Thursday This and That

Unfortunately, Sully, our neighbor's cat, hasn’t returned home as of this morning. Let’s HOPE that he makes his way back soon! 

It appears that the Green Fire in my county, Shasta, is on the rise. Nestled in a rugged area that’s tough to reach, the fire crews have to trek at least two miles, shouldering heavy equipment as they navigate the rugged terrain. The good news is that there aren’t any nearby infrastructures, towns, or homes at risk, so at least the surrounding community is safe.

As the fire continues to grow with zero containment in sight, additional support is on the way. However, this means that some campgrounds at Lake Shasta will need to close to accommodate fire personnel, vehicles, and equipment. 

My primary concern isn’t about our own safety - we're fine! It would take something truly catastrophic for it to affect us. I'm just hoping the firefighters can quickly get this blaze under control, and we want them, of course, to remain safe. 

At the bottom of the map, you can spot the little blue dot representing my location, with the blue dots and arrows indicating where the cameras are set up. 

I wish! 

It seems like my sons have set off on another adventure! Last I heard, they were heading up to Oregon with plans to explore Coos Bay. Thankfully, Sara knows their whereabouts. 

As of yesterday, Foodie still hadn't received any updates about his X-ray, but he was determined not to let that dampen his vacation. He tried reaching out several times, but it was like hitting a brick wall.

Honestly, some of those Urgent Care clinics can be a bit iffy. I had a nagging feeling about the one he visited—everything felt disorganized that morning, with him bouncing from one place to another, and no one seeming to be on the same page. 

On a positive note, he tells me he’s feeling better now and plans to follow up once he’s back. Here's hoping for a smooth resolution!

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As I stepped out for my morning walk at 6 a.m., I could feel the heat rising, a sure sign that today would be a scorcher. I decided to cut my walk short, knowing that Teen Challenge was scheduled to arrive by 8 a.m. By 9 a.m., I was at Kohl's, ready to return the smartwatch I had ordered from Amazon. Honestly, it just didn’t meet my expectations. With all those multi-sport features, I quickly realized they were more than I would ever use. Plus, the step counter was not even close to accurate! I'm used to measuring distance in miles rather than steps. The built-in Alexa feature kept going off, and the blue light would get hot. 

The return process was quick.  They gave me a 10% off coupon just for stopping by and using their Amazon drop-off.  I didn’t have an immediate use for it, so I scanned the crowd and noticed a woman in line with a cart brimming with children’s clothes. I decided to pass the coupon along to her. It might not have been a monumental saving, but "Every little bit helps!" I love surprising people when they least expect it. 

By 10 AM, the heat had already climbed to 95 degrees. My husband had to call Teen Challenge and ask why they were not there yet. They said they couldn't make it after all. No prior phone call, nothing. We had planned to take Laydee in for her injection in the morning hours, as the pavement is scorching for her paws in the afternoon. So, tomorrow we will take her in. It’s infuriating that they didn’t think to give us a heads-up sooner. This is not the first time. Just a wasted morning. 

Presently, it is 105. 

Yesterday, my husband purchases 150 feet of tubing, hoses, and various supplies for our hill's drip line system! It's going to be his morning job for the next couple of days. 

Today, I ordered my BSF study book. Leaders return on August 27. Classes start on September 12.

Key truths in this study include: 

- God’s desire to call a people to Himself  

- His restorative grace: returning, regathering, rebuilding, renewing  

- The struggle to return home amid external and internal opposition  

- Humanity's need for a redeemed heart to serve God  

- God's unstoppable plan, unaffected by sin or opposition  

- The purity and worship that God requires and deserves  

- Resilient faith and obedience in the face of challenges  

- The messianic King and kingdom beyond human authorities  

- Finding rest and refuge in God, spiritually returning to Him  

- The collective identity of God's people in an eternal kingdom  

- The hope of return that gives courage to endure life's storms  

It will be truly amazing!

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Tomorrow marks a much-anticipated milestone: the final day I’ll be shackled to this relentless monitor. If they decide I must continue wearing it (some days I had to remove it to let my sores heal) I’ll make one thing clear: it can only happen in the cooler months. The heat, combined with the adhesives, is wreaking havoc on my skin, and showering has become a painful experience. Surely, there has to be a better alternative for those of us who have sensitivities to latex and adhesives. 

I bought some ice cream for tonight to celebrate. Mint Chocolate Chip! 

The smoke and heat have definitely put a damper on my mood, today.  Being cooped up in the house in the afternoon is driving me a little stir-crazy. It’s funny how I relish the cozy vibes during the cooler months, yet right now, the indoors feels BORING. My husband and I often clash over the TV being on—thankfully, he’s found a good book to dive into for now, which is a relief! 

Here’s hoping tomorrow brings a breath of fresh air and a brighter outlook. Maybe I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed today! You think? 

Debby