News from my friend in the Texas panhandle

[Jilly_in_VA]

I have been worried about her since I first heard about the fires. She lives with her husband on a ranch a few miles from Pampa. Her parents also live there in their own house. I messaged her as soon as I heard about it. I finally heard from her today. Here's what she said in part:

"The fires burned about 80% of our place, including everything all around the houses. But our houses are still standing. We lost nearly
all our cattle. But saved all the horses
...We can start from here."

What she doesn't say but I know is that her dad had to pretty much retire from the hard work of ranching during Covid after he had a second heart attack and her mom is battling multiple myeloma. Her husband, who like mine is, or was, a geek for a living, lost his job during the pandemic, so he took over the hard work of the ranch from her dad.

I know we all have negative feelings about Texas, and some have even expressed them here (including "they deserved it&quot , but before we go too far, let's remember that there are real people there, and some of us know them, who are badly affected by these fires. If you are so moved, say a prayer to the universe or to God or whatever for them. They're hurting right now.

[catrose]

1. So sorry! We've lived near fires & have been lucky but I have much sympathy for those whose luck ran out

[Permanut]

2. We do paint with a broad brush sometimes .

I plead guilty.

I appreciate reminders like yours that every state has a great variety of people; when I pick on, say, Texas, I'm thinking of the RebubliKKKans at the top.

[DoBW]

3. I get it

Didn't at first ... my mind was saying "pay back" -- but I just saw What Biden said over there, then read your post and know I was wrong (still despise Abbot & Paxton et al, though)

[H2O Man]

4. Recommended.

There are a lot of Good People in Texas. Your friend & her family sound like four of them.

[CrispyQ]

5. Land doesn't vote.

The media loves the red state-blue state maps. They make us look extremely divided & predominantly red. LMK if you ever see this map on the news.

[RipVanWinkle]

36. That's why I think that the Senate should be abolished.

Low population states like Wyoming have equal voting power in the Senate compared to high population states like California.

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

43. I take the opposite view.

I think it is very democratic that every state has the same amount of representatives in our nation’s most powerful legislative body.

If anything needs to be abolished, it is the Electoral College which is nothing but a total of the representatives and senators in the 50 U.S states and territories. It is beyond ridiculous that someone can win an election to the highest office in the U.S. and not have the most votes.

[DemocraticPatriot]

72. It is NOT "very democratic" when the side representing many fewer voters

in that body, is able to consistently block the will of the side which represents many MORE voters--

and that is a very fair assessment of the make-up of the US Senate at this time.

[RipVanWinkle]

83. I agree with you on the abolishment of the Electoral College

[Pototan]

6. I feel terrible about all these climate catastrophes, but

don't a lot of people in Texas support politicians who claim it's a hoax?

[Hekate]

10. That went right over your head & left a sonic boom in its wake, didn't it?

[MontanaMama]

69. What about the people who are affected by these catastrophic events

that DO NOT support RWNJ policies?

[Pototan]

81. Hence, the phrase...

..."a lot of people", as opposed to everyone.

And by a lot, I mean a clear majority.

[AllaN01Bear]

7. i had a police scanner radio and a ham radio license for that very purpose.

[limbicnuminousity]

8. It's easy to lose sight of humanity.

Thank you for the reminder. Best of luck to your friend.

[Hekate]

9. I am so sorry for your friends -- and every other Texan in the path of fires...

We Californians know the power of wildfires.

[PufPuf23]

11. Thank you. Glad your friends are safe though their life is changed. kr

Last edited Thu Feb 29, 2024, 09:47 PM - Edit history (1)

There were fire crews from Texas, North Carolina, Iowa, Florida, and Maricopa County, AR among many States just at the indirect fire line at the base of my driveway for nearly 2 months Summer 2023 (edit) (as was in evacuation warning zone from two different large fires). There were hose lays, sprinklers, porta-tanks and water tenders, and various equipment stashes prepped for the worse.

The firefighters I talked to in my yard did not reflect where they were from nor where they were engaged (Northern California).

[Nictuku]

21. Heaps of Praise on our Firefighter Heroes!

I'm from Northern California (been evacuated for fires twice in the last 13 years). Those firefighters are very dear to me. They are Good Men and Women! They Saved my entire community in the hills above Napa).

[surfered]

12. Unlike the GOP...

…we have empathy for our fellow Americans whether they live in red states or blue states.

[LiberalFighter]

13. I agree. I want the worse to happen to Texas. But there are good people there too.

And possibly in the next decade or so Texas will supposedly be blue. At least that is what someone stated yesterday.

[MerryBlooms]

23. What's the worse you're hoping for Texas? Wow! How much

Suffering are you hoping and wishing for? Are you laughing at the animal death toll? Wishing for more? It's not just domestic livestock being lost, you can at least conjure that up, right? It's not just personal property lost? It's wilderness. It's fragile ecosystem. Ya'll celebration over this fire... I can't wrap my brain around. Wishing the worst for anyone, is just beyond my comprehension.

[LiberalFighter]

52. Did you read the full comment?

[yagotme]

50. I agree with Merry.

Your post sounds very cruel to a broad range of people.

[TheProle]

80. Your comment is sociopathic.

[walkingman]

14. I've lived outside of Austin for 36 years and seen our climate change quite a lot.

We have gone from avg 24 days over 100° to the last 5-6 years we are avg around 90+ days any seemingly endless drought. About 10 years ago they projected that by 2050 Austin would look like San Angelo.

Also my homeowners insurance doubled this year and the deductibles from $1000 to now 2% (clause 1) of home value for roof/structure and 1% for other (clause 2) and according to the insurance agency they are not even offering insurance in some locations (coastal areas and high risk areas). With the insurance surging so much I even considered going without but even though it is thousands more I'm afraid to.

I also live on a small ranch and the cost of hay and fertilizer is so expensive these days that it is making it hard to continue these days.

I feel for your family and even though their home survived the damage will be with them forever. ☮

[padah513]

16. If you don't mind my asking, what's the story with San Angelo?

I live in Southern New Jersey and have no clue what you speak of.

[TexasBushwhacker]

20. The fire is closest to Amarillo

Way up at the top of the panhandle. San Angelo is WNW of Austin.

[markodochartaigh]

32. I think that

they were referring to the rainfall. Austin gets about 35" a year and San Angelo about 20". It makes a big difference in the landscape. Amarillo gets about 18" and is much colder in winter than either.

[padah513]

34. Thank you.

i though it might be a situation where a town once green and lush was slowly turning into a desert, but i didn't want to speculate.

[walkingman]

40. Exacly - San Angelo has very few trees and much more desert like than Austin. I

hope that doesn't happen but we are losing trees from the droughts every year and the landscapes in Austin area are having to change to accommodate much less water. In fact Georgetown (north of Austin/Round Rock) is in a water crisis as we speak. The explosion of growth over the last 2 decades has been unbelievable and I don't think sustainable.

[markodochartaigh]

41. It is frightening

Amarillo has gone from prairie a half century ago to semi desert during bad years now. About a decade ago they went eleven months with less than an inch of rain. It was about the same time that drought killed century old trees between Dallas and Houston.

[herding cats]

56. I've lost 8 mature oaks on my Hill Country property since 2020

It's the double whammy of the deep freeze and the endless droughts. The LCRA who controls the water in the Highland Lakes chain said they expect no relief from the drought and kept the watering restrictions in place. I'll lose more trees this summer, the only question is how many.

Meanwhile they just keep building new subdivisions all around the area tapping into the aquifers which aren't being recharged.

[LeftInTX]

57. I have two mature pecans which probably will need cutting down.

I live on 1/4 acre. Previous owner planted them to shade the front yard.

No mature how much I watered, their leaves would just turn brown and limbs died back. I believe it was heat related more than anything. It's sad. Pecans are dying all over San Antonio.

[herding cats]

58. Your probably correct about the excessive heat.

I saw a pecan estimated to be around 150 years old die last summer on a friend's property. It had weathered many droughts but took some damage in 2011 when it was so hot, then 2023 finally took it out.

[LeftInTX]

63. I read something about heat and transpiration, which was unique to pecans.

My live oaks didn't blink.

[herding cats]

66. Live oaks seem to be tough as nails!

Even mine are chugging along.

The oaks I'm losing are post oaks. Which are usually very drought tolerant. It appears they've just been pushed too far with all of our recent harsh weather.

[TexasTowelie]

78. Seeing that I grew up in Live Oak County, I'll verify your statement. nt

[herding cats]

82. Here's to celebrating the toughness of all things Live Oak!

Good to see you! I hope you're doing well.

[TeamProg]

15. great fire track app: Watch Duty

https://app.watchduty.org/

Wow, that's a sizable fire!

[Nictuku]

24. I love that app

I haven't heard notifications from it for a long time now. (maybe why Norther California firefighters are helping out in Texas) - We are in rainy season here. No fires.

[Silent Type]

17. Know some very good Democrats in Texas. Heck, I even know a few in Mississippi.

I live in a rube red area, but on a day-to-day basis, most people are OK.

[Glorfindel]

26. I lived in Mississippi for 18 years. There are many good Democrats there,

sadly vastly outnumbered by the rePukes. I could say the same of Georgia, my home state, to which I returned in 2016, though the situation is a little bit better here than in Mississippi. We voted for President Biden and sent two good Democrats to the US Senate in 2020.

[angrychair]

18. Truly

I hope your friend is ok. Truly. I don't wish harm on anybody.
That said, I'm tired of always taking the high road. Especially with a state that has chosen to treat women like cattle. That treats LGBTQ people like 2nd class citizens. That treats people of color worse than 2nd class citizens.

It wasn't some amorphous "they" that created those laws. It was the citizens of Texas that did that.
That reelected Abbott. Reelected Paxton.

Not just reserved for Texas. Also Indiana. Missouri. Alabama. Tennessee. Anywhere there is systemic, government organized, disenfranchisement, I will show them the same kindness and grace and mercy they have extended to others.

[markodochartaigh]

33. I grew up gay a half century ago in Amarillo

There are certainly Democrats there, and statewide only California and Florida had more Democratic voters than Texas. But a good percentage of the Republicans are extremely authoritarian. There used to be a saying that a New York Republican was like a Texas Democrat. Just like I probably can't imagine what it would have been like to grow up in a Democratic city where I was accepted, I think that many people can't imagine what it is like to grow up gay in a place where you are considered an abomination. But if they are correct and I do spend eternity in Hell, at least I will be accustomed to the neighborhood. And I will bet dollars to doughnuts that I will see many of those "Bible believing Christians" there.

[gay texan]

51. i grew up in NE texas

It was fucking hell. I honestly think I could have been an actor in Hollywood as i was able to play the part of a straight man rather convincingly.

[Nictuku]

19. There are a lot of Good People in Texas

By that, I mean that in a time of crisis like this, neighbors will help neighbors and the community will help each other. (I know this from surviving the Eye of Hurricane Iniki - (but then again, people in Hawaii - North Shore Kauai - seem overall genuinely nicer than people I've met in other areas - I digress...)

In times of Crisis, people won't be asking if you are Red or Blue. If they can, they will just help you, or you them.

This is the beautiful thing about our Humanity.

As much as I hate what Russia has done to Ukraine, I also know that there are many Good Russians (who do not support this war.) Many are too afraid to say anything, and they have been Propagandized since birth.

Russian Propaganda here in the US is designed to divide us, to cause problems in our electorate, and even influence our elections. (I can say the same thing about Right-Wing Propaganda, and if I see what would be Left-Wing Propaganda, I call it out as well).

.... and then there is Gaza. No one can convince me that innocents have not been terrorized and murdered. Where is our humanity?

I wish more people entertained these thoughts of mine..... the division is going to destroy us if we don't get back to the beauty of our humanity.

[niyad]

22. During the Waldo Canyon fire, personnel and equipment were stationed less

than one feet from my apt building. From early afternoon on the Saturday, until the terrible news that Wednesday morning, neighbors all congregated in front of my door, because I had one of the clearest views. We were organizing ourselves, planning in case we needed to evacuate (we won't discuss how city officials f'd up, and lied). Fortunately, our neighborhood was spared. But so much land, so many houses were destroyed, and 2 people died. There never was a count of the wildlife. Four families whom I knew oersonally were amoung those who lost their homes.

So, I have some small understanding, and all the sympathy in the world, for the nightmare the people are experiencing down there.

[MerryBlooms]

27. Rec. The loss of animal life is always huge. Both domestic and wild.

Absolutely heartbreaking. The comment above wishing the worse on Texans... If Oregon goes red, we'll get the same well wishes. Oregon is only blue in the metro areas.

[niyad]

31. It is always heartbreaking to think of the animal lives lost. Years before the

Waldo Canyon fire, when I lived in another state, there was a fire in the plain directly behind my house. Again, the neighbors were organizing ourselves, including planning on how to get out the pets of the people at work, or otherwise gone. Local vets said their offices were open to us. Fortunately, it did not come to that. But we were ready.

[MerryBlooms]

38. When the almeda fire hit our area, we lost two thirds of the manufactured homes,

And pets that were inside, because most folks were at work. My one cat was here during it all, but our place was saved. He has never been the same. There were cats that survived. Someone had a pair of Russian Blues. They made it. Obviously a breeding pair. They ended up at our place. They and their two litters are all altered and some rehomed. (8 in the clowder outside, 3 bottle fed and homed) Two heated beds, and very well fed. Lol The big male has fire damage to his face. He's getting less spicy these days. I think we'll be able to home another couple soon. It takes hours every day of trust and love building.

[MerryBlooms]

39. Forgot to say, rec. 🥰

[MerryBlooms]

25. I'm glad your folks are safe. I'm sorry for the livestock suffering and loss. 😢

I'm praying for all. ❤️❤️❤️

[SleeplessinSoCal]

28. I'm confused.

Is the fire in Panhandle, TX or in Texas ' Panhandle?

[LetMyPeopleVote]

30. Texas Panhandle with is basically most on the area from near Lubbock to the Oklahoma border

[blogslug]

37. I understand the confusion

There is a city named Panhandle and it is located in the TX Panhandle. It is located in Carson county where some of the mass wildfires are happening.

There is a map in this article showing where the wildfires are:

https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/texas/wildfire-texas-panhandle-map-air-quality/285-f953b8f9-6d67-4f5f-a0b1-2c7b38e62f1a

[SleeplessinSoCal]

73. Thanks!

Odd. I don't see the look of a Panhandle in Texas compared to that in Florida.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

29. Thank you for the update

The fires in the panhandle look scary. It appears that it may be bad again this weekend with low humidity and decent winds.

[mountain grammy]

35. I know because I was one of those people.

Left 40 years ago but had good memories and friends, most have left Texas but yes, good people down there.

[Texasgal]

42. I have family in Hereford.

Today I learned they moved their cattle, goats and horses to another location because they are so fearful of these fires. It also didn't help that it snowed today and the roads are crazy moving families and livestock to safer areas.

I hope my Aunt and Uncles's ranch survives. It's heartbreaking.

[LeftInTX]

54. Man the snow didn't put a damper on this? Oh my! I heard the dry air and wind is back. (Well, it's the panhandle)

El Nino never made it to Texas. It's so sad. The rain just stayed too far away.

It's gonna be bad all over the state, I'm afraid. I remember 2011.

[beemerphill]

44. Texas is not a bad state.

Currently, the extreme right has had its way, but that is politics. This goes in cycles. When the pendulum starts the other way it will overcompensate, then swing back. Many voters see things the other way, and it won't be long before we start seeing that swing start. I feel sorry for the people who have lost so much to the wildfires and hope that there will be no more loss of life.

[SlimJimmy]

47. "But, but they deserved it. It was the will of God."

Look around DU and you will see posts just like that. I'm a little embarrassed to be quite frank. I wish anyone who has been through a natural disaster the best and fastest recovery possible. I don't consider their politics when doing so.

[LeftInTX]

55. Weather doesn't discriminate

[purr-rat beauty]

45. Any human suffering at the hands of nature is painful to see

I may not agree with someone's ideology but that doesn't change the fact that they are human

and to see others lose everything and have no control is sad and terrifying

we are all just 1 natural disaster away from nothing.

[LeftInTX]

64. Exactly

[SlimJimmy]

46. Done and done.

[malaise]

48. Great OP

There are good people everywhere.
I have a niece and a nephew and their kids in Texas.

So sorry for your friends

[leftyladyfrommo]

49. Aw. How awful. Can't even imagine. nt

[DBoon]

53. Link for donations?

[Paladin]

59. Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET)

A group of A&M veterinary students is on the ground near the Panhandle fires, aiding in the recovery and healing of both livestock and wild animals. Donations would be most welcome.

[DBoon]

60. like this?

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/vet/giving/

[Paladin]

61. Bullseye. Many thanks. (nt)

[Trueblue Texan]

62. Let's also not forget that many of us here on DU are native Texans and still live here.

We are not happy about the choices many have made in our state, but if you saw our voting maps, you'd understand there are fewer Texans to blame for this mess than you think. Ann Richards said Texas is the only place you can stop your car in the middle of the road and be in 3 different voting districts at once. She said it much more eloquently--she was Ann Richards, so of course she did, but you get the idea how gerrymandered we are here. That's not our only problem, of course. But remember before you start bashing Texas, we need you to help us at least have will to keep fighting.

[wolfie001]

65. Anything I say at DU about Texas is directed at Abbott and the repuke crew

I grew up when Dallas was on the TeeVee. I remember Don Meredith. I hated the Cowboys since about 1971 (go Commanders). We need that state to turn BLUE!!!! The repukes are such dishonest liars and manipulators. It makes many angry. Also, best of luck to your friend.

[LeftInTX]

67. I see no end in sight to this fire. It's very scary. The weather is not cooperating.

[Jean Genie]

68. Texas fires

Molly Ivans was a Texan, and
i think Jim Hightower is a Texan.
Charlie Agar (the Bee Man) is a
Pennsylvania-born Texan.
May all Texans (even "Gagg" Abbot be
safe throughout this horrendous
fire situation. So sorry for the
loss of pets, humans, and
livestock.

[CousinIT]

70. I won't pray to the idiot allegedly in the sky but I do wish the best for your friend

She carries a heavy burden with sick parents and a husband trying to run the ranch. I nope insurance will cover the losses of the cattle at least and that she gets the help and resources she needs to recover and help her family. I'm at least glad their houses are spared and their lives.

[kooth]

71. I Feel for the People of the Panhandle

I lived in Borger, Texas for a few years as a teenager. I loved the people and the landscape. I hope they recover soon.

[ZonkerHarris]

74. They are hurting but never do anything to change the situation created by Republicans so how much

sympathy am I supposed to have for them?

[Jilly_in_VA]

77. You do what you can

one person at a time, one vote at a time. That's the best you can do. I know, I am a blue dot in a very red area myself. I do what I can, I VOTE. So STFU.;

[TNNurse]

75. Anyone who berates and belittles everyone from a state or region,

loses my respect. There are good decent people in every corner of this country, just as there are awful ones. Asking why someone doesn't just move shows ignorance of how people actually have to live.

I am just as concerned for the people in Texas, Florida and Alabama as I am from anywhere. We are Americans, dammit. Judge individuals by their actions.

[Lovie777]

76. I do pray for them ................................

living in California I completely understand. Hopefully outside help is there.

[Demovictory9]

79. ...