Apocalypse Now...

As Southern California burns, I wonder. I spent the better part of the weekend working to make sure my Mom was "fire safe". Southern California Edison had cut power to the mountain communities, making me glad I had my generators. I was also lucky to have a small amount of gasoline on hand, as the lack of power has stranded people in Anza, with no operational gas pumps. In Long Beach yesterday it was raining ash and soot. My SUV was clean (almost) when I came home yesterday afternoon. This morning it was covered with a coat of ash. Power has returned to Anza for now. The winds have died down. There was at least one local fire in Anza, but that was quickly put out. These extreme conditions seem to bring out the arsonists. We can only pray that things improve. Many thanks to the fire fighters who are risking their lives to save property.

Don't play with fire...

I always marvel how many people who live in cities have no concern when driving through the tinder dry back country of Southern California. People have to realize we are in the midst of a 4 year drought. I've been removing dead trees and dry brush around the ranch in Anza. This weekend I will take more precautions to insure I have water on hand, power for the well, gas tanks full and vehicles packed in case I have to leave because of the carelessness, madness, or cruelty of others.