Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Welcome to sunny southern California!

Fiery southern California is more like it. We arrived in San Diego, safe and sound, on the 14th. We moved into our house on base on Monday and our stuff was delivered on Wednesday. We thought we were doing well and had almost unpacked the entire house by Sunday. Of course, on Sunday the Santa Anna winds started, as did the wildfires.

Why are we surprised? When we moved into North Carolina, just over 7 years ago, we were greeted by two tropical storms, including one on the day our stuff was moved into our house, and a hurricane. Seems natural disasters are par for the course when we move.

Thankfully, we are safe. The kids are safe. The base has us on notice for possible evacuation if the fire moves closer (currently it is just over the ridge in Fallbrook where it has burned over 500 structures). We can see and smell the smoke all too well and have the air condition running to keep our air clean. If you didn't know that peoples homes were burning, you would just think that there is a nice wood fire burning somewhere near, creating the sense of a cool fall day.

We have lots of photos to share of our trip west, but for now I'll leave you with some pictures I took of our neighborhood this afternoon. I'm hoping that the orange haze will show up. There are mountains that are usually easy to see in both directions, but the smoke is so thick right now they are invisible. Good news is that the Santa Annas are due to die down tomorrow and we might even have fog on Thursday. Here's hoping!






8 comments:

Katie said...

Glad you are almost settled ..... I was waiting to hear from you !!!

Tina said...

Glad you made it there safely! I can't wait to see pictures.

Kim said...

I was just thinking about you guys this weekend!!! I hope you guys stay safe!

JuJu - said...

OK - I think that is a sign that you are supposed to move back to NC - like in my town:)

I miss you guys- we think about you guys very day and I know we will se you again SOON;)

ya never know...

Julia:)

Our Family of 5 said...

I am glad you all made it safe and sound. I am sure it has been eventful. Can't wait to see more pictures!!

Kristen and the Gang said...

It was great to get to meet you all in Atlanta and I am glad to see you finally made it to California...stay safe!

Anonymous said...

Merrill family,

I love looking at your blog. You have the most beautiful, happy children...how do you do it? They are clearly cherished.

Wow. Crazy intro to California, huh? Hope it is calming down. Ez, Trav, and I are all eagerly listening to each Sox game, too.

Post more photos! I can't wait...
Beth H.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you made it to CA safely, but WOW on the arrival party you are getting. These states pull out their biggest for you guys don't they? :) In all seriousness, I am praying super hard for you guys and all affected by the CA fires. {{{{HUGS}}}}