Posted on December 3 at 8:27 a.m.

I like most all of your writing, Starshine, you make me think. Yikes! That dreaded thinking thing. While I have never come close to the trauma that SB fire/earthquake victims have experienced, I did lose my job and my housing all at the same and unexpected time.

With a few weeks to think, what did my wife and I take with us?

WAAAY too much!

Twenty months later, we are still trying to discover our next adventure (and job) and continuing to purge our belongings to fit a newer and trimmer lifestyle. And each time we go through 'our stuff' we are able to reduce, recycle, give away or sell. Where did this stuff come from? And why did we have so much of it?

We have discovered, however that we are feeling much less burdened by our stuff, and pleasantly focused on each other, friends and the great world around us. And while I'm sure that Tea Fire victims would have much-preferred to have had as long a time to prepare to move out as we did, perhaps they can find some solace in the fact that we are now much, much more comfortable (and happy!) with less. And less.

Thanks for the opportunity to reflect.

On Embers to Ashes

Posted on October 13 at 10:44 a.m.

If-ta-beens-and-shoulda-couldas....

These men were WORKING on the Fourth of July, for cryin' out loud! And had water and a shovel.

Many times in this country, people need to find FAULT. This litigious attitude continues to be a divisive force in our country.

Accidents happen. Even big ones.

These men have been 'on the hook' for 15 months. Judge Canter made the right decision. Too bad so much money and time had to be spent by both the private sector and tax-supported employees in this poorly thought-out action by government officials.

And being male, these defendants couldn't even get pregnant for their 'get out of jail free' card, as did the young white daughter of residents of Montecito in a recent case involving a DEATH.

On Charges Dropped Against Men Who Started Zaca Fire

Posted on September 11 at 1:58 p.m.

Seems that us North Americans are WAAY hung up on 'quality water'. I lived in Bermuda for just over two years and water is collected on the roofs of ALL private homes and nearly all businesses. Filtration for 'water in the tank'? Heck no. Water falls on the roof and collects in a concrete tank built below the house. Modern homes have electrical pumps supply water pressure throughout the house. Guess they must train the gulls to fly AROUND the houses in Bermuda!

Bermuda has found rainwater catchment extremely valuable. And Bermuda's rainfall totals 55" per year!

In a community that records 15" of rain in an 'average' year, water catchment makes way much sense.

We can do better. Read Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner. The West has been in water trouble for a long time.

On Harvesting Rainwater for the Future