It has been a stormy few days here in California. The whole state has been doused with plenty of rain and there are piles of snow for skiing in the mountains. Should make for some good Christmas fun if you like to strap sticks to your feet and sail down a steep cliff. As for us, I think we need to stay in Fresno and clean up the yards.
Here is a picture of my backyard last spring: 
As of this morning, it looks like this:
The mulberry tree in the front yard is almost bare. During the three weeks I was in San Francisco it dropped all of its golden leaves on the lawn, walkway, and shrubbery. It’s rather pretty, but a little dangerous on the front walk:
Today is clear but more storms are forecast for later in the week. At least we didn’t have a whole shrub come down like our next door neighbors. Leaves and branches are a little easier to clean up and there isn’t quite the sense of urgency. We are also grateful that we have no flooding here nor is our roof leaking, problems that many of the surrounding communities and homes are facing.
Gorgeous pictures!
So true about the craziness. My own family definitely has their own brand as well. Glad you’ve been able to separate yourself from yours. Honestly, the rest of the year isn’t nearly as stressful in this regard as the holidays and birthdays. So, I try not to complain about it too much
. It truly could be much worse! 