My heart breaks for the people of Paradise, CA.
Here we are dealing with the smoke from that fire. Those in the valley have it worse. I don’t even want to imagine what the people in Chico are dealing with. My family have been calling and texting to check on us. I have to assure them I am fine. California is as big as three other states put together, so these fires are not near us.
Still, my heart breaks.
Hello, dear readers!
Today was a day of making lists and seeing just how much work has to be done around here. Doug and I walked the property, taking turns pointing out to each other the buds and new leaves on trees and grapevines, wondering where this irrigation line runs to, and whether that section of fence will be easy to repair. It is almost overwhelming when we look at it. Then we take a deep breath and grin at each other like loons.
There is nowhere else we would rather be than looking a years worth of work.
One of the things on my list is to go see what the library has on growing grapes. I’ve grown a vegetable garden before, but wine grapes are totally different. Thankfully, I just need to let the vintner who tends the vines do his job, and then I get to enjoy the fruit of his labor, as it were. People have asked me why I don’t make him pay be, but to have a knowledgeable vintner tend the vines and then give me cases of wine as payment is more than a fair deal. Heaven knows if I had to do it, these vines would be in a sorry stated and there would be no wine! However, I do think I need to educate myself on what grows on my land.
Today I also met a neighbor. I have to say, I have never lived anywhere where the people actually came out to meet you. We have met five neighbors on our road so far, and most of them went out of their way to come welcome us. Despite the fact that we are so close to the city, it really is rural living here. I just love it.
Now we are going to watch a movie together. I hope your Saturday has been as lovely as mine!
Good night. 🙂
Yes, I know it’s Valentine’s Day today. Congratulations to any and all who follow it and have reason to enjoy it.
But, for us, it is the three year anniversary of our arrival in California.
This is momentous.
You see, Doug and I have a bit of wanderlust in us. I’ve written about our many moves before.
Probably the longest we have ever been in any one state is when we were in Georgia, and even those ten years were broken up by a nine month stint in Colorado.
Three years in Cali, makes this the second longest stay in any one state in our marriage. We have always been excited about the new place we will be calling home. Every one of them has had their appeal.
California has graced us with glorious weather, good friends and some heart racing experiences (wildfires and floods!). We have gotten to camp, see whales, keep chickens, homeschool, ride horses, have our first taste of country life. Well, at least I have. Doug’s a small town boy, born and bred.
So, while today most people are celebrating Valentine’s Day, we are celebrating our Caliversary.
Happy three years, Graces.
piligrace 