Gratitude.....

It's ..... Wed. night, after a long couple of days. (Yes, I did just stop to think about what day it really is.)

Sunday was a beautiful, clear day. It started with an early morning correlation meeting, ended at dinner with good friends followed by Extreme Home Makeover. A really nice Sunday.

On the way to dinner we noticed a big cloud of smoke to the east. Santa Anas had been predicted, so a fire was not a huge surprise. But it was far away. So we went to bed not really giving it a 2nd thought. Monday morning I was doing my usual routine... hot chocolate in the microwave, out front to get the paper when I notice that the huge cloud of smoke was all across the southern sky. And not just a cloud! It was a BIG, BLACK cloud!!!! A little while later the phone rang and it was Tony. They had to evacuate. Of course I said "come over here." A few minutes later the phone rang again and Jessica said they were to evacuate also. So the invitation was given to them, too. About an hour later Mique call to say that they were being evacuated. San Diego is too far for them, but they were on their way to Punks house. Mique had told me the day before that fires in Santa Clarita were pretty bad.) 3 kids 3 evacuations. A little while later we got a call from our ward compassionate service leader asking if we could house some evacuated elders. "Welcome to the Hotel Mendioroz!!!" So we had 1 Grammy, 1
new mom, 1 son, 1 daughter in law, 1 son-in-law, 2 dogs, 4 elders, 1 friend of the elders (and
daughter-in-laws evacuated parents and dogs for a little while.) Pretty crazy! Randy worked until 5 or so.

Tony and Erika were the first to be able to go home on Tuesday. Jessica and gang were here 'til this morning, and the elders are still here (sans friend). They will leave in the morning. Lots of cooking and tv news watching.

Through it all I feel so blessed. The kids keep telling me that I've been very patient. especially with the elders and friend. I am actually so glad that we have a home big enough to provide shelter when needed, and even just for fun. Monday night Jessica was kind of urging us to evacuate. an option but not manditory. I kept saying " and go where? The Beach?" I would have packed up if I thought we were in the slightest danger. I just felt so at peace. I feel so fortunate to have been spared the disaster that so many endured. Soooooo many lost their homes. More than any other fire in San Diego history. It's always wonderful, too, to see the goodness in people come out at a time like this. The donations of time, goods, and shelter has been enormous. The state and national disaster people have been very impressed by the outpouring from San Diegans.

I love living here, even if there is an occassional disaster. I love the weather, the beach, the people, my home.

But today I am most grateful that those I care about most are all well and safe. Reality check....you bet! and I think we all passed a kind of test. In the toughest circumstances, we can find the blessings, the tender mercies.

I love you all, both near and far. I am grateful!