The light in our early afternoon sky is amber from all the smoke particles in the air. It has been this way since morning. Ordinarily this end of the day light is the most lovely. Except that it’s not the end of the day and people’s homes are burning. Over a thousand burned to the ground so far between all the firestorms in Southern California. Then there are the animals, wild and domestic, who must be in a panic trying to flee. Especially all the horses. I know horses do not like fire. I found this sad photo online. It was taken near San Diego. Fire is part of life here in California at this time of year. Some years are so much worse than others. Still one never expects THEIR home to burn. Thankfully I am tucked away up here in my corner of LA away from the hurricane force winds and scorching flames.
In more cheerful news my sister arrives in about an hour! The house is cleaned, the cats’ faces are scrubbed, paws are clean, and they are all lined up looking their spiffy best to greet Aunty Carol. She is the quintissential cat lover. Each member of the cat posse will be lavished with positive affirmations and massages for the next week. Fights will erupt over who gets to sleep on her bed tonight. I’ll try to keep everyone calm.
I have been instructed that our first stop will be to a market to buy martini mixings. In this balmy weather we will be doing lots of porch sitting and sipping in the evenings. (Judy are you sure you don’t want to drop everything and join us?) Here’s Carol immediatly after her last airport pickup. Note the eager look on her face. She is a Master Martini Mixer. That’s no joke.
To ensure maximum atmospheric pleasure I picked up these ridiculously small juice glasses at Anthropologie when I got my new drawer knobs. Frankly I can’t imagine a life size human drinking from them, but they do make gorgeous votives for the porch table.
I also slipped these into my basket. I mean if you’re going to do dishes you may as well have dish towels this fabulous to dry don’t you think?
I’ve been getting dishes dirty on purpose just to have something to wash.
And that, my friends, is a true story.
it is comforting to hear some news directly from you about the fires – we have family in Coronado and have been trying to reach them…
so happy your sis is there now – have a wonderful time – your pictures are gorgeous as always…
xox – eb.
I’m coming! Let me just round up my saddle and pony and I’m on my way. I’ll bring the shaker and olives. (I’m pretty sure you dont need a shaker for martinis but it sounded good.) Don’t you two do anything I wouldn’t do.
Good thing you have that gas mask to wear to protect yourself from the fallout. Were you wearing it when you fetched Sister from the airport?
Have I mentioned how much I admire your wonderful photos here? Well, I am sure I haven’t this week. You have a very talented and skilled eye; not just to see – but to create as well. Always an inspiration to visit.
Found this interactive fire map of S. California on the LA times map.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-firemap,0,6179739.htmlpage
Glad you are not near the fires…what devistation! Where does your sis fly in from??
Anyway, have a great time together!!
Take care with all those fires so close by~I thought about you immediately when I saw all those poor people from Malibu.
Gorgeous towels and glasses from Anthropologie.
I know you are enjoying your sister being there. Sounds like the plans my daughter and I make when we get together. Way more than we can get too~
I think the touch of domesticity could be due to the high winds and particulates in the air. No worries. This too shall pass.
Thinking of all living things in southern California, praying for your protection, that the Santa Anas would cease and that some of our long-overdue rain here in PA might somehow find its way to your area to douse the flames.
Enjoy your visit with your cat-lovin’ martini-makin’ sister (the best kind to have!)
Deb
That first photo makes me go cold, we also get horrific fires where I live in Australia, our house was surrounded by fire on ash Wednesday in 1983, luckily we survived, but I still dread the hot north wind here in summer, they tell us we’re heading into one of our worst seasons ever as we’ve had no real rain for over two years.
I hope you have a great time with your sister, happy journaling
Ro
had to tag you…
love.
We’ve been traveling the past few days but I’ve been thinking about you with all of the news of fires. So scary and sad. Your dishtowels are gorgeous, though, and it’s nice to recognize the beauty in small things, though fleeting. But, hey, did you notice the silly face in the sink bubbles? Or is it just me?? Take care of yourself and enjoy your sister’s visit! 😉
I loveeeeeeee anthropologie!!!! I used to go to the Newport store when I took my daughter out to build-a-bear and buy just a dishtowel or a potholder and would feel like I had totally spoiled myself because they are so pretty!
When your sister sees our air quality, she will probably want to hop back on that plane…I feel so sorry for all the people and animals who are having to deal with this. This morning I woke up and my throat hurt and my eyes and nose were burning and I thought I might complain a little and realized that I am very fortunate to only have to breathe in some ashes…I still have my house!
Have fun with your sis!!! karen…