To Honor and Remember

To protect and serve
Arizona fire in 2013.  19 firemen died, one survived.

Wildfires in California cannot be described in enough words. Only one actually nails it: deadly.

These fires have burned and are still burning throughout the state. On a NASA map from space fires are seen down the state from Santa Barbara to San Diego.  Some fires have devasted famous wine countries throughout many areas. Hundreds of homes went up in flames.

Taken four hours ago, 12/19

What are sad statistics?

As of October, forty three had died.  Now, here in December, the numbers are still being confirmed. And the acreage burned can be found at this site: information gathered summer through winter .

Firefighters. Medical personnel. Police and state support.  All are a family, united by their dedication and self-less service. When one dies, all grieve.

Recently, in the Thomas wildfire, one fireman died. Cory Iverson was a veteran firefighter and his death was felt by all those who knew and respected him.  In that loss and tragedy, his family of friends and co-workers honored him in this way.

Cory Iverson

Heart-felt

Across overpasses from Ventura to San Diego were as outstanding and impressive as these are.  Not enough space can be alloted for such dedication.

Rejoice in Christmas!  Rejoice for love of family!  Rejoice for those who honor and remember!

Below is a clear demonstration of family.

P.S. The movie, "Only the Brave", also honors the memories of a "Hot Shot" team of firefighters who perished in the Yarnell fire on Granite Mountain located near Prescott, AZ in 2013.

Worth while movie

Gasping at the Art of Trees

A love of trees stops me dead in my tracks.  Trees of all sorts (except palm trees which do nothing at all except to look tropical) have an angular beauty that leads the eyes up to sky.  Their roots dig deep into the ground, occasionally emerging here and there.

Only recently I stood on a mass of tangled, twisted roots which caught 

my breath, took it away.  The tree is a Fig Tree at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fallbrook, California.  Here are some photos.

I hope you gasp.

The Moreton Bay Fig Tree was brought to California by an Australian seaman who gave it to a girl, who then planted it. It was originally planted in 1876 up in Santa Barbara area, and then replanted in a warmer spot. Moreton Bay is the source of the seed.  Now these trees are appreciated by all who see them, and are protected.  The tree's canopy is about 198 feet across, the height is 200 ft. or more, and the trunk circumference is about 42 feet.  The observable roots are roughly the same as the tree's canopy. They are a form of banyon trees.  Look again: Take another gasp.  Source of infor

Moreton Bay Fig, from Australia to California  a blurry photo for sure

What's that kid doing up there?!!

This fig tree was used in Jurassic Park 1.

p.s. Balboa Park has one spectacular tree, which is now protected with a chain fence to prevent field trip children from climbing on it.