Miscellany

The Lefthand Canyon wildfire has spread to 600 acres and is now 60% contained. Thankfully, we had wet snow fall early this morning, and that has helped the fire fighters get a grip on the situation, as well as the use of a slurry air-tanker. It still smells like a wet campfire outside, though. ... The Tampa Bay Derby was run yesterday. The favorite was Brethren, at one to two. He finished third, behind Watch Me Too (a 43 to 1 shot) and Crimson Knight (86 to 1). It was the first time Brethren has failed to win his race; and the payouts were enormous. ... Ex-jockey and Paddock Guard John Spears, aged 90, earned the title of hero on Friday. A horse broke loose in the paddock and was running willy-nilly for the gap where Spears was standing - Mr. Spears threw himself in front of a small girl (estimated age of 3 or 4 years) and prevented the colt from trampling on her. The colt ran back to his barn and was not raced. The girl was unhurt. Spears spent the night in the hospital for observation, due to his age. He was back at work the next day. ... I let Dhisana, Lyra, Lilly and Tessa all run loose in the back yard yesterday - and they had a ball. Lilly and Dhisana chased one another all around, and under, the deck. Lyra was concentrating on hunting squirrels; and Tessa just dropped in the sunshine and watched the cats amuse themselves. It was a nice, relaxing time. ... I'm heading home soon and will spend the night with my kits. I'll walk the doggies tomorrow, then go home and do laundry and change the bed linens - if I'm going to lay there all of Tuesday afternoon and evening, the sheets may as well be clean and fresh.... Hope your weekend was super, and that your up-coming week is great!