Wildfires!

 Off we went yesterday, on our usual jaunt to Stanley, pop. 83.

 We knew that wildfires were still burning, but did not realize that they were so close to Stanley

 On our way in, we saw lots of fire vehicles, government vehicles, and camps, like this:

 These are just some of the the fire crews. All of the motels in the area are completely booked also

 And this is the town of Stanley, pop 83. The residents are really tired, but hoping that the storm that is expected today will bring snow instead of the projected 50mph wind gusts with lightning.

This shows just this one fire. Crews and helicopters were just moving off to another, more complex fire.

Needless to say, the air quality is not great

151,000 acres were burning

All of the area campgrounds are closed to everyone but fire crews, along with most roads on the fire side of the highway

Helicopters were buzzing overhead nonstop

The locals say that there hasn't been a fire like this in this area for 100 years. 

The silver lining? 

Morels!!! Next spring there will be Morel hunters from as far away as Oregon coming to the area to take advantage of all the new growth.

Slimed!!!

Bad quality photo...thanks IPhone---I was lucky to get any photo at all since Fred could be in Alaska by  the time the shutter engages--
Anyway, this is what happens when you play with 6 other Labs

This is Fred's favorite trail in the world! He was so happy when we got here. Bubbling brooks, clean air, blue skies, an abundance of other Labs, and top top it all off, a stop for Lunch!!!!

He still doesn't have the river swimming thing down yet

This would have been a gorgeous photo if I'd had a real camera and not the  %@#$! IPhone

This little Mule Deer and family greeted us after a fabulous meal of local Hagerman figs and Prosciutto, Heirloom tomatoes and green beans and mustard greens with a vegan Green Goddess Dressing, and local flat iron steak crumbled with the most delicious Blue Cheese I have ever had the pleasure of tasting!!! Who knew?

On The Road, for real....

So Long Laramie. This statue never gets old....

but the iPhone that doesn't take the photo til  you're walking away?  

 Clean clothes, always a must. Even the dumpster is called  "Dirty Boyz"

 Tons o' construction...

 Ahhhhhh, a great Hampton Inn in Tremonton, Utah!!!

Nice place, love a Hampton that takes pets!!

Tomorrow, destination Sun Valley. Can't wait to see how my new camera lens does with the elk.

In Need of a Laundry Mat?

Have need of a Laundry Mat while you're passin' through Nebraska?

Well, the door is open and there's a chair right there if you want to set awhile.

BTW, Truly, Nebraska is my favorite state for driving through.

BEFORE AND AFTER

 MOM'S READY .......

 AWWWWW.... WELCOME BABY RYAN 8 LBS 14 OZ
WELL DONE, MOM!

HIGH FIVE FROM THE BIG SISTER!!!

If Mommy Says No, Ask Grandma

And, by the way, Grandma says let's get going with baby #2....

Still waitttttiiiiiiinnnnggggg

SIN CITY

Getting there...

Looks like soon, very soon.

Life's Mysteries

Now that I am a Grandmother myself, I think a lot of my own Grandmother, who was the BEST Grandmother ever.

Except for that time (pictured above) when she took my sister and me to the Beauty Parlor and had them chop off our gorgeous long blonde ponytails, and this is the result.

She never asked my mother for permission, so you can imagine my mother's absolute horror when she met us at the train station....

Tongue Tied

OK, Here we go!

 One down, One to go...

It's easy when you know how.

I'm BORED!!!!

Oh wait. No I'm not.....

Whatevs, I look awfully good either way!