July

Hi All,

I took a few days off this week so I could be up in the mountains for 4th of July.  It's much cooler here (in the 80's during the day) vs. the 100+ that we kept hitting in Carlsbad.  This week it is cooler in Carlsbad - down to the 90's. 

The cats are doing better.  Shadow's ear infection has cleared up, and Sassy upset stomach is back to normal.  Scooter and Spot are also fine. 

Most of the state is in extreme fire danger, so I don't believe there will be any fireworks.  We don't mind that as the cats don't like the noise.

The fire here is now 90% contained and we haven't had any smoke issues for a while now.  There is a fire in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, but it's not near the cave.  It's way off in the wild part of the park, and not threatening any structures.  Most of the park is wild and there are few structures to burn other than those within a half mile of the cave's entrance.

We've been doing some hiking up here, although the major area we wanted to hike is still closed due to the fire.  What we've seen is heart wrenching.  The "Little Bear" fire did burn over 40,000 acres last I heard and took out over 240 homes.  I know a few people who have lost their homes.

Back to work on Thursday, after the holiday.  Hope you all have a safe and happy 4th of July.

Love to all,

VAL & JOHN & the kitties!!!!