Monday, October 13, 2008



In most of Southern California, we don't get to see fall colors as they are seen in other parts of the country. Today it is dry and sunny and the Santa Ana winds are blowing. This is a dangerous time for many of us. Where there are dry grasses, weeds and old trees, the fire probability is very high.

This morning I have been tuned to a local Los Angeles station. All regular programming has been suspended as they report on fires in the San Fernando Valley, Porter Ranch, Santa Paula and one that has started somewhere in the San Bernardino area. None of these are very close to us, thank God. The closest is a little more than 17 miles away. Right now they are reporting that 10 people are stranded in their homes and ranches as they try to get their horses out. The road is closed now. Horse trailers are waiting at the entrance to the canyon to help move the 60 horses.

It makes you think. Knowing that this happens nearly every October/November, why are the grasses not cleared? Mobile homes and businesses have been destroyed, hundreds of homes are threatened and 1 man and his dog have died. Other than Mexico, I have never lived anywhere but Southern California. I was evacuated from my home because of a mountain fire. I wasn't afraid because I was so young and we didn't lose our house. My mom was frantic to protect me. I cannot possibly imagine what these families are going through. More than 1,200 have been evacuated and more have just been ordered out. It's dismal, yet I continue to have my eyes fixed on the television.

Blogger is harder for me to negotiate than my AOL blog. I haven't learned how to do things as easy as placing my signature graphic at the end of my post. I need to learn all over again. And you know . . . as some of us get older new technology is really a stumper. Before, we could add a picture or graphic anywhere we wanted to. Some of my J-Land friends have already figured this out. I really hope one of them will post some instructions for those of us who are technologically challenged.

For my friends who are following or finding this blog; I love you all and you are daily in my prayers.

Blessings, Penny

21 comments:

betty said...

I'm down the road from you Penny (sort of, more inland in the Temecula valley); was at the gym this morning and watching the news and saw the reports of fires; so hoping it won't be like last October; I too wonder why more emphasis is not put on to clearing out of shrubbery, etc. stay safe

betty

Jeannette said...

Those fires you have are terrible things and they occur with such regularity. Stay safe. Yes, I have figured lots of it out. I put my signatures up in Photobucket, then when I have finished writing my entry I just copy and paste the html code into it. The only trouble I have is putting pictures where I want them, blogger always sticks them at the top of your entry and you have to juggle them around.

Chris/cacklinrosie101 said...

I've seen the fires starting up again. I'm not a huge fan of winter but do love the leaves changing colors. They are unusually drab this year because it's been so dry. I'll send you an e-mail about adding graphics in different areas. It was difficult at first but I finally managed it. Have yourself a blessed week! HUGS

Cathy said...

Thanks for your kindness Penny, it's gratifying coming to your place, as always. As for pix, when u click "Add an image" and take it from ur computer, there's an option to go left, center or right of your text just check off which one. I don't know why we can't backspace to get the pic exactly where we want, but this seems to work - so far. I'm still trying to get used to typing blogspot".
http://cathy-daretothink.blogspot.com/

Pamela said...

I agree with you about the fires. They really should focus on clearing the grass.

I'm having trouble with tags, too. Seems to only allow me to put one in at the top of my entry. I got tired of trying to figure it all out.

Hope you have a good evening. Be safe!
Hugs Pam

Carolyn said...

Hi Penny, I was thinking about you all day, so I am glad youlet us know. Fires are very scary. We got evacuated a year ago this spring, and when at my sister in law's place, I could see theplumes of smoke. Michael stayed behind and I was worried sick. It is very frightening and my heat goes out to everyone there. I think because some environmental groups won't allow clearing the dried brush and grasses- this stuff happens every year. Here, whenever there is a build up of dried plants, we have controled burns every few years to get rid of it. It's actually better for teh environment than letting it over grow. Anyway- God Bless you Penny! I hope the fires stay well enough away from you. Love Carolyn

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

I'm with you Penny, we need help from some of those more high tech people!

Joyce said...

I'm in the same boat you are about adding graphics at the end or moving them around once they are added. We'll figure it out before it's over...I hope. lol. Be safe from all the fire activity Penny.
Hugs, Joyce

gulfcoastdee said...

Love your blog's name.
Hope you and yours are safe and sound. Praying for your safety.
I feel the same way with blogspot, it's like being a baby a learning things all over again. This is the reason why I have not added an entry yet.

Dee

natalie said...

congratulations Penny on your big move! I'm so glad I found you! I miss our old home but Blogspot is a very nice new home!
hugggggggggggs
natalie

ADB said...

Stay safe, Penny. Hope the wildfires keep away.

Pat said...

Penny,
Stay safe from those wild fires. I just wanted to let you know I enljoy your blog. Have a great evening.
Hugs,
Pat from Virginia

Robin said...

I do miss the colors of fall...we don't get much of that here in Florida either.

Lori said...

I'm glad your family is safe from the fires. I see that some other offered advice on putting in pics and graphics. I hope it all gets easier in time.
http://lori-dustypages.blogspot.com/

Ben said...

I can relate about trying to figure out the blogspot site. Ever since my IT department moved out to college in September, I've been at the techno-world's tender mercies. I feel so middle-aged!

I'm from the right side of the map, but the pictures we've seen of the fires are pretty terrifying. We're thinking good thoughts for you.

Ben
http://ben-better_left_unsaid.blogspot.com/

friedmsw said...

I have not figured out how to put pictures or graphics in my blog. Still on the learning curve. I am a fellow AOL refugee.

WOW! I am sorry that you have to deal with these fires each year. I am sure that it is nothing that you get used to. It seems like there could be something that could be done. However, I do not live in California. So, I don't know the landscape.

Unknown said...

Love the picture in today's post. But of course Autumn is my favorite season.
Had to smile when reading about your frustration with learning how to place pictures where you want them. I am still trying to figure that out too. Guess it will just take us some time.
Most of my family lives in So. California so I am quite concerned about all the fires. Last year two members of my family came close to losing their homes.
Stay safe. Have a good day.
I've got to get to work on a new post for my journal "A NEW BEGINNING."

Celeste said...

I am slowing coming back into the fold of blogs.

Lisa said...

Sorry to hear about these fires. I will keep you all in my prayers. I agree that maybe if they could clear out more shrubbery etc it might be better at keeping the fires down. We had a lot of fires in Florida too because it was so dry at times. It is just devastating to so many people and families.
Lisa

Kathy said...

go check out my blog - I tagged you to do a 6 random meme - go look

natalie said...

gee I don't know Penny
but this entry really is great!
love,nat