Mar. 24, 2012 ~ Changes
2011 was unique in many respects. All kinds of records broken. 46 consecutive days of 100 degree (or higher) temps. 79 days of 100 degree (or higher) temps. Longest streak of days higher than 110 degrees. Temps above 115. Worst drought in Texas' recorded history. We had to sell most of our cattle because not only did we pretty much run out of grass, our ponds nearly went dry. Hay had to be imported from several states away, at considerable expense, for pretty lousy hay. All that was nothing, though, compared to the fires.
The Sunday before Labor Day, we were at a restaurant, just having finished lunch with friends. As we stood talking outside the restaurant doors, we heard the town's tornado sirens go off. We all looked at each other, looked at the sky - clear blue, not a cloud in sight - and back at each other again. We figured it was a malfunction. What it was... was fire. Everywhere. All at once. Our friends went home to find there was a fire nearby. Other friends had a fire near their house, too.
Start with the driest, hottest summer on record, add high winds, and those drought-damaged trees started to fall, or to lose limbs. And a good number of those limbs fell on power lines. Power lines snapped, sparks flew, and fires started. Over and over again. That first day there were something like 50 - 55 fires in East Texas, at the same time. In a rural area, fire protection is usually provided by volunteer fire departments, and we are no exception. Those volunteer departments were stretched to the limit and beyond. They simply couldn't be everywhere at once. Thousands of acres burned. Any direction you turned, you could see smoke in the sky. Eventually it worked its way inside most buildings. Lots of folks got sick. The weirdest thing, though, was being prepared to evacuate. That first night, sleep did not come easy. We packed suitcases, got leashes, dog bowls, pet food, and animal crates and parked them by the front and back doors. People had to evacuate with five minutes notice, or no notice at all. So most of us got ready. This went on for... I don't even remember how long. A month or more. But those first couple of days were sheer panic. We were all terrified. The forest service set up their command post at our local airport, and thank goodness they did, because it was one of their planes that spotted the fire next door to us... when no one was home. I was at work, the neighbors were out, other neighbors were out of town... ugh. But they got it put out and we are so thankful. Not everyone was so lucky. At any rate, that is behind us, and I hope we never experience anything like that again. Though another dry summer is predicted, for now we have grass. Recent rains have filled our ponds, and we are grateful.
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I have worked at my current job for over seven years now. During that time I've worked with three pastors but only one financial person. His office adjoins mine, and our working relationship is easy, pleasant. We're a great team. Though we don't always agree, we have never argued, not once. He's an older gentleman, quiet and kind. We support each other. And he is leaving soon. Well past retirement age, he certainly deserves to retire. No one could begrudge him that. But, oh, I will miss him. I can't even imagine what it will be like when he is gone. I think they have decided on a replacement, and... I'm not so sure it's the right person. She is nice enough, but I'm not sure it will be a good fit. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd be crazy about anyone they hire to replace him! But I'm trying to get those feelings under control so I can be welcoming and kind. And I will hope for the best.
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