GIANT SPIDER ON THE BALCONY!

When we lived in Arizona, there was a very large TARANTULA spider on our driveway.  At the time it seemed to be as big as this SPIDER, but of course it wasn't.  Today, the spider is a Halloween decoration.

We are having our first Santa Ana wind event today, through tomorrow,
which makes me very anxious.  Even the smallest spark can turn into a
wildfire because we are in a severe drought. The #AlisaFire started today
in the Los Padres National Forest, near Alisal Lake, in Santa Barbara County; & is being blown toward,.the Pacific Ocean.  The 101 Freeway has been closed, commuter trains have been halted  & evacuations are ordered.  

This fire is about 70 miles from my area, but the Santa Ana winds can push a wildfire long distances, in a short period of time.  This fire started around
2:30PM on Monday & grew to 1500 acres by 6:00PM.  The Wind Advisory 
ends Tuesday at 6;00AM, which means the wind will start calming down.
That is good news, for now.

This is just the beginning of our Santa Ana wind season.  I follow the fire departments' Twitter accounts for the most up to date info about 
wildfires.  If any get too close, I just take Angus & leave.  I have friends & family I can visit until the danger passes.  Hopefully not tonight....