Odds and Ends of August

Today is the last day to adopt a Free Feline from the Humane Society of Boulder Valley.  And, with my attention on Irene, I forgot to remind people that the Gainesville, Florida Cat Adopt-a-Thon occurred this past weekend.  I hope that a lot of families and folks adopted the 600+ cats that were available.  ....  We reached another record-setting high temperature today - that's 49 so far this summer, and we'll probably set another record tomorrow, as well.  ....  The wildfire fire near Possum Kingdom Lake in Texas is still out of control, and covers more than 4,000 acres.  The fire just outside of Oklahoma City is spreading like mad, due to the heat and winds, and the fact that there are lots of cedar trees in the area - they burn hot, fast, and with a tremendous upwards flame burst.  .... At least Hurricane Irene put a damper on the Great Dismal Swamp fire - it is now 90% contained.   ....  In today's Eastern Shore News, it's reported that there was about $100,000 worth of damage done by Irene on Chincoteague; most caused by falling trees (one mobile home was squashed by a tree).  ....  The red kids' parents have cancelled their visit to New York this weekend, because the family there has no power.  ....  Hurricane Irene swept away the beaches and beach parking areas on Assateague Island - both the Virginia and Maryland ends of the island are working around the clock, trying to get sand into place for the expected Labor Day weekend crowds.  On the Virginia end, Irene breached the beach into Swan's Cove, and literally removed the entire beach usually under the watch of life guards.  There are usually 931 parking spaces available on the southern end of Assateague, and authorities are hoping to get 200 to 300 prepared for the weekend.  Currently, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is open only to the turn-in for the visitor center; and to get to the life-guard area of the beach, a person must walk or ride a bike 2 miles along trails to get access to the beach, which is now north of Swan's Cove. - This according to a press release from the CNWR today.  .....  Last night, Lovey spent all night with anywhere between 2 and 4 feet touching me at all times.  Nedi jumped into the bed multiple times during the night, and gave me head-butts so I would scratch his ears and his chin.  Mocha spent a lot of time beside me on the sofa yesterday evening and today.  It's nice to be back home with my kits.  And since the Silvermans' are staying home this weekend, I get another night at home; I'll spend the weekend with Maggie May Barrera.