April 17, 2012:   Having had 3 wildfires
in less than a year (one in 2005, which came
within 10 ft of our home...then, 2 major fires
just weeks apart in 2006: the first one, which
necessitated the evacuation of our
neighborhood...and the other, which made
international news), locals are extra
conscientious about clearing dead
branches and dry grasses.

Last week, when everyone was in
'rake and trim' mode, we'd accumulated more
than would fit in the roll-to-the-curb bin,
and piled the remaining bundles off to the side.
Curtis, who drives for the locally-owned
garbage service we support, noticed the extra
bundles (each about 5 ft long), stopped his
truck, got out and loaded them by hand!

His thoughtful 'above and beyond' gesture
brought tears to my eyes. Today, I wanted
to honor his kindness with this painting.