Davoust Family Doings

Davoust Family Scap-Booking

2010-08-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hi all, sorry for such a long time since my last update. Each day I feel closer to gaining back a normal life. Kids are getting ready ( or am I the only one in this household getting ready) for the first day of school. There has been so many of you supporting us which has made it much easier. Thanks to you all and I hope I am able to thank each of you personally in the future. Thanks to all that helped with inventory, putting forth the extra help along the way, the meals provided, the gifts, restoration of furniture, and clothes. We are so appreciative and thankful to be living in such an awesome community. Even though our family live so far away (and are missed greatly) we feel surrounded by family each day.

The process of replacing items and turning in reciepts will be a long tediece process but we are doing very well. It is nice having all new things to help alleviate the loss of those special items. (Some you just have to keep no matter how bad they are.) Fortunately there are many good memories and great photos that we will always have.

This Saturday Aug 14th, Gina Abbe will be hosting a scrap-booking session from 8:00 am til we have had enough. Anyone interested in assisting us please let me know (799-3334). I'm sure it will be a lot of fun and laughs. You do not need any scrap-booking experience. The process will be simply: Removing the photos from a stinky chard page to a clean fresh page.
This is a great opportunity to find things to blackmail us with later (hahah). I have about 8-10 albums to transfer over so any help would be greatly appreciated. I suggest wearing casual, comfortable clothing that can get dirty.

We will be scrapping at
80 Westwood place #C.

Located near Village Auto Care on 160. Take 160 W towards Cortez, (where it splits from 550 - by the doubletree hotel). Go about 1 mile and turn Right onto Perins Canyon Dr. Then turn left onto Westwood Place and follow the pavement up behind the gray buildings Into Santa Fe Villa. Look for #C. I'll put balloons or something by the entrance so you will know you are in the right place. I will provide snacks and beverages.

Thanks again,

The Davoust's

posted by Jasper Welch for Tracy. give Tracy a call if you can help with Scap-Booking

Davoust Family Snake is Found Alive!

2010-06-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

As for the survival of Sammy, the corn snake.

As I was helping Stephan clear out his room trying to get to and find Sammy's cage I had to dig through many of Stephan's BMX Trophy's, the framed Mt. biking posters, and the remains of the window decor. Under the debris I was able to find Sammy's cage. Much of it was shattered. As I began to lift out the container used for a pond I saw Sammy and he started to burrow in further. He's Alive!!!! As I picked him up he tried to burrow further in his cage. It was a challenge capturing him as I had to maneuver around window frame and picture frames with jagged edges of glass. But I was able to capture him w/o harm. He was extremely skinny, his color was dark and his eyes were very cloudy. We found a container to put water in and let him soak. He drank for about 5 minutes. I was worried he was so weak that he wasn't able to lift his head out of the water and that he would drown. Within an hour his eyes where bright black again and his shinny orange color was returning. The limp and lethargic snake now was active and seemed to be actively seeking food.

Thanks to Bruce, Owner of The Fish Connection, Sammy found food and a safe new home. Bruce is providing respite care until Bruce is able to complete Sammy's new home- which he is donating. Thank you so much Bruce. By the way Smoky the turtle is very content in his home. He's actively swimming most of the day, and lounging on the floating logs in the afternoon.

God is watching over us and our pets. We are blessed in so many ways.

Blog posting contributed by Tracy Davoust Thursday June 24, 2010

Davoust Family Transition

2010-06-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

Davoust Family Transition

The Davoust Family is now in their new rental home on Riverview Drive in Durango. Thanks again to Annie Carroll, who has a beautifully furnished home, that is just right for the Davoust Family. Tracy said that the home is just right, and they moved in Saturday, June 19^th

The big project and push for this week is to finish out the inventory at the former (fire damaged) home on Needham Court. Due to the significant fire damage, the home is slated to be torn down on July 6^th, which means that Tracy has a deadline to complete the survey and count of household items lost in the fire. So, if you can help Tracy, she’ll be doing a final push for completing the fire inventory on Wed (6/23), Thurs (6/24) and Fri (6/25). Give Tracy a call if you can help.

In the meantime, thanks again to everyone for your help, your cards and your support for the Davoust family over the past month.

Blogged by Jasper Welch, Tuesday morning, June 22^nd

Davoust Family Moving into Riverview Home

2010-06-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Great progress has been made since the last Davoust Family update! Bob, Tracy and the boys are so grateful and thankful for ALL the support that the community, friends and family have shown them over the past few weeks. It has been amazing. It has rained in Durango the past few days, and cooled off, which is a blessing.

The Riverview home, rented from Annie Carroll and Bob Lieb, is just right for the Davoust family. It has been cleaned and readied for the family to move in. The boys are into full summer mode, with Josh getting back from NASA Space Camp and Stephan finalizing his bicycle workshop in the new garage at the Riverview home. Tracy is getting the kitchen ready (thanks to Susie Welch for some loaned pots and pans to fill in for the summer) and the next steps are to repot some of the indoor plants that survived the fire in the sunroom. Smokey, the turtle is very happy in the new turtle home, thanks to Bruce at Fish Connection in Durango.

Some folks have asked about meals for the Davoust family, once that get moved in? For the time being, Bob, Tracy and the boys are still at the Marriott Residence Inn, which has worked out well for a temporary place to live (and it is just down the hill from Bob’s Village Auto Care, located in the Durango Tech Center). Once they are moved into the Riverview home, give Tracy a call at 970-799-3334 for more details on the move in dates and what help she’ll need for family meals.

The slow and dirty work of inventory continues slowly at the old home, severely damaged by fire on May 26^th. At first, Tracy thought that her extensive Creative Memories® photograph collection was a total loss. However, because the albums (and there are many!) were packed tightly together, some of the photos have survived the fire! Working with the insurance adjuster (who said to remove and begin preservation right away), Tracy has worked with BEST Fire Restoration (and Cleaning) to properly treat the surviving albums. It will be a slow process, but it looks like some of the vast collection of Davoust family photographs will be preserved. Later on, Tracy will need some help to carefully go through the individual images in the collection to remount for safekeeping.

That’s all for now. Give Tracy a call if you have any questions or would like to help.

Blogged & updated on Sunday morning, June 13^th by Jasper Welch

Davoust Family Making Progress on Move In

2010-06-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

We made progress made this weekend (June 5^th & 6^th). In the garage & sunroom of the fire damaged Needham Court house, we cleared out some of the salvageable items and placed them into the storage unit. Thanks to PackRat Storage for storage facilities and condolences.

Stephan, who has a business fixing up bikes, was able to set up his workshop in the new Riverview home garage. He is reopen for business. Wow! What an awesome set up for Stephen to work out of.

Josh got off to Space Camp in Huntsville Alabama (NASA). He was able to spend the day with his great uncle that lives 15 minutes from Space Camp.

We are slowly getting the new home on Riverview ready for moving in. If you'd like to help, Tracy will be over at the Riverview home on Tuesday (6/8) and Wednesday (6/9) for deep cleaning. Call first, and bring extra rags and a wash bucket.

At this time we are still at the Marriott Residence Inn, which has been a pleasant “in between place to stay”. The boys (including Bob) have been enjoying the pool, Jacuzzi, free breakfast (which is real good- biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos and waffles are just a few of choices) and happy hour hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beer.

These are just a few of the conveniences that simplify the chaos of “in between” home bases for our family. We have been blessed with all the Durango area community out reach and support. I have not yet found the correct word to express the heartfelt support, the concern, the love, etc. that our family has received. That is worth more than anything in that old home. Thanks again and again. We’ve truly been blessed by the generosity of others.

On Monday, June 7^th, our focus is getting things in place for the adjusters visit.

Sorry if I have not been able to email, phone or text you back. As I have not had easy access (or patience) to check emails, I’m running behind there. I have been trying to stay on top of all the phone messages to keep the voice box empty to receive all of your messages between calls. The text messages can only be read when not around bright sunlight and when I have my reading glasses on. Therefore please don't think I am ignoring you. Your calls and messages have been greatly appreciated and heart warming. How can anyone be depressed or distraught when they so many wonderful friends out there helping in so many ways? (Prayers, ready to help, condolences and everything else that you all have done). Thanks again.

The Davoust family.

Blogged & updated on Monday evening, June 7^th, by Tracy, edits by Jasper

Davoust Family Ready to Move In (Almost)

2010-06-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Davoust Family Ready to Move In (almost)

June 5 & 6 weekend update from the Davoust family. Another warm day in Durango, CO, with highs predicted for low 90’s. Pray for rain, as southwest Colorado could use it this week!

Bob & Tracy did sign a lease on a rental home at 171 Riverview Drive in Durango. For those of you familiar with town, it is Annie Carroll’s home, which she and Bob Lieb are graciously renting to the Davoust family. It is furnished (mostly!) and almost ready to move into. Almost? Since it has been vacant for a few months, it needs some cleaning (you know how Tracy is particular!). So, if you like to come to deep clean and help finish preparing the Riverview home for the Davoust Family, Tracy is looking for help from 10am to 2pm this Tuesday (6/8) and Wednesday (6/9). Bring extra rags and cleaning bucket. Please call her to confirm, if you can make it.

And today (Sunday), the Davoust Family will be cleaning out the old home’s garage, which survived the house fire, and moving the stuff into storage. If you’d like to help after church on Sunday (6/6), just drop by 2431 Needham Court (near Needham Elementary).

So how is Smokey (the turtle, who survived the fire intact)? He is very happy in his new home, provided as a courtesy by Bruce from Fish Connection in Durango. Thanks Bruce! Steven reports that he is happily swimming and stirring up the gravel in the new turtle hotel (now located at Riverview house). Will have more on the boys in next posting, on how they are doing, and what they are doing….

At the moment, and until the Carroll home on Riverview is ready; the Davoust family is still staying at the Marriott Residence Inn, just west of downtown Durango. They are thankful and grateful for the prayers, cards, gifts (of time and money) and support from the Durango (and greater family) community.

That’s it for now. More details on the Riverview move in to follow later this week.

Blogged & updated on Sunday morning, June 6^th, by Jasper

Smokey Survived the Fire!

2010-06-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

As with many house fires, when it appears that most everything of your family possessions was lost in the fire, there are small miracles that help with the rebuilding process. Late Tuesday afternoon, 6 days after the fire destroyed most of the contents in the Davoust rental home in Durango, the family turtle was found alive! Susie Welch and Tracy Davoust were working on inventory at the Needham Circle home, and they were going through items that Tracy had pulled out of the house. Tracy took off to do errands. Susie was going through items, including the fish and turtle aquarium. She picked up the turtle shell. As she went to move him (her), she was surprised that the turtle was still alive! Amazing, as the tank was bone dry, the fish were dead, but somehow the turtle managed to survive for 6 days without food, water or any help (expect from the turtle angels!). Susie took the turtle home for food, water and a temporary accommodation. While this is a small miracle, it is part of the restoration process. The turtles name? Stephen has declared his name is now Smokey!

Blogged and updated Wednesday mid-day, June 2nd, by Jasper

Davoust Family Finds New Rental Home

2010-05-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

As you can imagine, when you are without a home (due to a fire), finding a place to resettle is critical. But you don’t want to jump in too soon, as it needs to be the right place. On Monday afternoon, Bob & Tracy looked at a fully furnished home in the Riverview neighborhood in Durango. It looks like a go (as per Tracy’s text message), and the Davoust family will be able to rent (a bigger & fully furnished home) for the same monthly rate as their previous home. What a blessing!

Bob & Tracy will have more info on the move into the Riverview home. Again, thanks to everyone for your concern, prayers and gifts.

Blogged & updated on Monday evening, May 31^st, by Jasper

Davoust Family Wraps up Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

Quick update from the Davoust family. Another beautiful day in Durango, CO. Sunny, mid 70’s and breezy. Bob was able to get a dumpster delivered and set in the driveway. On Sunday afternoon, the family was able to get some household things inventoried and damaged items thrown away into the roll off dumpster. While the garage and sunroom did survive the fire intact, the majority of the home contents are a total loss. Thus, the task of sorting through the burned out rental home and belonging is both time consuming and slow.

The home owner (landlord Cheryl Schlabach) has been so gracious and helpful, as she lives next door to the home the Davoust family rented. At this point, the initial clean up is underway. Signs have been posted to keep folks out, as the interior of the house is not suitable for wandering around.

On Monday evening, the Davoust family will be staying at the Marriott Residence Inn, just west of downtown Durango. As Bob said on Monday, the family is traveling pretty light now, until they are able to find the right rental home for the long term.

That’s it for now. More details on the post fire operations to come.

Blogged & updated on Monday afternoon, May 31^st , by Jasper

Davoust Family Says Thanks

2010-05-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

Bob & Tracy Davoust have been so grateful for the outpouring of support and calls over the past several days since the fire in their rental home in Durango, Colorado. In true Durango fashion, many people have chipped in to help in so many ways. More details later, but according to the family, they want to simply say, “Thanks”.

As for the next steps, the family will be doing an inventory of items in the house at the time of fire, but it may take a few more days to get set up for that painstaking task. Please check back with this blog space for more info.

In the meantime, if you’d like to help out, you can still contact the local Red Cross to donate (See previous posts), or drop by First National Bank of Durango.

If you’d like to send a card, simply send to Bob & Tracy Davoust, % Four Corners Management Systems, P.O. Box 1405, Durango, CO 81301. We’ll see to it that it goes directly to the Davoust family.

Blogged & updated on Sunday afternoon, May 30^th, by Jasper

Davoust Family Getting Support after Fire

2010-05-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, May 26th, Bob and Tracy Davoust (and their two boys) experienced the loss of their rented home in Durango, due to a fire in the home. Fortunately, no one was injured. But the contents of their home (except for the garage) are a total loss. For more on the Davoust house fire, see the Durango Herald, Thursday May 27th edition. www.durangoherald.com As the Durango community will do, folks have swung into action to help the Davoust family in their time of need.

Here is what we know so far:

1) Yes, the home was insured (by homeowner, Cheryl Schlabach) and the Davoust family had renter's insurance. However, it will take time to work out all the details and see exactly how much coverage will be available. Good time to check your insurance & smoke alarms!

2) An account for the Davoust family has been set up at the local La Plata County Red Cross chapter office. You can access on-line www.redcross.org and then enter 81301 in zip code for local chapter for more info. Please designate your donation to local SW Colorado chapter, specifically to the Davoust family. Their mailing address: SW Colorado Red Cross, P.O. Box 2552, Durango, CO 81302. Or call 970-259-5383.

3) Also, an account has been set up at the First National Bank of Durango. You can simply drop by with a check ask for it to be put into the Davoust family fund account.

4) Four Corners Management Systems (Jasper Welch) is providing office and clerical support for Bob & Tracy, so if you'd like to mail a card, just sent it to Bob & Tracy Davoust, % Four Corners Management Systems, P. O. Box 1405, Durango, CO 81302. If you need to leave a message, simply call Jasper's office at 970-259-1000. www.jasperwelch.org

This weekend, Bob and Tracy will be meeting with friends and their family. On Friday, they'll be meeting with the pastor at the River Church in Durango. We'll have more details on what the family needs (over the next couple days) and we'll post it the Davoust family blog.

Please check back for updates....

Blogged and updated on Thursday evening, May 27th, 2010, Jasper