Santa Barbara Burning -- Again

Just weeks after we left Santa Barbara last summer, a large fire hit the Goleta area (to the west of our former home). Then in November another devastating fire hit, this time well to the east of where we lived. That fire destroyed a beloved Episcopal monastery. Now, a third devastating fire has hit, and this time it's hit in the middle. As I checked the map of a fire that has extended to about 3000 acres and driven 30,000 or more to evacuate their homes, I realized that our former home was in the evacuation area. I expect it's partly precautionary, but still, it's frightening. We have friends in the area, some living up in the most effected areas. Many homes have been destroyed, and the Botanic Garden has come under fire.

We lived in Santa Barbara for ten years, longer than any other place we've ever lived during our married life, and nearly as long as I lived in Klamath Falls growing up. Often described as a paradise on earth, our former home town is now a living hell.

Old friends and neighbors -- you're in our thoughts and prayers.

The picture is from the LA Times.