CREPE MYRTLE: Lythraceae

Our Crepe Myrtle trees will be blooming soon, & "will steal the show,"
but today I noticed the interesting bark.  I am restless & anxious, but not about what you might think.

Wildfire season has started & we have 2 burning in our county right now.
They are quite far from us right now, but there are evacuation orders for the
 LIME FIRE; & they are using water dropping copters all night.  The ELIZABETH FIRE is located in a remote canyon & also demands water dropping aircraft to slow the spread.  It is between 2 cities & the wind
could take it roaring in either direction.  

Many years ago a fire started in this area, &  by the next afternoon it wrapped around our neighborhood.  There was no wind, so the 
firemen were able to prepare & prevent the fire from actually entering our neighborhood.  Just a few years ago there were 4 wildfires burning at the same time near our city, but we were spared.  The devastation was epic
in other areas.

Last Summer I went to a Wildfire Preparedness Seminar & learned how to get ready if a fire comes close.  I downloaded TWITTER because that is where the most up to date information is.  I also subscribed to an early warning notification service that will text us if we need to evacuate.
We are packed & ready to leave if need be.  Luckily, our daughter
lives in a safer area, so we can go to her house.