Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Southern California is On Fire

I'm sure you're aware that there are a dozen fires blazing from as far south as San Diego county to northern Los Angeles County, and inland as far as Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. I have lived in Southern California all my life, and I've never seen it like this. I have never heard of 500,000 people forced to evacuate due to wildfires here. The sky is very hazy and thick with ashes, even in Long Beach where we are miles from the nearest fire. Temperatures are in the 90s even at the beaches, and the fierce Santa Ana winds are relentless.

I hate this time of the year because of these damn winds. If you have never experienced one, let me just tell you that they are ugly - even when they aren't fanning flames. The air gets so dry that my skin crawls and my eyes water. When the winds are their strongest, they howl and shriek around the corners of the house. The neighborhood is littered with tree branches and debris. I find these Santa Ana winds to be very disturbing. I am always on edge during a Santa Ana wind episode.

My favorite auntie emailed this morning to let us know that they are packing up in case they have to evacuate. They live in San Diego county, and they are close to an evacuation zone. I started my day with a prayer for the firefighters and families affected by this situation, and I prayed for rain - something we have had very little of this year.

I am also home for the day nursing a lame Buffy. Michael though he'd be a good doggy daddy yesterday and take his girl for a walk. Unfortunately, he also ran her and played fetch with her. Not good. Buffy had double knee surgery when she was just ten months old, and after her surgery the doctor told me that she was to stay lean and fit for life, but no running or jumping ever! My sweetie did not know this when he took her out yesterday. He just knew that she has a lot of energy, and he was hoping to help her burn some of it off. I am hopeful that with some rest over the next couple of days, she will resume the use of her sore leg. Otherwise, we'll be visiting the veterinarian to see what he thinks.

6 comments:

4D said...

Serious stuff. Hope everyone is okay. Hugs to you and Buffy.

Keep smilin!

Abby's Mom said...

Those fires are terrible! My thoughts and prayers go out to you all!

Kayce said...

Glad to hear you are well. I lived in Mt. Baldy when I was really young...those SA's burned down the mountain back in the late 70's early 80's. This time of year always reminds me of that.

Many prayers....

wzgirl said...

I am always praying for rain - even moreso right now. Keeping you SoCal sisters/brothers in my thoughts all day. Hope that Buffy is ok, too! XO

~Kristen said...

You've been on my mind every time I watch the news... praying they don't get too close to you.

Hope Buffy is feeling better soon!

Anonymous said...

Those fires are awful. I hope things get better soon. Sending prayers...