It’s a new day–a new week. Last week as you all know, a major portion of San Diego County was on fire. Over half a million people were evacuated from their homes, my parents included, the sky was dark with smoke and ash and children were kept out of school because the air quality was horrible.

This community is amazing. I witnessed the best in people. The fire fighters and officers of the law are true heroes, along with all of the volunteers who took blankets, food, helped move animals, etc. As much as it has been a time to grieve here, it has also been a time of inspiration–to see the best in people coming together.

I don’t have much I can say today because I think everyone has heard and seen so much of the fires from last week. From my own personal experience with the fires, I am happy to report that my parents were allowed back home on Saturday. The house is there and we are all feeling blessed and grateful as the mountains around them have been charred. Yesterday I brought the horses home, and to see the two of them roll and then run and play in their pasture was one of the most special moments of my life. I never saw two animals be so happy to get back home. The dogs were pretty thrilled too.

I spent most of Saturday scrubbing and cleanning my house, which is something I usually hate doing. But this past weekend, even while down on my hands and knees wiping the hardwood floors, which were filthy from ash, I was happy. I’m always griping that the house is in the flight path and I can’t hear myself when a plane goes over, or it’s so old and the pipes need replacing, or there is not enough storage–blah, blah, blah. Let me tell you, my attitude about this old house is quite a bit different today. I’m grateful it shelters us and has so many memories attached to it. I’m also so very sorry for those who lost their homes because I can’t imagine what that must feel like, and especially for those who lost loved ones. My thoughts are with you.

I want to thank all of you sent your prayers and e-mails. They meant a great deal to my family.

Have a wonderful week.

Michele