The mountain that I live on is on fire. The helicopters are back to dumping water from our lagoon on the hottest spots on the hillside far above me and over the ridge. The sky is full of smoke.
Yesterday evening I was part of the volutary evacuation of my neighborhood. I waited, car packed, dog already in his seat, until I could hear as well as see the flames advancing on my tiny town. Scary. I left, but returned after the fire changed direction and they were able to secure the town. My street is the last highest one on the mountain that they were allowing people to return to. Everyone who lives in the streets above me were not allowed back to their homes yesterday evening. Everyone 3 streets above me were forcibly evacuated, I've no idea if they've been allowed back yet.
We've been advised to stay indoors and seal up our homes (close the windows, don't vacuum, all sorts of things like that) until the air is fit to breathe again. The smell of woodsmoke is in the house anyway, and there is ash on my car from the few hours it was out of the garage during the evacuation.
Due to the valiant efforts of a great many folks, my town is so far untouched, though I just spotted the copters closer than they've been all day. The winds are up and heading in our direction again.
What becomes important at times like this? Well, I can tell you what's packed in my car right now and ready to go. A dufflebag with 2 changes of clothes, my dop kit and my jewelry (it's negotiable currency that I could sell if I need to). The dog's blanketbed, 2 bags of dog food, his favorite toy and ball, a leash and some poop bags. Until an hour ago my PC was in my miata (my soon to be published book is in it, fercrissakes), but I've hooked it back up for now. If I see any more fire it gets shoved back in the car on my way out of town again. I've packed my passport and birth certificate, along with my personal phone books and rolodex. A box of pictures, a couple of jackets.
What is important? Life. Family. Friends. What I've learned, and what I want to teach. Who I am.
The house, newly remodeled? The lovely clothes, the new measuring cups in the kitchen? The art lovingly carried back from last year's trip to Italy? Not so much.
Soon (if the helicopters stop dropping water on the ridge) I am leaving to take a neighbor with heart and lung problems out of town and to a mall some miles away, where the air is filtered and he will hopefully feel better. We do what we can in times like these, yes?
Such a strange day.
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