Other obligations have prevented me from writing here at a time when there is so much to write about. Even now, I must be brief. I do not yet know when I will be able to resume writing weekly as did I prior to about a month ago.
Coronavirus, or whatever it is known as, necessitated the closure of the Conference Center where I work a few days weekly. The facilities are maintained, but, until recently, unused. Most of us who work there needed to find employment elsewhere. It has been financially difficult for many of us, as well as countless others all over the World.
Then, about a month ago, the entire region was evacuated ahead of the migration of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Many in the region lost their homes to the Fire, and essentially became homeless. The Community has been as generous and accommodating as it has always been.
As firefighters arrived from so many distant regions, some were accommodated in the otherwise unused lodges of the Conference Center. It was a practical arrangement. They had use for such lodging. Such lodging just happened to be vacant because of the coronavirus.
As firefighters started to vacate the Conference Center and return home, residents of the region also started to return home after evacuation. Some of those who had no homes to return to procured temporary homes from the otherwise unused cabins of the Conference Center. Again, it is a practical arrangement. They had use for cabins that just happen to be vacant.
Also, volunteers who came to the region to assist those who lost their homes as a result of the Fire now reside in some of the lodges that were formerly occupied by the firefighters.
It is unfortunate that there are not sufficient accommodations at the Conference Center for everyone who lost their homes. So much about the situation is unfortunate. The Community will do what it can. Somehow, it always does.
Felton League 
After Hurricane Ike, I was offered this advice by an old-timer, a veteran of many storms. He said, “Start where you can start, and do what you can do.” That works in nearly every circumstance.
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I think the burned leaves traveling so far from the source is among the most frightening aspects of brushfires — they could so easily carry hot embers that would start another spot fire! I’m glad the Conference Center has been available to those who have needed a place to stay — and hope that you will soon be gainfully employed again.
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Some of us have no choice. People here are doing remarkably well with what they have though.
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This actually was not very far. Ash was falling significantly farther away, although it was not smoking as it fell like it was here.
My work here was supposed to be only temporary, but that was quite a while ago. I enjoy it too much to leave easily, and I certainly do not want to leave at such a bad time. I will reconsider as the situation stabilizes here. It is gratifying to be able to work here during normal circumstances, but even more so now.
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So much loss, and so good that now people work together to help each other.
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People always do. This blog often discusses haters who enjoy bullying the most vulnerable of society. However, such haters, although vocal, are a scant minority. The vast majority of society is remarkably compassionate.
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I do believe that, and I’m very glad for it. We really are all in this together.
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Yes, and there are plenty of good people to go around.
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We just have to look a little harder for them now at times.
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Well, times like this bring some of them out.
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Yes, I see some good kindnesses being done in this little community, displayed on our community FB page. That stuff warms your heart.
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