

You read it right, the studio has been destroyed. Not by my own doing, but an act of nature this time. This past week or so has seen an intense heat wave come through my area. This was followed up by some incredibly severe thunderstorms on Sunday night (June 8th). Out of the thunderstorm that swept through my area, a tornado or microburst spawned and crossed right over my neighborhood.
Point of interest: Sunday night was my ten year wedding anniversary.
Really looking forward to 25th anniversary now.
The red arrow is where my studio
The tree seen in the picture is only the top half of the tree. The bottom half is still in the ground just over fifty feet away in the backyard. The wind was strong enough to snap the top half off and carry it the fifty feet over to the house and throw it through the roof. The side wall of house was pushed out slightly as well. And by slightly, I mean like three feet or so.
Everyone is alright (dog included) and that's the important thing.
The house can be fixed and things can be replaced with insurance.
So what happens now
Now I start the long road of getting my house fixed up. We have power back to most (almost half) of the house so far. Internet and phone work now too (although the phone was dead for most of the day). The affected portion of the house is in the process of being gutted and dried out. There was a tremendous amount of water damage since it was raining and every last bit of it came into the house. There is a good bit of structural damage too. It's not good when every expert who comes to look at the damage says, "Whoa, that's bad." I tell them I know that already.
But what about the studio you're wondering
Well, I have to get that portion of the house rebuilt before I can put the studio back together. That's going to take me a couple weeks if all goes real well. In the mean time, I'm limited in what I can do both in resources and in time.
1. Email will be limited. I will do my best to reply, but it may take me a couple days. I will reply if you email me, just please be patient. Today is the first day I've been able to get online to reply to emails and post this.
2. I have a handful of posts that are ready to go for the most part and instead of posting three times a week, I'm going to shoot for once a week on Wednesdays.
3. If I have something of yours, I still have it, I just don't know where it's at right now and what shape it's in. If it's broke though, I promise I'll fix it.
And most importantly of all
A huge thank you to everyone for their support in helping us get through this. There has been a tremendous outpouring of support while we get everything back together. My Wife is really enjoying all the quality time we are spending together now that I'm right under her feet all day long in the house.
If you would like to help me get things back up and running, I've included a "Help Support FTW" button over there in the right column. The bills for this kind of thing come in faster than the money does and every little bit is appreciated. All the money will go entirely into getting the studio back together. I may even be able to sport for a chair so I don't have to stand anymore.
Thank you everyone!
UPDATE: July 11
I want to thank everyone for their support! You all are a second family and are a huge help in getting through this. As of today, it's a steady flow of contractors coming into the house and truckloads of trash going out. I haven't even gotten to my hobby stuff yet, we are still checking things like electrical, HVAC, structural components and such.
UPDATE: July 13
The tree has been removed and the affected parts of the house are being gutted. We're doing our best to make sure the water damage doesn't result in mold later on. Things are finally starting to slow down some, but we still don't have power in half of the house and we have to eat outside since our kitchen has had everything removed.
UPDATE: July 14
More water damage was found in the kitchen and upstairs today (further away than originally estimated). My biggest worry now is that forecasted thunderstorms are going to cause even more problems for us this weekend. I've done my best to secure the tarp over half of the house (literally), so we'll so how my work holds up.
UPDATE: July 16
We had a few more strong thunderstorms come through the area in the past two days that resulted in some additional water damage. It means more ceiling has been removed and more work to repair. Looks like everything upstairs will need to be moved into a storage unit for the next couple weeks while they redo the roof and the upstairs of the house. I just wish we could get this all fixed quickly.

Ron, that is terrible!
ReplyDeleteHowever its a great opportunity to remake the studio - better, faster, stronger!
Good luck getting through it and sounds like you are on the right track already.
Thanks so much for everything you have done for the community!
ReplyDeleteIf you need any specific hobby supplies or replacements just ask!
I am just so thankful that no one was hurt.
Dave
Glad everyone's safe Ron.
ReplyDelete-Reece
Holy cow, Ron! I'm extremely glad no-one was hurt, that could have been a major tragedy (not that it isn't in its own right).
ReplyDeleteI hope that you can get things back up and running soon. Take care!
Ron,
ReplyDeleteI am glad everyone is ok. Good luck on your repairs.
I'm glad you're ok!
ReplyDeleteHope you get a good contractor that will get the studio up & running quickly. We'll miss your frequent posting until then.
The important thing is everyone is safe. I'm sure you can lean on the community if you need, I know I'm more than happy to help in any way I can, just say the word and I'll try and help as much as I can from my corner of Canada.
ReplyDeleteSad to see that that happened to you.
ReplyDeleteAt least everyone is safe.
Good luck with the repairs.
Wow, good thing your wife rolled the look out sir save! But congrats on the 10 years and good luck with the repairs
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that it hit the house, glad it missed you!
ReplyDeleteI hate to hear that Ron, but relieved to know that everyone is safe!
ReplyDeleteI'll echo the ones above me, if you need something, give us a shout out.
Sorry to hear, Ron. But I am sure glad that you and the family are safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteI'm relieved and happy that everyone is safe (dog included). I don't think anyone is worried about the state of their stuff in your possession (It's just stuff and can be replaced)
ReplyDeleteI hope clean-up is as quick and painless as possible for you so you can get back to doing what you love.
That really sucks dude,the main thing is no one was injured (except for maybe a few plastic guys?). Didn't you jokingly say recently that you set about destroying your studio? And congratulations on 10 years of marriage.
ReplyDeleteGlad you and the fam. are ok, wish I was closer to come over and help....
ReplyDeletehang in there, also now is a good time to get over to the game store and get a few games in.
stupid trees....
That is terrible news Ron, I am glad to hear everyone is ok and wish you the best from myself and the rest of the crew at DFG.
ReplyDeleteGlad everyone is alright. That is a pretty awful disaster. Best of luck getting everything put back together.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're alright man! Nature is always unpredictable! Now, get that studio back together and keep putting out some amazing miniatures!
ReplyDeleteGranesh
Smells Like Wargaming
Glad you and your family are ok. Hope you get things fixed up without any issues!
ReplyDeleteGlad everyone and the dog is OK. On the plus you now get a sparkly new studio!
ReplyDeleteThat's a crazy situation... Good timing on the part of your wife calling you out of the studio! Good timing indeed!
ReplyDeleteOh no, what a desaster!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that no one was hurt.
It's good everyone's OK!
ReplyDeleteWish you luck in repairing your house and the studio!
Its good to hear everyone is okay.
ReplyDeleteogre
Gods damn! I am constantly grateful that I live in a country WITHOUT extremes of weather. That is dreadful but so, so glad that no-one was hurt. Perhaps we of the blogosphere can put together some Instructable type posts that you can put up to keep content flowing and the site ticking over?
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your house. But as said before, thing are replaceble, and the important thing is that everyone is safe. Good luck in fixing the house again and congratualtions for the 10 year anniversary!
ReplyDeleteThe photos do not make it look that bad, but if that is only part of the tree that struck your house...! Just glad you were not in there and no one got hurt... that is always the most important thing! I will keep my fingers crossed for you on the repair front.
ReplyDeleteHey glad u and your family , dog included r ok!.. and i could tell u things happend for a reason and blablabla.... but not... sometimes life sucks ans hits u baad... best defense? face it with a smile ;)( of course some good donations will help too)
ReplyDeleteGlad everyone is safe Ron, times like this impress me how powerful nature can be. Good luck with the repairs and hope your up and running again soon.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the damage and I'm glad noone was hurt. I hope that the rebuilding goes as smoothly as these things can.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear everyone is safe. Hope the re-build goes well!
ReplyDeleteDonating. And I third the comment that its good everyone is ok! I also second the comments "stupid trees".
ReplyDeleteGlad you and the family are ok Ron, as you say, that's the main thing.
ReplyDeleteDamn, that's some bad luck. Glad everyone's doing okay!
ReplyDeleteWhoa, that sucks! Then again, good to hear you're all safe!
ReplyDeleteAbout your wedding anniversary, you should think about it like this: If you didn't have a wife, you'd probably have been mouldering away in the mancave all night, so you'd probably be dead right now. That adds a bit of perspective, doesnt it? ;-)
Anyway, hope the repairs will go well! I'm also keeping my fingers crossed that some of your stuff may yet be saved!
Ron I am so sorry to hear this mate? unreal! So pleased that you and the family are ok, looks like fate intervened to call you down! your wife is a hero mate!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you
Ad
Man thats some serious bad luck, but glad you're all doing fine. Good luck getting everything fixed, hopefully won't take long or involve any problems=]
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that everyone's ok Ron! I hope everything works out.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that everyone's OK.
ReplyDelete-- Jon
Your weather patterns sound the exact same as mine here in the southeast. You know my gameroom storm damage woes from last year, all I can say is that I know what you're going through, flood and all. Check references on those contractors and get time estimates as well as dollar amounts. I feel for you man, like you said though, it's just "stuff" I'm glad you and the fam (dog included) are okay.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the damage, man. Glad to hear that everyone's okay, and we'll keep you in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteThat's a right bugger.
ReplyDeleteGlad everyone is ok (including the dog).
RIP old studio. Looking forward to seeing the new studio.
That's pretty scary, so glad that you are all OK, especially as it was such a narrow escape for you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in getting things all back together and put right, looking forward to seeing the new studio - just remember, you now have an excuse to design it just the way you want.
Best of wishes in your repairs and I hope you get everything back up and running.
ReplyDeleteWell at least real life got more exciting than the Horus Heresy for a bit there:0 Let me know if you need and hobby supplies replaced and I can ship them out to you. Good luck with the contractors and insurance because that stuff is infuriating.
ReplyDeleteLuckily it's only material damage, everybody is still in one piece and that's what really counts! Best of luck with the rebuild!
ReplyDelete"Now I start the long road of getting my house fixed up."
ReplyDeleteThat's gonna take a LOT of green stuff. ;)
Glad everyone's okay, and congrats on the ten years!
Ron, I'm so sorry to hear about this, but as others said, I'm really glad no one was hurt.
ReplyDeleteI just made a small donation, and I encourage everyone who reads this post to do the same.
Give back to the man who gives so much to the mini painting community!!!
Ron, that's crazy! I'm happy you guys made it through unscathed. I'd like to offer any assistance I can.
ReplyDeleteHoly Crap! Well at least everyone is safe. Best of luck with repairs.
ReplyDeleteCrapola. Say, given your extremely broad (and extremely thankful) reader base, why don't you consider doing a Kickstarter project to cover whatever you need to get things back together? You might even be able to get enough together to make it better!
ReplyDeleteThat's some scary stuff Ron. I'm very glad you and yours are okay. Like you said, the rest can be sorted out.
ReplyDeleteMate - not good news. Like being kicked in the multi meltas.
ReplyDeleteHope things straighten out for you soon. I know your hobby mojo will come back stronger than ever.
TUZ
Ouch. Good luck with the rebuild, glad everyone's in one piece! Hope you didn't lose any minis to the tree attack.
ReplyDeleteRon, really glad everyone's safe, now I hope you all stay sane! Hopefully the renovation will be completed smoothly and quickly.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Have you thought about converting that tree?
Ron
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read this - but glad everyone is ok!
Lloyd
"Gentlemen: we can rebuild it - we have the technology..."
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about this, Ron, but glad you and yours are well. The hobby will return forthwith...
Thoughts are with you guys. The last time we had trees do damage to our street we got lucky but everyone else suffered. The joiners loved my neighbours after that :S
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear everyone is alright and the only damage is to something that can be rebuilt :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats also to you and your wife, sir.
Stay safe and will wait with baited breath for more posts.
So does this mean there will be no wood elves tutorial?
ReplyDeleteGlad to know you and your family are safe!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you were over there. It's amazing your wife called you down just before. I can't even imagine hearing a crash and then looking for all the family members (4 legged included) to make sure they're safe. I'm glad you're all okay. Check your msn email account please.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're OK Ron, but even more happy that the dog made it through.
ReplyDeleteAS many others have pointed is good to know that you were called downstairs early that day and your whole family is safe, I hope you manage to raise from the debris with a better studio. cheers.
ReplyDeleteThat sucks but you just have to keep positive.
ReplyDeleteI've only been following the blog for a short time, but it's already had a huge (don't say "impact") effect on my desire to advance my hobby skills. Sorry that this happened to you, and I'll do what I can to return a small portion of the enjoyment this blog has given me. Thanks again for all the hard work, and best wishes for a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteOuch that looks bad dude, as long as everyone isn't hurt that's the main thing. Here's to a speedy recovery for your studio!
ReplyDeleteGlad everybody is all ok. Awesome blog, very helpful with some great ideas!
ReplyDeletethats rough luck, Ron, and its good that no-one was hurt! hope its not too long a process to get everything sorted..
ReplyDeleteThat sucks ass,same thing happened to my pool but it was the nieghbors tree and act of God and all that.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say I sweat alot more now (no pool)
If you need any hobby stuff not just GW stuff but the wierder stuff that we use alot of(g/s plaster,plasticard/rod.
Shoot me a line with what you need,I'll see if I can help.
Good luck with the house,life should be backto normal in a week or two.
A big disgrace, Ron, but luckily you weren´t affected in the storm...
ReplyDeleteWill be hard to recover from this, but you have all our support!!
Prayers and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteoh man, that's horrible :( hope you get back on your feet soon!
ReplyDeleteWow - thats terrible Ron. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Tornadoes (or whatever that was) are a very scary prospect - just glad no one was in the room when the tree fell. I used to live in the DFW area, and Ive seen full 18 wheelers picked up and moved several thousand feet.
ReplyDeleteHey Ron.
ReplyDeleteJust came across this bit of news today mate. I'm glad you and yours are fine and in good health. Like you said material stuff can be bought again or rebuilt. Be assured our best wishes and good willing are with you mate.
Those mysterious terrain rolls really suck.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously dude, really gutted for you. But glad no one got hurt, hope you get back on your feet soon.
Man, I'm so terribly sorry to hear that. Okay, I'm really late, but I've just dropped by.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that everybody's all right. My wife and I wish you all the best.
Thanks for the updates, Ron. Hope things get back to the way they were sooner than later.
ReplyDeleteSucks, man. I'm glad that your people are okay. Stuff can be replaced; people, not so much.
ReplyDeleteRon!
ReplyDeleteI posted it into my own web blog... hope you are lucky and some spaniard fellows donate and help!!
Good luck!
You know you have all our support!
My house flooded a few times when I was younger. Destroyed a whole lot of my Magic cards. I feel for you and I hope you get everything sorted out. This will give you a good opportunity to redesign your studio!
ReplyDeleteHope you get back on your feet quickly, your articles are like e-crack.
ReplyDelete