The Ponderosa Fire 87 miles (140km) south of where I live, near Manton, was 96% contained by today. It burned almost 30,000 acres, destroyed 52 homes and 82 buildings. Although they have surrounded the fire, it is not fully extinguished. The effort coordinated 92 fire engines, eight bulldozers and two helicopters. Fire trucks, equipment and people came from counties all around California and neighboring states to help. 2500 men and women firefighters battled the fire threatening 900 homes. The fire was sparked by a lightening strike on August 18. Here's a clip on Utube for those of you who can access it. http://youtu.be/4CyQoKrvl-8
The weeds stand tall and blooming in my neglected garden as the butterfly bush blooms and ripe apricots fall in the grass.
Nurturing love is like making ratatouille. Savor every step and love every first: the color of the eggplant qiezi, the fresh aroma of sliced green pepper qingjiao, exploding with a burst of chi. Leave time for the salt to drain the bitterness out of the eggplant and zucchini xia nangua. Don't rush to the finale, but love each step until the combining of the ingredients and the last simmer to mingle the flavors and juices ... and sensations. Wait. Too fast --- it will be over. So brief the first flush of love --- so special. Not to squander being in a hurry.
All the summer memories, so precious, warm me in winter when snow is up to the eaves of the house and pressing against the windows.
Barbara and I went to Gumboot Lake. My number one most favorite place in the world.
See you later
