Headless or extinct -- take your pick

Given the devastation to so many areas of our neighborhood, Nellie chose to take a route we haven't taken for several months. She was fairly certain the neighborhood was intact so we went that way. Things were looking normal. A few roofs with tarps from the fierce winds blowing off shingles, but otherwise, looking good. Turns out, Nellie was spot on for knowing things that would bring a smile. Since the last three days dealing with the attic insulation drama have been taxing, she knew cheering up was in the cards. One of my favorite Little Libraries now has a resident pterodactyl. This yard is known for its T. Rex, so it's not surprising he has been joined by a friend.

A couple of steps farther down the same street, we ran across this sad/funny sight. Two statues greet visitors and one poor bloke has lost his head! Well, not lost exactly, as it is in pieces in front of him. Clearly this statue, though made to look as if stone or metal, is neither. Hope he gets appropriate medical care soon.

  

A heart for all seasons

While I pretty much try to avoid holidays, today I received this picture which made me smile so much, it would be stingy not to share. The location is a Florida beach and the message is quite clear. Those things that look are rocks are actually sea shells. Enjoy.

Serious new medical condition

Since the devastating fires in our area there has been an outbreak of a heretofore unknown malady. Now, I'm not a doctor, nor have I played one on TV, but in all humility, I am the first to diagnose this new condition. It has been observable in conversations on walks around the neighborhood and, of course, in our own household. It is fire brain. 

First observed when we would be doing something important, like packing to evacuate, and forgetting to take the most basic and obvious items with us. In M's case, we were already miles from home and he realized he forgot his wallet. Something he has NEVER forgotten EVER. And yes, he drove back through smoke and ash to retrieve it from home. In our haste, I forgot to pack our and our dogs' medications -- even though they were on the list prepared for just such an eventuality. Didn't discover that bit until we were safely ensconced in the shelter and were not going back home. OK, you're thinking, understandable, you were in a rush to leave and it happens. Others in the shelter had experienced the same thing. Alas, the syndrome doesn't end with returning home.

In our shock and realization of all the cleanup required, our determination to be better organized for future catastrophes, and trying to be grownups navigating the necessary hoops to get things repaired and done, we found our brains short circuiting regularly. Put something down and can't find it even though it is right in front of us. Make a to do list and forget to check it. Promise to finish something and get so distracted we don't even remember the promise. Fire brain in action. And lest you think we are old and that is simply a symptom, I assure you that we weren't THAT bad prior to the fire. Not only that, younger people in the area are complaining of the same symptoms. Needless to say, the symptoms should wear off as things return to semi-normal, but one can never tell with these new outbreaks of interesting conditions. May you never have to experience it.

Sweet Charlotte

As someone who is absolutely ga-ga over dogs, I have to share one of my favorites on our block. She's a rescue and is the sweetest girl ever. Her name is Charlotte and she does  demand a good head rub when she sees me, so naturally, her wish is my command. Here she's pulling to come over.

And here she's wondering why I'm not loving all over her, like, right now!!!! Who could ever resist that beautiful face?

Standing Guard

If the fires have shown us anything, it has reinforced how communities come together. That said, unfortunately there are people who like to take advantage of disasters by looting or even setting more fires. That's where law enforcement realized it needed help and called the National Guard to assist with enforcing curfews and access to burned out areas. Soldiers have been standing guard for 12 hour shifts 24/7 once the flames died down enough to do so. Originally they were assigned to prevent people from entering areas that were deemed too dangerous to return to. After a couple of weeks, they were checking IDs to make sure people who were trying to enter neighborhoods were actual residents. Not only did they deploy soldiers, they had a scary huge tank-like truck to deter anyone from trying to get around the detour. This was the scene across the street from us.

 After 3 weeks of severe restrictions for access, those restrictions were lifted and we assumed the National Guard would depart. Were we wrong! They simply moved to park on our street in front of the house. Not that I ever feared looters before, but with a constant guard, I sure feel super safe. Just for fun, I go out and talk to the soldiers and yes, baked brownies for them. And while it's been interesting, apparently my personal body guards are finally getting to move on to more exciting tasks. The end of the week terminates their service here. Frankly, I shall miss them, though I suspect that sitting in a Humvee through chilly nights is not anyone's idea of a good time. And while they have been good sports and talk about service to the country, they have admitted that yes, they are bored. Still -- better than being in war zone.