Sunny California?

Friday January 29, 2010

I recently returned from ten days in Southern California, at least I think I was in Southern California. Everyone knows the PR on Southern California--a land which has constant sunny skies and tons of beautiful people living beneath these skies. I am wondering if that version of Southern California is constructed and then filmed by some sort of movie magic because that was definitely not the land I was in. The place I visited was gray, wet, and cold.

No truthfully it was worse than that, much worse. There were fierce rainstorms, brutal winds, and floods. The area also experienced hail and a tornado. As a result of this lovely weather there were road and interstate closures, wide-spread power outages, and emergency evacuations of 2,000 hillside homes. The citizens of this sodden land were not the attractive people I had expected to see. Of course I admit it is difficult to look good when your hair and clothes have been soaked and your make-up is smeared all over your face.

The entire time I was out there I had a piece of a song lyric stuck in my head. "It never rains in Southern California" by Albert Hammond was on a loop in my brain. It was my personal protest song against the terrible weather I had to endure during my visit. I came back from my trip more aware that everyone needs a good evacuation plan. You never know what you will have to evacuate from--the hurricane, the fire, or maybe even the rain.

P.S. When I got home I looked up the complete lyrics to the song. I should have paid closer attention to Mr. Hammond's message which states "It never rains in California but, girl, don't they warn ya It pours, man, it pours."

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Post Christmas Blues

I love the holiday season and all the activities which accompany it--the parties, the shopping, the decorating, etc. Every year when I have to face a new year I get a little sad. The parties have all been attended and the presents have all been opened. Bummer.

All that is left to do is take down my beautiful Christmas trees. I HATE DOING THIS! I am exceedingly vain regarding the glorious appearance of my Christmas trees. Their shining presence adds greatly to the decor of my home. When they are removed the home environment just seems, well duller. I feel like an exotic, exciting visitor has departed. I usually console myself by eating my way through all the remaining Christmas cookies, holiday pies, and candy containers in the house.

However all is not lost because even in the sad circumstances of Christmas tree removal, there is an evacuation preparation which can be done. Everyone I know has some holiday ornaments or decorations which they particularly cherish. Some of the items are elaborate and costly and some are simple and handmade. All of the items represent a memory of a special event.

My suggestion is to store these ornaments in a readily accessible location (not under all the other Christmas stuff where you would never find them). If you have to evacuate grab this box. Should you lose everything you will have your most prized ornaments to start your new holiday collection.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com