The whole state of Texas seems to be on fire. It is heart breaking.
Not only have Texans been dealing with a rough economy, a record heat wave with 80 days over 100 degrees and a drought that is killing our livestock, crops, and general way of life, now we are also fighting out of control wildfires that are not giving up easily. Our rivers and lakes are crazy low, if not completely dried up. Our firefighters are spread so thin because of the number of fires spread all over the state. And there is no forecast of rain any time soon.
And the fires that I am talking about are not out in the middle of nowhere. They are in the middle of cities, gobbling up homes, businesses, and cars and threatening lives. Austin, alone, has 8 really, really bad fires. It is so sad. It looks like a war zone. Across Texas, there have been 179 fires in the past 7 days. And they are saying that the collective burned area is equal to the size of Connecticut.
These fires are like a punch in the stomach to group of people that have already been pretty beaten up this year. It is just mean. And what is really scary is that there is no rain in the forecast, therefore new fires continue to pop up every day and will continue to until we get some rain.
But don't let that make you think that we are taking this lying down.
I know Texans often get a bad rap for being boastful and little too proud of where they come from. But it is times like this that I am extra proud to say that I am Texan. We may not be the prettiest or the most sophisticated, but we make up for it in other ways. We are hard working, scrappy individuals that will give the shirt off our back to help a stranger and do it all with a smile on our face. We refuse to act like victims. Now I am in no way saying that other states do not have individuals like this. But as a collective whole, Texas is state to be reckoned to with.
I am so proud of us right now! The ways that people are coming together is inspiring... whether it is taking strangers into their homes to enjoy a shower and clean bed, rescuing pets, providing trailers to evacuate horses, donating money, food, and supplies or even just offering some sweet tea to a parched firefighter. It is awesome. It makes me believe again in the good in people at a time in my life when I was starting to doubt it.
These fires better watch out... because we are coming to get you. And we are bringing friends from all over to help us.
A huge thank you to California, Arizona, and any other states that are sending us your firefighters. We promise to treat them really well, feed them good food, and call them "Honey" and "Sugar" the whole time they are here.
So if you have ever come down to Texas and enjoyed our awesome Mexican food, BBQ, sweet tea, and Southern hospitality, we are humbly asking for your help. Here are a few ways that you can:
Now it is your turn, link to your own post below and/or leave a comment with some relief information.
And thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. These are MY people, my city, my state that this is happening to. So anything that you do to help is liking helping me directly. And for that, there are no words to show how grateful I am.
Not only have Texans been dealing with a rough economy, a record heat wave with 80 days over 100 degrees and a drought that is killing our livestock, crops, and general way of life, now we are also fighting out of control wildfires that are not giving up easily. Our rivers and lakes are crazy low, if not completely dried up. Our firefighters are spread so thin because of the number of fires spread all over the state. And there is no forecast of rain any time soon.
And the fires that I am talking about are not out in the middle of nowhere. They are in the middle of cities, gobbling up homes, businesses, and cars and threatening lives. Austin, alone, has 8 really, really bad fires. It is so sad. It looks like a war zone. Across Texas, there have been 179 fires in the past 7 days. And they are saying that the collective burned area is equal to the size of Connecticut.
These fires are like a punch in the stomach to group of people that have already been pretty beaten up this year. It is just mean. And what is really scary is that there is no rain in the forecast, therefore new fires continue to pop up every day and will continue to until we get some rain.
But don't let that make you think that we are taking this lying down.
I know Texans often get a bad rap for being boastful and little too proud of where they come from. But it is times like this that I am extra proud to say that I am Texan. We may not be the prettiest or the most sophisticated, but we make up for it in other ways. We are hard working, scrappy individuals that will give the shirt off our back to help a stranger and do it all with a smile on our face. We refuse to act like victims. Now I am in no way saying that other states do not have individuals like this. But as a collective whole, Texas is state to be reckoned to with.
I am so proud of us right now! The ways that people are coming together is inspiring... whether it is taking strangers into their homes to enjoy a shower and clean bed, rescuing pets, providing trailers to evacuate horses, donating money, food, and supplies or even just offering some sweet tea to a parched firefighter. It is awesome. It makes me believe again in the good in people at a time in my life when I was starting to doubt it.
These fires better watch out... because we are coming to get you. And we are bringing friends from all over to help us.
A huge thank you to California, Arizona, and any other states that are sending us your firefighters. We promise to treat them really well, feed them good food, and call them "Honey" and "Sugar" the whole time they are here.
So if you have ever come down to Texas and enjoyed our awesome Mexican food, BBQ, sweet tea, and Southern hospitality, we are humbly asking for your help. Here are a few ways that you can:
- Pray for rain! I strongly believe in the collective power of prayer, happy thoughts, and good ju-ju. We need all we can get.
- The Central TX Red Cross is accepting monetary donations and volunteers
- Local animal shelters are in desperate need of supplies in order to house pets affected by these fires - towels, dog food, cat food, water
- Show some blog love to a fellow Austin blogger that has lost her family home
- Austin Disaster Relief Network is accepting donations of all kinds.
- Catholic Charities of Texas is accepting donations on Tuesday, September 6.
- There are drop off points all over the state of TX - the news websites are providing full lists - KXAN, KVUE, etc
- Toiletries: Toothpaste, underwear, deodorant, body wash, bar soap, shampoo, disposable razors, toilet paper
- Medical supplies: Nebulizer, ibuprofen, bandages, Neosporin, Children's Tylenol
- Food: Bottled water, Gatorade, non-perishable items
- Baby Stuff: baby food, formula, diapers, baby shampoo, wipes, toys
- Other stuff: towels, sleeping bags, pillows, trash bags, work gloves, flashlights, batteries, pet food
Now it is your turn, link to your own post below and/or leave a comment with some relief information.
And thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. These are MY people, my city, my state that this is happening to. So anything that you do to help is liking helping me directly. And for that, there are no words to show how grateful I am.
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