Running Away from Fire

The part of California where I live has patches of redwood forest encroached upon by civilization. The fire started in a rural area about 7 miles from where I live. Even though I am in a city (and surrounded by strawberry fields), I am well protected from it spreading to my area or home.

On highway 129 heading east outside of Watsonville.
Smoke is coming from Corralitos

Strong southerly winds drove the smoke and ash directly into town, and further. I haven't had an asthma attack in at least a year and I didn't want to wait around to see what would happen. Since my son and his wife live in San Francisco, it made sense to go stay up there. I put my cat in her travel cage and the two of us went together.

Conveniently, I had a medical appointment today at UCSF. So, I used a tank of gas to complete two tasks at $4.15 a gallon!

The fire has moved further up the mountain since the wind has turned north, and I think it's safe to go home and sleep in my own bed tomorrow. The weatherman says it looks like we will be having rain this weekend.

The picture above, I took with my cell phone as I drove out of town. Notice the size of the trees in the middle line and you can get an idea of the size of the cloud of smoke. The hills are in the background, where the fire has now moved up into.

I Miss My Mom

A Mother's Love


A mother's love!
What can compare with it!
Of all things on earth,
it comes nearest to divine love in heaven.

A mother's love means a life's devotion -
and sometimes a life's sacrifice -
with but one thought, one hope and one feeling,
that her children will grow up healthy and strong,
free from evil habits and able to provide for themselves.

Her sole wish is that they may do their part like men and women,
avoid dangers and pitfalls,
and when dark hours come,
trust in Providence to give them strength,
patience and courage to bear up bravely.

Happy is the mother when her heart's wish is answered,
and happy are sons and daughters
when they can feel that they have contributed
to her noble purpose,
and in some measure,
repaid her unceasing,
unwavering love and devotion.

- Anonymous

Steve Irwin Memorial

This one is for Bindi's friend, Coco.

Purpose of Suffering?

"Suffering, I was beginning to think, was essential to a good life, and as inextricable from such a life as bliss.

It's a great enhancer.

It might last a minute, or a month, but eventually it subsides, and when it does, something else takes its place, and maybe that thing is a greater space.

For happiness.

Each time I encountered suffering, I believe that I grew, and further defined my capacities--not just my physical ones, but my interior ones as well, for contentment, friendship, or any other human experience."

~ Lance Armstrong


What do you think? Is there a benefit to suffering?

“Three Rules of Work:
Out of clutter find simplicity;
From discord find harmony;
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
- Albert Einstein