Monday, May 6, 2013

Nature's Fire Extinguisher

Our town has made the news locally and worldwide this week with a brush fire.  We are located in a narrow valley with hills surrounding us on both sides.  Last Thursday we had dry, hot winds blowing and a brush fire started on the other side of our hills.  The winds blew the rapidly growing fire in the opposite direction from us and eventually all the way to the beach.  Then it reversed course and blew back again.  Thanks to the amazing work of the firefighters not one life or home was lost. 





Last night we received wonderful rains that allowed the firefighters to predict full containment by tomorrow.  It also washed away the ash that has covered everything.

California's May snow.


We've had little ones since the middle of last week.  Five went home yesterday and we still have four more that came yesterday morning and will be here a few more days.  Needless to say, there has been no sewing this week. 

Everyone loved building these and watching them tumble. 

Future mechanics????


We took the five little ones to Legoland last Thursday.  Rather than drive the three hours home after a long day, we got a nice hotel and spent the night.



After going out for pizza we went to the beach to watch a beautiful sunset.  The fires down in the San Diego area added to the reds of the setting sun.



We passed the Armstrong Flower Fields and I had to stop and take a picture of the incredible ranunculas.  I know they are past their prime, but spectacular nonetheless.




 


Since my May is pretty impacted  (two anniversaries, Mother's Day and five birthdays), my goal for this month is simple.  I need to quilt my Summer Star QAL that I worked on last summer. 




















35 comments:

  1. Blessings that all of you are safe! Ah, to take the time to smell the flowers - and enjoy those little ones.

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  2. So glad everyone is safe following the fires. Looks like you had a nice trip with the grand kids. What great memories for all of you.

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  3. Glad to hear all is well after the fires. Sounds like you have so much fun with your "kids". Enjoy your day.

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  4. Mary, so glad to hear all is well for you and your neighborhood. I think your are the best grandparent in the world. Love that Summer Star quilt - Hugs
    Nat

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  5. You were in my old stomping grounds. I used to live in Fallbrook. I love the Ranacula fields. I think all of the grand kids must keep you young at heart for sure. So very glad to hear the fires are going to be contained.

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  6. I was so pleased when the rain started up last night.

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  7. Thank goodness to hear you are safe...how horrible to experience such turmoil and threat of the fires. So glad you are safe and sound and had the opportunity to enjoy the little ones. Your quilt is gorgeous!

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  8. I'm so thankful to hear you're alright! I didn't realize San Diego as involved.....calling grands now!

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  9. Oh my goodness, it does sound like a busy time with all your grandchildren. Lucky you to be blessed 26 times!

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  10. Cute little people. I love Ranunculas! So glad you escaped the fire. Happy May to you

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  11. Glad your town is safe! Looks like you are having a wonderful time with the kiddos!

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  12. So good to hear that everyone is safe. Would love to have a week with my little grandbabies! Lucky you!

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  13. One of my brothers and his family lives in southern California, and I know those fires can be terribly dangerous! I'm so glad all is safe and getting back to normal so quickly :*) And it looks like you are getting plenty of time with the little ones! You've planned some really fun things to do with them - creating beautiful memories!!!

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  14. So frightening to be that close to all the smoke! I've been keeping an eye on things from here in Fresno. You certainly have your hands full with the little ones. How fun to go to Legoland! Happy May to you all.

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  15. Wow! How scary! Glad that you are safe. Your quilt is beautiful, I cannot wait to see it finished. :)

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  16. How do you keep all the kids calm during the fire? Love on the kiddos, you are lucky for such opportunities!!

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  17. Wow, that is too close for comfort! Thankful for firefighters for all that they do and for rain! Looks like fun with the grandkids, and what a pretty flower field!

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  18. Mary,

    Your grandchildren project sounds most fun! :)

    Love that quilt too, by the way.

    Blessings to you and yours.

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  19. So glad to hear you all are safe and fires contained! Sweet kiddos! They all seem so well behaved and cute!Pretty quilt.

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  20. YES we are very thankful...and the tv news had kept us quite posted!!

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  21. Oh boy! you sure do know how to show the children a good time. I want to go to Legoland. I used to live in Simi Valley so I am very familiar with the fires.
    Thanks for coming by my blog for the bird hop. If we have Orioles in NOrth Carolina I have not ever seen one but they are really pretty birds too. good luck in the giveaway.

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  22. Thank the Lord you all are safe! Love seeing the little ones having fun! Loved the flowers!!!

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  23. My, what a busy life you lead -- never a dull moment that's for sure!

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  24. So glad to hear the fire is contained and that no houses or lives were lost. What lovely photos of the Grands..........I know you count your blessings to have such a wonderful family..........your quilt already looks magnificent!

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  25. I went out to a training session at my college last Friday, and they had to close the freeway to fight a brush fire on the hillside. I can't believe we are having our September fires in May! What will September be like?

    Your trip to Legoland sounds lovely, and getting a hotel sounds even better--smart move!

    Elizabeth E.
    opquilt.com

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  26. Enjoyed seeing the photos of your spring garden (so beautiful) and I was fascinated by the fire photos...rather scary to have it so close to home, I would imagine. Hope things have settled down and you're back to quilting!
    best from Tunisia,
    nadia

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  27. You certainly are blessed with a fabulous family...what fun for you!!!

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  28. How scary for you! I bet you were on pins and needles til that rain came.

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  29. Legoland with the little munchkins sounds like so much fun! I bet the air was so full of smoke! I'm glad everyone is safe from that fire. It's going to be a busy year for the fire dept. We need more rain!

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  30. I am so glad you are safe from the fire, that had to be awful! Looks like you are busy, busy with grandchildren and I bet they had fun at Legoland. Quilting can always be done later.

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  31. The sunset is beautiful and the Grand children look like they are having a great time. As for Grandma - busy,busy,busy.

    Must be pretty scary seeing the fires so near. I was thinking of your valley when we heard abut it having seen it from Google Earth.

    Another blogging friend who has stayed with us had the fires come within 300 yds of home. Camarillo. They were ok too thankfully.

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  32. What darling grandchildren you have, Mary! I know they kept you busy during the entire visit. I'm exhausted when mine leave, but I love every second of their visits.

    I also loved looking back at all your quilting & sewing projects. You are quite prolific!

    Hope you have a safe & touching Memorial Day.

    fondly,
    Rett

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  33. So glad the fire is under control. Glad you had time to spend with grandchildren. They look like they keep you busy!

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