"The Big Burn" 1910 Fire

This coming weekend will be the 100th anniversary of the tragic 3 million acre forest fire that consumed much of the northwest including areas of Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Canada.  Monday we took a trip up to Wallace Idaho to see the Historic Nine Mile Cemetery where some of the fire fighters that lost their lives are buried.  Our son Patrick, a federal forest firefighter, has been working to spruce up the graveyard in preparation to this weekend's activities.  It's a very moving experience to tread upon the site where so many heroes are laid to rest, including U.S. Veterans, miners, and various pioneers from a bygone era.  To read more about these devastating fires check out these links:

 

USDA Forest Service’s Northern Region 1910 Fire Commemoration Information web site

Outdoor Idaho August 20: The Day the Fires Burned

The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America, book by Timothy Egan

Summer Vacation - Part III

... company. 

My parents are visiting and playing catch up with their grand kids.  Jacob has his Gigi wrapped around his little finger as she is a good audience for his imaginative play.  We're trying to squeeze every living bit of summer warmth out of this season ... it's predicted that our winter will be rather snowy.

Photos:  My parents (mom and step-dad, Helen and Otis), Jacob and his Gigi 'wearing' plastic volcanoes as hats, story time with her grands.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
       From the house of the LORD we bless you.

Psalm 118:26

What I Did On Summer Vacation - Part II

Lake cruise on a kayak.  We've stayed pretty close to home this summer with company, summer camp, a basketball tournament (upcoming) for Nathan, etc.  Mr. Mac and I have been wanting to go kayaking for the longest time .. so we took the plunge last weekend and signed up for lessons .. this involved safety as well and we had to learn rescue techniques should we tip over in the boat.  It's a good thing the water was nice and warm or I'd have chickened out. 

One more mini-trip before school starts for Nathan ... Let's see .. it's a National Park just about four hours from home .... any guesses?

Lest We Forget

"He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

Matthew 3:12 (New Living Translation) 

Photo credit:  Winnowing The Grain by Carl Larsson, 

What I Did On Summer Vacation - Part I

... in pictures. 

Summer wouldn't be summer without a little relaxation thrown in the mix.  I tend to stay close to home due to the gardens .. and the busy production of storing food for the winter.  Hubby did let me slip away one weekend to the west coast of Washington to visit new found family. 

This is my cousin Egon and his wife Debbie.  He emigrated from Denmark years ago and is the keeper of our family tree.  They invited me to join them for a Danish picnic ... and a visit to Viking Days at a Nordic museum. 

It has been my dream for years to discover my Danish heritage ... and this was a great way to start!

We Return To Normal

Summertime is rolling right along.  We've had two rounds of company so far ... and one more for the month of August ... my folks; they are easy to have as house guests as they know their way around town and offer me respite throughout their stay :)

I'm amazed to see how much Nathan has grown this summer in height and weight.  Not that he's a large boy, but he definitely is growing.  Camp exercise and fresh air give him a good appetite.

I just couldn't resist posting this pic of Jacob and Daisy Mae (his new puppy).  Both come over for regular visits to melt this grammy's heart!

Today was berry picking day at the local farm.  I picked two quarts of raspberries and 2 quarts of strawberries to make some freezer jam and stockpile the freezer with frozen berries for winter treats.  

Hoping your summer is spent with family and friends making good memories.

Yes, I'm Still On Vacation

... with family (at home;) ... but I had the best epiphany last night and woke up so peaceful and rested in spite of not getting much sleep.  It had to do with dogs, kids, marriage, and life passing quickly.   All this from playing with an adorable puppy and being aware of God's stirring during the night to abide in Him. 

Pic:  my newest 'granddaughter' Daisy Mae