaced. Our prayers are with you.
I hope that your house will be spared as the firemen do their best to bring it under control.
This is a tough time for all of you, but do remember where there is life there is hope. Let us cherish our lives.
At the end of this ordeal you would be a different person. Stay well and keep your family safe and together in peace, love and harmony.
Ninian Blair.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers…
Best of luck! I have most of your best newsletters archived in case you didn’t backup off site! (warning to all of us with precious things on our computers !)
We are all thinking of you and your family. Please stay safe. We will pray for your house!
Best of luck! I have most of your best newsletters archived in case you didn’t backup off site! (warning to all of us with precious things on our computers !)
I hope everything is okay with you and your family. Also, for all those others that have lost everything. Take care and may God Bless you and your Family.
Wendy
I?m praying for you too from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I ask the Lord to protect you, your family and your home.
God bless you, Virginia
I am so sorry to hear about how the fires have affected you. I can’t help but think that if our National Guard was all here things would be different. Please let us know how you are doing. Thank you for all that you always do.
When we all take the time to search our hearts and souls, the people who have helped us through bad times with their good deeds and kindnesses live on with us and give us hope for the future. Hoping and praying that you, your family, neighbors and all the firefighters putting their lives on the line each day are safe and cared for.
You are in my thoughts and prayers….
Our prays and thoughts are with you all. Be safe, from Toronto, Ontario.
Dear Barbara,
We, in India, pray for the safety of all of you, affected by the rage of the fires. It must be so upsetting to leave home in these circumstances. Our prayers for all of you out there. May God give solace and comfort to each of you in these moments of distress, and keep you in His care always.
Warm regards and love.
I am so sorry dear sis…. my heart was crying after i read your letter… rest assured that our prayers will go with you and your family. keep up the braveheart!! We love you sis!
Our prayers and best wishes are with you , your family and all those affected by the fires. Take care.
My God bless and watch over you and your family at this very difficut time.
Prayers from my family to yours
London, Ontario Canada
Ever since I heard of the fires in California, I’ve been praying nightly for people to be safe and sound, will continue until all embers are out.
Take care Barbara, from a reader in Kingston, Ontario, Canada
I cannot even imagine what you are going through. We have had flood waters in our area (Illinois) but nothing compares to what you are going through. Praying that you and your family continue to have protection and that we soon will be reading Surfnet once more!
We had moved north of San Diego just this spring and found ourselves doing the fire watch. Not knowing where the canyons, etc were that they referred to made it difficult to know when to go so we relied on neighbors. Have been really impressed with the area’s organization and emergency services. We went through Hugo some yeas ago and lost a great part of our house so we know what we need on this end. Our adult children had to evacuate from one of the fires in the south but we made it through up north with just a recommendation (we didn’t go) and all are okay. My heart goes out to those who lost their homes. Now we all need to work together to help. Could this have been easier with all of the CA Guard in place at home? Who knows – grounds for a good investigation for the future.
Our prayers are with you and your friends and neighbors. God bless you in this trying time.
Be assured of my prayers for you and the family (four legged and two)
Rosie
Barbara, I have been sharing with the boys I teach about your ordeal. It makes things very real and we have come to realise that we take so much for granted. In my whole class only 5 boys had kits ready for a CD emergency.
You are in our prayers over here in NZ. We look forward to reading your diary entries.
Praying for you and your family. Have evacuated many times as I live in hurricane country. Making those decisions of what to take is really tough. Wishing you all the best!
From an avid reader and fan.
The New Zealand news is full of the fires. Its hard to imagine what you guys must be going through. We have been hammered by 150km – 200km winds with trees down, no power and roofs blown away in some areas. Our situation pales into insignificance with what is being reported.
Kia Kaha. (be strong)
I was so surprised…have read you for years…did not know you were a neighbor. We, too, packed the photos and albums, special papers, yearbooks, survival clothing in preparation for evacuation. During the Cedar Fires 4 years ago we were evacuated. Today, I am saying prayers of Thanksgiving that we were not called as it passed to the near north of us. Many were evacuated and many lost their homes. Schools are closed county wide this week. You may watch live coverage at
Pat
Barbara, I am sending you and your family our thoughts and our prayers.
Joyce & Marc and family.
God Bless
Please know that prayers are being said for you and for all of the many families in CA. We have similar situations here in B.C. (although not right now) and it is wonderful to know that people come from all over to help each other.
Our insurance agent had recommended listing or photographing our books in the event of fire or other difficulty as “most people only have 30 or 40” and ours number in the hundreds (at least). Like you, do you think we’ve done it yet…it’s a timely reminder.
Good luck!!
Dear Barbara, my prayers are with you. We all indian are with you.May God keep you safe and sound.
May God be with you and your family during this trying time in your lives. Best wishes always!!
My prayers are with you and your family. Glad to hear you’re all safe. I pray for all who are suffering take care and God Bless. Is your home OK?
Dear Barbara, you did the right thing to evacuate when you did. I pray that when you return your house will be OK. I live in Australia and am all too familliar with the bush fires here – lost one home in 1953 and managed to save another home and 35 horses in 1981. Please let me know if you need any financial assistance. In the meantime my prayers are with you.
OMG!!! I’m so glad you found my e-mail address and found me and wrote me so that I could write to you! My thoughts and my heart goes out to you and your Family!! I’m so sorry you and your family had to go through this!! It is so sad..From Day 1 I’ve been Watching you and your family and making sure that everyone is o.k I’m stuck right now because I’m still surrounded by fires right now!! But I want you and your Family To Now that I’m Here for you and please keep me informed about you and that I would love to help you rebuild..from this nasty disaster!!! I don’t want nothing from you it’s my heart to your heart…and your family stacey
God may keep you safe and sane.
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you and your family.
My wishes are with you. We have two dogs, five cats and three kids. I can’t even begin to imagine what it would take to evacuate them, or to where.
My wishes are with you. We have two dogs, five cats and three kids. I can’t even begin to imagine what it would take to evacuate them, or to where.
My wishes are with you. We have two dogs, five cats and three kids. I can’t even begin to imagine what it would take to evacuate them, or to where.
This must be incredibly frightening to you and your family. Know that you have my prayers for your safety and your home to be left untouched by this tragedy. I know others have expressed the same sentiments but when all is said and done, most things can be replaced but people (and our beloved pets) cannot. I’m glad your photos were saved so that your family history can be preserved as well. I think I would have done the same, but perhaps I would have packed a few more clothes. Living in central New York, we have an abundance of weather conditions!! God bless you and your family. I hope you are able to continue all your good work with SurfNetKids in the future.
Wow, I can only imagine what you are going through. We had to evacuate from our home in Florida during hurricanes Frances and Jean. I and my 2 young sons were terrified. But like many have said before me, you, your family and pets are important, along with pictures and some items that cannot be replaced. Take care and
God Bless.
Pam Martin
Sebastian, Fl.
You wrote:
We packed two cars with two dogs, two cats and our stuff.
Important:WE…DOGS…CATS…all the rest
IS STUFF!
Good luck and blessings (from Brazil)to you and your family.
You and your family are in my prayers. As well as all the countless other affected by the fires.
O my our prayers are with you and your family! Please be safe and I will praying for all of you in need at this time!
Wow Barbara, heres wishing you and yours well from Cape Town RSA.
I hope you and your family, as well as your personal belongs and home come out of this unscathed. I know it’s a traumatic experience and very frightening, but as long as you are with your family and you’re safe, nothing else really matters. I wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers.
My thoughts are with you in this hard time. My thanks and love go with you. Diana
Barbara, my prayers are with you and your family. Thank-you for all you do for kids. Bless you.
My prayers for the safety of you and your loved ones.
My prayers for all who have lost their homes in this terrible fire. We in United Kingdom have no idea of what this must be like for you all.
May God bless all in California and take care of each and every one of you.
Bronwen, Gwent, South Wales, UK.
I’m sure that anywhere you go, if your family is with you, everything will be ok.
Will keep praying for you, your family and all the other families that are suffering by these fires.
I live in the Texas Panhandle, and we experienced the largest brush fire in our state’s history last year. The fire came within 5 blocks of our house. I know the fear and helplessness that you are experiencing and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you Barbara for doing such an excellent with SurfNet Kids. You, your family,and all your neighbors both far and near are in my prayers.
Prayers for you and all who are sufering loss at this time. We come to know over the years that pesonal belongings mean little in time of crisis. It is family, friends and pets that mean the most.
My prayers are with you and your family. We have good friends who have also been evacuated – I have been watching the maps and the progress of the fire as it relates to Rimini Rd and Brukburn Dr. Furtunately, so far both are at the edge of the evacuation areas and so far out of danger – I hope your home is also protected and this will soon pass.
Photos are precious, but the people are more so. As long as you have them, all will be OK.
I’ve come to think of you as one of my good friends over all these years and am praying for you all down there! Thanks for all your hard work.
Love from your friend, Judie
Almost 4 years ago, I came home from a dinner date with a friend to find my 1875 2nd Empire house on fire. Maybe some other time, I will give you more details, but I will tell what I learned.
When you lose “stuff” – even precious stuff – it is a major aggrevation. You may want to flee from the stress as you handle the business end of rebuilding your home, but it is not a tragedy, as long as your loved ones are OK. My mantra was “it is just stuff.” In honesty it was more than that, but the mantra helps me keep my perspective.
I also learned that I couldn’t control a lot of things, but I could affect a lot by my reactions and how I presented myself. There it is for what it is worth. ;<)
God Bless and keep you. In truth, He has because you and your family are safe.
Good people deserve to have good things happen; smart people do what needs to be done when events just can’t be controlled. May life return to normal soon for you and yours, and thanks for sharing your personal impact story of the great California inferno.
Good luck Barbara!
Your an angel. I hope everybody is safe which is more important than anything else.
Bill Metzger
May you find a safe landing spot until you can return home. God bless and you and family are in my prayers.
May you find a safe landing spot until you can return home. God bless and you and family are in my prayers.
May you find a safe landing spot until you can return home. God bless and you and family are in my prayers.
I pray that the fires are put out soon and that the Santa Ana winds die down. I hope you and your family are safe!
Sending you and your family thoughts and Prayers
God Bless
Thank you for putting a face to this tragedy. You do a wonderful job with SurfNet Kids, and I value it and look forward to each issue. I am thinking of you and your family, and hope that you will be able to return to your home (unscathed) very soon.
I am sorry, and I hope you all are ok. What would I take? Well, last year, Oct 29, we lost our house to a fire. Freak electrical wiring thing. And we were out so we lost everything. We managed to recover one of of our computers, and a digital camera, and all of my photos were saved. Beyond that, we lost everything. Know what? It was hard, but we got through it. And what I learned? It’s all just stuff. I don’t need it. We are back into our new, rebuilt home, and many things have been replaced.
Be safe.
Good luck to you and your family. We wish you nothing but the best.
Jim
I can’t even imagine the fear that must have run through you and your family. Everyone in California is in my prayers and thoughts.
Please know I’m praying for your family, for
God’s loving protection, that all of you will
be safe and that you will have a home to
return to. 🙂
Best to you and yours and all those effected by the fires. Being on the east coast it is hard to grasp what is really happening on the west coast. Thanks for sharing your story. Prayers for you all!
Karin.
You’ve done a wonderful job with SurNetKids. Wonderful people deserve wonderful things. I pray for you, your family, and all of your “neighbors” both near and far in California.
Wishing you and your family good luck and may the winds die. A blessing goes out to all involved with trying to control the fire.
Wishing you and your family good luck and may the winds die. A blessing goes out to all involved with trying to control the fire.
Best to you and yours and all those effected by the fires. Thanks for sharing your story.
Karin.
So where are you and your family now?
Four computers?!?!?! But good luck and blessings to you and your family!