Bits of hope

Today is day four of the California firestorm. There are six fires currently burning in Los Angeles County. Over fifty six square miles have been affected, ten thousand structures have been destroyed and at least eleven people are dead. My hometown, Altadena, has been particularly hard hit by the Eaton fire. So much that made the city so special is gone. It makes so, so, so sad.

typical Altadena scene

Miraculously my mother's house still stands. There was a spot fire between it and our neighbors' home, but another neighbor - who I have to assume was in the area illegally, bless him - was able to put it out. I have no idea how long our luck will hold. It's been a sad, exhausting and extremely stressful four days.

Today is also day twelve of my post-Olive life. Sometimes, I am okay. Other times - yesterday was a prime example - I am decidedly not.

Today was one of the better days. For the first time in nearly a week, I went to the barn. I said hello to my favorite horses.

Then I walked down the aisle to Olive's stall.

Seth has been working diligently on the floors in there since New Year's Day. He finished them on Wednesday, and this was my first look-see. 

There was a bit of snow from yesterday's storm, but check out these tight mat seams. They are so good.

There's also a nifty, new barrier to help keep the shavings in the stall. Seth does good work.

I didn't want to give up this stall before, and I really don't want to lose it now. I guess I'm going to have to find a horse to put in it.

I met a candidate today. She's very sweet and meets most of my requirements. 

I don't know if she's the one - I'm still pretty messy - but I'm glad I met her. She made me feel hopeful, and at this particular moment in time, that is no small thing.