Sending big hugs and genuine sympathy to all my friends who are confronted with this terrible potentiality.

I have to agree with willowtigger on this one: Fire of any kind is a huge scary monster to my mind. I don't have reasons to be worried like anyone living on the West Coast...it's just an powerful fear of mine, bordering on a phobia.

Anybody who lives through these Summers and (now Fall and Winter) gets through it compos mentis is a hero in my book. I have trouble watching the news and knowing how many of you are dealing with this. It gives me real anxiety, and sometimes moves me to tears.

LL, I always think of you, and now *Beth*, and anyone else in that range. We have wonderful friends in B.C. who are also facing these uncomfortable and worrisome conditions.

I sigh big sighs of relief when the fire season is officially over! I have for years now, even before I ever got to know you all.

Unlimited hugs and real sympathy for you!