They (those Guys That Keep Track of Stuff) say that it these fires comprised the biggest Fire Event in recorded California history. Amazing, since I remember a certain fire in 03 near San Diego that turned day into night in a few hours. There were firefighters from all 50 states and many other countries, including Australia and Russia (Russia?) working up here this last month. And I had no idea that there was a retrofitted DC10 retardant bomber in the arsenal. You can aim with that thing? And what IS that orange junk they throw around so profusely? (must google...)
Actually, it's people like us, living out here in the boonies, that make this a problem in the first place, of course. This area--indeed, most places in the West--should burn, now and then. But, of course, we want it then, not now. The ideal would be a low fire (stays on the ground) whipping through here every few years.
That's why we're asked to clear low brush and branches from our land (ladder fuels), to keep the fire from climbing trees and destroying them. We've got some more work to do, I'll have to say. It's why a Big Hungry wood-chipper is pretty high on our wish list. Our house is metal-clad and we have a 2500 gal. water tank (with fire hose spigot) nearby, which will help, but, well, as I said, we have to burn some calories out there so that our house doesn't.
Meanwhile, here are some random, completely-unrelated photos of patio flowers I took, recently. I planted some succulents, some of which can be seen in this cute little dish garden (the lovely pot was given to me by Friend Ruth). Fire safe, for sure, those succulents. And they look like alien life forms, some of them. Then there are my little Columbines. This kind (Crimson) are native around here, and I bought it at a local nursery.
The Oriental Lilies are reblooms from a Mother's Day gift from Dylan, last year. I totally ignored them out on the deck, until they started to sprout, again, this spring. So, don't throw those babies away, after they've faded! It was a fun surprise! I have some yellow Calla lilies following suit. I just love stuff that thrives on neglect!So, on with the day! I can hear the murmuring--"what's going on with the electricity in the shop?" What a coincidence! Happens to be my next topic...
