This first full day of summer, the longest day – it has been a long day for me but even longer for my folks. My folks live in South Fork, CO. The entire town was evacuated this morning in front of the West Fork Complex fire.

It was a scary day yesterday (Thursday) as the smoke from the fire was thick, sometimes red and full of ash and burnt pine needles. My folks started organizing to leave late afternoon and kept at it through the night so when the order was given they were ready to go with their three dogs and cat. They were able to load some keepsakes, various supplies, a good amount of food, clothes and medications. After checking into a motel, a good friend that lives on a ranch called and offered accomodation so they are in a good and safe spot that is comfortable for all. I am relieved and grateful that they are where they are. The fire conditions in Colorado are fearsome – deadly dry, hot and windy and this fire blew up and appears to be making its own weather so is burning hotter, moving faster and not “sleeping at night” like a “normal” fire**.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the firefighters and responders that put themselves in harm’s way to protect what they can.

On the good news front, Bob, Bear and I are all well and I had a good work week – YEA!

Bob has finished a round of the latest medication and although the photo below might look funny, it is an incredibly good sign – this is the first he’s been able to groom normally. He’s been doing some – the easy stuff, but this was a full out, full body bath – HOO-RAH!!! He is only slightly wobbly, a little bit of head shaking but no “sloshing” that I can hear and he is now hearing me. We are switching to a different med combo next week just to be on the safe side as the particular bugs he had have a reputation for developing resistance and we do NOT want any back sliding.

From all of us to all of you, a happy Friday and Summer Solstice and thank you to all who sent emails of concern for my folks.

**Wildfires typically drop down as temperatures fall and relative humidities rise overnight, i.e. they “sleep”/smolder.