Yikes, I can not believe how whirlwind these past few weeks have been. Between filling orders, stocking shops in town, finishing up custom projects, developing a new website (still in the works!) and packing up our house, I was pleasantly surprised as I was going back through old photos, at just how much fun I got to have in the ‘in-between time’. For those of us who are just meeting, this time of the year allows me to release a sigh of incredible relief and thankfulness. My husband, brother, sister-in-law and majority of our best friends are wildland firefighters, and they are all finally home safe and bright spirited. Summer is their busy season, which means a lot of alone time for me. While I thrive best hermit style, I am left with quite a void in my life when they are absent. I am not a worrier by nature, but there is this ever-present tension in the air when they are gone on fire assignments. A knowledge that mother-nature is wholly unpredictable and ever-wild, helps me keep reality in perspective. This season was unfortunately especially difficult, with far too many tragedies and losses. My heart aches for every one of you, who were affected by these events. These people, this tribe of nomads, of selfless individuals who risk their lives for our land and protection, have my utmost respect and admiration. Their wives, partners, children and families, who stay at home, turn the gears and keep life running smoothly in their absence, I just want you to know how amazing you are. Bless you all…you all are a true inspiration to me! Wherever your winter’s take you, I hope they are filled with wild adventures and lots of warmth in the arms of those you love. Here’s a little peek into a few adventures I got to take with my little fire family, before we moved onto our winter home.
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Grouse hunting with the hubs and the dogs
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A high country camping trip with my sister-in-law :: And a really good place to have a campfire and drink coffee
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A quiet morning tromp around the woods and an evening to myself while PB was out deer hunting
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A float down the Methow River with the hubs and my father-in-law
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Patrick’s birthday is coming up in a few days and I have taken advantage of this time I have alone (he’s out elk hunting right now), to plan our next big adventure. Shhh…he thinks I am dutifully working in the shop catching up on loads of orders I have to fill…but, all in good time. Life is all about balance, right?! Now, off to work peanuts, hope life is treating you well.
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