[Aktungbby]

/\keeping one's humor in earthquake/fire ravaged California is essential. Notably, on the the first 2AM quake (2000)that destroyed my chimney, epicentered 5.2 Richterwise just 500 yards from my home, depressed the ladies in my my neighborhood considerably....the second 3AM quake(2014 6.0 Richterwise) which really wracked downtown Napa(killing 1) but only rattled my house merely elicited: "I just want a cup of coffee" from my neighbor German-born hausfrau, as I promptly wheeled out the Webber BBQ to start caffeinated brewing in the driveway-the electricity also being out. Cleanup can always wait untill I've had a cuppa joe! The ongoing Napa fire, now dubbed the Old Fire, is up to 570 acres and is 65% contained. One firefighter was sent to the hospital from an undisclosed injury. Since January, there have been 5 fires all over California: Colorado Fire-687 acres; Airport Fire-4136 acres; Jim Fire-551 acres; Quail Fire-135 acres; and the River Fire-595 acres...and the season is young... EDIT: in addition to the $40K chimney, during the 2018 remodel of my house,(2 baths, kitchen, roof, patios/driveway) it was discovered that the rear stucco had also suffered in the 2000 'quake; and added another $8K to the pricey project!