Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Tuesday's Orts

Tuesday's Orts--bits and scraps of thoughts and events that land here semi-regularly.

  • Biggest story of the past week in our county was the Springs Fire, which started just after dawn on Thursday and quickly, with the aid of low humidity, very dry brush due to serious lack of winter rains, and hot East winds we call Santa Anas, caused many people to be evacuated when the fire raced up the mountains to housing tracts abutting the Santa Monica mountain wilderness.  The plume of smoke visible on Friday morning was incredible--10,000 feet high.  We're about 20 miles away from where the fire burned but were nervous for friends and relatives who live up the hill. Due to some amazing firefighting crews, pilots dropping water and retardant, plus a little help from Mother Nature with a return of humidity and even a bit of rain, the fire is now 85-90% contained.  No lives were lost but some property and vehicles were destroyed, and I think one house. The cause of the fire is unknown but arson was ruled out.
  • That new garden area we planted a couple of weeks ago?  I've already managed to half-kill the new plants by forgetting to water and not reminding Grant to put the sprinklers on.  Sheesh.
  • Remember that traffic ticket I got my first day at my new job that was $490?  I have a court date the end of this month since I contested the citation--I didn't run a red stoplight.  Wish me luck!
  • Traffic Rant:  Drivers who text and web surf.  Stupid, careless, dangerous. Get away from me, please! 
  • Walking to work from the bus these last two months I've gotten to see spring arrive.  The other day I was admiring new blooms on the jacaranda trees when I spotted an unusual shape in the branches. 

I could have used this umbrella on Monday but it was gone.  Guess someone else needed it!

11 comments:

Abby and Stephanie said...

So glad the fire is contained. Those are so scary. I think Jacaranda trees are unusual and pretty trees and if I remember correctly, messy too! :o) I heart trees.

Quilter Kathy said...

Good luck with the court date. And with not getting hit by texting drivers...it's a real menace on the roads!

Darlene said...

Good luck with your court date.

I get so agravated when I see a driver texting. It's as bad as drinking and driving - they are endangering so many lives. grrrr!

Libby said...

So glad that rain came to help with the fire - it's going to be a scary year!
Love jacaranda trees. I am starting to notice them here, too. They are the bright spot of May Gray and June Gloom - when the sky is overcast, they positively glow!

Mary said...

Wild fires are crazy scary. Good luck with the court date.

Janet O. said...

I wish you well in court. Those people texting/surfing and driving are the ones that should be there.

Nanette Merrill said...

You make me laugh. Life is just like this post. It just happens. Love the photo.

Shay said...

That fire made the news here too and I knew you lived near it so I raced to check how close it was. Glad you guys are OK though.

I constantly forget to water new plants...I am officially a plant murderer . Join the club!

Good Luck with court. That’s one stiff fine to pay. I’d be contesting it too!

Kate said...

Glad that they got the fire contained relatively quickly.

Good luck with your court date. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Vivian said...

Positive thoughts and good-luck vibes sent your way as the court date nears. The dollar amount looks uglier and more unreasonable every time I see it.
I'm totally blameless if outdoor plants don't make it. I'm told to stay away--go back to my sewing. DH imagines himself in charge of everything growing around our house. If course if something doesn't go right, it's not HIS fault. There's some warped logic in there somewhere.
Glad to read you're safe from these past fires.

Tanya said...

Hi Annie! I hadn't heard about the fires yet. That is always scary and I've watched what they can do from my mother's back yard.
Yes, even a walk from a bus stop can show up new and beautiful things!

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