Stressful time

Hello, Friends.

It has been a stressful time around here.  We have had multiple wildfires all around us.  Many homes have been lost and four souls were lost, as well.  I know we aren't the only ones, around the country, who have had fires, tornadoes, and blizzards.  It has been horrible all over.

Last Friday, we came close to being in the line of fire, literally.  The wind was blowing over 80mph.  Fires were being set off by electrical lines and other reasons.  I was inside, with all the doors and windows closed, when I suddenly smelled smoke...heavy smoke.  I looked out and smoke was billowing up from the horse training fields across the road.  I immediately called 911.  I was a firefighter/EMT-I for a long time.  I knew what I was looking at wasn't merely a trash pile or BBQ pit burning.  Oh no, it was something much bigger than that.

It was bad.  I couldn't see anything over there.  I know there is a house and horse barn but I couldn't tell if they had ignited or if it was just grass, hay bales, or just what.  Suddenly, the fire flared up and started moving across that field so fast, I wasn't sure if the fire department was going to get here in time.  You can't see it but just to the left of this picture are two duplexes and another barn.  The fire had quickly turned into a fire-nado and was hell bent on getting to those duplexes.  Fortunately, the people living there had seen the smoke and were evacuating themselves and the horses.

The fire department got there just in time.  I mean JUST in time!  The fire was only about 30 feet from the back of those duplexes.  I looked back towards the largest barn and the trees were flaring up. 

I know it seems like we were in the path of those flames but we weren't.  It was moving east and our home is north.  I mean, yes it could have changed directions in nothing flat but I never felt we were in danger or I would have gathered my animals and evacuated, as well.  There were four different fire departments fighting this fire.  I am thankful to live in an area where all the departments work together.  I thank God for each fighter that was there because these are all volunteers...they don't get paid one penny.  Yet they put their lives on the line for their communities.  My son was a member of one of these departments and would be still if he lived closer.  These men and women have worked all weekend and through the past two days, fighting fires.  They are tired.  I know because I've been there.  Never take for granted the small volunteer departments.  They save more property and lives than the big paid fire departments...for free.  Anyhow, I got off on a tangent.  They got the fire under control only to have another one break out just over the mountain behind my house.  Again, I wasn't worried because of wind direction.  BTW...these same firefighter are working other fires, in other communities, out of our area, today.  

So anyways, that was stressful but then I turned around and this happened...

Granted it was dead and was due to be cut down but...the wind took it into it's hands.  Like I said...80mph winds.  So we have to deal with that but before that could be done we lost several shingles and my husband had to fix that before anything else.  We will get it all done, one day at a time.

Oh...good thing!  I went to see my Grandblessings and took them shopping for their Easter outfits and shoes.  That is what I do.  We always dress up for Easter...I mean everything from stockings and hats for the ladies to suits and ties for the gentlemen.  It's a tradition.  I started that when my granddaughter was born and we love doing it.  I hope her and my grandson will carry that tradition on when I am no longer here.

So...that's all I have.  Thanks for sticking with me through this long post.

Grace & Peace,

Pam