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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Seeking Tranquility

Helicopters are still hard at work here, constantly reminding me of the disaster in our area. As K and I went through the forest this morning, a few choppers seemed to almost skim the tops of the pine trees as they raced toward the hardest hit parts of our area. Most of the helicopters that I saw today had Red Cross symbols on them.

Our situation hasn't changed. However, after Shyla found the remains of a deer that had been killed by a mountain lion today, I spent some time researching which emergency vets would be closest given our new geographic situation, with our usual vets not easily accessible.

Actually, I was proud of Shyla when she found the deer body parts because she came to me, despite the most incredible "treasure" she'd found. She even gave me the bloody bone that she was carrying. She's a good dog who has learned her "lessons" well.
But, as I am well aware, we were very lucky that the mountain lion(s) appeared to have finished eating the deer and were not in the area.

After that exciting start to our ride, we headed up high, to a sight that I'll never tire of. Today, a train of helicopters whizzed across the view frequently but it was still gorgeous. I took the photo when the view was free of helicopters.
It's clear now, to me and others, that there's a tradeoff to living in such a wild place. We can be cut off from the rest of the world by wild weather. Or, as we've seen, mountain folks can lose everything due to the ferocity of mountain weather. However, despite knowing that, I wouldn't trade places with anyone. This is the place and life that I love.
It's a place where life moves at a pace that I can notice the new mushrooms popping up all around us. This is our most poisonous one, Amanitas. Usually, they are most abundant in mid-August but there's been a resurgence of these bright red mushrooms since the floods.
Although I still feel very unsettled since the floods and anxious about our lack of access to the resources of civilization (especially medical and veterinary), I am trying very hard to find tranquility. After all, I am "stuck" in a place that I love. It could be far worse.

To make things even better, the Runner went to get food today! I was secretly on a self-imposed diet to avoid running out of supplies. Tonight I can go off the diet - yipee!

29 comments:

  1. So proud of Shyla for giving up the deer, that must have been so hard for her! We don't live as remotely as you, but we did learn in the winter the importance of having an emergency kit with food and water so you don't have to go on a diet. Thinking of you!

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  2. Good girl, Shyla!

    I get what you mean about accepting the risks of the area you live in. I feel the same way about the beach; I'll take the hurricanes, ripe tides, and marine life to live in the place I love.

    Nola's Mom

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  3. And here I was thinking you might well be living on " Air Pie and Shadow Soup" so glad supplies can be reached, I'm sure Runner will stock up hugely. Choppers, their pilots and other crew, either paid or volunteer, are literally life-savers, here too. Isolation has its own values, and yes, with those, come the times when it seems that living so far away from amenities is very hard., stay well, stay safe, and hope you all stay dry, and once again, have food on the table!! Super pics, as always, and news updates, so appreciated. Greetings to all, Jean.

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  4. This makes me think of what my mother always "stocked"up. It was the fixing for her Depression Dinner, and there were eggs, potato,onion, ham bits and cheese. You fried the onion and ham (or whatever meat) added the potatoes, stir them around until done, break a few eggs over the top,stir it until cooked, then toss a little cheese on top. Its still one of my son's favorite dishes.

    I'm glad you guys are doing OK!

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  5. Funny how something so pretty can be poisonous. I am glad you're off the diet! :)

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  6. You are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. All out paws are crossed for those people suffering. Good job Shyla giving mom the bone. We don't think my Lily would have given it up
    Benny & Lily

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  7. Every single day we keep you in our thoughts- that you be safe, and that the Universe sends calming.
    love
    tweedles

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  8. Stay safe friends!

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

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  9. You have a typo in your first paragraph :-). K is sending you tranquility, I'm sure...

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  10. Some of us are so lucky to love where we live. It must be awful to live somewhere you hate.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  11. We were wondering how you were doing on the grocery shopping issues. Bless the Runner!
    Amanitas is just beautiful!

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  12. We too noticed the "typo" or perhaps it was a sign from K :)

    We're so happy to hear that you are still safe and that you were able to get some groceries.

    Hope that Shyla's ear infection is getting much better.

    We have such a high respect for the Rescue Team!

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  13. That red mushroom needs a little gnome under it!

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  14. So glad that you were able to get some food back in stock. I'm surprised there was any food left. Sometimes things get a little tough but, like you said, it's so well worth it to be in a place you love so much.

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  15. Mom's so behind again - we didn't realize all of this was happening to you. Stay safe!

    Sam

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  16. We noticed the little "typo" also.
    Hoping you don't correct it!
    It shows that "K" is with you always in your heart. There she will remain forever by your side.


    xo Cinnamon























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  17. Way to go Shyla!! That musta been a hard one to give ups! BOL
    I am so glads your gonna gets some more supplies! Ma's not sure she could live without hot chocolate!!
    Stay safe!!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  18. Good for Shyla giving that up! I know I am always proud of my pack when they can be called off a chase or something similar. Glad you all are doing okay. Maybe time to think about extra supplies just in case there is a next time?

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  19. Good thing the cougar(s) had already left when you found the dead deer - and good for Shyla to have left the deer as well. She is a greatly trained dog! Where I hike there are cougars as well, and although I have discovered a dead deer obviously killed by the mountain lion and I saw their scat so far I have never seen the cougar; however, I am pretty sure that it has seen me!

    Enjoy the food the Runner is bringing back! We live in earthquake country, so we always have an emergency food supply here that I update every six months. I do hope that we will never need it.

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  20. So very Freudian I guess, K is definitely watching. I caught up on your posts and just can't imagine the stress Mother Nature is putting everyone under.I do know what hurricanes can do but relentless flash floods are so difficult to comprehend. So glad everyone is safe and sound.

    Ron

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  21. Loved the typo...it made me smile and shows K will always be a part of your world. Stay safe!!

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  22. I love that top photo, and the mushroom is really neat!

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  23. I am glad you are safe and doing ok. Shyla, good job!!


    Anne and Sasha

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  24. Thanks for all of the kind comments about the typo. This has been an incredibly emotionally stressful week with the floods. I do feel that K is constantly by my side. That doesn't mean that I love Shyla any less... it just means that K is with both of us. Thank you for being such a sensitive and wonderful community of friends.

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  25. I'm glad to read that you are still fairing well and that food is on the way and you can indulge:)

    I read "K" in the first line to and thought I was on the wrong post, then I looked at the date, then I thought I was getting K and R confused, then I just smiled :) K will always be with you.

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  26. I've been wondering how you are fairing, and if you are cut off. If you have access to food and clean water, I am very happy. And you are right. Being cut off in a place you treasure isn't such a bad thing, especially if you have supplies to get you through.

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  27. Great Pictures, what a view. THe mushroom is fanatastic.
    Hope you will get supplies soon

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