There has been a lot of construction going on around us. In September of 2011 there was a lot of wildfires in Texas and the place where I live now was in the midst of a large one. I did not live here then. We moved about six months later. The fire did not ruin the house here but shutters were burned off and wires melted. The trees and land surrounding us, however, was damaged badly. A neighbor's house was lost entirely. So, while I am surrounded by forest and trees, they are nearly all dead, burned trees. Someone bought the land to the right of my house recently and approached us with a plan to clear it out for his cattle production. Either for grain or graze, we're not sure which he will choose. They have been making quick work of clearing it all out and yesterday the work began near the house. Adventure of the day: trying to keep curious children from venturing into unsafe territory to watch the men work. Blessing of the day, watching the sunset from my couch for the first time.
I feel obligated to add that while I did not live here at the time of the fire my mother is two houses down. I could not reach her on the phone the day I learned of the fire and I felt true fear. Not only mom but my aunt and nephew lived across the street. I feared for them all. It did not help that the news reported residents who would not leave the area and I already knew it was my family. The very same day my stepmother went into the hospital for an angiogram which alone was somewhat nerve-wracking but my very ill father went with. He was too sick to go too and wound up in the hospital. So in one day my mom's neighborhood was on fire, dad was in the hospital, and stepmother was too. Let's add bickering brother and sister in the mix. Yes, I was in tears. All that said, Dad didn't stay in the hospital. The angiogram didn't bring bad news. None of my family lost their homes or even suffered much damage to their homes though property was another story. I'm sure it's the result of prayer. I spent days in prayer and I wasn't the only one.
I said all that to say, the burned trees make me sad. They bring to mind that awful day when I feared for so many of my family's lives and homes at once. Lesson: be cautious when the weather is dry. Be cautious always, but especially when it's dry, hot and windy. The biggest cause of grass fires are the cigarette butts people toss. It never used to bother me but I flinch in anger every time I see it now. Be responsible.
Goodnight all! Happy Friday!
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