It's getting hotter around here, in more than just temperture

I couple weeks ago, as Nancy and I drove to Lowe's for something, I noticed smoke come from our canyon where our home is located. I told Nancy it looked like a wildland (brush) fire because the color of the smoke. When we drove up our road home, the smoke became more intense. To the East of us on the mountain was a line of fire working its way North and creeped up the mountain, becoming dangerously close to three houses. I stopped to ask a firefighter what channel the fire was on. When we arrived home, we listened to the Caisson portable radio. The fire soon became a three alarm fire with multiple departments joining in. Was the wind going to shift toward us, would homes, animals or lives be lost? It was a time of tension. The fire slowly but steady moved to the Northeast. Aerial bombing of reddish fire retardant by large jets as helicopters doused the hot spot still smoldering with water. I had to step outside and get some photos.

For the next two days, the fire worked its way around the mountain and into the regional county park East of our home. Finally on the third day, the fire was contained and put to rest. It consumed 1496 acres first. It was called the East Desert Fire. But not the end of the story. Yesterday, Our granddaughter called us to ask if we had another fire close by. We ran outside, looked around and said, "Not that we could see." An hour or so later, we heard there was another wildland fire North of the town proper of Cave Creek was roaring. Just North of the Rancho Manana resort and golf course. The fire grew consuming three homes, stables and a few out building. Within a few hours, the fire had grown to over 1200 acres and was threatening several more homes. Now, as I sit looking out my office window, I see huge billowing clouds of smoke floating over Tonto National Forest land to the Northeast. The wind has not been very helpful today either. This is the worse time for wildland fires in the Southwest. Dried out desert plants, gusty winds often switching directions quickly and humans not being careful in these ignitable times. The East Desert fire was human started and I wonder what started the "Ocotillo"fire, as this one is called. Stay safe out there.

Are we in the NEW NORMAL?

What's it been now, three months since the news media went haywire over the COVID 19? Soon after, the lock-down occurred and the world came to a halt. I don't really watch the news (for years) and figure if there is anything I REALLY need to know, I'll hear about it from someone. News broadcast are so darn bias, one way or the other. I am curious to what things have really changed in your lives, other than the stuff we hear and see on the newscast. I actually don't think much has changed in Nancy and my lives. Nancy is dealing with her mother and moving her into a assisted group home and getting her financial affairs organized. And even tho it stresses Nancy, she has done an outstanding job. We probably see more of our grandkids now. Our one granddaughter and her friend (who like another grandchild) has been coming over and putting together small cuddle quilts for themselves. Of course Nancy is coaching them. I have been working in the shop almost daily and have most of my parts delivered, as usually done. This is my latest purchase.

It is a 1955 Chevy 1st series 3/4 ton pickup truck. The bed has to be assembled, painted and put on. It is totally original. Three-on-the-tree and floor foot starter button. But runs like a well balanced sewing machine. Our doctor daughter's office just re-opening to the ladies for exams, but I believe hospitals are still closed for elective surgeries. So it is probably out of the question for me to get a 'nose-job'. Bummer! We have a friend who was told by her 'higher-ups' in her corporation, that EVERYONE (except drivers and other hands-on employees) will, from now on work from home. How did that work-out for the teachers? I know my oldest grandson loved that. What I miss is going out to dinner. Sit down and order from a real menu, a nice glass of wine served by our waiter and then they bring our meal, all steamy and yummy, with no dishes to wash. Now the dining experience is drive-thru at the local burger barn or Mexican place. It means we have to cook more. We don't have that many leftovers. Our freezer is drained of previously cooked menus we made too much of. Since we don't eat red meat, it is usually chicken, fish or pork, but now pork is hard to get. Non-fat milk is gone most of the time. I think those hoarders who bought up all the toilet paper bought the milk too.

I was in an Ace Hardware a few days ago when a gentleman came up to me. I could see he was skeptical about passing by me as he jockeyed from side to side, so I took one giant step back from him, when he said, "Give me some room man!" He was probably ten feet ago and he wanted some room? He had a mask, gloves and BOOTIES on. All he needed was gown. People really freaked out about this virus. I am cautious but not crazy cautious. I see people wearing mask while they drive in a car all by themselves. Are they afraid to infect themselves? You got to laugh and just enjoy it. People who pull their mask down under their nose... I want to say, "Hey lady, you know you can suck that virus up you nose, right?" Anyway... are we going to be this way in the fall, winter or next year? The President can't open the country up, neither can the individual states, or cities/towns, it is the companies, the shops, the stores and US. When we are over the panic, we will open up. I just hope it is not too soon. Until then, we are left with drive-thru and re-run TV. Oh well, I have plenty of channels, but running low on TP... could you send us a few sheets, thanks! Let me know how you life has changed and follow my stupid blog. I can't write about our travels since we can't travel... but SOMEDAY!