Thursday, October 25, 2007

Fire

I live in Southern California. There are many, many things to love about living here, but the dry Santa Ana winds every year are not one of them. We had a serious fire almost 4 years ago to the day. The fires we are experiencing now are so much worse and affecting so many more areas.

We use to live right by the coast. The beach always felt like protection, and no matter how dry it became, it was hardly ever that dry by the ocean. Now we live in an inland valley. We left our house Monday night, because I could see fire snaking down a nearby mountain where we have hiked, and Mr. G has ridden his bike. We were not under a mandatory evacuation order, but I saw that fire, and the stress just wasn't worth it. We were very lucky, we came home by Tuesday night. Though the fires still burn, firefighters seem to be gaining control, slowly, but surely. It helps that the winds have quieted.

Now I sit in my very closed up house, trying to avoid breathing the smoky air. I was outside a good portion of Mon to Tues. and I think I breathed in enough smoke that hopefully baby girl will never have the urge to take up the habit.

I'm sure it goes without saying that one of my main concerns while packing up things to take were my memory box and things of M's. I actually didn't even think of clothes until my mother mentioned it. There I was, ready to go, with only M's things and our photos. By yesterday, it was pretty safe in my area, but the paranoia stayed with me, and I put the boxes of M's things in my trunk, while I went to work. I can't imagine how I would feel if something happened to his stuff. Which is funny in a way. I've already lost him, what could be worse?

I wanted to explain why I haven't visited any blogs or been able to comment. Hopefully, now I will catch up. Please keep the people in my county in your thoughts. So, so many homes have been lost and not everybody did get a chance to take memories.

6 comments:

Beruriah said...

Oh thank goodness you're okay, and your house is okay, and M's stuff is okay. I understand completely the fear of losing materials connected to him.

Take care of yourself and Baby Girl, and everyone in southern CA will be in my thoughts.

meg said...

Ms. G, I'm so glad you're o.k.

And I understand about taking M's stuff--I would do the same thing, in the same situation.

Take good care of yourself.

The Goddess G said...

I'm so glad to hear that you are okay. I'm sorry that this fire has devastated so much of the area where you live.

I keep Joseph's stuff by the door. Just in case I have to get out of here quick.
~Carole
http://thejourneyfromhere.blogspot.com
http://accordingtocarole.blogspot.com

Monica H said...

I was just looking at the devastating photos today and feeling so sorry and sick over what I saw. Sadly, I know that was only a glimpse of what has happened.

I'm glad you are okay and I will definitely keep Californians in my prayers.

niobe said...

The scope of the fires and the losses people have suffered are just unimaginable. I'm sp glad that you're okay and I'm thinking of all the people who have lost so much.

The Nanny said...

I'm glad you are safe, Mrs. G. I'll keep you all in my thoughts.