Yesterday was the Anniversary of Helene and Barry’s Wedding. I can remember so many things about that Blessed day.
The Celebration of Life for Barry is to be held this coming sunday. John, who remembers his Uncle Barry as the one who taught him most if not all of what he knows about photography, will be here with me to join those who can’t be there in person. We will be participating via zoom.
Helene is sitting shiva today.
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Weather is still in the pattern of cooler mornings and HOT by early afternoon. It was 101º yesterday with a repeat predicted for today.
I’m not sure it has ever been this warm (?) here in McCloud. My walking partner had to go to Medford, so I walked alone this morning.
The season is changing. Equinox is almost here. 0710 sunrise in Village and sunset 1905. That’s nearly equal days and nights. We’ll see what that does for temperatures.
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I know a lot of you could care less about our fires, but they are taking up a lot of news time here. I’m secure where I am so this will be the last of the fire reports.
The Rum Creek Fire near Grants Pass is burning on both sides of the Rogue River. It may be the biggest ever in Oregon. Interesting report that several companies, whose stock in trade is raft trips down the Rogue, were busy ferrying firefighters downriver into areas where choppers could not be used. Winds made smoke jumping dangerous and foot approach was impossible. The firefighters were heard to say the rafts were so much more fun than packed trucks.
Mill fire — as of this morning 100+ homes were lost in Lincoln Heights and the Garrick Addition where the fire jumped Hwy 97. Two people were reported dead, two older ladies, one 60s and the other in her 70s. In addition 2 were injured, one of whom was seriously burned. Total acreage burned has been 42K+ acres and is 40% contained.
As of tuesday evening, it is unknown how many houses were lost in the Lake Shastina subdivision where one one of my monday lunch buddies lives.
The Mountain Fire west of Gazelle is larger than the Mill fire but no buildings have been lost. It is in a mountainous area with few houses.
A new fire near Edgewood on the east side of I-5 near the airport is not dangerous to any houses although it has been evacuated.
The big concern to me is the new Fairview Fire in and around Hemet where I grew up from 1937 to a couple of years after my high school graduation in 1947. There are no longer too many friends left there. Most of my classmates have already died and I know I would not recognize the area now.
Lots of memories there.
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Francis was here overnight at the start of the Mill fire. His parents were helping as volub=nteers with the evacuatees. Francis and I had a quiet time. I need to set in a supply of games, both card and other.
The most excitement was a fox, who has taken to making predawn rounds between 0130 and 0330.
Foxes make a strange sound, much like someone clearing their throat, loud enough to wake you.
I’ve seen it but never been able to get a photo.
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Okay Okay … enough about doppelgänger sightings … except sister Susee is running a winery in Medford which sells Jolee sparkling Rose. Seems right since Susee was a wine aficionado.
And a young comedian, whose name I can’t recall, is a copy of Flip Wilson in both looks and presentation. For those who don’t remember Flip … too bad. You missed a lot of laughs in the early days of black and white TV. I wonder if Flip is on YouTube?
Oh well …
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On the 5th of September 1860, a set of twins on Daddy’s side of my family, were born in Columbia, Tuolumne, California making me a member of a First California family. The boy was named Lincoln and the girl (my 3rd great grandmother) was named Eureka in honor of being born in the new Golden state. The family had come from New Jersey via Iowa to California.
I was always fascinated by her unique name.
Another name that fascinated me was my maternal grandmother’s first name … Araminta. I had never been able to find any other Araminta in the family.
Then in an article about the underground railroad during the time of the Civil War which contained information about Harriett Tubman I found that Harriet’s first name was listed as Araminta.
I don’t know if Nana’s first name was a copy from Harriet’s slavery name or was chosen to honor Harriet since my family at that time was in Bourbon County, Kansas just across the river from Missouri.
During the division of state royalties, during the Kansas-Missouri war, Kansas came in as Union while Missouri was Confederate.
Interesting things that come to light and understanding in genealogy.
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Just learned of the Navajo custom of communal celebration when a baby first laughs.
Sounded like a great thing to celebrate.
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Now to end the week with this thought for contemplation …
Relationships matter more than being right.
So, ‘til next week …