Visitors Last Week

Last week, we had temperatures hovering between just below freezing to the upper thirties. Cloudy, and some light rain, it was uncomfortable outside, but much better than around 100 miles to the north, where there was freezing precipitation. As I was watching the pond, I was amazed at the number of small birds flying just above the water and almost hovering over a shallow section. It appeared they were feeding; much like the purple martins in the summer. 

There were hundreds of the small birds, which made me go for my binoculars to observe them closer. That's when I spotted their color. Their backs were blue, their chests were white and they had a black mask at their eyes. I had never seen the birds before. A little research on the web led to discovering what they were: tree swallows. 

I found this picture on the internet on the iNaturalist page. Whoever took the photo caught the colors, which in the gray of winter days is brilliant against the dark backgrounds. 

The birds stayed for a few days in numbers, and a few are still hanging around. According to what I read, the species winters along the Gulf Coast, and the flocks can be large. The one I observed was, and brightened a day of miserable weather. I don't know what they were feeding on, but they spent hours over the same spot. Either they consumed all there was to consume, or they left for another spot to feed.

How Could It Have All Gone Wrong?

Let's see: Three unqualified important officials that only have the qualifications of being of the correct sexual orientation, slushing money allocated for infrastructure, draining important water sources to protect a fish that doesn't exist, and allowing dangerous dry brush to accumulate in places where it can't be controlled when ignited. Surely everyone can see this has nothing to do with the fires in Los Angeles. It has to be Mother Nature, or Trump. If you don't believe this, ask the legacy media and California officials. They'll straighten out your thinking. 

What May Be Coming

Los Angeles is a huge amount of the population that makes up the state of California. Their dislike of current events, a seething anger, and a demand for change may lead to a revolt that changes the state. It won't take much to start the revolt, but the outcome for those so willing to sacrifice their own citizens for unrealistic goals will be the worst. Some will escape the wrath of those injured, but those without the resources, and with no way to escape, may find their lives miserable for a long, long time. It couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of folks, and considering how much many lost, and will lose forever, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. They will find they're alone, and safety a major concern. Time will tell how this works out, but for those that lost everything, their anger has no limits.

Clearing the Power Lines

We have a rural electrical co-op that furnishes our electricity. Since it's not owned by those wanting to please shareholders, keeping the right-of-ways clear is a priority. I'm guessing they keep about 10 feet on each side of the lines clear to the ground, and they grind the underbrush to right above the dirt. This allows the company access for maintenance, and keeps dangerous ground faults from tree limbs touching the cables during high winds. It's all good, and even though I live in a forested area, the service is better than when I lived in a rural area with few trees. That area was serviced by a huge electric company, and they gave a rodent's fanny about my concerns. 

From what I've been reading, a problem that might have caused the huge fires in the L.A. area was a lack of keeping the local grid cleared. Extra high winds, limbs touching the cables, and the sparks created more fires than could be handled. The result is what we see, and the utility company had its hands tied with regulations. Regardless of what was appropriate, it was prevented from an important job by government officials willing to sacrifice people for environmental concerns without merit.  

So, who do they sacrifice for the problem? My guess, the electric company will be found in fault and those most responsible will have no problem continuing their environmental madness. Hopefully I'm wrong, but I'm thinking I'm not. Those willing to rebuild will find their electricity will come from underground cables, the expensive alternate construction will be beyond the means of an average homeowner, and large tracts of land will be available for the rich and famous. 

Waiting for Payback

I don't know what Trump will do after taking office, but I'm waiting for payback to those involved with his harassment. It can't happen soon enough, and with some, I'd like to see them prosecuted as traitors.