As you, the reader, have already concluded, I am not a technical guy
by any stretch, nor am I a writer, but since this is a site about
simplicity, I hope to pass along what I have learned through the
journey.

Smoke and Fire

The camp fire over in Butte county is now fully contained, but has
become the deadliest fire in California history.  Although the
investigation is still in the preliminary stages, there is some
speculation that an arcing PG&E power line during a high wind event
may have been the culprit.  The greater question is how could the
fire grow to such monumental proportions in such a short time.  I do
know that heavy winter rains encourage lush vegetative growth and
then when the dry season comes, the heavy growth dies off leaving
very dry brush that will ignite instantly under the right
circumstances.  Climate change may be a major factor.

I don't think there is much doubt that there have been significant
shifts in climate worldwide, but nobody seems to know what change is
in store.  Some experts say global temperatures are warming and
there may be some evidence of that with shrinking glaciers and ice
caps.  See this for your dose of doom
porn.

https://tinyurl.com/y7pjew2o

Others say we may be on the verge of a mini ice age as a result of
what is termed a grand solar minimum.

https://tinyurl.com/gssnnst

Although the jury is still out with regard to causation, the
correlation seems to be there.  The current consensus among climate
scientists regarding the last mini ice age is that the cause was
increased volcanic activity.  The electric universe model provides
an interesting explanation about volcanic activity

https://tinyurl.com/yanjatck

"Large 'telluric currents' have been found circulating through
Earth's crust because our magnetic field induces current flow in
conductive strata. Thousands of amperes flow beneath the surface,
varying according to conductivity. Since the Sun can affect Earth's
magnetic field through geomagnetic storms, fluctuations in telluric
currents can occur when there is an increase in sunspots or solar
flares, because they create oscillations in the ionosphere."

Who knows?  What I do know is that this past summer here has been on
the cool side, but also dry.  Our tomato crop, which usually does
well has been disappointing as tomatoes require good heat to
flourish.  Not so this year, but admittedly its a tough call since
other parts of the country have experienced record heat.  There may
be many things happening simultaneously which has resulted in
unusual weather globally.

Meanwhile, back at home, the rains have finally started to
everyone's relief.  Things are greening up and I am hoping the peas,
carrots, beets, spinach and onions we have planted will winter okay.
We have had a few days of light frost in the mornings, but thus far
they seem to handling the weather okay.  Onion shoots have been nice
to have with our breakfast pallack
paranthas.

https://tinyurl.com/yceedlsl

Mmm...