Angora Fire - Part 2

Winds are actually expected to be around 30-40 MPH. Ugh.

Here is a map of the fire area:

Angora Fire - Lake Tahoe

Unless you have been hiding under a rock lately, you have probably heard about the fire in the Lake Tahoe region. Up here, it is known as the Angora Fire. While they had it 40% controlled earlier in the day and were allowing people back to see what might be left of their homes (over 200 burned so far), winds picked up and the fire jumped the fireline. This is BAD. Now, more and more people are being evacuated from other areas, known as Tallac Village and Tahoe Keys.This is all homes (your tract-type area).

Anyone remember the Oakland Hills fire in 1991? Nearly 3000 homes were destroyed in that wildfire. I remember seeing the fire when we were returning from Las Vegas. We could see it hundreds of miles away.

I mention it, because this fire has the potential to cause damage on a larger scale than that fire, with winds expected to be over 20 miles an hour tomorrow. I hope to God not. Please pray that the firefighters get this under control, with God's help.

If I am asked to deploy there to provide medical to CalFire (CDF), yes, I will go.

To see an ever growing slideshow about the Angora Fire, click here

9 Firefighters Die In Collapse of Burning Store

Last night, 9 firefighters were caught in a collapse of a burning furniture store in Charleston, SC, and lost their lives. They are:

• Capt. William "Billy" Hutchinson
  • Age: 48
  • Years with department: 30
• Capt. Mike Benke
  • Age: 49
  • Years with department: 29 years
• Capt. Louis Mulkey
  • Age: 34
  • Years with department: 11 1/2 years
• Engineer Mark Kelsey
  • Age: 40
  • Years with department: 12 1/2 years
• Engineer Bradford "Brad" Baity, Nine years
  • Age: 37
  • Years with department: 9
• Assistant Engineer Michael French
  • Age: 27
  • Years with department: 1 1/2 years
• Firefighter James "Earl" Drayton
  • Age: 56
  • Years with department: 32 years
• Firefighter Brandon Thompson
  • Age: 27
  • Years with department: Four years
• Firefighter Melven Champaign
  • Age: 46
  • Years with department: Two years

Please pray for their families. These men lost their lives as heroes. They went BACK IN to look for other trapped in the burning store.

Time of your life

Today was a VERY busy shift at the ballpark. Lots of patients with varying problems. But, we got through it.

After the game, because it is Sunday, the kids run the bases out on the field. Because it is also Father's Day, they allowed dads and kids to play catch on the field also. It is really neat to see everyone down there! Here is a pic:








I also went and found a few more geocaches today. I found what is (for me) the smallest cache yet. It is literally the size of two watch batteries glue together. It screwed open, to reveal a small paper log that I signed and dated. Isn't that tiny?

A minor league baseball manager off the deep end

Now, I understand not agreeing with a call, but sheez...

Heaven's Children

My cousin's recently miscarried her son, and yesterday they held the service for Nathaniel. His premature death has made me think a lot lately. This thinking finally came to fruition via a small poem/story I title simply, "Heaven's Children":

Heaven’s Children

When a child does not make it to birth, we always ask “Why?…”

One question that comes to mind is, “Why does the Lord call them home so early?”

- Is it because He saw something special in them to begin with?
- Is it because He knew those perfectly untainted children have unique views?
- Is it because He knew they would have overwhelming problems after birth?
- Is it because He heard they needed special protection that this earthly life could not provide?

My own twin son did not make it to birth. He never made it past the first trimester. That was over 21 years ago. Only my husband and I know the personal feelings we had about this. Back then, they didn’t even acknowledge that my son was a twin until after he was born. It never was documented, so only my husband and I (and the doctor attending) know for sure. For years, I blocked that pain, not accepting it. That changed after my husband passed away. I began to look inward at myself. And at some forgotten things, including my son that never made the journey through birth and childhood.

My personal view is that the child not meant for life on Earth, has been granted a very special place in Heaven, to be cared for by our Heavenly Father. They are never tainted, never needing forgiveness. They are, truly, Heaven’s Children.

Renee Roberts, 2007

Note to my cousin: I know your heart and arms ache so much right now. Rest assured, it will ease... in time. We are all here to support you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family.