We've had gale force winds, some gusting up to 89 mph according to the news and they have fanned at least three brush fires which have spread quite rapidly. My house has been rattling since morning and I've been casting an anxious eye on the eucalyptus tree and the roof panels of the back porch/patio area. They have been flapping quite a bit, but, so far, the bags of mulch are keeping them in place.
I spent a good part of the afternoon trying to sew on some tape to tie the Christmas cushion covers my mother had sewed as she didn't fix any fasteners to them and I've been hand sewing them closed, every year. I cut out the ties with some fabric I had and folded and ironed them, but, sewing the ties proved to be an exercise in frustration as the things got caught in the machine feeder dogs and going inside! I had to take the metal plate off several times to cut out the strips of fabric and eventually, I gave it up and sewed on some ribbon "ties", instead. The ribbon will be silkier and I'll have to tie double knots to keep them from becoming lose, but, it took a lot less time to sew them.
Afterwards, I packed away all the fabric Christmas decorations - the cushion covers, the table cover and placemats, the stockings, etc., in the suitcase that I store in my closet.
I brought in the bin for the tree decorations, but, I haven't undecorated the tree, yet.
I can the dishwasher in the evening and darned the heel of one of my wool knitted socks.
The lights flickered on and off all day due to the winds, but, we didn't lose power.
Aunt C called to check on me and I called friend R to check on her and texted another friend who lives near one of the fires, but, not in the evacuation zone.
Daughter had the last piece of sauteed chicken and vegetables for a late lunch and a cup of noodles for dinner. I had pancakes with sausages and cranberry sauce for both lunch and dinner. There are leftover sausages for a snack tomorrow.
Today, I am grateful for:
- The winds haven't caused much damage to the house and garden (some planters have been knocked over)
- Family and friends
- The neighbor who brought my trash cans in from the curb and left them on the side of my driveway
- Electricity staying on
- Working appliances
Today's joyful activity was sewing the ties to the cushions covers. It was something I had been meaning to do for years!
Wednesday's To Do List:
- Tend to the garden with M
- Start undecorating the tree
- Catch up on the tasks I didn't get to
How was your Tuesday? What are your plans for Wednesday?
It must feel good, getting the ties on the cushions. I bet they look lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you're safe and I'll keep you in my prayers.
Thank you, Lyssa, for keeping me in your prayers.
DeleteSewing on those ties on the cushion covers felt very good! I had procrastinated on doing that for oh, over 20 years! LOL!
I heard about the fires on the news this evening. I hope your district remains clear. Stay safe, Bless. Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jules; so far, so good!
DeleteI hope you are safe from the fires. The winds are terrible there, fanning the spread. Be safe! I'll be thinking of you and your daughter.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Celie; the winds have gone down, now, but, the fires are not yet all contained.
DeleteI hope the wind drops and these dreadful fires can be brought under control. I realized that there are advantages to cold and snow, as we live among vast numbers of trees. I hope the air quality isn't bad for you. We have had strong winds, which blew over the snow shovels on the porch, but they have not been a problem other than the wind chill factor on our freezing temperatures. The squirrels use their tails as blankets on their backs, while sitting eating peanuts!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bushlady. The winds have dropped down quite a bit and I heard that one fire was contained. The others are still burning. The air quality went up to hazardous, earlier in the morning, but, now, it's just bad. We're OK, though, and I have the air purifiers going. You say warm in that cold, freezing weather up where you are!
DeleteWhat an awful awful situation in LA. I hope you continue to be safe and that the mulch bags hold!
ReplyDeleteI hope for the best for everyone and for the winds to die down so that the experts can get a handle on the fires.
Stay safe
Thank you, Debra. Yes, it is a horrible situation. Fortunately, the winds have dropped down quite a bit and I heard that one fire was contained. I can see the smoke from one of the fires from my house!
DeleteI am so glad to read you are safe, Bless. I thought about you when I saw photos of wildfires in LA.
ReplyDeleteWe are safe, Nil, thank you!
DeleteWe have watched news of these fires on TV. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep safe and well. I am so glad your daughter is with you ❤️🙏❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela. We are safe and well (so far!)
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