The Bastrop Complex Fire

Four years ago, my parents bought their "retirement" home in Bastrop, Tx. Bastrop is about 35 miles east of Austin on HWY 71. The house is amazing. It sits right in front off the first tee box on Pine Forest Golf Course, and right across from the Colorado River. You can actually see the river from their front porch. For a girl from Muleshoe, TX, this is an incredible thing. I mean, a freaking RIVER y'all! I didn't know it at the time, but I was pregnant with Ella when they closed on the house. When I found out I was pregnant, I was actually pissed that they had bought the house, and that my child would grow up not knowing the house that I called home in Muleshoe. At that time, Mom and Dad did not spend much time there. They were probably there about once a month. Kyle and his wife, Christi, and Max and I would go spend a weekend a piece there, to make sure that everything was working, and that the house was okay. In about three months, that house was a part of our family. We had friends in Bastrop. And I don't mean people we said "Hi" to, people that became a part of our family. Bastrop quickly became home, and Muleshoe became a place we liked to visit and see old friends. Ella has only known "The Bastrop House" as we call it, as Nanny and Daddo's...she only saw my childhood home twice. We have spent a couple of Christmas days there, some Thanksgivings, an Easter, four Halloweens, and a couple of Independence Days. It is our home.
Last Sunday, Kyle and Christi had come in with their dog, Deacon, and I went to get Ella (she had stayed with Mom and Dad all weekend so Max and I could get some work done on the house-- which we didn't do!). Since I had Labor Day off, I decided Ella and I could stay Sunday night and go home Monday. Mom and I were planning a baby shower for my friend Betsy, that was to be held at the house the following Saturday. I knew we weren't going to be there very long that morning, because we had planned to help Christi pick out some maternity clothes (YAY!) in Austin. We all piled in Mom and Dad's Yukon, and headed out. We had a great day. Lunch at Abuelo's, shopping at Barton Creek Square, and we were having so much fun on the way home. Kyle was driving and I was sitting in the front seat with him. As we pulled into Bastrop, there were several fires going. We had planned to BBQ some chicken, and I heard Dad say to Mom, "Terri, we better not barbeque the chicken, we may catch the whole neighborhood on fire." The wind was blowing like we were in the panhandle, and it was hot. The conditions were favorable for fires. We could see smoke up ahead, and as we drove closer, we realized how serious it really was. There was a police car blocking HWY 71 towards the entrance of Tahitian Village (their neighborhood). Mom and Dad were both trying to tell Kyle how to get in a "secret" entrance. I could see Kyle's brain saying, "DEACON, DEACON, DEACON." We u-turned and got to where we could go in the secret way, Kyle was visibly shaken, as were Mom and Dad. I started to get scared, and Ella was singing something in the backseat. We were the only car trying to get in, there was already traffic piling up of cars trying to get out. People were waving us away, trying to get us turned around, flashing their lights at us. It was terrifying, but we made it to the house. The smoke was getting thicker and closer. We all hugged Deacon when we walked in the door, and we threw stuff in bags and loaded up the cars. Then we joined the line of cars evacuating Tahitian Village.
After 30 minutes of stop-and-go traffic, we made it to the Best Buy parking lot in Bastrop. We got out of our cars, and held each other. All I could think about was how sorry I felt for my parents. My parents, who I have watched work their asses off my whole life for Kyle and me, and for that house. My parents, who work harder than anyone else I have ever known, and who deserve their dream house on a golf course by a river...and it was all going to burn to the ground. We all cried there in that Best Buy parking lot. We re-grouped, went to a gas station and filled up all three cars, and went to the Hilton at the Austin-Bergstrom Airport. We slept, actually, we didn't sleep, there that night, knowing that many people, even friends, were losing everything. It was a very tough night, that is all I'll say about that.
The next morning, we got up and checked the news, and found out from a neighbor that the house had survived the first night of fires, but things didn't look good for the day. Ella and I went home, to San Antonio, with the fire in our rearview mirror. Kyle and Christi went home, to Houston with the fire in their rearview mirror. All I did for three days was read Facebook posts and my Twitter feed. I didn't even really teach my classes! I just gave them all busy work and book work--bad teacher!
After a week of conflicting reports, bad news, and false posts, we found out that the house is fine. So are the homes of many good friends.
Today, I took a carload of donations from my students and myself there. I dropped everything off at the Chili's in Bastrop. They were having a free pancake breakfast for the victims, and also a donation drive and giveaway. When we got everything out of my car, they told me, "Go in and get some breakfast and some coffee." I couldn't do it...that wasn't for me. I had two cups of coffee already this morning...WHILE LAYING IN MY BED!!! The people who were to eat that breakfast slept on cots in school gyms.
I met up with Mom and Dad, who are doing pretty well, despite the fact that they are not being let into their home yet. We went to Elgin (a short drive up Hwy 95) to attend the baby shower that was supposed to be at our place. We left early because we thought we were going to be let onto Riverside, so we could finally see the place, and clean out the fridge, which I'm sure is disgusting. But we were not let in, and they probably will not be let in until Monday, maybe even Tuesday. We drove down Hwy 71 to Smithville, past the Bastrop State Park, that stretch of highway was reopened this morning. Anyone who knows that area knows that it is called "Lost Pines" because of the amazing pine trees. They are all gone. All of them. That stretch of road now looks as if a bomb has gone off. Everything is destroyed, save some random lucky structures. We came back and had lunch at one of our favorite places...The Roadhouse. We all thought it was gone, and had actually heard that it had burned down that first night...but it was there. That burger was comfort.
Bastrop is a special community. Everywhere I looked today, there were tents set up for people to come get clothing and water...there were special tents set up for the firefighters with water, Gatorade and snacks. I have a feeling that Bastrop didn't "need" the fire to bring everyone together, because everyone was already together. Since four years ago, when Mom and Dad bought the house, I have felt that we, our family, was a part of a special community. Please, if you read this, and I know it is really long, pray for those who have lost everything, the two souls that have left the community, and everyone else who has had to deal with this terrible drought, fire season, and destruction in all of Texas. Our state is too beautiful for it all to go up in flames.
With all of this said, I feel so lucky to be drinking my wine out of my refrigerator, slipping into my own bed, and falling asleep with a roof over my head tonight. Count your blessings, everyone. They are plentiful.

Been awhile...I know

Okay, since the last update was right after Halloween, I need to post today. And actually, it is the first moment I have had any time to do so. Thank goodness for the impromptu attitude of the weather in South Texas! It was very nice to have a little break on Friday. Max was even asked not to go in to work that day, so we had so much fun hanging out as a family, with no place to go, and nothing to do. Unfortunately, Ella got a little sick that night, but felt much better on Saturday.

So here are the updates:
Thanksgiving was great. We spent it in Houston with Kyle and Christi, Christi's family, and Max's sister Chrissy. Chrissy accompanied us to the Museum of Natural Science for the Pirate exhibit, and to the Houston Children's Museum (which is AWESOME).

Christmas was spent here at our home with Joe and Adele. They flew in from Denver and were here almost a week. We have so much fun with them and miss them when they leave. Joe helped me get the Mac running quicker and updating it a little. Chichi and Grandpa Joe kept Ella while Max and I went to see "True Grit" for our 8th anniversary! It was a great time.

My 31st birthday was pretty great. We didn't really do anything special, but I did get out of the house to enjoy Girlie Night at the Alamo Drafthouse here in San Antonio. The movie was "Pretty in Pink!" It was so much fun.

That brings us to the snow day...I was not surprised when I got a call from the district early Friday morning. The lady on the other end had just finished making 3 dozen cupcakes for our scheduled potluck that day. She told me they were going to eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all weekend! I had to laugh at that.

So, without further ado...here are the random pics from the last three months. Enjoy!

One of the better pictures from Christmas. Seriously, we didn't take many this year!

The Light Tree at Sights and Sounds of Christmas.

Me, on my Birthday. Photo by Ella Wimmer

Ella "trudging" through the snow.

Vintage Mom and Ella.

Halloween and Strep Throat

Halloween weekend was AWESOME! Saturday, Max and I participated in the Feast of the Heart 5K...my first ever! It was so great. Max ran the 5K in under thirty minutes and I walked it in about fifty-four minutes. When we done, we drove to Bastrop to have a Halloween Fun Fest with Mom and Dad and our friends Sarah and Darrell. Sarah is my best friend from college and their little boy, Reagan, is almost two years old. They came out to Mom and Dad's and stayed the night with us. The kids painted pumpkins, had a practice trick-or-treat, and ate hot dogs (Halloweenies!) We had a blast, but, Sunday afternoon while the boys were playing golf, we took the kids to the park. I noticed Ella looking a little tired and running a little slower. By the time we got back to the house, she was running fever. She and I stayed home together the next day because I started hacking up my lungs that day, and having some major problems with my asthma. Max took Ella to the doctor that afternoon, and she confirmed that Ella had strep throat...she stayed out of school until Thursday!! Anyway, we are all feeling better. In fact, we got out of the house this morning and did some fall/winter clothes shopping. All my winter clothes make me look like the StaPuft Marshmellow man from Ghostbusters! WAY TOO BIG! WOOHOO! Weight update: Down 40 pounds as of today! Enjoy this great fall everyone!
Here are some pics of Hahn Halloween Fun Fest and post Trick-or-Treating.

It's Fall Y'all!

October has been an interesting month, to say the least. It has been an emotional roller coaster and I am kind of glad that it is almost over! I always get a little emotional in October. My Papa James passed away 17 years ago this month (October 22). Even though I was only 13, I was pretty close to him. I miss his laugh more than anything. Also, Max's sister, Chrissy, had her double mastectomy on Friday, October 15th. Max and I spent the next day with her and her husband Jay, and I have to say this, the cancer didn't get in the way of some good laughing. Despite the circumstances, we actually had an okay time. It wasn't all rainbows and unicorns, but it wasn't all gloom and doom either.
Ella on the other hand, had an amazing time. She got to stay with Uncle Kyle and Aunt Christy while we were with Chrissy and Jay (yeah, Ella gets a little confused some times having two aunts with VERY similar names). Kyle and Christi took Ella to the Houston Zoo and spent ALL DAY there! They saw an orangutan, elephants (including a baby named Tupelo), and all kinds of monkeys. Ella even got to pet and brush some goats that apparently stunk it up big time. This weekend has been great. Yesterday, we took Ella to a great pumpkin patch at Bracken Methodist Church. This is a great little historical church a little off the beaten path, and by that I mean IH-35. We bought 6 pumpkins, 3 of which Ella picked out all by herself. Then, as if that wasn't enough, last night the three of us participated in Light the Night. We joined my surgical group's team and had a great time.
Speaking of the surgery, I am almost 2 months out. Since I started the whole process (I am counting the 2 weeks that I had to pre-op diet) I am down 35 pounds. I am noticing (so are others) my pants fitting loose, I have dropped a whole bra size, and I can really see a difference in my face. More importantly, I have more energy, my joints are hurting less, and I haven't had to use my inhaler near as much, which is a HUGE thing since I am so allergic to ragweed and mold and they have both been no lower than in the moderate category for the past month. I am actually anxious to get to a doctor's office so that I can get an accurate reading on my blood pressure, which I am sure is down as well. WOOHOO! Aside from marrying Max, best decision ever. So, to celebrate, here are some photos from the pumpkin patch. Happy Halloween and Fall Y'all!


Mommy and Ella at the Bracken Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch

Daddy and Ella in the pumpkins

She is very in to the Halloween thing, and she loves the pumpkins most of all.

I can't believe how big she is compared to last year.

Hugging the pumpkin

"I'm gonna get one?"

I promise to post pictures of the finished products after we butcher them by making them into Jack O' Lanterns later!

Some stuff...

Well, I am two and a half weeks into my lap-band life, and I am feeling pretty great. I have lost 27 pounds, so about 10 pounds since my last post. I am eating normal food again (except for most carbs-those I can add back in on the 21st), tonight I actually had some good ol' Texas BBQ from Cooper's in New Braunfels. It was yummy. I am amazed at how little food I am actually getting full on. Five weeks ago, I would have had a whole plate of food, and then ate dessert 20 minutes later. Now I am eating no more than a cup at one sitting, no snacks, no desserts. Although, tonight I did have some sugar free Jell-O, but that doesn't count (seriously, my nutritionist said so).
In other news, we lost some shingles off the roof during Tropical Storm Hermine. We had an insurance adjuster come over on Thursday, and we will be getting some money, we just aren't sure how much yet. We are really ready to get our house fixed up so we can put it on the market. To move where? Anyway, we are trying not to get too excited, but we do need a new roof.
Also, I have a little prayer request...actually it is a big one. My best friend is going through some tough things right now. Her dad has been having "spells" (dizzy, light-headed, etc.) He has some health problems, so he figured it was just complications, but last week took a trip to the ER, was admitted, tests were ran, and a malignant brain tumor was found. My friend is one of the strongest people I know, and I can always count on her and her crazy sense of humor to help me pull through my tough times. All good vibes, thoughts, and prayers sent her way will be much appreciated.
With that said, I will leave on a light note and post some pics.



Ella getting ready to go to a party


SLIDING!!


Ella and Daddy on the train at Breckinridge Park



One night, Ella was eating a PB&J, and looked like The Joker. This is the result of her having crazy parents.

We are still here!!

I know it has been 10 months since my last post, which was Halloween! I feel like such a slacker. Here are some updates. I am still teaching in Seguin, Max is still working for the seed company. Ella turned two in May, which I can't even believe. We found out that Max's sister, Chrissy, has breast cancer...which was a complete punch in the gut for all of us. She is so strong and is taking it all like a freaking champ! She has her last round of chemo soon and will undergo some surgery and radiation in Houston beginning next month. I made a huge decision in the path of my life and actually had Lap-Band surgery yesterday. Since I started the whole process (pre-op diet) I have lost about 18 pounds, which is both exhilarating and encouraging. I know I will do well with this because I have to. I have to be around and healthy for my family. So there you go...a Wimmer Family update. Here are some select pics of the last 10 months.


Max and Ella at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi



Ella and her pal Reagan feeding Gus.


That bow only lasted a few minutes, but it sure was cute.


Race for the Cure, San Antonio


Ella's birthday party (notice the photos are not in chronological order, they are backwards!)

Sk-ELLA-ton

I'm not going to lie, my neighborhood is a little scary. However, it seems that on Halloween the gangsters and drug dealers let go of their wild ways and take their kids out for free candy. We had so much fun passing out candy-Ella really had fun dropping candy into other trick-or-treaters' bags. In fact, she would drop a few pieces into a bag and then chase the princess or ghoul or monster down to give away a few more pieces! Sometimes she even got as far as the end of the driveway trying to give out more candy!
This was also our first foray into going house to house, begging for candy. I have not always been a huge trick-or-treat fan, until we lived in Pleasanton, that is. Apparently, when we lived in Pleasanton, we lived on the most trick-or-treated street in all of history-seriously 20 bags of candy. But even in our neighborhood now, we had a good time. Ella definitely had a great time and got so many compliments on her skelleton costume (lovingly made by hand by ChiChi-Adele Wimmer, and previously worn by Cousin Annie). By the end of the night, all the candy was gone and Ella was exhausted. We tried to keep her up for an extra hour for the time change, but we weren't able to do that. We had a great time and we can't wait for next Halloween. MUAHAHAHA! (that is my evil laugh!)