HUCKLEBERRY HOUND!

First off, my mom is doing ok, and is staying at a hotel for now. The insurance agent came by today and said they they are going to replace the fireplace, walls (it's burned in between the walls), carpet, all of the hardwood floors, and some other things. Also the house has to be treated for smoke damage. The fire investigator hasn't been out yet, so they can't close up the hole yet.

Here are some pictures of the damage she sent me:














OK, next up, I made Parisian Macaroons for the first time! Everybody says how difficult they are to make but I did not think they were that bad and they were by far the most tasty, delicious, delightful, wonderful cookie I have ever had in my life. They are so light and fluffy... oooh!

I just followed the recipe on Martha Stewart's website, and then I added purple dye to the batter, and then I put huckleberry preserves in between each sandwich instead of her filling. But I plan to make a variety for christmas in different colors. I am not sure how well the cookies will hold up with the preserves in them, so I am putting them on a few tonight, and will see if they survive until morning.

MY MOM

Just got a call about 15 minutes ago (It's 130am) that my mom's house is on fire. She got the cat and dog and Tony and herself out, but she forgot even her wallet and financial records- i just sent her 3 huge packages of christmas presents that arrived today, they all got left in the house. At least they are all safe.

When she called she said the fire department was cutting a hole in the roof/wall to get to the fire, I guess it is burning between the walls.

She said she kept smelling smoke but couldn't find anything, and then before she went to sleep, she looked one more time and saw smoke in the family room and the fireplace was on but the switch was off (not totally sure what that means, I can guess, I am just quoting) and so she woke up TOny, they called 911, got the animals and got out. I think a neighbor was out there with her watching the firetrucks, there are FOUR there right now.

Prayers, please. This was her retirement house, her first new house ever to live in for the rest of her life, until she died, all of her hopes and dreams were in that house, I hope they are ok.