Fire recap by John Masterson
 

I have waited until the “all clear but Smokey” siren before writing this.  It has been a tumultuous 48 hours.  One that I have never experienced in my 82 years of breathing oxygen.

Saying “I lost my home” doesn’t seem so tough but in that, you are saying, I lost EVERYTHING that I hold dear.  Unreplaceable pictures, personal items, wardrobe, medicines, all those things collected thru the years to provide you with comfort, now gone.  You are at zero!  (The older you are, the darker that zero becomes.)  While beautiful homes all around us burned to the ground, ours survived.  (I was asked what my pre-plans were and I replied, “pray to Jesus and buy a lottery ticket.”

When Judy rushed into the bedroom at 9pm Monday nite and breathlessly shouted, “we have to evacuate!”, I immediately pooh poohed that comment.  “It’s not going to happen”, I stated.  Ignoring my ignorance and indignation, she immediately began to pack a suitcase.  “Don’t forget your medicines!, she added.  Meanwhile my youngest son rushed to us to help out.  We decided to stay with his family until the warning was removed.  Our daughter, Janna, her new puppy Cosmo, Judy and I joined a long line of traffic heading out of Ondulando.

The city was extra depressing.  The electricity was off everywhere.  It was dark, cold and fiercely windy.  Flashlights were mandatory.  iPhones and IPads quickly ran out to power.  With no TV, and trying to ignore the raging fires silhouetted on the blazing hillside you were left with small talk and meaningless conversation.  Then we got a call from our neighbor, Steve Osman.  He stayed behind and was fiercely watching his and OUR houses stamping out embers being blown around by the unpredictable fire storm.
Meanwhile, homes all around us were going up in flames.

I slept fitfully on the couch until 5:30am.  I awoke to see good friend, Barry Nielsen, on the other couch.  He had lesser time to react as he left his expensive watch on his dresser as he rushed out the door.  (His home is gone along with all clothes, personal sundries and daily needs.  (Big day at Costco coming up shortly!)  now comes the HUGE problem.  Where do you live for the next year or two?  (It will probably take that long for the city to issue a permit!)
There are no rooms to rent anywhere.....period!

Then came the next alarming news.  We have been told to evacuate my son’s residence.  (He lives next to Buena H S.). “Holy Moly,” as Batman would say.  Where do we go now?

Janett and Roger Whitlock have been good friends for 60 years.  They have a lovely, spacious residence in Camarillo.  A quick call at 6:00 am and eight of us, plus cat and dog headed south.

Janett is the most fabulous host.  We have been treated like royalty.  It will be hard to go home but home we will go as we have one.  As I reflect on the past events, one thing is abundantly clear.  Having family, friends and good neighbors is a blessing not all enjoy.  Judy and I are triple blessed.  I can’t imagine going thru this conflagration without their support.  

We are blessed with a strong family who support each other.  We are blessed with long, deep friendships of people who care.  We are blessed by a neighbor who epitomizes the old fashioned, timeless care and concern.  And as an added bonus, we are blessed with our home of 47 years.

Life is good.

John Masterson