We had a house fire on July 7, 2024. Now we are trying to recover any unbroken items. It’s a long process. Follow our journey of starting over: House Fire Journey • House Fire Journey
I lost my home of 30 years to fire March 8, 2024. All collections gone. All cameras, all clocks, all glass, all gone. The one thing I saved was my memories. The one thing I missed having was my hubby. He passed Sept 8, 2022. Ya'll have each other and insurance to rebuild or relocate. Don't waste too much time on cleaning. Debris clean up was also a day I cried. Did not expect that. Cling to each other and grieve together. Everything changed that day. I admire the two of you cleaning and restoring your inventory and collections. I'm almost 70 years old and will not collect again. I stopped watching all the vintage TH-cam "lives". Sometimes I'm not thinking about anything in particular and I'll remember I don't have that any longer, amd the grieving process starts again. It will surprise you. Biggest loss was hubby's military memories. ...his metals especially hit me hard. We are never promised tomorrow...the Lord will provide what we need. ❤
Thank you, Sandra. We are so sorry for your loss and we thank your husband for his service. We know you empathize with us and we are truly lucky to be able to find a few things in this mess. We have been very supportive of each other and all of your and other’s comments strengthen us as well. As collectors and sometimes pickers, it’s very hard not to try to salvage what still can be saved. We do understand that not everything can be salvaged. We have identified portions of the house that we will not bother with. Thanks again. 💕❤️
Sandra, I missed you from the live sales. I did not know this happened to you. I am so sorry for your losses. I pray that God will bless and keep you safe! ❤❤❤I
@sandrasmith7975 I did not know this happened to you. I have missed you not being in the live sales. I enjoyed chatting with you. I pray that God will bless and keep you. ❤❤❤❤
Tammy and David, so much loss and recovery work... My sister lost two homes to fire. One because of a loose wire in the attic and one because of her cat playing with the kitchen stove knobs... I am thinking of you guys.
BTW Tam & David, I also use Tomato ketchup on copper, brass and silver for cleaning, I always pick up large bottles when they are on sale, cheaper than using silver, copper and brass cleaners and I rather suffer with ketchup than using those other strong cleaners such as Silvo and brass cleaners on my hands!❤
You guys are doing such a great job with the cleaning and restoring so far! There are companies that specialize in fire recovery but I don't know what they are called. Your fire department might have some suggestions or business names for them. Maybe contact your local art museum too. They have a whole section of people that do nothing but restoration and may be able to help suggest the best cleaners for you. Good teamwork and great to see you smiling together. Sending prayers and love! 🙏❤️🙏
Hi Iam so glad you are able to clean some of your treasures gives a little light and the end of the tunnel so glad your salon was not destroyed I didn’t know you were a hairdresser ism a hairdresser has well prayers for you all always take care
Great to see you are able to salvage so much. I know the heat is terrible, but I pray you continue to find many more collections you can clean and save. ❤
Tammy on your pots and pans add salt and baking soda, cover with paper towel that has been soaked in cleaning vinegar and let sit on top of item for 10 min. Then wipe off.❤
Such hard work during this part of the journey. Greatest admiration for your devotion & teamwork 💕. Ever closer, day by day you move toward a bright & happy future and best of all; surrounded by the ones you love most in this world 🥰! Continued blessings coming your way 🙏.
Just a thought, maybe get a tote and some degreaser the Dollar Tree and Dollar General sells Awesome cleaner in a gallon jug. Use a coupke of gallons in the tote try soaking sone of your dishes and pots and pans to get the soot off, then wash. I dont think I would try it with your figurines Im sure it would take the cold paint off. Worth a try ❤️
@@vintageuprisingtx Tammy I wanted to let you know the cleaner I mentioned is called Awesome Orange. It looks like the Dollar Tree downsized the size container they carry. Anyway the Dollar General at least by me still has the gallon size. But use it without diluting it. Soak your items in it. Pots pans dishes to remove soot. Also there is something called a chemical sponge that works to take soot off things like pictures. It is a dry sponge you might find it at a craft store or an art supply store. Anyway nice to see you have been able to salvage some of your beloved treasures. It"s going to get better!!! :)
an awful lot of hard work for sure ! praying you can recover lots of things ~ miss you both ( and Jack Jack of course ) SO VERY MUCH **** Lots of hugs,love & prayers 🫂💕🙏
You have made remarkable progress! Your positive spirit's shine through. I looked and looked to see if I could find a Magic Eraser type brush to send you, but came up with nada! Keep on singing, laughing and working as the great team you are! Texas sized hugs💕
Each day is a gift even while you are doing what you are doing. Make sure to protect your safety. I truly believe that the mangled, melted stuff is less valuable to you now compared to what you thought before. Glass is from sand. Sand is every where. Plastic is from chemicals. For the things you really liked , maybe you ought to start a picture inventory. Maybe your clocks just need glass covers. One day at a time! ❤
The books might be reused for artwork and decoupage.. yall hang in there. I love that you are trying to save what you can, even if its the harder route. Yall do whatever you feel is the right way. Also for the crazed items that have black soaked into them, maybe try that hydrogen peroxide method. I keep meaning to get me some of the right percantage to try it but i havent yet.
Love your determination to get things cleaned you two are amazingI would do the same I’m always picking up things that I have to work on and Tammy you look fine your attitude makes you Beautiful!!
I helped my sistet after her mobile home fire i hadcto keep remindingbhervthank God you were out walking the dog when it started and the neihhbor saw the cat in the breezeway! Anything glass we kept to clean, she put all paperwork in drawers into trash bags. I told her dont cry now wait til we are done then we can both have a good cry.
You guys are doing a great job. I would ditch the books. They are easily replaced. No one is looking at your hair David..Lol. maybe use a toothbrush or a small cleaning brush. to help get the ridges on stuff clean. They have them at Dollar Tree. Or Wal Mart. Also Barkeeper's Friend, might help a little better than the Ajax. I am so happy for you that you were able to save the big Red slag Class.
My heart goes out to you ,you seem so brave .Seeing what can be saved is so positive one step forward every day .I have an old book called "What you want to know look with in ,the only tip for cleaning after a fire or to remove soot was Borax,I don't know if it will work but anything is worth trying .🙏👏😍PS love to Jack Jack .😀👍
You two are very brave. Such a hard job. Do you have anyone to help you? Love that you still have your sweet sense of humor. Just keep on knowing that you are loved.😊❤
You probably can't save all of the books but older ones with color lithographed plates may be able to save the plates and sell them. You will have to note the date of the book and it's title and illustrator. Chipped and broken can be used as a crafters lot eventually. I do know you can spray vodka on powdery mildew on paper and fabrics. It will help get rid of the smell on fabric and kill mold but I don;t know if it will take the smell out of on paper.
I heard cat litter absorbs the odors or smells maybe burying the books in it will work and also backing soda. Maybe using a cat litter that has arm n hammer included so I heard..... I've never tried that. I'm so sorry about your home.
Yes, there are companies that specialize in cleaning and recovery after fires, floods and other unfortunate incidents. Talk to your insurance agent and see if they have any recommendations, and coverage. @@vintageuprisingtx
I was thinking of what you do with the items that dont come clean.. sell them as a FIRE SALE. Each item has a story. I would buy an item . Quite sure others in the community would participate.
There are hints online on how to get smoke smell out of books. Good luck! It is hard for sure! You look good, not awful. I'm hoping for better days ahead for you. 🫂
I lost my home of 30 years to fire March 8, 2024. All collections gone. All cameras, all clocks, all glass, all gone. The one thing I saved was my memories. The one thing I missed having was my hubby. He passed Sept 8, 2022. Ya'll have each other and insurance to rebuild or relocate. Don't waste too much time on cleaning. Debris clean up was also a day I cried. Did not expect that. Cling to each other and grieve together. Everything changed that day. I admire the two of you cleaning and restoring your inventory and collections. I'm almost 70 years old and will not collect again. I stopped watching all the vintage TH-cam "lives". Sometimes I'm not thinking about anything in particular and I'll remember I don't have that any longer, amd the grieving process starts again. It will surprise you. Biggest loss was hubby's military memories. ...his metals especially hit me hard. We are never promised tomorrow...the Lord will provide what we need. ❤
Thank you, Sandra. We are so sorry for your loss and we thank your husband for his service. We know you empathize with us and we are truly lucky to be able to find a few things in this mess. We have been very supportive of each other and all of your and other’s comments strengthen us as well. As collectors and sometimes pickers, it’s very hard not to try to salvage what still can be saved. We do understand that not everything can be salvaged. We have identified portions of the house that we will not bother with. Thanks again. 💕❤️
@@sandrasmith7975 ❤ thank you sweet friend for giving them this encouragement. They knew of your loss so this means a lot ❤
@@karenwilliams8465 ❤️
Sandra, I missed you from the live sales. I did not know this happened to you. I am so sorry for your losses. I pray that God will bless and keep you safe! ❤❤❤I
@sandrasmith7975 I did not know this happened to you. I have missed you not being in the live sales. I enjoyed chatting with you. I pray that God will bless and keep you. ❤❤❤❤
It may not feel like it to you, but to me, it looks like you have made a great deal of progress and had some remarkable saves.
❤️🩹
David singing "A Place for Us" made me cry
Me too. So precious.
❤️🩹💕
@@lynne0528 ditto. Touched my heart.
Yes David that was so sweet…the love you have for one another is stronger than anything that tries to break your spirit ♥️♥️♥️
So sweet! 🤗 ❤️ 🤗
I've missed seeing Tam Tam rolling her eyes at David's singing 😂❤❤❤
🥰
Hard working team! David should sing more,love West side story❤️🦋
Tammy and David, so much loss and recovery work... My sister lost two homes to fire. One because of a loose wire in the attic and one because of her cat playing with the kitchen stove knobs... I am thinking of you guys.
I wish I lived close enough to help. What a job in this heat. ❤🙏🏻
❤️🩹thank you
Aloha 🌺 Sending prayers! Glad you're able to work together! 🥰🌺
One day at a time, one saved treasure at a time. You are making great progress. Prayers for continued strength and finding hidden miracles. 🙏🏼♥️
Thanks so much
Contact a library about getting rid of the smell in books.
👍🏻
BTW Tam & David, I also use Tomato ketchup on copper, brass and silver for cleaning, I always pick up large bottles when they are on sale, cheaper than using silver, copper and brass cleaners and I rather suffer with ketchup than using those other strong cleaners such as Silvo and brass cleaners on my hands!❤
Barkeepers friend helps cleaning also, keep the faith, it will be a long haul !!! I’m with you in spirit!!! 🙏🏻🙋🏼♀️
Love that!
You guys are doing such a great job with the cleaning and restoring so far! There are companies that specialize in fire recovery but I don't know what they are called. Your fire department might have some suggestions or business names for them. Maybe contact your local art museum too. They have a whole section of people that do nothing but restoration and may be able to help suggest the best cleaners for you. Good teamwork and great to see you smiling together. Sending prayers and love! 🙏❤️🙏
Continuing to pray for you all.🙏one day at a time sweet friends.. praying that you can rescue some of your soot covered collectibles.💜💙
Thank you for keeping us informed on your journey. Sending prayers your way. Keep the faith. Sent you a message in your email.
I cannot imagine what you folks are going through. I pray the small successes provide you with encouragement and hope. Miss you both very much!
❤ you are so strong!
Awe, You guys!! I miss your faces 😘😘🥰🥰
So glad that some thing made it ! 👍🌺🌻
Hi Iam so glad you are able to clean some of your treasures gives a little light and the end of the tunnel so glad your salon was not destroyed I didn’t know you were a hairdresser ism a hairdresser has well prayers for you all always take care
Great to see you are able to salvage so much. I know the heat is terrible, but I pray you continue to find many more collections you can clean and save. ❤
Thinking of you guys and sending so much love!❤️🙏🏻
Stay busy it helps with all the stress, I know. I knew you two could do it.
Tammy on your pots and pans add salt and baking soda, cover with paper towel that has been soaked in cleaning vinegar and let sit on top of item for 10 min. Then wipe off.❤
Great idea! Thanks
Such hard work during this part of the journey. Greatest admiration for your devotion & teamwork 💕. Ever closer, day by day you move toward a bright & happy future and best of all; surrounded by the ones you love most in this world 🥰! Continued blessings coming your way 🙏.
Thank you
Just a thought, maybe get a tote and some degreaser the Dollar Tree and Dollar General sells Awesome cleaner in a gallon jug. Use a coupke of gallons in the tote try soaking sone of your dishes and pots and pans to get the soot off, then wash. I dont think I would try it with your figurines Im sure it would take the cold paint off. Worth a try ❤️
Thanks for the tip!
@@vintageuprisingtx Tammy I wanted to let you know the cleaner I mentioned is called Awesome Orange. It looks like the Dollar Tree downsized the size container they carry. Anyway the Dollar General at least by me still has the gallon size. But use it without diluting it. Soak your items in it. Pots pans dishes to remove soot. Also there is something called a chemical sponge that works to take soot off things like pictures. It is a dry sponge you might find it at a craft store or an art supply store. Anyway nice to see you have been able to salvage some of your beloved treasures. It"s going to get better!!! :)
Bless your heart. A soft tooth brush may help getting into the hard to clean crevices.
an awful lot of hard work for sure ! praying you can recover lots of things ~ miss you both ( and Jack Jack of course ) SO VERY MUCH **** Lots of hugs,love & prayers 🫂💕🙏
Its hard but you guys are strong and you have each the rest is gravy as they say.
I am glad you have been able to save some things even though it's spot of work.
Thinking of you both. Miss you!
You have made remarkable progress! Your positive spirit's shine through. I looked and looked to see if I could find a Magic Eraser type brush to send you, but came up with nada! Keep on singing, laughing and working as the great team you are! Texas sized hugs💕
Thank you for think of us
Continued prayers for your situation. 🙏🏻
That is so overwhelming!! 😢
So Thankful you have been able to save some wonderful things Prayers keep on coming🙏❤️🤗
Each day is a gift even while you are doing what you are doing. Make sure to protect your safety. I truly believe that the mangled, melted stuff is less valuable to you now compared to what you thought before. Glass is from sand. Sand is every where. Plastic is from chemicals. For the things you really liked , maybe you ought to start a picture inventory. Maybe your clocks just need glass covers. One day at a time! ❤
👍🏻
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
The books might be reused for artwork and decoupage.. yall hang in there. I love that you are trying to save what you can, even if its the harder route. Yall do whatever you feel is the right way. Also for the crazed items that have black soaked into them, maybe try that hydrogen peroxide method. I keep meaning to get me some of the right percantage to try it but i havent yet.
Love your determination to get things cleaned you two are amazingI would do the same I’m always picking up things that I have to work on and Tammy you look fine your attitude makes you Beautiful!!
Thanks so much! 😊
I’ve heard of ephemera collectors putting paper covered in dry rice for a few weeks to remove the basement must. ❤❤❤
I have a video on getting the smell of books. It’s worth a go. I can’t link it here but I’ll send it to you
I’m going to check it out! Thanks!
I helped my sistet after her mobile home fire i hadcto keep remindingbhervthank God you were out walking the dog when it started and the neihhbor saw the cat in the breezeway! Anything glass we kept to clean, she put all paperwork in drawers into trash bags. I told her dont cry now wait til we are done then we can both have a good cry.
❤️🩹
You guys are doing a great job. I would ditch the books. They are easily replaced. No one is looking at your hair David..Lol. maybe use a toothbrush or a small cleaning brush. to help get the ridges on stuff clean. They have them at Dollar Tree. Or Wal Mart. Also Barkeeper's Friend, might help a little better than the Ajax. I am so happy for you that you were able to save the big Red slag Class.
The only one survived out of about 40
My heart goes out to you ,you seem so brave .Seeing what can be saved is so positive one step forward every day .I have an old book called "What you want to know look with in ,the only tip for cleaning after a fire or to remove soot was Borax,I don't know if it will work but anything is worth trying .🙏👏😍PS love to Jack Jack .😀👍
Thanks
My heart is broken for what y’all have been thru. Love from SC
You two are very brave. Such a hard job. Do you have anyone to help you? Love that you still have your sweet sense of humor. Just keep on knowing that you are loved.😊❤
He does this to keep me from crying 😘
Hello y'all...all I can do is send my love😢❤ Cath
You guys got this I know it. This sucks and I’m sad it happened to you. Hang in there.
❤️🩹
❤❤❤
🙏🏼💙❤️🐶
You probably can't save all of the books but older ones with color lithographed plates may be able to save the plates and sell them. You will have to note the date of the book and it's title and illustrator. Chipped and broken can be used as a crafters lot eventually. I do know you can spray vodka on powdery mildew on paper and fabrics. It will help get rid of the smell on fabric and kill mold but I don;t know if it will take the smell out of on paper.
Girl… I would be spraying vodka and drinking it at the same time!
I heard cat litter absorbs the odors or smells maybe burying the books in it will work and also backing soda. Maybe using a cat litter that has arm n hammer included so I heard..... I've never tried that. I'm so sorry about your home.
Thank you it’s worth a try!
😍🙏
Tammy, have you contacted any disaster recovery companies to see if they have any suggestions for what cleaning products you could use?
No, didn’t know there was a thing.. just google and the great help of my YT friends.
Yes, there are companies that specialize in cleaning and recovery after fires, floods and other unfortunate incidents. Talk to your insurance agent and see if they have any recommendations, and coverage. @@vintageuprisingtx
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I was thinking of what you do with the items that dont come clean.. sell them as a FIRE SALE. Each item has a story. I would buy an item . Quite sure others in the community would participate.
Good idea
❤
👋👍🙌😎❤️
Tammy did you try using @Cleaning Vinegar which is much stronger than ordinary white vinegar - soaking the green Jadite and glass!
Ok thanks
Can you use a dish washer without dishwasher soap? Maybe what your using to wash and soak with instead?
❤😢🤗🥰
Try using a steel wool pad on the jadeite glass. It has worked for me before.
Will give it a try! Thank you!
There are hints online on how to get smoke smell out of books. Good luck! It is hard for sure! You look good, not awful. I'm hoping for better days ahead for you. 🫂