Back to Canyon Country, After the Tick Fire

little brown cabin in Wrightwood, California

Thank you for all of your comments on the blog.  I appreciate your care and concern.  I drove home very early this morning.  The sun was just coming up as I filled the gas tank with gas.  I don't let it get below half a tank anymore. 

There was some traffic on the 14 South, since the far right lane was closed at Shadow Pines.  I studied the charred hillsides.  The landscape reminded me of burnt cookies or toast.  It looks cleaner, though.  There's something about having that dry brush burnt away that gives me a sense of relief.

sweet little red cabin

I have done two loads of  laundry, cleaned up the yard, and am raking leaves this afternoon.  I put all of the pine cones into a large plastic green waste bin.  I will take them up to the cabin to use as kindling.  They make pretty decorations, too.  I watered everything really well this morning.  Fortunately, the plants all look healthy.  The temperatures haven't been too bad, and they seemed to handle the smoke just fine.  I refilled the birdbath, which was empty.

red and green cabin with flowers

I fed and watered Snow White, my Silkie.  She had laid four eggs while I was gone!  I was floored.  Usually my hens don't lay eggs at this time of year.  Thrilled, I thanked her profusely.  I plan to do some baking.  I will probably make pumpkin or banana bread, and maybe some Snickerdoodles. 

cabin with fir tree cutouts

I usually leave down some pine needles and leaves as mulch, but will clean everything up today.  I don't want anything in the yard that can burn.  I will compost the leaves.  I have two large bins for green waste.  They will be recycled into mulch at the plant.  My fruit trees look terrific.  So far, so good.  The wind is supposed to pick up tonight at 11:00 p.m.  The Santa Anas are what cause the most trouble.  I keep imagining green, healthy gardens and light rain.  I think it's so important to focus on what you want.   

I took these photos in my neighborhood up at the cabin for you.  It has been such a refuge up there.  It's hard to believe it's just sixty miles from where the Tick Fire was.  How are things in your area?

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