Snow in Wrightwood

 

We had a peaceful snowfall the other night.  Everything was so clean and quiet around the cabin.  It has become foggy and wet.  I love the peace and stillness of winter.  Sitting by the fire, baking, reading library books, and going to bed early all heal me.  The long nights are comforting, and we sleep soundly in the mountains.

On Wednesday I made a batch of cauliflower cheese soup.  The recipe is on the blog; you can search for it. Homemade stews and casseroles are so satisfying in the cold, dark weather.  I used a rich homemade chicken stock with fresh herbs that I also shared with the dogs.  They love to have hot broth as gravy on their kibble.

It is more challenging in these frigid temperatures to do yoga at night.  I spread out a down comforter as a mat, and wear layers of merino wool and alpaca.  This is the weather for knitters!  The sauna is heating up for a purging sweat and cold plunge this afternoon.  The dogs are curled up comfortably, snoozing on the coach.  They are soaking in the heat from our wood fireplace insert.  It makes the cabin feel so cozy.  

Are you staying warm?

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Seeing the Damage from The Bridge Fire in Wrightwood

 

This morning I took a drive up Highway 2, to see the damage on the west side of town.  The road was closed  off for weeks.  Seeing those mountains was devastating.  I was shocked at how barren the land looked.  Once filled with trees, birds, and wildlife, it now reminds me of a graveyard.  It was sad to see the beautiful homes and wide spance that had burned.  What used to be green, lush, and healthy is now filled with dry skeletons of trees, or just nothing.  Ground zero.

This is a mailbox in Iceland.  They are a land of knitters.

The timing of being in Europe during the fire and evacuation was divine.  I was able to visit a beautiful part of the world and get together with old friends.  It was eerie to read the updates on my iPad and study the progression of the blaze on my cameras.  Since being back home, I have been watering my oaks and pines, raking up more pine needles that blew around during the fire, and taking loads of trimmings to the local dump.  The birds seem happy and relieved when they arrive and rest in the greenery.  I’m sure they are in shock, too.

The one thing I learned from this wildfire is to be as organized and on top of chores as possible.  It helps to look at your cabin from a fire fighter’s point of view.  The more we care for our homes and gardens, the easier it is for them.  I am continuing to create more defensible space.  The deck and balcony are swept each day.  An evacuation can happen immediately.  You may not have any warnings or time to pack.  Many of the locals expected more notifications.  Fire is not logical.  It can move like a freight train, especially now.

I have an app called Watch Duty that alerts me to all the fires near me.  It is so helpful.  Leaving early that morning made it much easier because I could take my time packing, take care of the dogs, drain my indoor pipes, light up the house, and drive with without being surrounded by smoke or traffic.

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Why I Don’t Want to Live Off Grid

 Recently I have been watching shows  like Homestead Rescue, and YouTube videos of people attempting and struggling with their dream of grid living.  What most of them don’t realize is how expensive and exhausting it is.  I personally greatly appreciate having electricity, snow plow services, Internet, septic,  gas and water.  

These conveniences make it much easier to do chores, cook, and keep your food from spoiling.  They also provide safety, space, organization, and cleanliness.  Personally, I think many of these back to the land people are simply drawn  to the pull of nature and a majestic mountain view.  When I moved into my cottage, a yoga student described the yards here as “having just dirt and rocks, and nothing growing.”  As you can see in the above photo, I planted a front garden, and now have an inspiring cocoon.

After seeing my backyard orchard, some of the neighbors planted their own fruit trees.  They look stunning, especially when they are in bloom.  The trees have room to reach upwards and stretch. The couple who live behind that white fence bought their home and land, improved and remodeled the house, and turned the acreage into an alpaca farm!  My neighbor and I get to enjoy watching the peaceful animals while eating meals and drinking coffee on our front porches.

We can hang our clothes to dry in the sun, cook and bake from scratch, and enjoy a hot bath before bed without transporting ourselves to a remote location with no amenities.  Sometimes it is better to keep what you have and improve it.

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Scones Baked at Home

 

Last week I studied several of Martha Stewarts's scone recipes, and chose one that uses dried cranberries.  The first one that I baked was disappointing.  It was dry and crumbly.  I almost threw out the rest of the dough, but I didn't want to waste it.

I stored the rest of the triangles in a glass container in the fridge  I baked one in the toaster oven each day.  They must have absorbed the heavy whipping cream over time, because they came out very moist and tasty.  I plan to make these regularly.

Are you doing any baking this week?

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When There is a Power Outage at Your Cabin

 

People think of sunshine and the beach when visualizing California, but up in Wrightwood, we do have snow.  Those are Cedar trees on the right.  They are so spiritual.  I found deer tracks alongside that side of cabin.  It's fun to compare the footprints of all the animals that come to visit.  We get such a variety.

The other night we lost power.  It was getting late, so I took the hurricane lamps upstairs to the bedroom.  The dogs quickly grabbed their bones and ran up before me.  I thought it was funny that they carried their prized possessions with them to bed.  You can see their eyes glowing like coyotes.  

We only lost our power for about an hour.  The fireplace was filled with wood, and I set the temperature of the insert on low for the evening.  I got up a couple of times during the night to use the restroom and to add more wood.  I was glad that I had plenty of flashlights, matches and candles.  I found it more comfortable to stay in one room than to try to roam around the house in the dark.  I just did yoga and then the power returned.  I read a few chapters of John Muir's book, Travels in Alaska, and then fell fast asleep, under the canopy of the trees.  It is so calming to sleep out in nature.  There is such a different energy than in the city.

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A Flat Tire on the Los Angeles Freeway

 

Last week, on my way up to Wrightwood, I got a blow out on the freeway.  I had allowed plenty of time to get there, but didn't anticipate a nail puncturing my tire.  As the steering wheel started to wobble, I put on my right blinker, turned on my hazard lights, and slowly pulled over to the shoulder. 

I was thankful that I had charged my cell phone that morning.  Both dogs were in the backseat, so I knew Jacques would be protective of us.  (It just comes naturally to him.)  I phoned Auto Club, and they told me that they were shorthanded.   They estimated that it would take forty minutes while for a driver to arrive. They suggested I call 311.  

As I was on the phone, a large white truck pulled up behind me.  It was CalTrans.  A smiling driver approached my window.  Jacques began barking violently.  I calmed him down, and the man stepped in back of my vehicle, giving us psychological space.

Because I had a spare tire in the trunk, the driver was able to remove the wheel, pump some air into my spare tire, attach it, and we were back on our way.  There was no charge.  I felt incredibly lucky to have such a helpful service during rush hour in LA.  I thanked him profusely and left a glowing review when I arrived home.

Are you prepared if you were to get a flat tire on the freeway?  I was glad that I didn't make the trip at night.

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A Bear Has Been Visiting

 

This morning as I was drinking my coffee,  I looked over the security footage from my cameras.   I noticed several paper plates piled in my parking area, and decided to reverse the tape.  I thought someone had littered as they drove by...no.  As I studied the playback, a very large bear came ambling into the area where I get in and out of my vehicle every day.  

He carried a bag of trash in his mouth from one of the neighbor's homes.   I don't keep any outside garbage in Wrightwood, for this reason.  He tore open the plastic, and started to munch.  As you can see, he is very large and healthy.

A car drove past and turned around at the end of our cul de sac.  The lights from the vehicle seemed to make him nervous.  He left the remnants and ambled down towards my cabin.

I think he's kind of funny.  I had just watered those roses early in the morning.  I have made an effort to keep my land very natural and pleasant for the wildlife.  I didn't realize how much use it was getting.  Bears eat grasses and berries.  They also like acorns, (which are plentiful on my land,) and they will eat bugs and predator animals.  This was an amazing surprise.

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It's Good To Be Home

 Traveling always makes me appreciate the little things  in life.  I love brewing a steaming pot of coffee each  morning in my French press.  It's the perfect compliment to watching the glorious sunrise from my large windows. 

Laying in the hot sauna at the cabin feels healing and luxurious.  Relaxing in a warm bath with lavender tea feeds my soul.  (Thank you, Anita, for the home grown dried lavender!)

Seeing Lula again always makes me feel whole.  She is the one being I miss when I am out of town.  Her sweet disposition and consistent affection make her the perfect roommate.

I also have been enjoying the homemade spinach salads I prepare this time of year.  Restaurant salads are never quite the same, although I devoured the homemade bread at the Italian place next door to Casablanca Hotel.  I rarely eat bread these days, but slathered with butter, theirs was divine! 

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!  My favorite meal of the year...

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Fleeing The Fires in California

As most of you know, there are numerous wildfires raging right now in California.  It is a challenge to decide whether to leave or stay put when the areas near your home are burning.  What we didn't anticipate was how many different fires there would be.  They have multiplied at an alarming rate. 

The reason I bought the cabin up in the mountains was to have a refuge someplace cooler to go in the brutally hot summers.  I wanted a location that wasn't so fire prone.  I had noticed that they were accelerating each year in Canyon Country.  Last year the Tick Fire was just a block from my cottage.  It made me nervous.  What if you couldn't get out in time?  I had images of people perishing in their cars in 2011.  We saw that happen in the tragic Paradise Fire, and now it is occurring once again.  

There is currently a fire about thirty miles from our beautiful village of Wrightwood.  It has been spreading rapidly.  I know how quickly the flames can travel.  It makes me afraid to go to sleep at night.  We only have one gas station in town, and there were ten people lined up to use the four pumps early this afternoon.  I got in needing half a tank when there was only one other man there.  It's important to have cash, too. 

I talk regularly with my friends and neighbors, and keep the car loaded up, ready to go at a moment's notice.  Fortunately, Lula and Snow White, (my chicken,) are experienced travelers.  They both enjoy car rides.  

My personal strategy is to leave early.  I don't wait to be evacuated.  Being caught in pandemonium would make me nervous and worried.  I would rather be safe than sorry.  Nothing would frighten me more than to be stuck in bumper to bumper traffic during a fast moving fire.  It's important to keep your gas tank full, your car in good repair, and to have plenty of clothing, food and water.    

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Taking Time To Relax During The Pandemic

The past few days I have really been enjoying some down time.  I have a tendency to push myself with my writing work, housekeeping and gardening.  I often forget to take a day of rest.  One day bleeds into the next, especially since the virus hit. 

Yesterday and today I relaxed on the couch, read a new book on my mom's Kindle, and sat outside in the sunshine with my chicken, Snow White.  She normally stays in her coop.  I decided to let her venture outside of it for a while. I sat carefully on the swing and watched over her.  She tentatively scratched the soil, ate some bugs, and walked around, gingerly.

Overhead I spotted a hawk and heard the telltale sound, "Caw!"   I scooped up Snow White and held her close to my chest.  She snuggled into me.  She's so sweet and appreciative.  I walked  back to the coop with her safely in my arms and locked her securely inside the French door.

Her previous owner told me that her sister, who was also a white Silkie, was killed by a hawk that got into their coop.  How traumatic.  I know those chickens remembered.  Snow White is the only one of the four still alive now.  Her sisters used to totally freak out if I ever left their door open; I could feel them panicking.  They reminded me of the chickens in the Foster Farms commercials.  Today she seemed more at ease with me there with her.  It's so much fun to watch chickens; they are very entertaining.

Have you been taking time to relax and recharge?

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A Lovely Hike

Yesterday Lula and I took a hike with a friend of mine on the Acorn Trail.  I had always wanted to try this path, but could never find the trail head.  It turns out it is right near where I suspected that it was, but when I was looking, they hadn't yet put in the trail marker.  There is a Catholic camp right across the street.  The land and scenery is just wonderful!

Lula had a terrific time; she was in her glory.  I had packed a backpack full of supplies, water, a lunch and some dog treats.  Lula crunched on her dog biscuits happily.  My friend and I sat on some enormous  chunks of logs that were turned on their sides.

The Acorn Trail meets the famous Pacific Crest Trail.  The next time I take it, I plant to hike up to that section.  I hear that there are also some beautiful wild big horn sheep up in that area.   I am looking forward to seeing them.

It's been hot here, so I need to get outside and water my garden.  The sunflowers are still in bloom.  I love how bright and cheerful they are.  I spent some time knitting a dishcloth on the porch this afternoon.  Lula and I took an evening  walk when it was cooler and I chatted with a couple of my neighbors.  It was fun to catch up with them. 

How are things in your area?

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The Serenity of Oak Trees

my front yard

Today the workers from Southern California Edison came and removed my neighbor's two dead oak trees.  They had been decimated by a beetle that destroys them.  It spreads rapidly, so it was important to get both trees out of there.  They were near the power lines. 

Tomorrow the men will come back and finish removing the dead branches and wood.  The trees remaining look beautiful.  They  really are spectacular.  There are so many on my property up at the cabin.   I always dreamed of having a home with an oak tree, and look what I was given!  The owner told me that they waited for the right person to buy their property, and that I was the right person.  I am still in awe of the beauty there. 

Old trees are so wise and comforting.  You can't put a price on the spiritual energy that  they add to a home.

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Mature Trees Need Water, Too

I learned the other day from our local arborist that mature pine and oak trees need to watered.  I had always assumed that if we had received adequate rainfall or snow, that their roots went deep enough into the ground to keep them healthy.

I asked him if a once a week watering schedule was sufficient.   "No, they need to be watered every other day," he answered.  Wow!  I had no idea.  I had noticed that the trees near my new woodland garden had been looking much healthier, happier and greener.  I thought it was the compost and mulch that I had applied.  The growth is now very vigorous on the oak leaves.  I soak that area every couple of days.  It makes sense.

The large trees near the lake look exceptionally beautiful;  same with those close to the beach in Ventura.  The dryness and lack of water makes in other locations them brittle, stressed and susceptible to disease and beetles.

So, I have a new hobby, forest bathing.  That's what the Japanese call spending time in the woods.  For now I am irrigating all of the trees on my land by hand.  Once I got into the new routine, my whole yard filled up with birds, butterflies and a sense of busy life.  The trees immediately responded.  I could feel their relief and gratitude.

Do you water your trees?

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Back To The Library-Just Published

This morning I took Lula for a relaxing walk down the Wrightwood Trail.  I stopped at the post office on the way back, while no one was there.  In my mailbox was the latest edition of our local newspaper, The Mountaineer Progress.  My article on our sweet little library was in it.  It's so fun to be in print again.  My friends have been so supportive.  It's sweet. 

I stopped at Mountain Hardware and picked up some Cosmos and a large, impressive  Russian Sage plant.  Cosmos do very well in Wrightwood.  They get so tall!  I also bought a couple of bags of rich, black  planting soil.  As I was digging into the dirt in my front garden, I was disappointed to realize that  most of it is still very dry and rocky.  A few pockets have improved, but not nearly at the level that I had expected.  I need to do some more amending and mulching.  My friend always told me, "Just keep planting..."

It was so satisfying to work closely with the earth and plants.  I love how my tiny woodland garden is coming along.  I hope to add some berry bushes and more colorful flowers.  The purple Russian Sage plant is so delicate.  I've seen them growing in my neighborhood, and they thrive.  It helps to pick plants that do well in your location.

Have you been out in the sunshine lately?

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Another Big Fire Here

mature trees at the Wrightwood Country Club

 
This afternoon I heard fire trucks go screaming down Sierra Highway.  I sensed  both urgency and doom in the way they were speeding.  There were two fires in this area today.  The first one was only five acres of land, up by the 5 freeway.

The fire near my cottage was the one that worried me.  It was burning 400 acres, last time I  checked.  This is becoming all too common.  It's in the history books, so many homes burned to the ground when this area was first settled.  They didn't have fire departments in those days.  It gives me a sick sense of dread when I see the smoke and hear the sirens.  Part of the reason that I started looking for a cabin in the mountains was because of the repeated summer burnings in this area.  It makes me nervous.

Fortunately, it's not too windy today, and our firefighters are very experienced.  Thank goodness there isn't a lot of protesting going on at this time.  Recently things were so out of control.  We really need our civil servants in times like these; it's so dangerous without them.  I am very thankful for their dedication and training.

On a more positive note, the sunflowers are in bloom, and the garden is doing extremely well.  We have had very pleasant temperatures for this time of year.  Today it was eighty degrees.  Normally it's much hotter.  I picked the first few ripe, red tomatoes from the garden for salads.  I also tasted the first green chili pepper that I have ever grown.  I sauteed it with onions and put them both on my chicken enchilada, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Yum! 

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Exhausted From the Protests and Violence

I meant to read all of my favorite blogs today and comment, but I am just too drained.  This week has been so intense.  After all of the fear and death spreading with Covid, seeing the brutality and craziness in the past seven days has sent many people over the edge.

A friend of mine posted a page of Mr. Floyd's last words.  It was heartbreaking to read.  He knew he was going to die.  I hope and pray that some good comes of all this pandemonium.  The damage and danger really alarms me.   I am especially concerned for the children.  Still, I have kept up my daily yoga, meditation and prayers, which keep me calm and bring me peace.  Daily bike rides with Lula and swimming in the mountain lake has been incredibly healing and relaxing, too. 

I spent most of today cleaning the cabin.  I used boiling hot water on a clean rag, paired with  my homemade liquid soap.  It worked really well.  It's safe, non toxic, inexpensive and easy.   I was impressed with the results.  Yesterday I volunteered at our co-op to help the cleanup crew.  They use a bleach solution, and I just can't be around those chemicals anymore.  For hours afterward my eyes were stinging, and my throat felt irritated.  I have cleaned with baking soda, Borax, and white vinegar for years.  The Borax is excellent on hard water stains.  It did wonders on my kitchen sink this morning.

Today I watched an interesting movie on a DVD called Downsizing.  It really amused me.  Matt Damon was excellent, and so likeable.  The story was timely, as it involved some people in a cult reacting to a pandemic type situation.  It reminded me of Waco, Texas, and David Koresh.  It was an entertaining way to spend part of the afternoon.  I also finished knitting my first sock for my friend in Minneapolis.  I just need to stitch together the toe.  I used electric blue yarn that I was given by a woman from Scotland that used to attend one of my knitting groups.

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Tree Trimming Estimate and Garden Update

carpet of apple blossoms in Wrightwood, California

The other day I had an arborist come and look at the mature oak and pine trees on my property and give me an estimate.  My neighbors and I agreed on what to do with some older oak trees on the boundary line. They  have struggled with a beetle.  They look very sick; it's sad.  The drought  caused them a lot of stress.  Fortunately, we had a tremendous amount of snow this past season.  It has made all the difference.  The soil is like chocolate cake!

healthy and strong rhubarb

We worked out a plan that everyone was happy with, and then I got an additional estimate for the trees that I own.  Most of these homes are on one lot.  Since I purchased four lots, there are many, many trees.  My favorites are the cypress.  They have such a special look and feel.  The man trimming the trees told me that they look very healthy, too.  I just love them.

a walk along the river bed

The rhubarb is growing like mad!  Little baby shoots uncurl overnight.  It really multiplies.  The apricots are ready to pick, and I spotted my first tomato on the vine.  Gardening is so nurturing and rewarding.  I feel fortunate to live in a climate that is so conducive to growing food.  I am also thankful that I bought property at such an excellent price.  It was a sound investment.

What are you growing?    

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A Tiny Garden In The Mountains

the Jeffrey Pines smell like vanilla

I planted a miniature garden last week, up at the cabin.  It's a petite rectangle, which I encircled with pine cones.   A few of my neighbors have noticed it, and commented that it looks pretty.  I wanted something simple and natural for people to see when they walked by, or rode their bikes.  I brought  up a couple of my mom's animal figurines from her old house.  They really work well with the trees.  The seller left behind a ceramic duck that I added, too.  I love the old, majestic oaks.  They are so wise and ancient. 

I dug up and relocated some of the irises that had multiplied at the pink cottage.  I transplanted several lilac seedlings that were sprouting underneath the deck.  I also bought a couple of six packs of hollyhocks, and spaced them wide, since they will get huge.

one of my neighbor's gardens

I plan to add geraniums, sage, oregano, lemon thyme and cilantro.  I chose plants that need very little water, since I have to lug it up the hill.  I may buy a long extension hose.  How's your garden doing?

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A Walk In The Sunshine Through The Evergreens

the lake reflecting the sun

This is one of my favorite places to walk.  I snapped some photos to show you...

The homes all have so much charm and character.  They are all different, and each one has its own personality.  I love all the trees and land.  It makes you feel protected.

I met some friendly dog walkers.  We stopped and chatted about hiking, our favorite trails, and discussed our dogs.  .

Do you have a favorite place to walk or bike where you live?

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Riding Your Bicycle In The Mountains

I have been really enjoying the new bike rack.  It's exciting to load  and head off to different locations.  It's so much safer than having to ride on a highway or through a busy, high traffic area.  Although right now, there are very few cars out on the road. 

these 15 foot tall lilacs are blooming in my garden

The lilacs are in bloom everywhere.  I love them.  Their gorgeous hues of purple, lavender  and white catch my eye as I walk Lula through our tree lined neighborhood.  Their heady fragrance is divine.  I picked a bouquet and placed them in a crystal vase that the seller had kindly left behind in the kitchen cupboard.  They smell heavenly.

The snow has melted, and the earth is warm.  Families are busy planting their gardens.  I love seeing the children connecting with nature and learning to grow their own food.  Vegetable and flower seedlings are flying off the shelves! 

How is the weather where you live?  Have you been spending more time outside? 

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