Explosive Wildfire and the Battle of the Weather Apps

Yesterday, in the late afternoon, a fire ignited from a car fire near the Northern California Veterans Cemetery. The incident has been referred to as the Veterans Fire due to its proximity to the cemetery.

My husband received a text from the pastor and promptly headed out to assist with any necessary evacuations. While the church itself was not yet under an evacuation order, several of our fellow church members were. 

We get a little nervous when we see this. 

It's just something we never get used to. 

This area has scrub, oak, and deep canyons that can be difficult to navigate. They attacked it well, and it does seem they have it contained - last heard, it was contained at 85 acres. 

They conducted a robust air assault, and so far it seems like the cemetery remained unaffected. I was concerned that the cremation niches and headstones would be covered in the pink fire-suppressant material. Once it's safe, we are planning to visit the site. My parents and Margie's husband, along with another friend and Pops (my husband's father), are buried there.

It's strange how I know they're not really there, but I still feel a strong urge to protect their final resting places. My husband reassured me that when the cemetery workers leave, they turn on the sprinklers to maintain the area.

The Battle of the Weather Apps

I always make it a habit to check the weather in the mornings, and I was curious about the forecast for the 4th so we can make plans accordingly. Typically, this time of year, the temperature hovers around 111 degrees. However, I was quite surprised to see the forecast showing a high of 124 degrees. The hottest temperature I've experienced so far was 118 degrees a couple of years ago. These temperatures are actual readings and are not factoring in the heat index used in other parts of the country.

This sounds more like it. 

Same with this one. 

I will have my own better guestimate once Thursday comes around.

A 4th of July Memory

I vividly recall the 4th of July when my boys and I journeyed up here to visit my parents. Totally not accustomed to the valley heat, I drove the boys and me up to Lassen and enjoyed a much cooler day before coming back down to the heat.

Foodie is on the left, Michael is in the middle, and I'm holding back my youngest son, Navy. I remember a nice man taking a photo of us together. Around 1986/1987

This year, my husband and I will pack a lunch, bring the dog, and spend part of the day by a serene alpine lake. 

Ahhh relief! 

I can't think of anything else - to share.

Just the same ole, same ole. 

Until next time,

Debby