Where there's smoke there's fire...

My county is under a cloud of smoke... and my friend no longer has a house..

Four Mile Canyon is burning out of control... about 30 miles West of me.. Ash is falling from the sky. We needed to keep our students inside today. Too much smoke for their little lungs.

But.. the saddest thing of all is Melissa.. my friend and colleague. She lives... lived.. in Gold Hill in the Four Mile Canyon area. Her house survived for quite awhile.. but it finally succumbed to the fire. She and her 2 sons, husband and pets are all okay.. but their beautiful home is gone.. along with so many memories..

I will keep her in my thoughts.. and prayers.. I know her so well.. she will survive this and bounce back stronger than ever.. but today she is sad.. and forlorn.. Chin up Melissa...