Orange County Fires

Have I ever told you how much I love California? I mean I LOVE Arizona, and nothing feels more like home to me than AZ, but CA would be right next in line for my affections. I know there IS a list for my affections, but AZ is the clear winner, and California...how can you not love it? There's something for everyone! Ever since I was little, any time I was able to get over this state line, I would just be giddy. GIDDY I tell you. Something about it just speaks to my soul. I love the arid yet humid climate (not AZ arid, it feels downright tropical compared to here, and not southern humid where you wonder why you just bothered to shower). I love the desert next to beach next to mountains next to oasis next to city next to wilderness. How could you EVER get bored there? I have never gone and not come home feeling somewhat sad to leave and fulfilled to have been there.

I love the rolling grassy hills. Fires are common when that grass gets high and dry and those fierce Santa Ana winds get blowing. It has been so much drier over the past years; those hills just don't get green like they should. Earlier this year I was making a trip with the kids and was ecstatic to see those rolling hills green again. Finally. It looked like I was driving through Ireland. Those hills right now are on fire. They tell us the middle of the day looks like dusk. Scott's parents and brother's family live in Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills, about 5 miles from each other in Orange County. We love visiting, and aside from the many reasons listed above to visit, they are definitely the main reason we love to go. Shannon (Scott's bro Ryan's wife) evacuated to his parents' with their brand new baby while Ryan works his police shifts. Friends have been evacuated and at least one friend's home has burnt down.



They have braved fires over the years, but I think this one is the biggest and closest to home. It's like insult added to that injury they experienced a few months ago with that big (and can I say traumatic) earthquake that was literally in their back yard in Chino Hills, where Scott and his brother have ridden their mountain bikes (and should do it more often, I might add...) So now it's fire in their back yard. Put it out before we come for Thanksgiving, please. And I'd like to place my order for Thanksgiving dinner, hold the earthquakes. We love you guys and you're in our prayers. Snowflake doesn't look so bad after all, does it grandma? Or is that just not going to be funny? See you soon....