The earthquakes and aftershocks ( all 7,000 of them ) may have taken our home and business plus 25% of our possessions but they haven't taken our spirits - well not quite.
Like everyone in Christchurch we have existed in a war zone especially since February when we suffered the earthquake from hell.
The Weston House was cordoned off for weeks and under Army guard and Police control. As you know our location borders the "Red Zone" or CBD 'no-go' area.The heart of the City is in an awful state with whole areas set for demolition and is not the City we loved any more.
It WILL rise again but at the present it is hard to visualize - we are all too tired to think that far ahead.I think that the double hit last Monday shook us to the core. We are being hit from every direction with quakes along previously unknown faults - no doubt setting each other off. But every time this happens we get a new series of aftershocks and the time frame for the earth settling down stretches out to another year. It sure tests your faith....
But I would hate you to think we are the only ones suffering - there are thousands worse off than ourselves.Those in the low lying eastern suburbs have been hit again by foul liquefaction while those on the spectacular sea facing cliffs of Sumner and Redcliffs have watched their homes plunge or left balanced on the very edge. Earthquake damage shows no respect for any sector of society and strikes where the land is weakest.
Hundreds of volunteers have turned out to help clear up the mess but the affected still have no news or decisions regarding their futures.
We have had our own battles - the demolition, which we have fought for since February - was scheduled to start today - but although classed as urgent - they are minus a piece of paper and now could be delayed upto 2 weeks.
TWH has been terminal since 22 February ,which inflicted terrible wounds on an already damaged building.
We were lucky to escape with our lives and any suggestion that repair was an option filled us with horror.
The three 'who's have ruled our lives and fuelled our battle
- who will pay?
- who would insure us?
- who would stay here anymore?
I feel like Mrs Schwarzenegger .... I have fallen out of love with my home - it has been unfaithful to me and will soon lie broken at my feet...
But no matter how lovely your home is your family is lovelier and the fact that we have all survived is all that matters.
I cannot express adequately how grateful I am to them all , especially Len, who has to deal with my cranky spells (can you imagine me getting cranky? I hope so!!!! I have a black belt in it now - along with my black belt in shopping)
Earthquakes can't take away the joy TWH has delivered and the wonderful friends we have made over the last 15 years.
That was the dream - this is the nightmare.
Our future....a holiday - completing the holiday we started last year... some sleep....and then we will rethink and plan.
Len needs some time off to race his car and I need some time off to smell the roses as they say and we both need to spoil our grandchildren.....
...and for the photo you won't really want to study....
10 comments:
Hi Stephanie and Len,
Very sorry to read about your lovely home – this grand, stylish building and hosting place – to go. Keep you heads up!
Michael
Dear Stephanie and Len:
We will always remember the fantastic time we had staying with you during our honeymoon.
Wishing you and yours good health and happiness in the coming year as you forge ahead and rebuild your lives.
Warm Regards,
Hilary & Jerry
oh my god.
if they say that a picture says a thousand words,they're wrong.
under estimated a bit i reckon
andy
Hi Stephanie and Len.
We are so sorry to hear about your lovely home having to be demolished. Over here in the UK the extent of the damage caused and still being caused by the earthquakes in Christchurch, sadly are no longer headline news on the media channels, it is only by reading your blogs we can understand what you are all still going through and our hearts go out to you.
You say it is like living in a war zone, but there is one fundamental difference, 'Mother Nature' has all the ammunition and until 'she' declares a cease fire you are unable to think about rebuilding your lives. But it will happen and I'm sure that then, like the Phoenix, Christchurch, and The Weston House will rise again through the ashes and debris to be stronger and more beautiful than ever.
Your lives have been turned upside down, but you are both strong and with the help, support and love of your family,friends and community, you will get through this terrible time.
Take care we are thinking of you, your friends in the Northern Hemisphere.
Maureen and Ken Robinson, Shropshire, UK.
Dear Stephanie & Len - have just read your blog with the latest news regarding demolition of your wonderful home: we can hardly believe it. We speak of you often and how we enjoyed our short stays with you in 2007 and again last year. Just wanted you to know that our thoughts have been with you since the earthquakes first made the news last year here in the UK and, although you have the love and support of family and close friends, we're sure the loss of your home has come as a real blow to you both. We'll continue to think of you as you re-build both in terms of your lives and also your home.
We send our very best wishes to each of you.
Janet & Henry Biggs, Worcestershire, England
Dear Len & Stephanie,
Having just returned from holiday, we've read only today of the sad news about The Weston House.
You are both still in our thoughts and often we think of the happy times we spent with you and how you helped us when we needed it. We hope and pray that you will retain the courage and fortitude to get through this latest episode - you know you have the love and support of your family (close and extended!).
With our warmest regards and best wishes.
Ian & Ann Love
Dear Stephanie and Len,
We had the good fortune to stay with you in 2002 (coincidentally on the 21st and 22nd February, leaving on the 23rd), and have fond memories of your hospitality, humour, fine home and our conversations including your progress from the pharmacy at the Bakers Arms in the early 1970s.
We are saddened by the loss of TWH and the devastation of the fine City of Christchurch, but very impressed with your positive attitude.
With our very Best Wishes to you and your Family,
Angela and Terry Brown, Essex UK
Stephanie and Len, We have only just learned of the terrible fate of your lovely home and B&B. So very very sorry to see the photos of the damage.
You will have wonderful memories of your time there - good memories are great to have. Wishing you all the best in the future.
Erica and Geoff Lineham
(ex Hurunui Boutique Lodge, Heritage & Character Inns of NZ)
Jeeves is so sad there was nothing finer for Bertie Wooster to have stayed in . It is like the end of the British Empire a terrible thing to have happened.
All power to Stephanie and Len may they find another spot where the sun will never set
Jeeves is so sad there was nothing finer for Bertie Wooster to have stayed in . It is like the end of the British Empire a terrible thing to have happened.
All power to Stephanie and Len may they find another spot where the sun will never set
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