6.10.2012

June 9, 2012

Today was National Get Outdoors Day...except once again large, run away wildfires send their smokey fingers across the state as firefighters struggle to create a fireline around the raging inferno that already covers 40 square miles and threatens the town of Capitan, the original home of Smokey the Bear. It was here that the scorched and burned cub was found clinging to a tree by Forest Service workers who nursed him back to health. As anyone who grew up during a certain time knows, Smokey the Bear became a national symbol for keeping our forests safe. His slogan was, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires!"

Of course, as adults we sadly know that forest fires can also be caused by lightning strikes in remote parts of the wilderness that burn out of control in droughted landscapes for weeks before they are finally extinguished. And that they leave in their wake ruin and devastation to flora and fauna that takes generations to repair.

Currently there are fires burning in New Mexico, Wyoming, and Colorado (not far from where our own K and KB and family live from Romping and Rolling in the Rockies). The smoke has been detected as far East as Central Nebraska and Western Kansas.

Needless to say, the White Dog Army did not "Get Outdoors." All of the White Ones, especially the still recovering Puff hunkered down inside and got lots of time and attention and treats. We DID go for a car ride, which lifted spirits slightly, but the WDA did not understand why we did not stop at the Park as is our usual pattern. We even carried in, having a living room picnic instead of a car party...but at least the cheese and crackers and pate tasted just as good (AND there were lemon iced sugar cookies for dessert)!

8 comments:

Dachshund Nola said...

Paws crossed for all affected. We're having the opposite problem here; all of north Fl is in a tropical depression and it's causing lots of floods!
Nola

Sally Ann and Andy said...

An inside picnic is fun too! Picnic well!
Andy

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Those fires are very scary. We have been thinking about all of you and KB and family too. We hope you all stay safe. Poor little Puff, she sure doesn't need all that smoke.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I think a Living room party with cookies is a grand idea.
There is too much smoke outside and not good for any of you to breathe.
Those fires are so scary
love
tweedles

KB said...

I have been thinking of you even though I haven't been leaving lots of comments. I worry about your lungs and those of WDA with all that smoke. We are, thankfully, not yet smoked out but, at the rate that things are growing, that may change.

These fires are so very scary.

I have to admit to you, that aside from getting a blog post together each day, I am quietly falling apart, not able to accomplish much. That's why I've been MIA. I'm so sorry because your sweet comments mean so very much to me.

haopee said...

Is that how Smokey the bear was made? I didn't know that.

Poor WDA! Don't worry little white ones. You'll have your day in the park...it just isn't today, okay?

Huggies and Cheese,

Haopee

Brian's Home Blog said...

Yes, I think indoors is a very wise choice the the Army of White!

meowmeowmans said...

Those wildfires are so very scary. We're sorry you were not able to get outside, WDA, but under the circumstances, it sounds like you made the best choice (you always do)! :)

Big hugs!