Friday January 6th 12:30ish

For those of you that do not know, there was a fire at my house on Friday. I was the only one home except of course for my animals. I foolishly lit a candle in my basement laundry room to combat a terrible smell coming from that room. I proceeded to shut the door and go take a shower. I heard the smoke detector go off while I was chatting on the phone in my bedroom.

When I opened the laundry room door both the washer and dryer tops were in flames. I ran upstairs and filled my milking pot with water, thinking I could handle things myself and my husband would NEVER find out. Half way down the stairs to the laundry room the smoke was too thick. I changed course ran to the house phone and dialed 911. The phone rang 3 times and the line went dead. The fire had burned the wires. I immediately opened the front door and shoved Ruby, my dog out. I ran upstairs to my room where I had left the cell phone and ran down dialing 911. Then I did something else wrong. I returned to the kitchen to open the back door. I didn't have time to find my cat and was thinking she could run out if the doors were open.

The kitchen was completely engulfed in thick black smoke. It was like swallowing water. I made it back out the front door to claim Ruby and wait. Within in minutes a Madison Police Officer had Park Avenue blocked off. The firemen were only seconds behind. Everything moved in slow motion. I tried Joe's cell over and over, no answer, called his job, no one knew where he was. I was frantic. It's terrible to watch as everything you have is in danger and you can't stop it.

Thankfully a good friends husband came and placed a chair in the center of the yard and put me in it. Stay put, you're too close to the smoke. My brother in law and niece arrived next. I could breath again. An officer came over to talk to me and asked where my husband was... me being who I am answered without thinking. He must be with his mistress, no one can find him. The look on the man's face made me realize he thought I was being serious. I quickly told him I was a ridiculous woman and to not put that in the report, when times are tough I get sarcastic. Another of my more endearing qualities. It turns out Joe was on Rt. 10 picking up Andrew's skis for ski trip that night.

Imagine his delight to find not 1 but 4 fire departments at his house. I guess there is no keeping it from him now. We all stood there watching as firemen went in and came back out. Fans were placed to pull the smoke from the building. A mess. The men removed the now melted washer & dryer,as well as a great deal of ruined stuff. The boys arrived home next. Joseph, my oldest, shaking his head asked, "What did you do now Mom?" I guess sarcasm runs in the family. The boys picked up Gracee and they went to my in-laws Chatham house. You better call your insurance agent someone advises, My cell is dead, of course, I borrow a phone and start the calls. Everyone is so nice and accommodating. Chubb is well worth the investment.

Joe and I stayed until we were allowed to grab a few essential with an escort. It's very hard to sort through your underwear drawer with a burly fireman watching. I don't know about you, but there are underwear for show and then there is underwear for comfort. This situation called for comfort. I gathered things for everyone and my engagement ring, what made me think of it I don't know. Back outside to watch as final inspection were made so that the house could be turned back over to us. I didn't want it back, I just wanted to hide, our things, our memories, how bad would the damage be. Upon inspection we found that the basement was gone. Heat from the fire had melted DVD players, the can lights had melted onto the couch, such destruction from one little glass jar candle.

Well the laundry room didn't smell anymore, now the whole house smells and there isn't a laundry room. The fire had been contained to the basement, smoke and water had hit the kitchen, the living room wall had been removed to check for additional hot spots. Smoke damage throughout. Our house is unlivable. I pack up my truck with the few belongings I had gathered and head to my temporary home generously supplied by my in-laws. I leave Joe and my brother in law to try and get a bit of electricity to the milk freezer and to the furnace so the pipes would not freeze and the milk would stay frozen. What had I done?