One Million Acres and Counting

Over one million acres have burned in Texas in just over a week. We finally broke our triple digit streak, but the winds have fanned wildfires which have jumped the Colorado River and are now burning a swathe on the other side.

My friend and frequent commenter, Jackie Burris has evacuated and things aren't looking good for her. Please keep Jackie and all the other people who have lost their homes in your thoughts.

I'm just sick with worry about all those homes and animals destroyed in those fires. It's the worst season of wildfires Texas has ever experienced. Click on this link for a short article on the fire. There's a video too, but the slideshow is more chilling.

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In other news, my next novella has gone through my CPs' eagle eyes. They gave me so many great ideas that the book has grown another three thousand words. All that's left is to send it to an editor. 

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Tell me some good news. What's the best thing that's happened to you this week? Heck, I'll even settle for one of LD Masterson's terrible groaners. 

On second thought...I'm not that desperate.

Comments

Andrea Coulter said…
Those wildfires are terrifying. My prayers are with you all!

My best-news-of-the-week is, I guess, that we haven't followed up our earthquake and hurricane with a third disaster. Fingers crossed ...
Maria Zannini said…
Lynn: Sometimes the things that DON'T happen are the best gifts of all.

Thanks!
Anonymous said…
We're under a flood watch. I just got the sump pump going before the basement gets any worse. Wish I could send you this rain!

Thinking of Jackie, hoping she is safe. So scary!

Best thing that happened to me this week was the huge hug my youngest gave me this morning before his first day of school. That hug, and his question: "will you be okay without us, mum?" had me crying and laughing at the same time. It's so good to be loved.
Ellie Garratt said…
That is terrible, Maria. I shall certainly keep everyone affected by the fires in my thoughts.

The best thing that happened to me this week? Aah . . .nothing springs to mind yet, I'm afraid. I'm just having one of those weeks.
Unknown said…
I have a few online friends in Texas, and I've been seeing reports on the news. It's just frightning.

Good news, good news...Sithboy is back in school! :D
Maria Zannini said…
Diane: That is so incredibly adorable! There's a memory you'll keep forever.

Ellie: I've been thinking about you and your work in progress. I'm so looking forward to reading it.

Darke: I think that huge sigh of relief I heard recently came from parents whose kids went back to school this week. :)
Best wishes to you and to everyone in Texas affected by the fires.

My husband and I will celebrate our wedding anniversary on Saturday. It's only our sixth, but we've known each other for over twenty years. We're going to see some improv comedy while my parents babysit.
I'm very frightened by them. I hope they can get them contained soon or we'll all be getting evacuated.
Maria Zannini said…
Sandra: Happy early anniversary. Seems like just yesterday when you guys married.

Barbara: Keep in touch, okay? Even if it's just a post to tell us you've had to evacuate.
Anonymous said…
Scary stuff. We were watching coverage last night, the story focused on one woman who had 15 minutes to get out. Thankfully her family was safe but they got out with just the clothes on their backs and the cars they drove away in.

The positive of that was the excellent dialogue it opened with the wee beasties.

Hoping everyone stays safe {hugs}
LD Masterson said…
We're praying for everyone down there. Stay safe.

Now about my groaners...
Sarah Ahiers said…
unfortunatley, no real good news from my corner. We've got another sick dog and our elliptical died this morning. Since our treadmill died a few weeks ago all our money was spent replacing that, so now i'm sad that we can't afford a new elliptical. Le sigh.
And that sucks about the wildfires. I haev a friend in NM who had to evacuate her home during those wildfires and it was a mad dash to try and save the feral cat colony she takes care of. Luckily, literally at the last second, the fire changed direction, but it was still too close.
I hope everything turns out OK for Jackie
Sarita Leone said…
Maria, I do so wish I could send some of this rain your way. We're listening to the bridge across the street take a beating from the flooding and uprooted trees smashing into it. The elderly woman just on the other side of the bridge is losing more of her foundation. And we're afraid for her, because she won't leave.

Really, life can be so exhausting.

I'm hoping the wildfires die down. Stay safe!
Elana Johnson said…
Wildfires are terrifying. I live in Utah, and we've seen some doozies in the past. I'll keep you in my thoughts.
Mel Corbett said…
Wow, this is actually the first I've heard about the wild-fires.

My thoughts will be with you and your friends. Good luck.
Angela Brown said…
I had to deal with the Rice wildfires a couple of weeks after moving to San Diego. Such a warm reception I could cringe. Never had so much ash in my hair in my life. Really hoping NOT to go through that again.

I'm mum on the good things or bad things. Call it my paranoia.
*cue eerie Twilight Zone music*
Cate Masters said…
Oh how horrific. I only wish we could send you some of our rain - it's been a downpour all week. Poor Jackie - I'll keep you all in my thoughts.
I'm with Angela. Not jinxing it! We're about to unmoor from our foundation.
Jackie said…
Fire still raging Maria. Home and belongings gone but the best thing that happened to me is my family including the four legged ones are alive and uninjured. Also found out how much time I spend online has been well worth it as you and so many people have sent me such kind thoughts and best wishes that it has helped restore my optimism!

Thanks for the shout out Maria and pray for some rain!
Maria Zannini said…
Raelyn: It's always a good idea to get the kids involved. Sometimes you don't have time to explain when all hell is breaking loose.

Linda: I luvs ya. But your groaners make me what to pull my teeth out without anesthetic. :)

Sarah: Thanks. I hope your pooch gets better soon.

Sarita: I think 2011 will go down in history as the year with the most traumatic climate. It's been insane.

Elena: We normally don't get them this bad here. Once they start they're hard to stop.

Mel: Thanks, Mel. We need all the good thoughts we can get.

Angela: I'm as nervous as a cat surrounded by so much kindling.

Cate: If only we could control our weather. Thanks for popping in.
Maria Zannini said…
Jackie: I'm glad you stopped in. I've been thinking about you nonstop.

I sent you another email with links and phone numbers of agencies that can help. Also my phone number. If I can do something for you, let me know.

Stay safe and keep me updated if you can.
Angelina Rain said…
Oh no. Those poor people and animals in Texas. I wish there would be something we could do about that. If I were super rich, I would donate money and time to rebuild their homes.

Good luck on your new book Maria. Can't wait to see the cover of this one.
Dru said…
Thinking of Jackie and you guys out west. Wish I could send you the rain that's coming down here.
Anonymous said…
I have quite a bit of family in the Austin area, and so these fires have been heavy on my mind.

I will be praying for safety for everyone.

Nothing like this post to re-center yourself. I'm another Campaigner, and while that's been my priority the past few days, there is always something else MORE important.

Stay safe!
Alison Miller said…
What is happening there is TERRIBLE! I will keep Texas and your friend in my prayers.

I'm going to a writers conference this weekend. That's always good news.

Have a great weekend!
Maria Zannini said…
Angelina: The good news is that the state government is working quickly to take care of people and property. Strangely, we haven't heard a peep from the federal government. hmm...

Dru: Thanks. If only we could shift the rains.

blackanddarknight: Welcome. I used to feel guilty about not writing, but not anymore. Life has to come first.

Alison: I miss going to conferences. Have fun!
Myne said…
We've been hearing of the fires in the news here. Hope you remain good?

The best thing that happened to me? My first book is in the top 300 books on Amazon UK Kindle :)
Jennifer Shirk said…
Oh my gosh, how awful for Jackie and all those people!! Will be praying for them!
Maria Zannini said…
Myne: That's fantastic news! Go, you!!

Jennifer: Thank you. We could use all the prayers and rain you can send our way.
Hi Maria,
Oh my, it's absolutely terrible. True the photos give a much clearer picture.
I'm praying for rain for you guys. I do hope everyone escapes unharmed. Bushfires are so devestating.
God Bless.
Anonymous said…
Yes it is awful to contemplate those poor animals and plants and all that destruction.

My 2yr old cat came in from outside to tell me this long story about how he was caught in a heavy rain shower and that he was all wet. It was the funniest thing. I had to dry him off and he was happy then, but he wouldn’t stop meowing about it until I did!

My word verification is aries!
Maria Zannini said…
Suzanne: Thank you. All prayers and good thoughts welcomed.

Madeleine: OMG, that is way too funny. I can see it now. It's too bad you couldn't have videotaped her.