Thursday, May 7, 2009

View From My Front Yard




It was a scary feeling. I came home from picking up The Little Miss and saw massive amounts of smoke billowing from the hills just above my house. Making it even more surreal was watching as my neighbors had handfuls of pictures, boxes, clothes, mementos of a lifetime trying to be fit in the back of cars. Me? I had a small bag packed with our passports, tax returns, insurance policies and a few tokens already in my car, just in case I couldn’t get back in the house from being out.

In my panic, I called The Husband, telling him I was going to pack up and leave. Really? He said? Is it that bad? And for me, at that moment it was. Panic. Still in the warning zone, not the you-have-to-leave-right-now zone, but still. My heart racing. Turning my tears away from The Little Miss. I’m suppose to be strong. Hold it together. Stay level headed and pack what you need. But am I packing as if for a night away or packing for my house is going to burn down? 2 totally different things.

It could be worse, I tell myself. And it is for some. A lot worse.

It’s calm now, but I suspect not for long. Strong hot winds, the Santa Ana’s as they are called, are being predicted again for this afternoon.

13 comments:

SeaShore said...

Those are scary pictures. I'm saying a prayer for rain. Take care.

Shelley said...

Oh man, this is terrible. Hoping for the best for you and your family - take care!

Jules said...

holy moley! I'm praying for you.

Perosnally I'd be just like you... 1 minute in panic mode, the next doing ok. I'd be packing to lose my house... and afterwards use it as a lesson so there's not so much to pack.

I'd be keeping busy right now and praying. After the fires are over, I'd be working hard to make copies of everything JUST in case... and have them some where else, just in case. Especially those things I can't bear to lose. Like my teddy from when I was born. :-) Guess I can't copy that. But you know what I mean :)

Take it a minute, an hour at a time and I'll pray for the rain in the northeast to come down your way. I have a friend who's begging for it to end anyhow. :)

Anonymous said...

I hope you are all ok and safe - that is very scary for you

Gigi said...

Oh my God - that is so frightening! I'd be gone by now but am a big-time sissy and panic-meister. Sending prayers your way that you'll be out of harm's way soon.

SL said...

The California fire season is beginning a bit too early this year and I'm so sorry for you and your family being right in the midst of it. I'm sending good thoughts for no Santa Anas and progress by firefighters to my neighbors to the south. Hang in there.

Amalily said...

I have you & yours in my thoughts I hope things die down & you get some much needed rain be safe.

MB said...

That is so scary. I can't imagine what I would pack in a situation like that.

I hope the Santa Ana's die down. I did the rain dance for you but unfortunately the rain is here - not there where it needs to be.

I'm sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Keep you and your family safe.

The Three Nuts Farm said...

Please remain safe. Life is the most important precious gift. Take care and keep us posted.

I also am thankful for the firefighters and volunteers putting their own safety on the line trying to control the fire.

Hanlie said...

I was wondering about you yesterday when I saw the headlines on Google or Yahoo about the fires getting worse...

I hope your house is spared! But please get out of there when it becomes dangerous...

SeaShore said...

I saw this on the news. I pray you're alright, and that your house still stands.

Teresa said...

Bless your hearts, I thought of you when it was on the news. I hope it misses your home. Hang in there.

Osa Morena said...

Started lurking recently, didn't realize where you were. Sending prayers and best thoughts from Ventura County.