9:18 update: I got a call from Mike; he is patrolling tonight. A much better gig than sitting at a roadblock! He gets off at 6am. Don't know about tomorrow's schedule.
There are really no updates at this time. The official statistics are the same at this hour, except the number of acres was estimated down to 1,500 acres. There is no containment number. Homes burned or damaged estimated to be 100-200.
So far, calm winds. It is to be in the high-80s tomorrow again.
Another note: our air quality here in Goleta is good. The winds have not been bad, so the smoke has not been traveling.
There was one death, a 98-year old man with multiple medical problems who died after evacuation.
Mike is working again tonight after a solid day's sleep. Not sure what his role will be. I'll edit this when I know.
Here is an interactive map that someone made:
View Larger Map
I drove past Earl Warren Showgrounds this afternoon and was stunned by the number of fire engines parked there, with crews ready to go.
I'll update if things change.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Calm Morning
EDITED TO ADD: Mike came home at about 8:00 this morning after staying all night at his roadblock. He'll sleep today and then go back at 6:00 tonight. Luckily, on the Law Enforcement front, all has been calm. Evacuations went smoothly, no looters. Only one arrest of a person who was not supposed to be in an evacuated area and tried to run from police.
The winds did not pick up this morning as feared, but it is always a possibility. The next risk time for winds will be the hours around sundown.
They are saying now nearly 2,500 acres burned and estimated 100+ homes, though they just don't know yet. I'm betting that this number will go higher. An estimated 5,400 homes were evacuated. 1041 firefighters are here. Fixed-wing aircraft can now get up with the helicopters.
There have been 13 injuries: 10 smoke inhalation, 3 burn victims. Two of the burn victims were civilians, one firefighter.
They are asking us to conserve water. And of course, the smoke is thick, so we should stay inside.
The officials said that the evacuations went very smoothly. Many of the areas involved had twice-yearly drills. This fire is the one they feared. It was expected.
There is no word on the cause.
The winds did not pick up this morning as feared, but it is always a possibility. The next risk time for winds will be the hours around sundown.
They are saying now nearly 2,500 acres burned and estimated 100+ homes, though they just don't know yet. I'm betting that this number will go higher. An estimated 5,400 homes were evacuated. 1041 firefighters are here. Fixed-wing aircraft can now get up with the helicopters.
There have been 13 injuries: 10 smoke inhalation, 3 burn victims. Two of the burn victims were civilians, one firefighter.
They are asking us to conserve water. And of course, the smoke is thick, so we should stay inside.
The officials said that the evacuations went very smoothly. Many of the areas involved had twice-yearly drills. This fire is the one they feared. It was expected.
There is no word on the cause.
Friday morning Tea Fire Update
I slept from about 1am to 4am. Then I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I slept better during the Gap fire. I guess the difference is that Mike is down there working.
This morning they are reporting >2000 acres burned. 500 firefighters on, with more coming. Luckily helios got to make runs all night.
Sunlight is about to come, and with it, a higher risk of more winds. It was calm overnight, luckily.
The evacuation "warning" areas have expanded greatly....huge area, including the Eastside of Santa Barbara.
Luckily, I don't have any patients scheduled today, so I can stay off the roads. I may try to help at the call centers or something; I heard they need help. Right now I'm going to try to sleep for another hour before I need to wake Erin up for school.
This morning they are reporting >2000 acres burned. 500 firefighters on, with more coming. Luckily helios got to make runs all night.
Sunlight is about to come, and with it, a higher risk of more winds. It was calm overnight, luckily.
The evacuation "warning" areas have expanded greatly....huge area, including the Eastside of Santa Barbara.
Luckily, I don't have any patients scheduled today, so I can stay off the roads. I may try to help at the call centers or something; I heard they need help. Right now I'm going to try to sleep for another hour before I need to wake Erin up for school.
Last Tea Fire Update for Tonight
It is midnight, and I'm going to head to bed. You are probably having to catch up on a whole bunch of my posts!!
The AP is reporting that at least 70 homes have burned, 800 acres now.
Helicopters are able to get up and drop water thanks to calmer winds and night-vision goggles.
Mikey is down at a roadblock at APS and Moreno. Who knows when he'll get to come home.
It is heartbreaking watching the homes burn on TV. This is devastating.
More tomorrow.
The AP is reporting that at least 70 homes have burned, 800 acres now.
Helicopters are able to get up and drop water thanks to calmer winds and night-vision goggles.
Mikey is down at a roadblock at APS and Moreno. Who knows when he'll get to come home.
It is heartbreaking watching the homes burn on TV. This is devastating.
More tomorrow.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
February 2, 1944; February 19, 1944
While I'm watching Fire Coverage, I decided I'd use the time to type some more of Jack's letters.
Feb 2 1944
Dear Bo
I got your long letter today so will try to answer it while I have time.
You seemed like you were trying to cheer me up because I didn't make cadets. It didn't bother me because I never planned on it too much. I figure 14 to 15 months is quite a while to spend learning to fly. I would just a bout a soon be a gunner at least I'd be through with the course in about 6 to 8 mo.
So you really like it there in Lingo well I am glad. No kidding do you think you can send home $75 out of a $100 home. I don't see how you do it, I have my room & board ? furnished & it cost me more than that just to go to town for a month.
Ill try to finish this while I am setting here doing nothing. We are having gas aleart & have our gas masks on it is very plesant trying to do something with them on. You can't see nor breath.
It has been rather nice out to day but it sure is muddy out. The sun came out & the sun melted therefor you have mud nice gooie mud. After the fellows come in the barracks look like a hog pen from the mud on the floor.
I have been feeling rather low latley have had a sore throat & a headack. I had one headack last week for 4 straight days & it wasn't from getting drunk either. I guess it is more or less the flue because every one has it here. We sleep in such small buildings--rather there are so many in one building if one gets something you can't help but having every thing the other guy has but his money.
I sure hope I get shipped from this joint because I dislike it more than any thing or place I have ever been or done. Everyone hates it here it wouldn't be bad if we had a little better food & a little better places to stay but it is all leads to dislike.
Well I guess I better close for now & write a few more letters.
Jack
February 19 1944
Dear Ma
So you think you should have gone to Albuquerque for a change. Well maybe it's all right that you went this time but lets not let it happen again for another 6 years. I hope you had a nice trip & saw a few of the people you use to know.
Well we have one week of Basic over with now so that means only 15 more days. We have had it a little bit easier the last couple of days. We had a exibition this after noon on chemical war fair that was very interesting. I got to talking to a Louie (just a young fellow who was connected to chemical warfair and he was very nice about it in fact the nice officer I have ever talked to. He never called me down for not saying sir & such. I did get called down on the drill field by a Louie for having a smile on my face while we were marching. I didn't like it but theres not much I could say about it.
It sure was nice out today & we had to stay in all but 2 hours listening to dull old lectures. There telling us all about firing guns but up to yet they haven't told me much that my dear old uncle hand't told me or beat into my head. Say while I am talking about Wayne you can inform the Folk that I said Wayne wont get married to Malc so for them to stop worring. I think I know him about as well as any one does & I don't think he would do something like that in fact I just wrote him pertainning to such & you should have read what he wrote so tell them not to worry.
I got a pass tonight but am staying in for a change. I can't afford to go in more than once or twice a month.
Well I have to shine some shoes & etc so will close for now.
Jack.
Feb 2 1944
Dear Bo
I got your long letter today so will try to answer it while I have time.
You seemed like you were trying to cheer me up because I didn't make cadets. It didn't bother me because I never planned on it too much. I figure 14 to 15 months is quite a while to spend learning to fly. I would just a bout a soon be a gunner at least I'd be through with the course in about 6 to 8 mo.
So you really like it there in Lingo well I am glad. No kidding do you think you can send home $75 out of a $100 home. I don't see how you do it, I have my room & board ? furnished & it cost me more than that just to go to town for a month.
Ill try to finish this while I am setting here doing nothing. We are having gas aleart & have our gas masks on it is very plesant trying to do something with them on. You can't see nor breath.
It has been rather nice out to day but it sure is muddy out. The sun came out & the sun melted therefor you have mud nice gooie mud. After the fellows come in the barracks look like a hog pen from the mud on the floor.
I have been feeling rather low latley have had a sore throat & a headack. I had one headack last week for 4 straight days & it wasn't from getting drunk either. I guess it is more or less the flue because every one has it here. We sleep in such small buildings--rather there are so many in one building if one gets something you can't help but having every thing the other guy has but his money.
I sure hope I get shipped from this joint because I dislike it more than any thing or place I have ever been or done. Everyone hates it here it wouldn't be bad if we had a little better food & a little better places to stay but it is all leads to dislike.
Well I guess I better close for now & write a few more letters.
Jack
February 19 1944
Dear Ma
So you think you should have gone to Albuquerque for a change. Well maybe it's all right that you went this time but lets not let it happen again for another 6 years. I hope you had a nice trip & saw a few of the people you use to know.
Well we have one week of Basic over with now so that means only 15 more days. We have had it a little bit easier the last couple of days. We had a exibition this after noon on chemical war fair that was very interesting. I got to talking to a Louie (just a young fellow who was connected to chemical warfair and he was very nice about it in fact the nice officer I have ever talked to. He never called me down for not saying sir & such. I did get called down on the drill field by a Louie for having a smile on my face while we were marching. I didn't like it but theres not much I could say about it.
It sure was nice out today & we had to stay in all but 2 hours listening to dull old lectures. There telling us all about firing guns but up to yet they haven't told me much that my dear old uncle hand't told me or beat into my head. Say while I am talking about Wayne you can inform the Folk that I said Wayne wont get married to Malc so for them to stop worring. I think I know him about as well as any one does & I don't think he would do something like that in fact I just wrote him pertainning to such & you should have read what he wrote so tell them not to worry.
I got a pass tonight but am staying in for a change. I can't afford to go in more than once or twice a month.
Well I have to shine some shoes & etc so will close for now.
Jack.
Tea Fire Update
Gosh, this has gone so fast. Evacuations are widespread, many homes have burned. At least 14 confirmed, but this is conservative. Their first concern is evacuations, not counting houses. This is a huge fire. Winds are sustained 25-50 mph, down from up to 70mph earlier (sustained!).
There are 4 confirmed burn victims, two have been sent to a burn unit down in LA.
Mike just called and he said that they are evacuating below Alameda Padre Serra. The whole area above APS has been ordered to be evacuated.
It is really difficult to tell the areas that have burned, but it is estimated to be about 400 acres so far and heading toward town.
Dozens of fire trucks from all over the state are here or on their way.
This is a huge fire.
There are 4 confirmed burn victims, two have been sent to a burn unit down in LA.
Mike just called and he said that they are evacuating below Alameda Padre Serra. The whole area above APS has been ordered to be evacuated.
It is really difficult to tell the areas that have burned, but it is estimated to be about 400 acres so far and heading toward town.
Dozens of fire trucks from all over the state are here or on their way.
This is a huge fire.
Gardening News
Remember one of the grasses I planted in the front yard? It was Aristida purpurea. Note the description: "Wildlife Value: Grasses provide food and nesting materials to a variety of wildlife." Ummmm.....yeah. I found that out first-hand, when just less than two weeks after I had planted it, a gopher took it. Every blade. Bye-bye, Purple Three Awn. *sniff*
The good news is that the Dancing Embers Sage is blooming! It literally bloomed over night. I looked at it one afternoon and was actually afraid it wasn't doing well. Then, the next morning, some delightful red flowers had appeared! I am enjoying this plant, even if it isn't native. Here are some pictures.
The good news is that the Dancing Embers Sage is blooming! It literally bloomed over night. I looked at it one afternoon and was actually afraid it wasn't doing well. Then, the next morning, some delightful red flowers had appeared! I am enjoying this plant, even if it isn't native. Here are some pictures.
Fire Update
Mike has been called in to work. Power is out in the city of SB.
Areas on Westmont College are burning. Quite a few homes have been burned, but there are hardly any details. 300 acres burned (2 hours).
View Larger Map
Areas on Westmont College are burning. Quite a few homes have been burned, but there are hardly any details. 300 acres burned (2 hours).
View Larger Map
Tea Fire
Another fire--bad one. In the Montecito hills above Santa Barbara. It is growing fast, fast, fast, but it is far away from us. It has really grown in just the last 3o minutes. Huge. Eeek.
We are safe. I fear for Santa Barbara, though.
This is probably your best source: The Santa Barbara Independent.
We are safe. I fear for Santa Barbara, though.
This is probably your best source: The Santa Barbara Independent.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Police Blotter: November 7, 2008
From the Santa Barbara Daily Sound.
Nov. 3, 8:58 p.m. — Officers received calls reporting an elderly woman with a possible broken hip in the 300 block of Rancheria Street. Upon arrival, they learned from firefighters that the woman had apparently been assaulted by her landlord. Medics were treating two victims — the elderly woman and her son.
Her son told police the landlord, a 64-year-old man, had sprayed him with water, hit him in the head and dragged him from a car onto the sidewalk. During the incident, the man’s mother, 80 years old, had attempted to stop the landlord. She told police he turned and pushed her violently to the ground.
Police noted she was in obvious pain and could not get up. The suspect admitted to spraying the man with water and dragging him to the ground. He also acknowledged that the elderly woman had fallen, but could not remember how it happened. The woman had soreness in her neck and side, as well as bruises.
Police arrested the 64-year-old suspect for battery and elder abuse, booking him in lieu of $50,000.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
February 1, 1944; February 3, 1944
I wanted to honor Jack's memory by posting some more letters today on Veteran's Day. I am barely making it; it has been a busy day and evening!
He is still in Denver at basic training, and Jack obviously has less time to write letters....he is dispensing with puncuation, but I am trying to type them as he wrote them!
I hope everyone has had time to read them and is enjoying them. I think the letters give an intersting little snapshot!
Jan 31 1944
Dear Ma
Ill try to write you a little note but I don't know why I should I haven't received any mail from you for several days & I can't figure out why unless its because i have been moving. We moved again today into another Barrack the number now is 410 but I don't know how long we will be here. I don't imagine I'll be here over a couple of days but then again I may be here the duration & 6 mos.
We went into Denver Sun & went to church it was a pretty good sermon. It sure was a nice church to, it's the me church right in town.
It has been cold here since we had the snow but all we have been doing is walking guard duty & getting cold. I guess it has warmed up some out side but it is still rather chilly even at that.
Say have Margaret & Jim ever sent you any money I was wondering you never did write and say any thing about them.
How is florence getting along now she probable likes it better now but probable still would rather be home but wouldn't we all.
I guess we get paid this afternon not that I need it but it sure is a nice feeling.
Well I guess thats about all so Ill have to close for now
Jack
Feb 2 1944
Dear Ma well I'll try to pen you a short note to let you know I am still kicking & I do mean kicking.
I got the pictures but didn't think they were much good I don't know what was wrong but some thing is I guess it must be me I know know what else it could be. I also got your picture--thanks--all the fellows think I look like my Ma I wonder why. In fact one guy told me I should be a girl that I would make a better looking girl than I do a boy. They also thought I had a very nice looking ma in fact good looking enough to get remarried--so there too.
I got a nice long letter from Bo to day & I guess she must like it o.k. She didn't gripe too much so it must not be too bad or may be she hasn't gotten use to it yet or something.
I had KP the other night--I was just getting ready to write you & they came in & let me voluntere for the job. I helped peel 2400 lbs of spuds. I even look like a spud now. I don't think I ever came so close to cutting a guy neck as I did that night.
I also burnt my right index finger the other day. a lid from the heater fell on it & burnt a place about a inch long & about 3/16 wide. It didn't hurt then but it sure has been lateley I knocked the hide off of it & its been razin hell with me.
We got paid yesterday & you know of that $50 they always talk about the solders getting well my share is cut down to the whole sum of $16 --I use to make that much in a day. I'll just have to ration myself to less nights a week out. after I get a few stripes, that is if I make gunner, Ill be making a little more.
Well I guess thats just about all for now
Oh yes I got Nenes letter & sure takes the cake.
Jack
(To remind you, the $16 he got in his paycheck is about $199 today.)
He is still in Denver at basic training, and Jack obviously has less time to write letters....he is dispensing with puncuation, but I am trying to type them as he wrote them!
I hope everyone has had time to read them and is enjoying them. I think the letters give an intersting little snapshot!
Jan 31 1944
Dear Ma
Ill try to write you a little note but I don't know why I should I haven't received any mail from you for several days & I can't figure out why unless its because i have been moving. We moved again today into another Barrack the number now is 410 but I don't know how long we will be here. I don't imagine I'll be here over a couple of days but then again I may be here the duration & 6 mos.
We went into Denver Sun & went to church it was a pretty good sermon. It sure was a nice church to, it's the me church right in town.
It has been cold here since we had the snow but all we have been doing is walking guard duty & getting cold. I guess it has warmed up some out side but it is still rather chilly even at that.
Say have Margaret & Jim ever sent you any money I was wondering you never did write and say any thing about them.
How is florence getting along now she probable likes it better now but probable still would rather be home but wouldn't we all.
I guess we get paid this afternon not that I need it but it sure is a nice feeling.
Well I guess thats about all so Ill have to close for now
Jack
Feb 2 1944
Dear Ma well I'll try to pen you a short note to let you know I am still kicking & I do mean kicking.
I got the pictures but didn't think they were much good I don't know what was wrong but some thing is I guess it must be me I know know what else it could be. I also got your picture--thanks--all the fellows think I look like my Ma I wonder why. In fact one guy told me I should be a girl that I would make a better looking girl than I do a boy. They also thought I had a very nice looking ma in fact good looking enough to get remarried--so there too.
I got a nice long letter from Bo to day & I guess she must like it o.k. She didn't gripe too much so it must not be too bad or may be she hasn't gotten use to it yet or something.
I had KP the other night--I was just getting ready to write you & they came in & let me voluntere for the job. I helped peel 2400 lbs of spuds. I even look like a spud now. I don't think I ever came so close to cutting a guy neck as I did that night.
I also burnt my right index finger the other day. a lid from the heater fell on it & burnt a place about a inch long & about 3/16 wide. It didn't hurt then but it sure has been lateley I knocked the hide off of it & its been razin hell with me.
We got paid yesterday & you know of that $50 they always talk about the solders getting well my share is cut down to the whole sum of $16 --I use to make that much in a day. I'll just have to ration myself to less nights a week out. after I get a few stripes, that is if I make gunner, Ill be making a little more.
Well I guess thats just about all for now
Oh yes I got Nenes letter & sure takes the cake.
Jack
(To remind you, the $16 he got in his paycheck is about $199 today.)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
First Time Voter
Ahem, well.... while looking for the iron yesterday (which I never found....goes to show how much I iron!), I ran across my box of childhood memories. Now you get to travel back with me, too, as you've done with Chuckbert!
The box held stuff from elementary school all the way up to college. Interesting that within the same box there are early tries at essays with new-writer paper, up to Chemistry 1A midterms and final from my Freshman year at UCSB (by the way, I took this class with Mikey; one of the few classes we had together!).
I chose this to share first, being so fitting to the season!
I don't remember how I voted, but here are the propositions that were offered.
I haven't missed an election since! And I still haven't registered with a party.
The box held stuff from elementary school all the way up to college. Interesting that within the same box there are early tries at essays with new-writer paper, up to Chemistry 1A midterms and final from my Freshman year at UCSB (by the way, I took this class with Mikey; one of the few classes we had together!).
I chose this to share first, being so fitting to the season!
I don't remember how I voted, but here are the propositions that were offered.
I haven't missed an election since! And I still haven't registered with a party.
Friday, November 7, 2008
January 11, 1944; January 19, 1944; January 27, 1944
Here is the next batch of letters. Check out the illustrations on the stationery.
Pvt Bernard C E______39215612
TSS 769 Flt 176
BKS 339
Buckley Field
Denver Colo
Mrs. B.C. E______
504 Grand Ave
Las Vegas New Mexico
Jan. 9, 1944
Dear Ma,
Ill try to write you a letter but I don't know how far I'll get with it.
We finished some of our test yesterday but have a physical tomorrow. We really taking a beating on this stuff & I do mean a beating. I really don't think I made it but from what they tell us we will know in about a week today- I hope, in some ways that I made it but in other ways it will be the hardest 14 months I'll ever spend or have ever spent.
We went into town last night but didn't do much of anything.
Jan 10
We took a physical, rather a part of one today. It was a blood test, x ray & etc, on the blood test it felt like they took a gal of blood out of my arm & I know I only had 3 qt of blood to start with. It felt like they were taking my arem off. Ask Jim what a 64 physical is.
I got a letter from Margaret K today but she didn't write much. She wrote a little about Pete but that's all she wrote.
I guess I'll have to send my camera home because I was with Louie & he saw some guys taking picture well he up and took the camera away from them.
Well I'll close now
Jack
Jan 18, 44
--me (pointing to gunner in illustration)
Dear Ma
I guess I might as well write and let you know just what the score is. I didn't make cadets but I guess I must have hit it pretty close because they told me if they lower the standard I'll get a chance at it. I haven't completed it but from what I hear I'll probable go in as a gunner but I don't feel too bad about it because Ill be able to make about as much money at being a gunner as 2nd Louie. I also feel a little better because only 12 made it out of better than 50 in our bunch and some rather most of them had some college.
We sure had a nice day today it got chilly & the wind blew like the devil. We are out in the stick where the dust and sand comes a flying at you and feel like bolders. We also went through the gas chamber today filled with tear gas. We sure had a bunch of bawl babys come out of there too.
I hope Florence likes her job better by now tell her it can't be any worse than the army even at that. Tell her not to forget we also have to run outside to go to the head.
Well I guess that all for tonight.
Jack
Jan 26 1944
Dear Ma
I'll try to scribble you a few lines to let you know just how things stand now. I was officially notified that I was a armor gunner & that I have 45 more days of basic left. I also found out approxamatle how my I.Q. stands in the army. There are 5 groups starting with 1 & going to 5, I had to be at least in the 3rd group to get in the air corp. Mine is in the middle of the 2nd group so I guess thats not too bad now is it for a E_____.
It started snowing some time last night & is still snowing tonight. It is a rather wet snow too. I don't know just how deep it is but I guess it's around 6 in. so you see we are having a pretty nice snow. It will sure be nice to get out & march in I noticed some fellows marching today & when they did an about face they sort of lit on there ---.
Say what about that roll of film I sent you I sure would like to have those things get here so please try to get them back.
Also please send me my Income Tax stuff so I can file a return on it the time is getting rather short.
Well I'll close for now. Oh yes I got nenes letter & tell her thanks
Jack
Pvt Bernard C E______39215612
TSS 769 Flt 176
BKS 339
Buckley Field
Denver Colo
Mrs. B.C. E______
504 Grand Ave
Las Vegas New Mexico
Jan. 9, 1944
Dear Ma,
Ill try to write you a letter but I don't know how far I'll get with it.
We finished some of our test yesterday but have a physical tomorrow. We really taking a beating on this stuff & I do mean a beating. I really don't think I made it but from what they tell us we will know in about a week today- I hope, in some ways that I made it but in other ways it will be the hardest 14 months I'll ever spend or have ever spent.
We went into town last night but didn't do much of anything.
Jan 10
We took a physical, rather a part of one today. It was a blood test, x ray & etc, on the blood test it felt like they took a gal of blood out of my arm & I know I only had 3 qt of blood to start with. It felt like they were taking my arem off. Ask Jim what a 64 physical is.
I got a letter from Margaret K today but she didn't write much. She wrote a little about Pete but that's all she wrote.
I guess I'll have to send my camera home because I was with Louie & he saw some guys taking picture well he up and took the camera away from them.
Well I'll close now
Jack
Jan 18, 44
--me (pointing to gunner in illustration)
Dear Ma
I guess I might as well write and let you know just what the score is. I didn't make cadets but I guess I must have hit it pretty close because they told me if they lower the standard I'll get a chance at it. I haven't completed it but from what I hear I'll probable go in as a gunner but I don't feel too bad about it because Ill be able to make about as much money at being a gunner as 2nd Louie. I also feel a little better because only 12 made it out of better than 50 in our bunch and some rather most of them had some college.
We sure had a nice day today it got chilly & the wind blew like the devil. We are out in the stick where the dust and sand comes a flying at you and feel like bolders. We also went through the gas chamber today filled with tear gas. We sure had a bunch of bawl babys come out of there too.
I hope Florence likes her job better by now tell her it can't be any worse than the army even at that. Tell her not to forget we also have to run outside to go to the head.
Well I guess that all for tonight.
Jack
Jan 26 1944
Dear Ma
I'll try to scribble you a few lines to let you know just how things stand now. I was officially notified that I was a armor gunner & that I have 45 more days of basic left. I also found out approxamatle how my I.Q. stands in the army. There are 5 groups starting with 1 & going to 5, I had to be at least in the 3rd group to get in the air corp. Mine is in the middle of the 2nd group so I guess thats not too bad now is it for a E_____.
It started snowing some time last night & is still snowing tonight. It is a rather wet snow too. I don't know just how deep it is but I guess it's around 6 in. so you see we are having a pretty nice snow. It will sure be nice to get out & march in I noticed some fellows marching today & when they did an about face they sort of lit on there ---.
Say what about that roll of film I sent you I sure would like to have those things get here so please try to get them back.
Also please send me my Income Tax stuff so I can file a return on it the time is getting rather short.
Well I'll close for now. Oh yes I got nenes letter & tell her thanks
Jack
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
WOW!
So, we have elected Barack Obama to be our 44th President. Wow.
It was p-doobie's recent post about the love of reading that I remembered reading The Weekly Reader. In 1972, when I was in the second grade, Shirley Chisholm ran for President. I remember reading about her in the Weekly Reader.
It is thanks to pioneers like Shirley Chisholm, among many others, that my generation can shrug its shoulders at a black presidential candidate, or a woman presidential candidate, or a black woman presidential candidate ....why not?
Why not?
It is an historic day.
Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama and to all Americans!
It was p-doobie's recent post about the love of reading that I remembered reading The Weekly Reader. In 1972, when I was in the second grade, Shirley Chisholm ran for President. I remember reading about her in the Weekly Reader.
It is thanks to pioneers like Shirley Chisholm, among many others, that my generation can shrug its shoulders at a black presidential candidate, or a woman presidential candidate, or a black woman presidential candidate ....why not?
Why not?
It is an historic day.
Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama and to all Americans!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Long Time Coming....
BobBIE asked about our landscaping project.
Kevin and I have been working hard. After the driveway guys took the weeds down to the dirt with their Bobcat, it was a perfect time to re-invent the front yard. Loving California like I do, and knowing we are always short on water, I insisted on populating the yard with California native, drought-resistant plants.
Serendipitously, just after Kevin and I finished the prep, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden started their annual fall plant sale.
So, I did some research for my xeriscape. I looked on-line, and Kevin and I made a couple trips to the Garden. There were so many wonderful native plants! I didn't want to have borders or symmetry, so I just got what I wanted and followed my gut!
Here are some pictures before:
and here is our garden now:
The pictures don't do it justice....I think it looks great in person. It's a start! The green stuff on the ground is weeds and grass.
I bought a variety of plants, including some unusual ones. From left to right, front to back (front is sidewalk, back is house), we planted:
(note: most of these links are from The Theodore Payne California Native Plant Library. They have some wonderful images, so be sure to click on their photographs)
Trichostema lantanum (Wooly Blue Curls)
Cistus incanus LASCA select (Rock Rose)
Eriophyllum "Canyon Silver" (Canyon Silver Catalina) -- grey lacey plant to the front right
Perityle incana (Guadalupe Island Rock Daisy)
Salvia Dara's Choice (Dara's Choice Sage)
Salvia Dancing Embers (can't find a link!--and I made a mistake (impulse buy); it's not native. darn.)
Sisyrinchium bellium Rocky Point (Blue-eyed grass) -- hugging the Sespe rock
Calamagrostis foliosa (Cape Mendocino Reed Grass) -- near the rock on the left
Ceanothus griseus horizontalis (Ceanothus Diamond Heights)
Festuca californica (California fescue)
Mimulus aurantiacus (Northern Bush Monkeyflower)
Ceanothus Centennial (Wild Lilac)
another Ceanothus Centennial
Ceanothus Concha (California Mountain Lilac) -- near the middle of the fence
Mimulus Robin (Monkeyflower)
Antother Festuca Californica -- by the "fin" rock to the rear
Another Ceanothus Diamond Heights
Aristida purpurea (Purple threeawn) -- grass near the rear left rocks
Salvia leucophylla Pt. Sal (Pt. Sal Purple Sage)
Ceanothus thyrisflores (Ceanothus El Dorado California Lilac) -- behind the rocks at the back
Salvia apiana (White Sage)
Last weekend, Kevin, Erin, and I made a trip up Highway 154 and grabbed some sandstone rocks off the mountains, including one from my favorite layer, the Sespe Formation. You can see it between the two bunches of Blue-eyed grass.
We also sprinkled California wildflower seeds over the whole area, mostly California Poppy. We'll be sprinkling throughout the winter, too. By spring, if all the plants flower and the wildflowers come up, we should have a colorful yard!
My favorite genus is the Ceanothus (Wild Lilac).....there are so many species in all shapes and colors. I have four species of Ceanothus! I also like the Salvia (Sage) family, of which I also have four species.
I am also proud of planting the rare grass Calmagrostis Foliosa, as well as the SBBG's own cultivars, the Catalina Silver-Lace and Salvia Dara's Choice.
I'm looking forward to watching my plants grow and spread out, and also getting new plants to fill-in in the future. I didn't get a single species of Manzanita, so I suppose that will be my priority next go-round. I would also love a Bush Poppy. Watch for future installments!
I'm beginning to like gardening!
Kevin and I have been working hard. After the driveway guys took the weeds down to the dirt with their Bobcat, it was a perfect time to re-invent the front yard. Loving California like I do, and knowing we are always short on water, I insisted on populating the yard with California native, drought-resistant plants.
Serendipitously, just after Kevin and I finished the prep, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden started their annual fall plant sale.
So, I did some research for my xeriscape. I looked on-line, and Kevin and I made a couple trips to the Garden. There were so many wonderful native plants! I didn't want to have borders or symmetry, so I just got what I wanted and followed my gut!
Here are some pictures before:
and here is our garden now:
The pictures don't do it justice....I think it looks great in person. It's a start! The green stuff on the ground is weeds and grass.
I bought a variety of plants, including some unusual ones. From left to right, front to back (front is sidewalk, back is house), we planted:
(note: most of these links are from The Theodore Payne California Native Plant Library. They have some wonderful images, so be sure to click on their photographs)
Trichostema lantanum (Wooly Blue Curls)
Cistus incanus LASCA select (Rock Rose)
Eriophyllum "Canyon Silver" (Canyon Silver Catalina) -- grey lacey plant to the front right
Perityle incana (Guadalupe Island Rock Daisy)
Salvia Dara's Choice (Dara's Choice Sage)
Salvia Dancing Embers (can't find a link!--and I made a mistake (impulse buy); it's not native. darn.)
Sisyrinchium bellium Rocky Point (Blue-eyed grass) -- hugging the Sespe rock
Calamagrostis foliosa (Cape Mendocino Reed Grass) -- near the rock on the left
Ceanothus griseus horizontalis (Ceanothus Diamond Heights)
Festuca californica (California fescue)
Mimulus aurantiacus (Northern Bush Monkeyflower)
Ceanothus Centennial (Wild Lilac)
another Ceanothus Centennial
Ceanothus Concha (California Mountain Lilac) -- near the middle of the fence
Mimulus Robin (Monkeyflower)
Antother Festuca Californica -- by the "fin" rock to the rear
Another Ceanothus Diamond Heights
Aristida purpurea (Purple threeawn) -- grass near the rear left rocks
Salvia leucophylla Pt. Sal (Pt. Sal Purple Sage)
Ceanothus thyrisflores (Ceanothus El Dorado California Lilac) -- behind the rocks at the back
Salvia apiana (White Sage)
Last weekend, Kevin, Erin, and I made a trip up Highway 154 and grabbed some sandstone rocks off the mountains, including one from my favorite layer, the Sespe Formation. You can see it between the two bunches of Blue-eyed grass.
We also sprinkled California wildflower seeds over the whole area, mostly California Poppy. We'll be sprinkling throughout the winter, too. By spring, if all the plants flower and the wildflowers come up, we should have a colorful yard!
My favorite genus is the Ceanothus (Wild Lilac).....there are so many species in all shapes and colors. I have four species of Ceanothus! I also like the Salvia (Sage) family, of which I also have four species.
I am also proud of planting the rare grass Calmagrostis Foliosa, as well as the SBBG's own cultivars, the Catalina Silver-Lace and Salvia Dara's Choice.
I'm looking forward to watching my plants grow and spread out, and also getting new plants to fill-in in the future. I didn't get a single species of Manzanita, so I suppose that will be my priority next go-round. I would also love a Bush Poppy. Watch for future installments!
I'm beginning to like gardening!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Oompus Lupus Solidarity!
This morning at about 10:00, Cocoa, Kibble, and I headed out for a 3.1 mile walk, in solidarity with our sisters and brothers of Team Oompus Lupus.
Here is our route.
View Larger Map
We walked to Goleta Valley Junior High, walked around the field and ran and played, then headed back.
Though the sky was cloudy and threatened sprinkles, we did not get our little heads wet, unlike those walking in San Fransisco, where heavy rain was forecast for today.
I hope Trish and all the Oompus Lupus had fun and had a successful walk! We raised the fifth-largest amount of any team, and the second largest under $10,000! Thanks to all who contributed!
Here is our route.
View Larger Map
We walked to Goleta Valley Junior High, walked around the field and ran and played, then headed back.
Though the sky was cloudy and threatened sprinkles, we did not get our little heads wet, unlike those walking in San Fransisco, where heavy rain was forecast for today.
I hope Trish and all the Oompus Lupus had fun and had a successful walk! We raised the fifth-largest amount of any team, and the second largest under $10,000! Thanks to all who contributed!
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