I appreciate those of you who reached out asking if we are safe. Yes. Totally. My home is five hours north of the fires in Los Angeles County. That is not to say we aren’t grieving for the terrible loss and devastation that appears on the news daily.

Six months ago, the French Fire—also propelled by strong winds, but not as bad as the Santa Anna winds—raced through our county and came within yards of my son’s home.

We all know someone who has been displaced, lost everything, still wonders if life will go back to normal—whatever that was. We are a resilient people. And I know eventually this once beautiful area will be rebuilt, but right now there is only fear, frustration, and grief as people figure out where to stay, how to get their kids into school since theirs was burnt to the ground, how to pay the mortgage on a house that isn’t standing while paying rent, too, and how to drive to work in a car that is a burnt-out shell.

Compounding this extreme sadness is the vitriol and negativity constantly popping up in social media. And worst of all: blaming victims for choosing to live in a “dangerous area.” That really burns—no pun intended.

Fortunately, I’ve also seen uplifting images like: the Rose Bowl filled with volunteer fire trucks from other cities/states/countries, here to help.

And sooty firefighters holding a singed kitten or carrying a lost and frightened dog.

I’m also in awe of all the fearless pilots of helicopters and water tankers that swoop in to douse the greedy red/gold flames and spread beautiful pink fire retardant to keep the fire from spreading.

Please send your prayers and, if you’re able, donations to the displaced survivors in need of help right now—whether in southern California and/or hurricane-damaged North Carolina.

Now, on a lighter/happier note: someone I love—my second-to-youngest granddaughter, Poppy, turned 10 last week. Double digits! How is that possible? We did our usual “Grandma/birthday” thing: lunch (Panera), movie (Wicked), shopping (Target).

Then, Paul and I dog-sat while the family went to Great Wolf Lodge for some indoor water slide fun.

BREAKING NEWS: 😉 My next newsletter will include photos from our first RV trip of the year! Eleven days in the Desert Southwest with our travel pals Fred and Colleen.

Adios till then. Stay safe. Be kind. And…happy reading,

Deb