Jan 22, 2010


We didn't have hail but another 1.5 - 2" of rain in 24 hours. Mt passes have been either closed to traffic (The Grapevine closed) or chains required. The coast continues to get battered by strong winds of up to 70mph and on slide watch. In this county (Riverside) a couple and their four dogs were air lifted from a small island on a Santa Ana river.

Difficult to see but underneath this real estate sign is another stating "foreclosures."

We certainly hear about the tough economic times and lack of jobs. Currently there are 1,314 foreclosures and can't help but notice the 10+ pages of Public Notifications in the local paper, listing everything from Fictitious Business Name Listings, foreclosures and auctions. In 2006 in the Hemet area houses were selling at $350,000 on average and 1400 sold annually; in 2009 the average price dropping to $110,000 and 400 properties sold.

An example of how the economy is; around Dec 20th when I was scouting out hairdressers in town, I went to about four places and each & every one of them said they could fit me in right away, or tomorrow or tonight. This, for highlights which takes about an hour and a half. At home, I end up booking my next appointment at the time of finishing the current appointment, or I won't be able to get an appointment in 7 - 8 weeks unless there is a cancellation. My 'new' hairdresser (owner) said December was absolutely quiet in the salon which is very unusual. January is picking up because, like she said, people have gotten over Christmas and it is prior to tax time. The OLD section of downtown Hemet is very desolate with many for sale signs posted on businesses that used to be thriving. Like home though, the outskirts with new box stores & strip malls appear to be doing just fine.

Below - fleeing from the new BALL I gave Tazz!

Doesn't take long & she is tackling the new problem! BRAVENESS!

Bracing for another deluge of wet stuff! Supposedly going to let up tonight and we may see some sun starting tomorrow.

Sunday, we head for Yuma, Arizona.