Fire situation update...

eta: I spoke too soon. The fire did burn back our way and is now heading toward Lake Sherwood area on Potrero Road. I got some really good shots of the flames at the top of the hill and will post them a bit later. We are not in any danger and the sheriffs who are in charge of evacuation are positioned just a block from our home. We feel very confident at this point. But, this fire is out-of-control!!

Thanks so much for all the messages of concern... We appreciate them very much.

As of this morning the fire is over the hills to the west of us burning towards the ocean in a more southernly direction. There is concern that it could be shifted by the winds that are predicted to start up and burn back in our direction, but we feel safe since there isn't a lot of fuel in the hills surrounding us left to ignite. Late last night the fire crews (the "hotshots" as they are referred to) decided to start many backfires to burn the last remaining fuel and avoid any further fire possibility up this way. That allowed us to relax quite a bit and I actually got a good nights sleep.

This is just one view from the backyard this morning. You can't really see very well but the hillsides are burned black and are still smoldering.

The photos from yesterday and this one were all taken with the iPhone since my camera is still packed safely in my car. I'm not taking the time to edit/crop any of them either so they aren't very good, but they do give you a pretty good idea of what it looks like around here this morning.

It's already really h-o-t out and we can still smell smoke in the air so it's a good day to stay inside. We will have to bring the computer back inside and get it set up since I can't ship orders until that is done.

Anyway, again - thank you so much for your concern about our welfare. We are feeling very grateful today.

Take care,