Finally checking in. We've been without internet for about 36 hours and it will likely come and go some more until the winds subside. I've had our LCTers on my mind so much. Please, stay safe all or you that are in the proximity!! My prayers are with you.
Our area is NOT affected, other than the nasty air we're breathing, lawn chairs blowing around the backyard and our garbage cans ending up several homes away. These Santa Ana's are the worst I can remember.

In 1980 we were affected when we had to evacuate in a city near by. It was around 5:00pm when we could see the flames getting closer and closer. After watering down the wood shake roof and deck we evacuated around 7:00pm.shortly before it became mandatory. With the car loaded with what we could take and our pets, we headed for my parents home. I'll never forget the sinking feeling pulling out of the drive way not knowing if you'd see your home again. Gina was only 3 and was such a little trooper. We were able to return 3 days later (showing proof of residence to prevent looters). Our home did not have any fire damage at all, just a strip of charred back yard due to where the fireman purposely set a fire to act as a fire wall down the entire north side of our street. Upon entering our home we knew we could not stay. The smoke damage was very extensive with our Navajo White walls turning to deep slate soot. Again, we had to leave our home.

Our insurance covered everything including resurfacing all the walls and painting, 100% new carpet and drapes through out, and replacing all our soft sided furniture, linens, mattresses, etc. WE WERE VERY LUCKY TO STILL HAVE OUR HOME. Not one home on our street was lost due the superior work of the firemen.

The day we had to evacuate was my due date of my daughter Jill. She ultimately arrived perfectly 3 weeks late. I think it was God's way of telling her that we had too much on our plate right now.....why don't you stay in here a little bit longer! Now, almost 27 years later, my little "fire baby" is getting married on Saturday.

Sorry to ramble.....these fires just open up so many memories. I pray for all the families and animals who have been affected. Hopefully today the winds will subside.

STAY SAFE ALL!!!