Graton Fire Department

It is unusual when John and I both space out and go on auto pilot at the same time. Perhaps it happened because we were both awakened at 7am by the phone ringing (a spam call) and the beeping trucks arriving for the day's work next door. One would think that they could turn off the beeper at that hour. Especially since there appears to be only one other guy working on the site at the same time and he should be able to stay out of the way for an hour. They probably can't turn off the beeping, or I'm sure they would have done it by now!

But as I frequently do, I digress. We got ourselves together and drove to Kathy's only to be reminded by her daughter that she is out of town this week. We knew that....We went to Sebastopol and I took a picture of the Patrick Amiot sculpture in front of the new Graton Fire Station. I can't imagine that the fire fighters have much free time right now but  somebody found time to deck out their undaunted firefighter and his engine with Halloween touches.  I have put up a link to his website. Do read it if you need a smile. He is quite a fixture around here.

Since we were over that way, we drove to Sebastopol, went to Harmony Farm Supply where we bought a string of pearls succulent to replace the one in Dana's garden still life that has been totally devoured by the ground squirrels. So far they have left the other eight plants alone, but the one that was eaten was a bit leafier than most succulents and is now nothing but a stem.

We have grand plans for adding lots of echium and niphofia in the areas below the driveway which were decimated by the fire. But John is reluctant to take on digging that many big holes and neither of us wants to use the water right now. If and when the drought eases it is hard to say whether the plants will still be available.

The big Cal Fire helicopter is flying low over the house as I write with its distinctive thump-thump-thump that only a large helicopter can make. Although I tend to associate helicopters with disasters, it is reassuring, to know that somebody is on fire watch as the red flag conditions and gusty winds continue. I think firefighters have learned a lot about the intensity of these wildland fires and have all hands on deck and stationed in vulnerable areas.

All is quiet at the moment.... I hope it stays that way.