My First Post in a Long Time

I'm up late on Saturday night writing in the blog. I have a new computer to use that isn't all messed up with the local virus that has been bothering us. It's heavily protected with Norton so I'm hoping it won't be hurt again.

Friday is my appointment with the Vanderbilt specialist on headaches. I filled out the large stack of papers today that I have to take with me. The paperwork seemed to be seeking information on headaches, bipolar disorder and fibromyalgia. I don't know if I'm going to be getting the run around Friday or not. I'm struggling with the fact my current neurologist doesn't know what the fancy one is supposed to know. This is my wonder, since the fancy one is pulling at straws to think of other non-head things to explain it all.

Well, that's all my happy news.

Nighty night.

CONGRATULATINOS STEF AND JASON!

AZ fire Part 4

The fire has now burned 42 square miles or nearly 27,000 acres since it broke out on June 12. At least 44 homes had been lost before Sunday. Yesterday more homes were burnt but they have not yet released a count of damage for Sunday. At least 2 restaurants and a gas station have burned, but besides that I am unsure.

My parents have not been able to get to their property since Saturday morning. My Dad was going to try again today. He is also going to work today, so when he gets home I may be able to find out more information.

AZ fire Part 3

http://www.necn.com/06/19/11/Concern-raised-over-Monument-fire-in-Ari/landing_nation.html?blockID=535969&feedID=4207

The fire is still burning. I talked to my Dad and he said that things are BAD. The winds are at high speeds, it is hot and dry. It sounds like they aren't doing any of the flying because of the winds and poor visibility. That means it is just the guys on the ground. Reports say that they have over 1000 people fighting the fire and about 50 homes have been lost.

Over 21,000 acres (33 square mils) have burned and it is about 27% contained. 12,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. My Dad says that their house is still ok but they don't now if the electricity is working. Without the electricity there is a chance that the tortoises could get overheated and die.

They took the most expensive tortoises with them when the evacuated, but still it would be a HUGE loss if the others were to die. My parents have no idea when they will be able to return to their home. They tried to go check on the animals this morning and can't get anywhere near their house.

I will keep you posted as I hear things.

AZ fires - part 2

My parents are staying at my Cousin's house about 30 minutes away. They kept some of the tortoises, the dog, the cat, the parrot, family pictures, and that is about it.

The fire retardant slurry was dropped at such a height that when it landed it shattered my Dad's lawn mower that it landed on and also a tree. It splattered on the house, but my Mom says she doesn't mind, because of it there is a house.

They haven't had rain in 7 months so it is super dry. Also, in March they got a really really cold freeze (record breaking) and it killed a lot of the trees in the area. So, with the dead trees (tinder), dry weather and high winds the fire is just going crazy. I have heard that it has been clocked at times as moving/spreading at 100 miles per hour. Obviously this isn't the case all of the time but that is fast!!!

The fire fighters are focusing on saving houses. My Dad says it looks like a black moonscape dotted with houses. They say it is unreal.

The Bishop is a Dr in the area. A few months ago he built a new office and it sounds like the fire is heading towards his new office. Can you imagine, your h ome and office burning? I just pray that this things stops soon.

Typically they don't get any rain in the area until July. I hope they can stop it before that!

Fires in AZ- part 1

FYI - my parent's town is currently on fire. Please keep them in your prayers.

They have been evacuated since Tuesday or Wednesday and have no idea when they can return (0r if there will be a home to return to). The Bishop of their ward lost his million dollar home. They have some friends who have had the fire burn through their property 3 different times. Members from 3 of the wards in their stake have been evacuated including the neighborhood with the stake center.

My parents had fire within 30 feet of their house. Luckily the fire fighters dumped a fire retardant from the sky and it kept the fire off most of their property and out of their neighborhood. But today the weather calls for wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour so who knows what will happen.

Because of the high winds and strength of the fire their are embers flying in the air sometimes landing up to 6 miles from the actual fire. So many smaller fires are starting up along with the big one. Scary times.

Jen!

The Big 2

Happy Birthday Jarom! We love you!!!


We have had a fun filled beginning of the birthday with going to speech, picking out a cookie at The Cake Lady and skyping with our cute Oregon cousins!

Mialee's Baptism