still standing

Just returned from our delayed vacation. We traveled to the Colorado cabin after the evacuation from the Waldo Canyon fire was lifted. We didn't spend any time in Colorado Springs (where the damage was severe) because we were interested in our 'neck of the woods'. We could see the scalded hillside along Highway 24 headed to Woodland Park. We were stopped by some foreboding law enforcement officials questioning us as to our intentions in the forest.. The Pike National Forest was closed to the public and we had to prove we had business in this area of the forest.

The cabin was still standing!

I kissed the ground. I hugged every neighbor. I skipped through the forest. I thanked God in my prayers. This mountain neighborhood is precious to us. Entering the cabin feels like a warm, comforting, pine-y embrace.

We chatted with our friends about the fire and where they stayed during the days of evacuation. There was a renewed sense of appreciation and happiness around the lakes.

The Texan did some fire mitigation (professional forest service word) around our house.

Clearing around the propane tank

He and the Son-in-Law sawed and sawed and made big piles of limbs to be chipped later. I kept telling everyone who would listen, "The Texan has piles, the Texan has piles!" No one found the humor in that, can you imagine?? The Texan kept confusing his fire 'mitigation' with amelioration or some such nonsense. It's mitigation, Texan! Living in the middle of a thick forest, miles from town....well....there's only so much one can do to prevent a fire. Our cabin has a metal roof. It was built in the early 1950's and it's covered in ugly asbestos siding. Pretty is, as pretty does...right?

Get this. One of the residents had a special fire trailer made and donated it to our neighborhood.

It holds 1000 gallons of water. It's designed to pump water out of the surrounding lakes and it is a marvel of modern engineering! We are overwhelmed by his kindness and his engineering brilliance. A hearty thank-you to Mr. B! Now, at least, we have a tool to battle a blaze should it break out around our lakes.

The cabin is a comforting place....a place where history seems to repeat itself. I took this photo of the Grandson on our patio. Prepare yourself for cuteness.

Mom's hand is holding him securely.

I warned you about cute overload! Here is another.....sorry.....

This baby has the goofiest open-mouthed smile. Hope he doesn't choke on a hummingbird.

History DOES repeat itself.

Our Sprout #3 back in the 80's, hence the bad socks.

Life has a calm rhythm at the cabin. GrandBob feeds you gruel in the morning.

Sometimes, a picnic in the forest is celebrated.

Sometimes, a wild mountain bichon hovers as you devour your mum-mum. Be very careful, baby!

We are multitudinous gratitudinous. We had a fine time savoring the mountains and counting our blessings for salvation from the (too close) monstrous fire. Our prayers continue for the city of Colorado Springs and for those so devastatingly affected by the fire.

What's that, you ask?? You are wondering about a certain canine? A very stubby-legged, long-torsoed animal?

Oh yeah, SHE was there. Thanks for asking.

No chipmunk got within a half mile of us!

Blessed salvation love to all.