Sunday, January 17, 2010

Lost in the Quake

On January 8th, there was a 6.5 earthquake in Eureka, California. My parents, my brother and his family, as well as several friends were effected by the quake. We are so thankful that the damage was nowhere near the devastation suffered in Haiti, however, my parents still suffered loss and damage.

The house is still in shambles. A broken toilet in the upstairs bathroom caused major water damage. Now they only have one toilet (downstairs) and very noisy dehumidifiers and fans going 24 hours a day in both bathrooms to dry things out. There are also holes in the ceiling in the dining room because of the damage. They also had broken windows, cracks in the walls and the house shifted from it's foundation. They are getting estimates from 2 or 3 contractors to put things back together, but the repairs will not be quick. Mom said, "Oh the joys of living in a 105 year old house!!!"

The pantry and cupboards in the kitchen emptied in the quake. Among the broken dishes, smashed into a million pieces, was mom's set of Colonial Homestead china. My grandma had given them to her and she had just recently gotten rid of her everyday dishes and decided to start using this set.


Mom has been able to replace a few pieces via ebay. I think the search has kept her mind off of everything else. I'll be keeping an eye out for more at flea markets, yard sales and antique malls. I would LOVE to replace and add to her set. So all of my thrifty-shopper friends, while you're out and about, you keep an eye out too. Let me know if y'all find any.

xoxo,
Julie

5 comments:

  1. Shit Julie!! I had no idea there was a local earthquake of nearly the same magnitude at the one in Haiti! I am so sorry for your parents loss! I can't imagine the fear and loss they must feel. My prayers are with them.

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  2. I am so sorry honey to read this about your sweet family. My prayers are with you all. I will keep an eye out for the dishes too!

    Hugs, Kim

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  3. hi julie - geez, i hadn't even heard about this earthquake - i'm sorry for your folks.
    i have two large bowls by royal china. they are white & blue, marked "currier & ives" on the back, not homestead. they look very similar to the ones in your post. if you think your mom would want them, i'd be happy to send them down. my son would say that's two less bowls to put peas in....

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  4. Oh I am so sorry to hear about the earthquake. I grew up in Yuba City so am well familiar with Eureka.
    I hope your mom finds an entire set of dishes in the back of the thrift store for $4.99. I know your sweet friend Maija.
    Take a look at my blog today and let me know if anything interests you.

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