We had a heat wave in mid-November. The hot Santa Ana winds spread wildfires through several Southern California communities and many residential neighborhoods were devastated. Although I live near the coast, sufficiently far away from the fires, we could smell the smoke, and all of the cars, plants, and lawns were covered with a thin coating of ash. The weather was beautiful, but there was no walking outdoors for several days. Unfortunately, this scenario is becoming less and less uncommon in these parts.
Now the weather has changed. The air is cool and clean and perfect for walking, and rain is predicted for Thanksgiving. We need the rain desperately, but everyone is praying for those folks in the burn areas. Too much rain after a big fire often leads to landslides. Like everything else, the rain can be a mixed blessing.
As I did last year, I will spend this Wednesday helping deliver hot turkey dinners to needy and disabled seniors who are homebound during the holidays. Then I will enjoy Thanksgiving with my own family, knowing how much a really have to be thankful for: a secure home, my loved ones, my health, and a year free of disasters.
Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving and many blessings for the year ahead.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
On the Arrival of Fall
Autumn is here and I’m loving it. Born in October, I seem to come to life in the fall, as the weather cools and the laziness of summer gradually picks up speed as it coasts toward the hectic holiday season.
I’ve been spending more time outdoors lately, opting for brisk walks in the park, at the beach, or around my neighborhood instead of machine-time at the gym. It’s still exercise, but the experience is quite different. Instead of becoming one with the machine and distracting myself with iPod music, I feel much more human, alive, and tuned in to my surroundings, whether it’s squirrel-watching and people-watching in the park, the sound of the pounding surf and the smell of salt are at the beach, or houses, cars, dogs and cats in the neighborhood.
For all the problems (and there are many) facing our nation, our economy, our planet, there are also many small pleasures around us every day to be thankful for.
I’ve been spending more time outdoors lately, opting for brisk walks in the park, at the beach, or around my neighborhood instead of machine-time at the gym. It’s still exercise, but the experience is quite different. Instead of becoming one with the machine and distracting myself with iPod music, I feel much more human, alive, and tuned in to my surroundings, whether it’s squirrel-watching and people-watching in the park, the sound of the pounding surf and the smell of salt are at the beach, or houses, cars, dogs and cats in the neighborhood.
For all the problems (and there are many) facing our nation, our economy, our planet, there are also many small pleasures around us every day to be thankful for.
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