The Burn Pile

The Burn Pile. I have heard a lot about this rural phenomenon in the last few days. You see, the burn pile is a spot on your property that you accumulate things that can be burned. Things like leaves, tree limbs, trash, broken wooden furniture, rotted wood, anything that can burn without being toxic. We of course still live in a little subdivision and do not get to have burn piles. But if you live on a property with some land it is imperative to locate space for a good burn pile. Things I notice about burn piles are that when the day is dry and sunny it seems it is time to ignite the flames and burn the pile. Now for those from Southern California, you can only imagine the learned fear when you look to the mountains and see six or more fires burning in a variety of stages. Tall columns indicate a burn pile starting out while simple hazy clouds are for those piles that are now just smoldering. Your first reaction is to look for the initial wave of support aircraft which will include all major TV stations, followed by the firefighter helicopters and tankers. But they don’t come.

I can’t wait to have my own burn pile. Imagine the planning that goes into locating a spot that can burn for hours without supervision as well as be easily accessible to accumulate burn pile material. You certainty do not put a pile in the front yard where guests can see it. If in the back yard it must not be to close so as to have the smoke infiltrate your home. It will also depend on how large your property is. If large enough it will be less of an issue, while smaller lots may require careful planning.

Since I last wrote we did have several more days of large fluffy snowflakes and then on Saturday the sky filled with blue and the sun warmed up all that it touched, by Monday it was perfect burn pile weather.

I have noticed that the town seems to double in population when we have a warm day. Neighbors make a point of coming out to prune, sweep, wash, or simply sit on a chair to read.

Last Saturday I went to a town meeting to listen to the vision of Jacksonville for the year 2028. By the time it was done I found myself on three committees. I have met many new people and learned a lot about Jacksonville and why others think it is so special. It is interesting to watch others struggle to keep the town small while at the same time making Jacksonville shops more profitable. Those who moved here for the small town want to preserve that point in time. While those with business to run want, and need, more people to be profitable.

On Saturday Gavin, Ethan and I went to town with them dressed as cowboys. Pictures are on http://www.flickr.com/photos/richanddeeann (this time I verified the website). We met Sharon who is the founder of a group called Belles and Beaus. They dress in vintage clothing and stroll the streets of Jacksonville on Saturdays for a few hours. As we sat on a bench soaking in the sun I learned that Sharron’s husband was the executor of Ginger Rogers Estate. In fact she was holding a mink hand warmer that was once owned by Ginger. She was leaving this week to spend time with the Roger family in Palm Springs.

On Sunday we decided to get out of the house and go to Target and Costco. As we drove the boys pointed out the llamas (Notice the correct spelling. Thanks Dick), cows and horses. All of this within 15 minutes to Target which is next to the Mall. This place continues to amaze me with the variety of things to see and always in contrast with what I expect.

When we returned Gavin saw our neighbor Mrs. Merrimen outside washing her car. He bounded over and asked if he could go for a walk with her and her dog. Mrs. Merrimen responded with, “Sure, are you going to help me with my car?”. Gavin spent the next 20 minutes washing the small parts she was not able to reach. He was later rewarded with a walk.

Last week I went to the DMV to take my driving test as well as register the cars. I took a number and saw that only 3 other people were in front of me. As I sat I listened to peoples first names being called out to pick up their new drivers license. This is the DMV for all of Medford and I think the whole valley. Anyway, I handed my paperwork to the man and asked him if people failed the test very often, to which he replied, “It is very rare.” I went to the testing station and started. Several minutes later the guy next to me asked if I knew how many you could get wrong before you failed - he was at seven. I told him I was unsure and in fact had no idea of how long the test was. Seconds later he grunted and went back to the examiners desk. I was of course shocked that with so few fails that I would be sitting next to one that day. Well I finished the test and walked back to the examiner and told him my story regarding being nervous and having a guy next to me fail. He congratulated me on passing and said that I looked so nervous that he had to lie. The real pass rate is only 40%!

I walked out with Gavin to get chocolate sundaes at McDonalds to celebrate.

Rich, DeeAnn, Gavin, Ethan, and Camden