Line Fire

 I was going to write a week ago but realized I needed to be further removed before telling the story. I guess I needed to know for sure it had a happy ending. Although the fire is still burning, technically we are no longer in any danger (we never were really). 

On September 5, I took the day off and drove Dad to Riverside for a nephrologist check-up. He's doing well as long as he keeps taking care of himself - diet, exercise, etc. On the way home we stopped at Panda Express and then started up "the front way" on Highway 330. Just before the first passing lane which is right at a fires station, we passed a turn out where there was a cop, another car or two, and a fire burning. It was 115* there in Highland. We passed a fire truck headed down shortly after passing the fire. We discussed how good it was that they were on top of the fire so quickly. We made our way home marveling as the temperature dropped to what is still considered hot in Big Bear - 84*. Dropped Dad off and went home to my puppy. 

By that evening, the fire had a name which is never good - the Line Fire. By the next morning it was 1000 acres maybe. (I don't completely remember the early timeline so just go with my numbers!).  School was normal. 

Sunday evening we got a call that there would be  no school on Monday. Monday we were told Tuesday off. At some point the entire valley was put under evacuation warnings. I packed the truck with the stuff that needs to be saved and tried to enjoy the extra tine at home with Slugger. Except that the smoke was SO incredibly bad by mid afternoon that there was only one walk each day. 

That's smoke, not overcast. 

I told myself, and prayed, that if anyone in the valley got put on orders then we'd bail. I was already contemplating going anyway because of the smoke. I already had a cough when all this started and I was at the point that all I did was cough. I knew the smoke wasn't good for any of us (i.e. me or Slugger). Dad evacuated himself on Monday evening. That helped the stress level for sure. David was busy helping his community help others, as they do. At about this point, school had been canceled for the week. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the area of Boulder Bay, inside the valley, was put on evacuation order.  I"d had enough smoke, and I knew that Sarah and Derrik and dogs would welcome us with open arms, so we went.  We didn't hurry, we didn't stress, we just finished packing the toothbrush and meds and such, and we drove away. It was VERY hard to leave. I never imagined that my house was in danger, but still, it was hard to leave, knowing that technically I didn't know what I'd be coming "home" to or when. 

Oh by that time the fire was over 20k acres. Anyway, while we were driving, the Bridge Fire that was burning on the sister mountain was apparently growing by leaps and bounds. Here's the view of OUR  mountain and then AWAY from our mountain toward that fire.

What we'd just left.

What we had to drive toward.

Clear sky on the left is where we would end up.

We stopped once we got past all the smoke and found ourselves at Del Taco with some firemen. They were on their way to the Bridge Fire that was now 30k+ and bigger than "our" fire. We thanked them profusely and then made our way to our safe haven in Placentia with S&D and dogs.  

I tried hard to prep Slugger as we drove. He had met Loki, the Great Dane, but not Freya the Husky puppy (3 years old?). To make matters even more fun, Loki had dental work done that day and was totally loopy from the anesthesia. I think that actually helped in hindsight - Slugger only had to deal with Freya. Sarah and Freya met us outside and we went for a walk around the block together. Freya welcomed Slugger inside and they quickly became friends. I don't think Loki even knew Slugger was there that evening as I kept him away as much as possible. 

Derrick works from home and I didn't want us to be an intrusion, so Slugger and I left for much of the day. We grabbed some food and then we headed to the beach! 

There's video but I'm not gonna bother. 

We ran some errands (Target pick up for the stuff I forgot like dental floss) and made our way back to S&Ds. Slugger and I spent some time sitting on their very nice patio. And visiting with Freya and Loki. 

Lots of sniffing

We had a nice time visiting and eating dinner with S&D on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, we made ourselves scarce again by visiting a local card shop (only spent $10, be proud!) and then having lunch with a firmer student who's in school nearby. It was fun catching up and learning how college life is going. I rarely get that opportunity. Especially with awesome students like Carlos. Another nice dinner and visit with S&D and it was time for sleep again. I had decided that it was time to go home on Friday. Nothing had changed with the fire, it was starting to get contained and I felt like I could be getting stuff done at home, like cleaning! 

Slugger was SUCH a good boy the whole crazy time. But he was very happy to get home to "his chair".

When we got home, we learned that during our drive, our evacuation warning had been lifted! Just us and one other. Everything else was the same. And the smoke wasn't great but better than when we'd left. But golly, our house REEKED! Luckily it had cooled off (which helped a lot with the fire and smoke) so we could leave doors and windows open at least most of the day. Also, the fire was now about 25% contained. That doesn't sound like much but it's actually pretty good. 

I did in fact clean the kitchen the next day and then just released. We went back to school on Tuesday but with minimum days all week to help with the afternoon/evening smoke issues. Though really the smoke has been non-existent for almost a week now. 

We're at 59% contained and the acreage has pretty much stalled at just over 31k or so. It's still burning and won't be "out" for some time but it rained yesterday and that helped. Except it brought lightning snags. Storms can truly be wins or losses! Luckily this was more win. 

And this weekend I'll unpack the truck and we'll be pretty much back to normal. Oh, except that highway Dad and I drove up on Sept 5, will be closed for a while. The fire jumped it in at least 3 places from what I know - burnt road, guardrails, etc. It'll be a very sad sight for a very long time even once it opens. 

Oh, and the fire was arson! Dad and I believe that one of the cars we saw was likely the culprit. They cops caught him and he's in jail with no bail :) I have some suggestions for his punishment but they probably won't ask me. 

recovery

I've been home for over 3 weeks now. I think I might be recovered! I spent a week doing absolutely nothing basically. That was nice. Slugger and I didn't leave each other's sides :) Since then I have slowly tried to do some of the things on my summer to-do list. One of the issues is that most of them are outdoors and it's been way too hot to be outside! But this week I have finally been able to work in the shed and it's almost organized! That will get another post another day, when it's done. 

Slugger and I have walked a lot. Most days twice to get in enough steps but also not die of heat exhaustion. We've helped Dad clean up his house. We've cleaned up our own house, including breaking and then fixing, the bed in the process of deep cleaning the bedroom. I had a colonoscopy. A friend came over for lunch. So it's been a good summer, just quiet and relaxing and HOT. 

One. More. Week.

April

 April was nuts. Started with snow. It's been busy busy busy. And bam it's May! 

This week the Peer Leaders of BBHS are hosting an entire week they're call Bear Aware Week. Lunchtime activities with trivia and prizes, self-care, stress management and such. And Friday is an assembly where we'll play Blooket using the questions they should've learned through the week, etc. So, BUSY!! BUT it's been good. Nervous about the assembly but also, whatever.

I also planned an event for the teacher's union where we went to a paint and sip type place. That was much more fun than I anticipated! 

Seems like so much more... OH! Last weekend I got to go axe throwing and have dinner with some friends who have since moved away. I didn't throw axes (stupid shoulder), I just kept score and cheered them all on. Friends will be missed but they have fun adventures ahead!

That was after spending all day on my couch volunteering for our local "Hamvention". Dad was there letting non-licensed folks try talking on the radio. I"m who they talked to! The best kind of volunteer job, cuz Slugger got to help!

Oh yeah, and PT for the knee. I don't think it's working. Probably could be better about doing my at home stuff. But it doesn't seem to make a difference. 

Plus lots of walks/hikes with pooch and a few runs. 

May won't be quite as busy but yet it will. Attending school play this weekend, teacher union EOY party later in the month. Grades. And hoping I get some interviews! I've applied to 5 jobs I think. Fun stuff. It's in God's hands. 

Here's to many more Slugger snuggles :)

If you read this far... I think this is my next tattoo. On my left forearm. 

AND TODAY I am PROUD to show off the last one!! YAY UMC!!!! (Finally!!)

What. A. Week!

 The highs and lows of the last week are kinda extreme. Well, the lows aren't really lows, just aggravations. 

The washer that came with the house was dying - didn't want to do the final rinse unless I tried really hard (like ran the final spin over and over and took out half the stuff, etc). So, last Saturday, Dad and I finally got the gumption to get my old washer from his garage into my house. We did it! We were so proud of ourselves!! And the newly placed washer was worse than the original! Not only didn't it do the final spin right but it didn't drain at all. It drained the soapy part but not the final rinse. There was a drum full of water (and clothes). I almost cried. But of course, I really wanted a new set anyway, so one was ordered before we even got around to eating the dinner I made (which I didn't like but Dad said was good). 

The week was busy. Sunday I went for a run and my knee was giving me issues so I made a chiropractor appointment for Monday afternoon. I get there, and of course he's WAY behind, so I said never mind and left. 

Tuesday I had an appointment with the local tire guys to see what they could do with my slow leak. They said it was unrepairable and I needed 4 new tires. WHAT?!?! But he could replace them for $1000. Uh, no thanks. I am pretty darn sure that I don't need all new tires. Maybe 1, so really 2. Talked to the auto teacher at school and when they have time they're gonna take a look for me. And I got a name of a tire place in Apple Valley from a neighbor, just in case. But really?! Ugh.

I don't remember Wednesday. Oh, ha. Dad came over and helped me get both washers into my truck, individually, and I took them, one at a time, to the dump. Dad's such a good man! I didn't even feed him.

Thursday was Slugger's monthly shot, but also his annual visit with Dr. D. This was actually a high point. He raved about how well Slugger did inside. Oh, they had construction issues so it's like during covid where I sit in my car and they take Slugs. Doc then calls with his report. Anyway, Slugger was awesome, looks good, none of his lumps and warts are worrisome. He didn't even hear the heart murmur which means it didn't get worse, though it is still there so we keep an eye on it every year. They did some bloodwork and we left to get dinner. Dad came over and I didn't make him do any manual labor :) 

Oh, the BEST news of the week/month/year was earlier on Thursday (started happening Wednesday?) - I think I've made my last student loan payment EVER! They processed the Azle form and my new payment count eligible for forgiveness is 134. Only need 120!!! So THEY put it in forbearance while all the paperwork is getting processed and such. I won't cry until I see $0 balance but I'm SO CLOSE!!!

Friday dawns... I was still living the student loan high, and happily expecting the delivery of the new washer/dryer. Well, I was at work, Dad was at my house. The installer dude BROKE a pipe! Like the pipe in the wall that goes to the water!! I hurriedly called a plumber who finally came this morning. So I spent about 24 hours with  no water in the house. Luckily I am prepared for this since when the power goes out, I have no water. Slugger and I survived. The guys fixed the pipe (and turned back on the water heater that had gone out cuz of the ferocious wind overnight while there was no water). And I will figure out how to get Home Depot to pay for it. And will never use them again. 

Oh and my amazing awesome Dad was here before 10am and stayed long enough for me to get home and walk the dog. THEN he went into town to get dinner and brought it back!!! 

Because all that wasn't enough, this morning I burned my bagel, then cut my thumb pretty good on the second one. The wind has caused power to flicker several times. BUT so far, no snow and barely any rain. Mostly blue skies all day actually. And amazingly ferocious wind. They say we could still see snow. It's 325pm and it's blue sky over us (not so much at the west end).

Anyway, I need a nap. And an influx of money to refill my savings. BUT THANK GOD I HAVE SAVINGS!!! I can't imagine how stressful this week would've been if I didn't. 

Winter Break Week #3

 Everything is off my list except "clean good". Well, know what? That "good" part is relative. I DID clean. Sort of. 

I finished the baby blanket and it's ready to be packed for next weekend. I also finished putting together my thank you gift montage for my Secret Santa. Hope she loves it all!

On Thursday, Slugger got into a row with a couple loose dogs. He's got some scrapes but he's okay. 

I FINALLY finished the kitchen counter project!! Now, technically, I haven't ruled out eventually putting a little white between each of the back splash tiles but I like it the way it is, I think. And the kitchen is clean and put back together!!! YAY!!!! So, see, I cleaned.

The BIG thing of the week that wasn't on the list cuz I didn't know it was a thing, is that it seems I've unclogged the drains. Last weekend when I did laundry, I think, it backed up into the bathroom sink. Or at some point. Anyway, I put baking soda and vinegar down all the drains except in the guest bathroom (cuz I didn't think about it until like an hour ago). Washing machine did weird things, but I think it was unrelated. No gurgling! No gurgling when I take a shower! AND I'm currently running the dishwasher and NO gurgling!! So maybe there'd been a clog as long as I've lived here?! I'm thinking it might be a good idea to run the mixture down the drains every month or two. Or every break :) Anyway, I think I have success. 

It snowed on Wednesday. Little over an inch. It's been cold though so it's lingering in places. I got in my NYD run but not a run on Wednesday. I burned some calories in the exercise room instead. Then today I headed up 2N02. It was sketchy in places but nothing impassable, on foot. There were vehicles but I would NOT have done that!! And it was beautiful :)

1/1/24 run

Snow!

Saturday run up 2N02

That's about it. Now a whole lot of puppy snuggles until the alarm goes off really really early on Monday morning!

See Ya 2023

2023 wasn't really good or bad. It just was. And now it's almost over. I'm okay with that! 

Let's see, the Spring included WASC and not much else. We were granted a good report though so I guess the stress was worth it. 

Oh, and my trip to Houston! That consisted of meeting Twitter friends, feeding Giraffes, and baseball. Good times! 

Summer involved Alaska! And house projects. And walks with Slugger. 

Fall was a blur of wishing I worked from home. There was a girls weekend with Karie in there too. And starting to run again.  

Goals accomplished:

Fed Giraffes! Bought almost all the property; went to Alaska and Houston

Goals not accomplished:

running 50k - well, I hardly ran at all! but I do think I'm healed

memorizing Bible verses - honestly forgot about this goal and didn't try at all

fence - can't do that until I finish buying the land

New goals for 2024:

write a devotional (been a goal in my head for years); finish the 50 states (trip is basically planned); lose 40 pounds (no really, this WILL happen); retaining wall (figured out the block, though not where to get them, will hire someone to dig the ditch only, I think)

2024 will be about me. About me making me who I want to be. Doing the things that matter to me. Perhaps that will mean a new job. That will definitely mean eating right and exercising consistently. And continuing to grow closer to God. Time with friends. Hockey. Baseball. Slugger. 

I got this :)

Temecula Nov 2023

 (sidenote: my titles need help)

Although Karie and I enjoyed a fabulous girls weekend in September, I hadn't seen the boys since July 4th so I decided it was time to go to Temecula. I still missed Salim but 2 of 3 ain't bad! We had no real plans except to hang out and for me to go to school with K on Tuesday. 

When I got there, B was still working but I was able to catch up with T and K a bit. I love a good low-key visit. I was also fending off a headache. They helped with some ibuprofen. I was also finishing off a Dr P from a late lunch on the way. Speaking of on the way, I was supposed to run some errands like getting my brows waxed but decided to just get to their house. My brows are unruly but who cares!

Anyway, once B finished his work day, we headed out to wine country to the winery where thy have a membership. I drank water while B&K had their monthly free wine. T had come too and he had an orange drink thing. Beautiful setting and great conversation. 

We then went to a local Mexican restaurant. Yummy nachos for me. And a blue agave margarita. YUM! Went home and watched some TV. And then I slept really well. Last time I was there, I didn't sleep at all so this was a big deal!

Tuesday dawned and K and I went off to her class. She just started this semester teaching GED classes. She will also eventually teach ESL and Citizenship. Her class was small (holiday week always is!) but mighty. They actually cared about learning and even knowing why things are true and such. It was amazing. And Karie is a natural teacher!

We then had lunch at Chilis. We learned that they do a monthly margarita flavor for $6. Wildberry was the current flavor and it was SO good!! (and not tiny just cuz it was $6)

Shopping was next. There is a delightful thrift store in town that is kind of higher end. I found two sweaters and Christmas pajama pants. I even had a "reward" so basically one sweater was free! Off to Trader Joes from there. It was packed of course but lots and lots of workers too and I got way too many seasonal cookies! 

Speaking of cookies, we stopped at the Cookie Co on the way home and got each of us a cookie. So big and so yummy! Mine was pumpkin crumble or something. We enjoyed our cookies over some more conversation and then I went home.

Ha. Traffic was terrible on the way out of Temecula and almost 4 hours later, after a stop at Staters in Yucaipa, plus going out of the way to get dinner cuz I forgot (cookie was huge and held me over!), I was finally home with Slugger!

Consistency is key

 As always and in anything, consistency is key. I need to be more consistent in many things:

-journaling

-God/prayer time

-blogging

-running

-exercising

-vitamins

But I get in a funk and all bets are off. This has been a lengthy funk. Not yet out of it but at least I'm starting to feel like I want to be. I guess. I know it's a cycle. I stop being consistent and thus get in a funk. To get out of the funk, I need to be more consistent about the items above. But the fink causes me to not wanna. 

So yeah.

hmph

Well, I'm better. Still extra snot hanging around. Heart broken though. Should be my boys not the stupid Rangers in the World Series. Oh well. It was one of those years and really we were lucky to get as far as we did. Still my boys!

Dad came for dinner tonight. Stir fry. It was pretty good and he went home with two tubs of leftovers. I spent the evening and still not done changing my credit card number with everyone who uses it for auto pay - spectrum and such. I purchased from what, in the end, was a questionable online company many months ago and they keep trying to charge me an annual fee or such. I thought I'd gotten it taken care of with the company but apparently not cuz there was just another charge. So I just canceled the card. It's a pain. But the nice thing is that Capital One has already issued a new "virtual card" so I know the new number before I get the actual card next week. Lesson - no online shopping from random companies that advertise on Instagram!

Ran a couple times during the week. Had my first heel pain. I *think* it has to do with having been on my feet all day at school first. Tried stretching throughout the day on Wednesday and the run was better than Monday's but not painfree. We'll see how I feel tomorrow when the run is the first thing I do. 

Very much looking forward to sleeping late tomorrow. Luckily it's cooling off so I don't have to run as early to not die of heat!

Night!

Less Sick

I might even say better. Made it through the whole day at school. I think even a few students learned how to solve a quadratic equation with imaginary numbers. 

Although the throat is better, unfortunately the yuck has moved into the medal area. I sneeze a lot, which makes the throat hurt again. And scares the dog. He was just lying with me on the couch and I sneezed. Now he's on the floor. Which I guess is an improvement cuz he used to go outside. For a dog who is so protective, you'd think he'd get closer, trying to make me better. I think he doesn't understand why I'm making such violent noises and movement. My sneezes are generally not gentle!

Anyway, students were generally respectful of my need to speak low and not much. I think they were glad to have me back after they were supposed to learn on their own for three days. Which is exactly why I went to school today. Well, that and I've already used half my sick days! And it hasn't snowed yet!! But I'm gonna man up this winter and go to work even when the roads are gross. If I wreck the truck, can I sue them for making us go to school?

Know what I miss? Running. I had JUST started again!! Ugh. Hopefully Saturday I'll feel well enough to venture out. 

Back to watching baseball. We're winning :)

Sick

 I say this all the time but I really should write more. Not that I have a lot to write about or that anyone reads this. But still. It'd be good for me. 

I'm sitting here watching my Astros play in the ALCS again. For the 7th year in a row. Honestly, I didn't know if we'd get this far. But here we are. Playing against the Rangers. I really don't like them. 

I've been home sick all week. Last week was Fall Break and ended with the Kodiak Ultramarathons. I'm blaming lack of sleep and being outside in 28* at the start of the 100 mile and the 100k. It's been a while since I've really been sick, other than Covid last Christmas. And boy was I sick! A horrid sore throat and just a general need to sleep. I happened to have a doctor's appointment today but would have taken today too. So 3 days off sick - that's a LOT for me! I finally feel better after a long day (not really but felt like it) down the hill where it was 95+*!! I sweated the sick out :) I am still not good but I'll go back to work tomorrow. Only have to get through 2 days, right?!

On another note, I am reading a great trilogy by Nora Roberts. Dragon something. I'm almost done with book 3. I haven't hardly done anything but read, even before I was sick. Like all day for days! It feels good. It's been a long time. I'm not even sure the books are any good, but they're exactly what I needed right now. I've been in a slump. Haven't found anything that caught my attention. Or that I liked. Until this. Already thinking about what to read next cuz it needs to be something very different! Like a non-fiction. I think this one will stick with me for a bit. 

Okay, the boys are still winning. I need to continue getting ready for bed. Cuz I should be IN bed already. Hopefully I'll sleep well. 

Snowpocalypse 2023

 We survived the storm of the century! The first ever "blizzard"!! We spent 5 days at home (1 sick day, 2 snow days, plus weekend) and had several short walks and did some shoveling. Mostly we laid around :)

Here are pics in chronological order more or less:

                Wednesday        

                        Thursday

                            Friday

                                Saturday

                        Sunday (storm over!!)

BUT MORE TO COME THIS WEEK!!!!! I. HATE. WINTER!!!!!