I still can’t believe it!  Our beautiful log home burned to the ground on Father’s Day, June 21st.  A total loss…  It started from a small appliance that was plugged in and not working.  Hate to point fingers, but both the insurance and fire departments said it was most likely started by our Keurig Coffee maker.  Although it was not in use, it was plugged in and somehow shorted out.  Lesson:  Unplug all small appliances when not in use.  Craig and I came home from breakfast that morning and got our 2 dogs and 1 cat out.  However, we lost our 20 year old orange tabby cat Nala, who was overcome by the smoke.  The volunteer fire departments from Eleva, Strum and Independence were wonderful- so many came even though it was Father’s Day!   They got the fire out but the house was heavily damaged by the fire, smoke and water.  The Red Cross arrived and gave us a hotel in Eau Claire so we packed up a few items and left around suppertime.  However, the fire somehow rekindled again in the night and burned to the ground before anyone could save it.

We are devastated by what we lost, especially the things that can’t be replaced.  Mom’s journals, her lefse maker and supplies, Gramma’s antique hutch, Craig’s guns handed down from his father and uncles, photos, and momentos from our past. But, Craig and I are not dwelling on these things right now.  We are looking to the future and rebuilding the home we loved.  Plans are already in the works for the new home.  Originally the home was a material package from Golden Eagle Log Homes in Wisconsin Rapids, WI that we contracted and built ourselves.  We do not have the heart to do that again!  Our insurance will pay for replacement costs so we can have it rebuilt like it was- only someone else will build it!  And, we have replacement coverage on the contents.  We consider ourselves lucky that nobody was hurt, except for the loss of our cat Nala.  R.I.P Nala- you were a sweet kitty!  

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