just ignore and let this one die

what a well travelled young man! very cool!

You have been on that rock too long- that was ebbil - funny as hell though - I totally LOL'ed. Velcro could be good too- then he could double as a lint brush.

i think i might open Photoshop (pandora's box) and make some clothes again....

It was Boomer's suggestion.

I've seen this before. Thanks for posting the link I just enjoyed it again. I, too am crying by the end, not out of sadness but because it is so moving and happy.

my neighbor retextured his wall. Not great but much better. But now another neighbor put this up. My house is hidden behind this wall. *cries*

LOL - sounds like my husband. He thinks duct tape on kitty paws is cool too.

Here's how my day went today, for any of you fire followers... still safe...

3:15 a.m.
Two days ago the fire was "downtown". Now it's three in the morning and I woke up to the smell of smoke and the sound of evacuation sirens in the distance. I quickly went around and shut all the windows. The fire has shifted direction due to the high winds and it is now close enough that the boundary of the evacuation warning area is within walking distance. This is a shock, when I went to bed just a few hours ago it was some miles out.

I'm scared and my stomach is upset. There is no way I will be able to get back to sleep now. I guess I had better pack some bags, just in case. With it changing this fast there is no telling what will happen between now and morning.

5:00 a.m.
The evacuation area has been expanded again but doesn't include this neighborhood yet. Things are not improving, and to be honest, I am terrified. The extreme winds are expected to continue until Saturday, so this fire could still go anywhere. I'll update as often as I can.

A lot of the historic downtown areas of the city are under mandatory evacuation now (including the mission and the courthouse where I just spent 5 weeks on the jury).

Those of you who pray, please pray for the winds to die down, and for the many emergency service personnel who have been working nonstop to save our city for several days now, several of whom have been injured. Also for the many who have lost their homes so far. (No civilian injuries to date, and that is something to be thankful for.)

6:00 a.m.
Part of my mind is screaming in terror, part of my mind is thinking of how to prepare for evacuation, part of my mind is in shock, and part is wishing I was asleep. I was getting overwhelmed by panic, so I sacrificed one of the 4 valiums I have been hoarding since July... it's starting to kick in so I might yet get a little sleep.

11:30 a.m.
Just woke up. No change on the evacuation areas since I went to sleep, according to the maps on the internet. It looks like such an innocent sunny day outside... except for the ashes piling up on the cars outside. The temperature has been around 95-100ºF the last few days; hopefully it will stay cooler inside the house than outside, as the smoke prevents opening the windows today.

2:50 p.m.
The weather is about 15 degrees cooler today and there is a bit of an ocean breeze, raising the humidity closer to normal (from 15% yesterday to 60% today). A DC-10 aircraft has arrived and begun making larger drops. Hopefully these will provide enough of an edge to allow the firefighters to get some containment on the fire. No change on the western evacuation perimeter; the most dangerous time is likely to be after 5pm when the sundowner winds pick up again.

6:15 p.m.
Right now I've got windows open to enjoy the cool air, even though it's a bit smoky. Still no change on the evacuation front. The news report indicates that this evening's winds will be more favorable than last night, but will still be cause for concern. I have begun packing and am making a list of important papers/items, just in case the night brings more "surprises" the way last night did. For once I'm grateful that most of my belongings are still safely in storage. I have a place that I can stay if evacuated, but will have no internet access.

9:10 p.m.
I've been watching the news, and it looks like although the fire still raging, it is moving away from the residential areas and heading up the mountain. The outlook for residents is "cautiously optimistic" for tonight, barring a sudden wind event. Looks like I will get some sleep tonight after all. Thanks for the prayers, I will continue praying for no more wind and no more injuries.

*hugs*

I'm glad you've had a bit of a reprieve, Malia...


Thank you to firefighters one and all...

snipped for space saving, certainly not to downgrade the content or importance.

you are in my thoughts and prayers. *hugs* you write a little like me. factual, to the point, but the emotion is right there under the surface. i sense your fear and concern and emotional exhaustion. hang in there and soon this will all be behind you. i've been through 4 forest fires, evacuated twice (although one i did not actually leave - which in retrospect is the dumbest thing i have ever done to my children), so i truly understand your concerns. thank you for the updates. *hugs*

Thanks for the update, Malia, I've been thinking about you all day and, for what it's worth, praying for you and the firefighters and all the humans and other animals affected. It must be terrifying. I hope the danger is over soon.

@Malia - Hang in there and definitely try to get any sleep that you can. Glad things seem to be shifting a bit in your favor. Will keep thinking of you.

Exactly - it just shows the "humanity" of humanity, if you know what I mean. I cry because it's uplifting and gorgeous.

Malia - hang in there, try to get some sleep, and keep safe. Don't take too much valium - just in case you do have to evacuate. I'm sending rain wishes down the coast for you.

Best of luck, Malia! I hope you stay safe and survive this fire.

Good morning, Thread peeps.

This plate looked as if it had something for everyone...

Good morning, Mo. Hope you're well. Jackie

Hey, did you know tomorrow is National Train Day (in the U.S.)? From the website: http://www.nationaltrainday.com/2009/ --



I love trains. Many men in my family (uncles, great uncles, and my great grandfather) worked on the railroads. My first train trip, at the age of 3, was with my great aunt, from Washington, DC to New Haven, Connecticut. ( My great uncle worked for the New Haven Railroad.)

I'd much prefer to take a train than a plane. One of these days I want to take the train cross country.

I agree...in RL we regularly take the trains to NYC and Boston. Haven't driven to Boston or NYC in probably 10 years. I'd love to go cross country someday when time permits. Jackie

Hey there, Jackie - good morning!

Good Morning People of the Thread.

Malia- glad things looked optimistic - will keep wishing the rain at you. Morning to Mo and Jackie being the first up and about in here.

Breakfast... hmm- sounds odd but I have this craving for shrimp!

Shrimp for breakfast? How about peach ice cream with chocolate topping? Amara, is something going on we should know about? Jackie

thinking of you, Malia. it is hot today. stay safe.

Hehe- no- i juts choose such oddities for breakfast at times Another fvorite is small, raw oysters and a glass of Clamato -

Husband ended up making kielbasa wrapped in flour tortilla with cheese - We are headed out an about now and our destination may include a sashimi lunch (me crosses fingers!)



Have a great day Threadians.

that sounds yum, Amar. have fun!

i, too, am off to RL adventures. cya kids laterz!