This is the closest a wildfire has come to us, and may it be the closest one ever comes to us. It started out as a grass fire in a sparsely-populated area of Morgan Hill, and within a few days consumed a couple thousand acres and a couple dozen homes. (Here's a progression map from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection web site.) Thanks to a heavy fog, low wind and many diligent firefighters, it was brought under control within the week. The fire was close enough that we had to ponder the interesting question, 'if you had to evacuate your house today, knowing that everything you leave behind could go up in flames, what do you consider important enough to bring with you?' but luckily didn't have to act on it. So we are sad for everything that was lost, and grateful that everything else was spared.

May the winter rains and spring sun bring those hills and valleys new life!