"Family Said It"
Last Update:  08/21/2008 07:15  PDT

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FamilySaid Chat (email Ab to register)

Familysaid Archives
2/15/08 ES,

Welcome. I also have a Wildland FF out on the job. I thought I would go crazy the first time he went out because we had never been apart in our time of marriage. We will be married 15 years this July 2008. I cried myself silly until I was out with my parents one day.

We had been to walmart and was in the craft area when my dad saw me looking at the paint. He asked me if I could paint and of course I said no because I had never tried it before. He talked to my mom and before I knew it we had a buggy full of different paints, brushes, and a few books.

In the books, there were some ideas to practice. HINT: Put wax paper over the picture and go with it. I must say that it was time consuming and I practiced very little. It was very easy and the best part was if you messed up, you could wipe it off before it dried. And even if it dried you could go over it again.

We arrived back home and in one night I had painted a tube rose (sausages) jar medium size. HINT: I downsized the picture I wanted to paint and taped it to the inside of the jar to give me an idea of where I needed to paint. It was half way decent. Not perfect but I think I could sell it. I would never sell it because it was my first one I did and the look on my WFF's face said it all. It surprised him as much as me and my parents.

It was very time consuming and before I knew it he was calling and we talked for as long as we could before he had to go. Sometimes him being gone is challenging BUT you know what they say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." I am proud of my man for doing what he does.

Be strong when he calls and do your best to hold your composure because if he hears you crying then he will worry about you and will be less safe on the job. When your WFF gets home and he sees that you are not worrying about him so much he will worry less about you.

I agree with Dehnert American and River.

I thank my parents for getting me started into painting and I've painted some nice things. Of course the more you do it the better you will get. Mine isn't professional by no means but it gets my mind off my guy and I don't worry or think of anything while I paint because I am trying to perfect my work in painting. I loose myself when I paint which is good for me.

Express yourself on paper. I kept a journal when my guy went out the first time and let me tell you, it helped me a lot until I received my paint supplies. Just keep busy and your WFF will be back before you know it.

betterhalf
9/21/07 ES, welcome.

Hopefully someone who has recently experienced your same frustrations will provide timely advice. In the meantime, I'd suggest reading previous year's FamilySaid archives.

I honestly believe the expansion of GACC website availability (or lack thereof) and our dependence & expectation of normal cell phone communication are both a blessing and a curse. Hit or miss information can increase our worries & concerns about the welfare of our loved ones.

In wildland fire territories, there may be no cell service. Remember, even if your BF is in a camp with phones & internet access, sleep may be more important than a hot meal or a shower, or standing in a long line to communicate with the folks back home.
As Dehnert recommended, keeping busy is beneficial during this "no news" time. Expand your horizons; work, further your education, take up a hobby you always wanted to try.

Fall is here; soon winter rains & snow will bring your man home and you can snuggle as he relates tales about picnicking in the woods ;)

River
9/19 To FamilySaid - Response to "ES"

I would offer the following comments and suggestions:

Being the "other half" today in and of itself is difficult and more so if the "other half" is involved in a career that involves risk to life and limb.

I would suggest that you will only make yourself physically "sick" and emotionally "unhappy" from the accumulating stress involved in "worrying about" and trying to "keep tabs" on your boyfriend's "status" because you are at arms length and CAN'T do anything because you are not THERE.

Often this practice comes out of a misunderstood sense of "Duty" or "Concern."

But doing so is counterproductive to BOTH you and your boyfriend in that if you are in a concerned state about him, then he is in a concerned state about you, which causes both of you to not put 100% of your time and ATTENTION into to tasks each of you have.

Simply "presume" that your boyfriend is competent and will EFFECTIVELY do what needs to be done during the day and will arrive home at the customary time in one piece.

And while he is performing his daily tasks, spend YOUR day performing your customary tasks to the best of your ability.

Indeed, it is part of the protocol that he spend time doing and learning things that make him far more effective and safe.

I would suggest you adopt a similar protocol and instead of spending time on the computer to assure yourself that he is "ok", spend that time increasing and improving your "duties" that may include, say, planning and cooking a special meal for him to come home to, or if ya'all have kids, look into learning and KNOWING about the subject of "nutrition" that will benefit all involved.

Or perhaps take on the task of researching a place to take a short or long holiday,

I.e., ANYTHING, but ONLY if YOU have an interest or curiosity about it. . .

But not anything just to "protect" him - that's HIS job. . .

Just as it is YOUR job to "protect" yourself. . .

In short, you BOTH have a life: He is doing what makes him happy and feel useful, and you are doing what makes you happy and feel useful.

Thus, BOTH of you are MORE happy and useful than if you were living SEPARATE lives. . .

This way neither of you will spend EVERY day worrying about each other, but rather, look forward when you see each other to discuss what you learned today, or whatever.

This is called "Having a Life", both separately AND together. . .

And finally, your boyfriend is lucky to have met you because you "give a dam*," when a lot of guys' "other half" could give a dam*.

Apparently, he feels and acts towards you the same way.

Best Wishes To Both Of You, and
A Long And Happy Life

Dehnert
American
9/14 Thanks to those responding behind the scenes. Ab.
9/13 Hi,

I am a girlfriend of a wildland firefighter. I am looking for some sort of support group if you may to help me get through this hectic fire season. I have been dealing with this for 4 years and for some that may seem like nothing. I know there are wives that have been dealing with it for over 10 or more!!! I go to the hotlist boards to keep up on the fires and info that way, but I was looking for some family members to talk to. Maybe your SO is on the same fire mine is. I just was curious if this forum was even still active. Hope someone is reading this!!

ES
5/13

To every woman that has been, is now, or ever will be.....

A Bond That Can’t Be Broken

Youth has quickly come and gone... It’s that shortest span of time
When mothers seemed quite hopeless, outmoded and so blind.

I knew you were outdated When I was fourteen,
But you sure had learned a lot In my later years it seemed.

It was just so hard to understand Disciplines that must be learned,
Of honor and of decency And how respect is always earned.
I wish I could go back again If only for a little while,
And know again the comfort in your hugs and in your smiles.

But youth is something fragile, A lovely blossom come and gone.
But what it left behind is precious In a loving family bond.

A bond that can’t be broken, strained or torn away;
It was forged in pure devotion And grows stronger day by day.

Happy Mother's Day

From Texasfamily7
2/14 To all,

Happy Valentine's Day

May each of you have a safe 2007

From: Texasfamily of 7
2/11 Hi Family Said and Ab,

Yep, it's still cold here, but only about 20 below last night. Today we had a high of 3. With this warming trend, Lindy thought it would be a good day to go jump in the lake. Off we went - I mean who could pass up a little swim this time of year? We drove over to Little Detroit Lake where the "Polar Plunge" was being held to benefit the local Boys & Girls Club. A square of ice had been sawn out of the lake to create a 8x10 open area of water. Two hot tubs preheated participants before they plunged. One or two people jumped at a time into the frigid water. They quickly climbed up the ladder out of the lake and ran to the warming houses to get dried off and dressed. Over 50 people took turns jumping. One national guardsman jumped in 10 times, one jump after another, all in a row. Either brave or stupid, I'm not sure which. He wanted to appear tough and I think he succeeded. The last record was 8 jumps. There were two wet-suited divers in the water at all times to provide help to anyone who might need it. Also, an ambulance was right there, along with the Sheriff and police. They were ready for anything, but there were no problems. Over $20,000 was raised for the Boys & Girls Club. I took pictures of Linden jumping in the water. Local news crews were there to get the stories of why people would sign up to do such a thing. A number of people dressed up in various outfits and costumes, and the best were awarded prizes. A group of four ladies from the bank wore their business attire complete with nametags. Two girls dressed as penguins, and a couple dressed as pirates. Superwoman was also there. The cold water, of course, didn't faze her at all. I got cold just watching all these people. I'm guessing Linden may plunge again next year. He said it really wasn't so cold. (Yea, right.)

Lindy represented the USFS by wearing a T-Shirt with National Forest Fire on the back.

He received a few good cheers when he jumped in.

Wife of
Lucky Lindy

Got one good photo of the plunge, of course with no identifying human features? Makes me cold just thinking about it! Ab.
2/10

Jokes Anyone???

Q: If H20 is on the inside of a fire hydrant, what is on the outside?

A: K9P

A-Zimm
 

2007
10/29 Ab,

I don't know about other family members, but the recent tragedy makes me angry to be in the situation we are in regard to lawsuits, the blame game, and who can make a buck or save a buck. What about the arsonists? What responsibility do they carry? Are the fire organizations putting as much effort into that investigation?

I'm even reading that certain fire employees (on their already strained budgets) should carry insurance to protect them from the blame game, just as doctors purchase malpractice insurance.
This is my fantasy message from a fire organization:

"We train our firefighters, we have a record of that training, and we are confident they make decisions based on that training. Firefighters have a sense of the dangers of the job regardless of whether they’ve pursued it as a career or need temporary employment to pay for a college education. The leaders know the gravity of their decisions on and off the fire line.

However, fire-related circumstances can occur resulting in the loss of life. Our first priority is to those grieving the loss. Next, investigations occur to enhance existing safety rules as necessary. The citizens have voted for laws that protect our employees from unfair lawsuits or loss of employment, so it is not necessary for them to purchase legal insurance. 
The consequences of the decision of the arsonists responsible for the tragedy remain with them."

Take care and continue supporting each other.

elg

8/18 Ab-

Thanks for the call for donations to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation over on They Said. I was able to give a bit extra, especially since my FF is out on assignment right now. I just keep thinking about all the family and friends who are grieving right now- seems like it has been a rough season...

K
8/4 Ah, a flurry of activity!

It's been a strange season up North ... busy like crazy in the East, then a lull, then a slight upturn of busy in the West ... now it's just a steady hum, leaning on the edge of slow with a threat of a little bit of rain on the horizon. I'm sure talking about it will jinx us, but it's August -- I want action (not like 2000 or 2003, mind you ... just something)! Despite the strange season, I've managed to see my honey for about 24 hours since Mid-June. It's hard living far apart in the summertime, because even when he came home from a long (two tour) assignment and had two days off, I was working twelve hour shifts miles and miles away. Luckily he's on a fire now with optimum cell service, so we've been talking frequently, but I keep wishing for some sort of miracle ... like having a day off at the same time. Wishful thinking, as usual.

How is everyone (I'm assuming there's more people out there) else doing?

-Sue
8/3 hi all wildland FF SO's and family,

i've been hanging around this site for a few years. just browsing this season since my FF husband decided to stay home this summer. i am sooo proud of him. he has accomplished so much this summer! anyway, i feel selfish because he has been home all year, but come next summer, i will be here talking to ya all about missing him badly, i'm sure. i hope all of your FF's are safe and YOU are all having a great summer!

i know that having your SO gone is hard to handle sometimes, but i always look at it as, well, he loves it and that makes him happy, plus, the time apart is for a good reason and damnit, i can brag about him!! hee hee

i'll be checkin in from time to time......nice to see some newbies and feel like i understand how they feel now (u'll see what i mean after a couple of seasons). i was a newbie SO once.....i remember....i'll be back...

oh, and i must not forget --

TAZGIRL where r u? how the heck have u been girl? you always had the coolest stories.... miss u....and i miss everyone from the past few years...noone seems to be around....where are ya'all?

~~catskilldog~~
8/3 Hi All,

I'm not at my home computer, but thought I'd say hi.
My little sister has moved on up in the fire org. They do
grow up. I hope everyone is doing fine.

Robbie
8/2 Shari

I will most definitely give you a call. Are you around this weekend?

Everyone here is doing great. My daughter is officially a teenager (arghh) now! We got her a cell phone for her birthday. I haven’t seen her since, she just sits in her room playing with ringtones now! (ha-ha)

And yes, we made it official and got hitched.

How’s BQ doing?

I was just going back through the archives of family said, quite the trip down memory lane. Makes me wonder what everyone is up to? Hopefully some of the old gang will chime in the next few days and give a report on what’s been going on with them…Sammi, Nerd, Firechica, Poet, Firewife, TazGirl, Catskilldog, etc. How about it? Whazzup ladies???

Mandy
8/1 Mandy ..... M...a....n...d...y!!!

How wonderful you flushed from the brush! I changed computers and my Outlook got all messed up. Let's talk!

Soooooo.....did y'all tie the knot with your FF guy? How's your daughter? Let's hear about it! I imagine I could scroll down through the Family Said archives to see if the info is there, but what's the fun in that?

House is quiet. Have a t-bone marinating just for me... Woohoo. Watching old movies tonight with my dog. Things are good. I'll be headed back out on the road to circuit through the fires and check on fallers next week. Everyone seems to be doing okay. Now the fallers who were convinced they wouldn't be fighting fires are begging to get refreshers and pack tests. I just have to sigh.

Can you give me a call? Your contact info was in my dysfunctional Outlook. Let's talk art!

Shari
8/1 Hey there Shari!
Good to see you’re alive a kicking! Things sound like they are busy for you and guys. Hope everything is going well.
Business as usual here in MT.
Stay safe out there,

Mandy
7/31 Wow, looks like Family Said could use a shot in the arm.

Sonja, Yes, as Ab says, PatRick is an outstanding outfit for your son to work with. I just saw their crews on the Elk Lake incident near Bend. Fine, professional looking group of young folks.

I just came off the road from touching base with our personnel on various fires. Currently, we have folks on the Tripod (Winthrop, WA), Black Crater (Sisters, OR), and the Maxwell (Mitchell, OR). If any of you have loved ones on those incidents and would like a current "update" give me a yell (post here). I'll do what I can for you.

This is the first year that I have a child out fighting wildland fire. He's working on a FS Engine crew out of Pinecrest, Calif. He called me this afternoon to assure me he was fine. He and his crew are staging in some little place outside of Elko, NV. They sure want to come "home" and fight fire. But, like all of us, they go where they're told, when they're told and do the best job they can. I'm not sure how I feel about having my son out on fires. It feels very disconcerting, particularly when I can still see him in my imagination riding his new tricycle on his third birthday. Where has the time gone?

Shari
7/3 Thank you Ab, Sue and K.

As soon as my son calls in I will find out what crew he is on. He told me the name of the company is, PatRick Corporation. Anyone know anything about them? And, Sue going on about this stuff is just fine, it lets us greenhorn moms feel better. Thanks again. God Bless all our FF.

Sonja J.

Sonja, PatRick Environmental is a responsible outfit. They're an active member of NWSA (link is on our classifieds page). I've met the owner, Rick Dice, who is also president of NWSA. The PatRick crews frequently help clean up and maintain the Wildland Firefighter Monument in Boise as a service, often at Vicki Minor's request prior to family gatherings or events organized by the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. Here's a photo page of dedication of a wildland firefighter statue at the Boise airport last year and some of the local PatRick Crew then. Oh, here's the PatRick company website: www.patrickfire.com/ Ab.
7/2 Sonja J-

Although there are times when I am not sure exactly where my FF is, I usually start with a check to the WildWeb dispatch for our area, but it looks like the Boise area is not on WildWeb (???). Perhaps someone else out there knows where to check resource status in that area. Some information can also be obtained from the regional GACC sit reports. Look in the "links" page of this website to find these under "WildlandFire News and Information".

When my FF is out, I also check the website of the National Forest where the fire is located. (Link is on the Links page under Federal: USFS National Page. Enter the forest name in the search utility.) Some provide current info, some do not. There is also InciWeb, which may have some news of the fire. (Link is on the wlf News page.) Once you know the name of the fire, you can look for news articles as well. (Using the WLF News search utility on the News page.) These things don't really follow the individual crew, but at least you have an idea what the fire is doing.

Hope this helps a bit.

K

I added the links to find the info in italics. Ab.
7/2 Sonja --

When it comes to following or "spying" on loved ones, I've had quite a bit of experience. I'm lucky enough to have a bunch of tools at my disposal because of my position in fire, but there is a lot of information out there for the public also.

Visit the National Interagency Coordination Center tour site for a general overview of how dispatch works, and how your son on a crew in Idaho can go to a fire in Nevada.

You'll see on the page that the United States is grouped into 11 Geographic Area Coordination Centers (or GACCs). GACCs are the regional hub of all activity in their area -- the dispatch centers below them with actual activity run any resource needs through the GACC, which then sends them on to the National Coordination Center, who passes them on to other GACCs as needed to fill specific resources, ie crews, equipment, aircraft and other single resources.

Nevada is in the Western Great Basin GACC. You can visit that web page here. From there, if you explore the intelligence or news and notes sections, you can find out information about fires in the region and fires he may be on. If you know the specific name of his crew, you can look for him on the West Basin Daily Briefing. If he's on an engine, it's not quite so easy to find him, as most GACCs don't post that information, as there can be many, many engines in region at a time.

Once you find out what fire he is on, you can access the National Incident Management Situation Report for information on large fires across the country. Your son could possibly not be on one of these large fires, and if so they won't be listed on the sit report (only fires 100 acres in timber or 300 acres in grass/brush are reported on the Sit). If that's the case, it's pretty hard to find him - but knowing the general activity level from using any of the sources on the websites can give you an idea what he might be up to. :)

Different GACCs have different products available. If your son gets dispatched to a different GACC, you can visit all the GACCs web pages from this page by clicking on whatever area you are interested in. The best advice I can give you is to become familiar with the websites and the different things they have available - for example, some (most, now) GACCs offer links to pages devoted to large fires that are run by the teams running the fires. Those sites often have exhaustive information on what the fire is doing, where the fire is (often including maps), and even pictures of the fire -- it's always fun to peruse them and find a picture of your honey (or son/daughter/niece/father/mother/etc.) on the fireline doing what they love.

I know this is a lot of info -- I sometimes get a little carried away when it comes to dispatching, but it's my world in the summers (and often the winters) and I love it. If you have any specific questions, I'm sure Ab could pass them along to me. :)

- How is everyone else doing? Any word from the firelines? My honey is still in Colorado, initial attacking fires everyday. He's soooo happy, and I'm a little jealous...

-Sue
7/1 how do I follow my son?

Dear Ab,

My son just started firefighting out of Boise ID. He was sent out to his first fire this morning, to Nevada. He told me that I could find out where he is and how things are going on your website, but did not tell me how. Can you help?

Thank you
Sonja J

First of all, you need to know his crew's name. It would also be good to find out what fire he and his crew were sent to. First time he calls in, ask him. Then you can look for fire information in a number of places. Also, mark on your calendar when the crew was dispatched so you can have an idea when he'll have a break.  Readers, any other pointers? Ab.
6/24 It's great to have family talking ... My boyfriend actually hasn't even been on a fire yet, he's going crazy! It's been raining a ton here, and instead of being on his shot crew (who have already been dispatched to the southwest and been extended) this year he's on a helicopter detail, so he had to wait until the helicopter came on contract.

We live about 2 hours apart during the summertime, but I was able to make the trip up last weekend while we could both swing a weekend off, and we had a great time hiking around and camping, although it was rainy...we were glad for the rain though, if it hadn't have been raining both of us would have had to work. Now it's hot, dry, windy and sunny - and it's drying out fast. His ship came on contract yesterday, and by 10:30 they had an order to the rocky mountain area, and I thought that would be it ... but I was really lucky and they ended up having to stay overnight in my hometown, so we were able to spend about 12 hours together - most of which was sleeping, but oh well. I was glad to have a little extra time, I doubt we'll be seeing much of each other at all the way this summer is shaping up to be.

Settling in for the long season now -- hope everyone is doing good, both at home and on the line.

- Sue
6/23 Hello to all!

Here's hoping everyone has a great weekend (even though for many of us, "weekend" does not mean much!!). It is supposed to be hot as blazes in my neck of the woods, and my FF husband is in New Mexico, so I'm off with the kids to camp at the lake.

Treat yourself right, ladies- if your FF is out right now, be sure to do something fun for yourself and the kids if you have them! See you at the lake...

K
6/23 Hi RED!!

My husband & I don't have kids "yet"!! It is a little more lonely when he's gone, cause it's just me and the dogs. I'm sure your little one keeps you busy. I remember as a child, when my dad would call from a fire, and we'd pass the phone around from my brother to me then to mom. It was so nice hearing dad's voice, so I'm sure your daughter will cherish those moments the older she gets.

My hubby and his crew are still on the PERKINS fire. He says it's steep and warm. We have been so spoiled, compared to my grandpa and dad's fire careers. We have cell phones, so it's easier to hear from them. My dad said he hated standing in a "mile" long line to use the phone for 10 minutes. I totally understand!! I love it when at times, when he's on a night shift and the fire is quiet, he'll take a break and call me from some mountaintop. I think that is so romantic (hope I'm not bragging) that he thinks of me when he's out there working. Unless he's in an area with no cell coverage, I usually hear from him daily.

You should check out his crew's blog............  www.lagunahotshots.blogspot.com/

Well I'm off to an appointment then to my last day of work for the summer!!!

Take care and hope you hear from your DH soon again!!!

FSWYF

6/22 FSWYF-

Hi.. My husband's shot crew moved today from New Mexico (he was there for 18 days total with traval time) and now he is in Arizona on the Brins fire in Sedona. I don't know when he will be back, but it was nice to hear his voice today. Our daughter is 18 months old and she got to talk to daddy today. She was so happy she could have just babbled for ever. When he does get a chance to call, it is late at night and she is in bed, so I was very happy for them both that they got to talk. It is hard going from a family to just me and the baby, but to tell you the truth I don't think I would want it any other way, fire in the summer is all I know and in its own way the consistency of un unconsistency is somewhat comforting. Or maybe I'm just strange! :)

Although It would be nice to have someone close that is also a fire wife with a little one. You can have all the friends in the world but they just don't know what it is like to be a fire wife.

I hope you hear from your hubby soon FSWYF

Red
6/22 Dear Ab,

Trying to teach my wife to be a MEMBER of Family Said.
I just showed her how to follow me and all of us firefighters on family said.
I am leaving to UTAH at 0900 for IA. ON 06 23 0026

Hopefully she will read this site while I am gone ( But DON'T count on it!)
Good Luck Sweat Heart I love You.

Sweetie please read this forum and Reply. I will be back in18 days at most.

Lucky Lindy

PS: I'll tell her to surf this site.

Wife of LL, you are certainly welcome here. Just click on the "e-mail Ab" button in the header and email in your post. Ask any questions and we might be able to answer them.

Be Safe, Lucky Lindy. Ab.
6/21 This familysaid is so nice. I enjoy reading what others who like me are family members of firefighters have to say.
I am a firewife and am a 3rd generation of firemen's wives!! My husband has been on the Hotshots for 5 years now. Being a hotshot's wife is tougher than an engine firefighter's wife. When he was on the engine, he was home a little more. Since he's on the shots I feel like our summer's are spent more apart than together. Currently they are up on the Los Padres National Forest (Perkins Fire) and probably will be for a while longer. I'd love to meet some other Shot wives or firewives in here!! I'll check-in every night before I go to sleep!! Stay safe this fire season...

FSWYF
6/21 Oliver-

You did nothing wrong...look at it this way: your little girl just wants to do as you did. How proud you must be that she just wants to test the waters, and the best place for her to dive in was a career that she new you respected and loved. She is familiar with it and knows if she needs any advice she can come to you because you have been there. But I can also see how having been there yourself can cause worry. She sounds like a tough and smart little cookie...try not to worry to much... it sounds as though you taught her how to stand on her own two feet so let her take a run at it. I think you will be very pleased with the outcome.

Red
6/20 Oliver-

How about being proud of your daughter for taking on the challenge of firefighting and wanting to do something that has been a part of your life for so many years? How about being impressed that she feels strong enough to jump into an obviously male-dominated environment? You of all people should realize that fighting fire has the potential to be much more exciting than waiting tables at the local coffee shop.

Chances are excellent that you have no need to worry about her safety. Try to remember how thrilling the prospects seemed to you so many years ago!

K
6/19 My daughter left today for a week long guard/fire school. I have been in the fire fighting business as an agency employee for 35 years and spent 22 of those years on an Incident Management Team. 22 years in Operations and a few assignments as IC on type 1 and 2 incidents. It's hard to accept that she will be responsible for her own safety and that others will be responsible to make sure she has safe work assignments. What is a safe work assignment in fire? In a complex way a safe work assignment is one where most hazards have been identified and plan of mitigation and action items are developed to lead all efforts in a fire safe manner in spite of the known hazards. LCES... Situations, Orders, Guidelines... etc...

I found myself not being able to sleep last night worrying about my little girl. A 130 mile trip to guard school...a live fire exercise... I worry about her first fire assignment on a fire that is rock and rolling... or otherwise went gunny bagged or even if it has flame lengths longer than her beautiful auburn hair!

I tell you I worked myself up to and beyond a frenzy...

To calm myself down I had to examine the policy and guidance for fire schools ...we have zero tolerance to drugs/alcohol/harassment and violence, Only those that have been through drivers training are allowed to drive. We train... practice and then provide more training. We assign green recruits with experienced engine operators and crew bosses. The safeguards are there to protect not only my daughter but also your sons and daughters, husbands and wives. Why am I still worried? Because of the national drawdown of experienced fire managers and fire fighters? Lack of appropriate funding for tools and other fire fighting resources? Or is because she is only 19 and I was once 19 and 35 years ago to the day I was the new recruit. I think back trying to identify my capacity to deal with my own safety that first season. Sure I could lace up my boots and put my tin hard hat on... heck I could even run to safety when instructed. Chimneys...c old fronts... Fohen winds, fuel availability, RH and live fuel moistures? All still mysteries to me that first year... My training consisted of digging hand trail, throwing brush and dry mopping. I'm sure my crew boss had unlocked the mysteries of fuels, weather and topography... he didn't seem to be as worried as the rest of us.

I don't know where I'm going with this post... It's just that I find myself on the other side of the fire fighting business where loved ones are at risk and I'm at home. Maybe I'm getting old and senile... or maybe it just the normal worries of parenthood.

Why wouldn't she take the job at the coffee shop for college money? The tips were good and she would never need to pull a night shift? Why did she have to take on fire fighting at $9.40 and hour? Where did I go wrong as a parent? My son listened to me and found another career.

Oliver
6/15 New here,

I am a fire wife. My DH was a wildland FF for 4 years and is now on the hotshot crew. I am very proud of what he does and love being a fire wife. I do have to admit that it is a little harder being a shot wife. He is currently in New Mexico, I was just wondering if there are any other fire wifes out there, and if so are your DH's out "playing with fire" as my man likes to say. He loves his job, I guess it is sort of a toss up ...its hard when he is gone but he goes crazy (and drive me crazy) about a month after seasons over, but I'm sure you all know how that is.

Red
6/15 Just thought I'd see if anyone was around now that fire season is officially here...I remember lurking in this forum before in previous seasons when it was pretty active, and although I was actually fighting fire at the time, I always felt a kinship to the loved ones chatting here. I'm no longer rolling when the fire calls come in, but my boyfriend is, and we've already been separated this season. He's gone right now, and the last phone call was scratchy at best, and all I really got was that he was on a helicopter - and he loved me. That was a few days ago, and I haven't heard anymore.

I feel a little silly missing him like I do, especially since if I had my way I too would be on a helicopter having a good time instead of hanging out at home, working behind the scenes in fire, and far from the real action.

Anyways - anyone else around? I'd love to talk if anyone is...

-Sue :)
6/15 Son just got his first call (last week) with the Bonneville Hotshots. Would like to be part of the "Family Speaks" if it is ever used by others.

Dave S
 

 ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ New Season ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
11/1 Bird Flu Watchout

How to prepare your family...
10/24 Poet;

I'm sure I speak for everybody when I say it was our
pleasure...even if you're not going to be around as
often, please stick your head in every once in a 
while and say hi.

Nerd on the Fireline
10/16 Just a quick note:

Hi All!

I just wanted to say I probably will not be on Family Said much any more. I think my Firefighter has at least "temporarily" retired from Wildland Firefighting.

I want you all to know that having this forum and all of you out there holding my hand during the first two years of me getting used to his line of work was invaluable.

I will check in now and again to see what is up, and to see how everyone is doing.

Sammi, Taz, Nerd and the rest of you, I will not forget you.

Thanks again for all your support, but mostly your friendship.

Poet

We hope you will come visit when you can, Poet. You'll always be a part of this circle. Ab.
10/7 i dont know who i am emailing but i was in alaska working on a film about 4 years ago or 
so and met a cool guy by the name of DAN SIDES. 

he was a member of the tazmanian hotshots or taz, wildfires up in wasilla or fairbanks area.
im desperately trying to find him. 
if you or anyone would know of him or his whereabouts, i'd appreciate an email back! 

thank you very much!
chris

im down in beverly hills cali!

Chris, check here for a starter. This is the correct name of the hotshot crew.
Readers, Chris sent a phone number too if anyone can help her out... Ab.
10/4 Hey abs,

I received this and thought that you may want to post this on both they said and
family said so that the fire fighters as well as the families who do not peruse they said
would know that the feds are doing well down south.

Forest Service crews help evacuees

RO
9/28 Just wondered if there is information out there on what roles our
FF's have in the hurricane relief.

Merci
9/11 I have to say, I was thinking, that this Ken Perry thing would not be a big deal, but it was a big deal, and I am truly surprised at how much money was raised. When I made my pledge, I felt like my $1/mi. wasn’t very much and I think in this age of saving the planet and worldwide disasters, we all kind say to ourselves, I’m just one person, what can I do? Well, Ken showed us all that one person can do something big, and every little bit helps.

Thanks Ken, and GOOD JOB!!!! I brought the whole fam out to see you at TC, dogs too, I can’t believe you ran 52 miles in 10 hrs, you’re a lot faster than I thought!!

Good job to you too, Ab, the maps and pictures were great!!

Jess

Thanks, we had a very fun time. Ab.
9/10 It was an awesome experience getting to see Ken do the run. It's just wonderful that he did this to support the WFF. I drove up Bouquet Canyon Rd. and pulled off to join the group that was with Ken the whole way through. Then I drove down to see him at Texas Canyon and to met Jess. =) It's great to see the numbers keep going up on the pledge list! 

GOOD JOB KEN!!!!!

-Amanda

Check theysaid and run pages for the whole story! Awesome! Ab.
9/9 So I guess I’ll be at TC around 11 or 12. And yes Amanda- you should have
an adventure pass, but I’m sure that no one would hassle you if you didn’t.
You can get them at lots of places, any Big 5 Sporting Goods, even some
7-11’s, you can look online.

Jess
9/8 Amanda and all,

I am estimating being at Texas Canyon at about noon or so. Kind of hard to tell, though. I talked to Dave Nish (from TC) today, and it sounds like some of the crew is going to run with me...some from up canyon to TC and some from TC down canyon. Tony Duprey and I are going to drive the route tomorrow and look at a few things, and then stop by TC on the way up, to figure out how things will work.

As for the early start...I agree. But temp. is everything, and I wanted to get through the narrowest part of the canyon before the traffic got bad.

Hope to see many out there on Sat. and thanks for the support.
KCP
9/7 Jess,

I was thinking of heading to the area of Texas Canyon also. I live about 1 hour from Lancaster, so I am not getting up early to make the drive out to Fox Field either. If I were to go to the Texas Canyon Station, do you know if I need to have a wilderness permit to park there? I'm pretty sure I would, but I'll go get one just in case. My FF said that he is going to try to see if his crew can stop by to see Ken go by too. Well, maybe we'll see each other there.

Ab, do you know if there is any estimated time frame that Ken might make it to Texas Canyon?

-Amanda

I'm asking Ken. You should meet Melissa, too. She's riding a bike with Ken. Here's a dressed up pic of her on the Foundation website. Ab.
9/7 I’m glad to see that some fire resources are being used to help out with Katrina, it was hard to stand by and watch what was happening on TV, knowing that there were all these resources out there not being utilized. I talked to a friend who is on the Tatanka shots on the Black Hills NF, he said that in addition to some Type 2 teams, one is already there, all of the R2 shot crews would rotate going down there to help, but that’s just what he heard, who knows if its true or not.

Amanda- I’ll probably go to the TC station in the afternoon to watch Ken, the crew is usually there, waiting for fires. We live in Lancaster, and I’m not too far from Fox Field, but I think 0700 is a little early for me to mobilize the fam. I was thinking of going around 2 or 3, I’m just trying to guesstimate what time he’ll be getting there.

We don’t where we’re going to move, wherever he can find a job really. He’s looking for a captain’s job, or any other type of promotion, he’s been a squaddie for a while and it’s time for him to move up in the world. Ditto on it being too expensive here, we bought our house here, and though it’s a lot cheaper than living in say, Santa Clarita, we could have bought the same house for 100 grand less in CO, you know? No. Cal. may not be all that cheap either, but I think it will be an all around nicer place to live. We would love to buy a place with some land in the mtns, I’m a mtn girl myself, I think the dogs would love it most of all, we’ll see. What are you going to school for?

Poet- wow, Scotland!! I’m glad to hear you could take a vacation, I’m sure you needed it. I hope to go there some day, not just Scotland, but England and Ireland too. My Grandparents took me to Paris when I graduated high school, it was beautiful, I think I learned more history in a week there than a whole year of European history in school. We were also there when France won the World Cup, it was insane. I read after we got home that is was the biggest uprising in Paris since they were liberated from the Nazis after WWII. I would love to see your pics.

Fire Wife- any word on that baby boy you’re hoping for? I can’t believe you’re prego, AND going to school, AND working, AND taking care of the kids, during fire season, you must be tired. Hang in there!!

Jess
9/4 Wow, I go to Scotland for a month and people just start chatting all over the place!

Hello all! Poet here.

My FF was on his way to the Hurricane cleanup with the local DNR but was called back to make sure there were experienced crews left in the state to handle anything the Midwest dished out.

He has been doing some teaching, but mostly itching to get back onto the fireline.
Oh, did I mention earlier that I went to Scotland? Whoo hoo! I had a convention there for a few days, and added 3 weeks more to it to travel. It was WONDERFUL. Had the best weather they have had there in years. Took my mom with me. <G> I have "p i c t u r e s" if anyone wants to see them. Ab's can give out my e-mail if you are interested.
My FF had to deal with being the one left behind this time. Thank goodness for international phone cards!

Now that he is back into Fire, I am sure I will be on here more often. Does anyone want to meet for a specific night chat like we used to? I am on central time, and usually available Sunday evenings.

Maybe I will start writing more poetry again... it's been a while.

Poet
9/3 Jess,

Arroyo Seco is stationed on Angeles Crest Highway just a few miles up the road from the 210 fwy. It's the complete opposite side of the forest from Texas Canyon. Where about in Nor Cal. are you guys moving? We have the same thoughts. Don't know where, but we won't move anywhere until I finish school (couple more years). It's just to expensive to live in So Cal! Besides, we both love the mountains and being outdoors. And we can get a house w/ land at a reasonable cost too.

My FF got back from Idaho last Saturday. They didn't see much fire there since it was pretty much out by the time they got there. Then they had to stage for 3 days and didn't see any fire then either. Oh well, glad he's back.

Anyone going to watch Ken's run next Saturday? I am pretty sure I am going to go. Not quite sure where I am going to watch from yet. Anyone who's going and wants to meet up there let me know.

Everyone and their FF stay safe.

-Amanda
9/2 My DH's shot crew is on their way there right now. They are driving from California
so it'll take a little while for them to get there. He isn't sure exactly what area they are
heading to, he just knows that they are doing hurricane relief.

Darcy

Check theysaid for the list of resources that have gone to support the Gulf Coast Relief Effort. Ab.
8/31 Anybody’s FF going to LA to help with Hurricane Katrina?

My FF’s crew is available, they should utilize shot crews that are available, or Type 2 crews, there are tons of Type 2’s out there. I’m watching Fox News and countless people are coming, wading out of the water and onto I-10. They are all just standing around, hundreds of them, they have not had food or water for days, and now it’s super hot, and they’re just waiting there, they have nothing for them. One guy even had a heart attack right there in the road, and they couldn’t do anything for him. These poor people need help, each crew has 20 people, think about how much help they would have if they just ordered 5 or 6 crews.

Anyways, that’s my 2 cents, I just wish I could do more.
My thoughts and prayers go out to them.

Jess

Ditto that. Ab.
8/30 Jess...

Yes we are hoping for a boy this time!! Everyone think BLUE!! I am hoping the dr schedules my ultrasound tomorrow also... But if it is a girl he will just have to get over it and deal with the estrogen in our house!! :)

My FF is on the Selway-Bitteroot Wilderness fire. It is one they are letting burn for management. But as long as he is getting the OT and the H pay we are cool with it.

I hope all is well with everyone I am off to bed since I have yet another long day ahead of me.
Talk to everyone later.

FireWife
8/29 Man, it is so bleepin hot here, I wish I was back in CO where it’s cold and raining. My poor FF is in Palm Springs, he got a call early Sat. morning that they were going, it was 114 there that day. I feel bad for him, but it was nice having him home while it lasted. He pretty much missed Gavin’s 1st birthday on Friday too because of small local fire, he got to see him for about a half hour when he got home, so we just had cake and presents with Grandma (his mom). We went to the beach one day though, there was a little coastal weather and it was even a little chilly. I love the beach!! I never knew what I was missing out on

Amanda- Yes he is on TC, he’s one of the squaddies. He’s only been there since last Feb. and I think we’ll be moving this winter, hopefully to No. Cal. I didn’t know about Arroyo Seco, where exactly are they stationed? It seems like TC is around here more than the other crews, it guess it’s just the luck of the draw for resource orders. I used to have my EMT cert, but I let it expire this year. I’m Nationally Registered, but I would have to get certified in CA too, and it wasn’t worth it for something I don’t really use. I took my EMT-B during the off-season, when I was on unemployment, so I was able to devote a lot of time to it. I was a wreck over the practicals, I don’t do well with “field exams”. I actually failed my first saws class and had to retake it because I was so nervous during my field day. I had already been running a saw on a county crew for a year, and was good enough that I should have passed, I just bombed it.

FireWife- Are you hoping for a boy this time? Your FF needs someone to be on his side once and a while! What are you doing for work these days? My FF would never come home and surprise us, he always calls first, it would be cool if he did though. Is your FF on the Nez Perce in ID? I’ve been watching the fires there, my FF tried to get a job in Elk City, I was bummed that it didn’t work out.

Hope all is well elsewhere.

Jess
8/28 Becca...

Congrats on the new little one. I am ready for maternity leave but not to sure if I will get it on Tuesday when I go in or not. I would like to be able to stay home and get things in order and have some time with my other little ones before the new one arrives in March. At my job if you have ANY restrictions on you then they put you on leave so who knows what will happen. With all of my pregnancies and I have heard others say this also, I have been put on weight restrictions. You know, like you can't lift anything over 25 lbs. Well if they say it woohoo I will be happy.

My FF left yesterday again for 2 more. He is on a fire use module in ID. SO it will be nice when he comes home for more than a week maybe. His kids would love it. :):)

Have a good week everyone I don't know if I will be around since I start classes on Thursday and all. But who knows...

FireWife
8/24 Becca, here's a favorite in my family. The hotshots love it... but they seem to love everything. That secret ingredient is a stumper, I've never had anyone guess it. Robbie

Norwegian Chocolate Cake
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
6 Tbs baking cocoa
3/4 cup oil
2 cups cold water
2 Tbs white vinegar
1 Tbs vanilla

Can reduce the fat further and use only 1/4 cup oil and substitute 1/2 cup applesauce.

Mix dry stuff, mix wet stuff separately, add wet to dry -little by little- with lots of stirring. It's fairly wet and very sticky when you're done. Pour batter into well-greased bundt cake pan to prevent the sticky stuff sticking, bake at 350 for 35-40 min. In Norway on the farm they did this in square pans and topped it with strawberries and a rich fresh-whipped cream. I've also tried Kahlua or the glaze below. It gets hard fast.

Mocha Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbs baking cocoa
1/2 tsp decaf instant coffee (add into
1-1 1/2 Tbs milk, of choice (regular, rice, soy)
1/4 tsp almond extract (or go wild and try peppermint or coconut)

Mix dry stuff but dissolve instant coffee into milk and add almond extract to that. Add wet to dry, adding 1-2 more tsp more milk if necessary.
8/22 FireWife~~
Great to hear about your FF surprising you by coming home early! I bet you all were so excited. I'm due November 19th and this is his first but I also have a 13 yr old son. We're both very excited about the new addition and ready for fire season to be over with! :)

Robbie~~
So glad to hear the casserole was a hit...I'll have to get busy sending in more recipes.

Hope everyone is doing well!!

Hugs~~
Becca

Next email:

Black Bean Salsa

2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (17-ounce) package frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 large avocado, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
1/8 to 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. Cover and chill overnight. Taste and add salt, pepper, or more lime juice as necessary. Serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer, or with grilled chicken breast as a meal.

Chicken Marsala

4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds) Pounded about 1/4 inch thick
All-purpose flour, for dredging
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
8 ounces crimini or porcini mushrooms, stemmed and halved
1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Put some flour in a shallow platter and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly. Heat the oil over medium-high flame in a large skillet. When the oil is nice and hot, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Slip the cutlets into the pan and fry for 5 minutes on each side until golden, turning once. Remove the chicken to a large platter in a single layer to keep warm.

Lower the heat to medium and add the prosciutto to the drippings in the pan, saute for 1 minute to render out some of the fat. Now, add the mushrooms and saute until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Pour the Marsala in the pan and boil down for a few seconds to cook out the alcohol. Add the chicken stock and simmer for a minute to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in the butter and return the chicken to the pan; simmer gently for 1 minute to heat the chicken through. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
8/21 Oh my gosh!! There are so many people around this summer. GREAT!!! Hi to everyone who is new and to everyone who is from years before. Glad to hear everyone is feeling better this summer. I see so many new people, I can't believe the numbers. It is nice to see people finding this site and feeling they have others to talk to.

I haven't been around a lot this summer. I have been working, going to school and dealing with the girls. Oh and we are having yet another baby!! But this one is going to be our first off season baby!!
REBECCA... When are you due?? Is this your first??

Well, my FF just got home last night after 2. The kids were very excited to see daddy. He tried to surprise us by coming home, since he hadn't told us. The surprise was on him, we were gone to lunch with friends. HAHA He called me on my cell from the house, and had me freaking out wondering who had broken into my house and then was calling me. He had told me he would be home on Monday. When I answered and it was him I was so shocked to hear him.

Well I had better get the kids into the bath!! Talk to everyone later!!

FireWife
8/20 Jess,

Sounds like you had a great time in CO! Nice to have a good long vacation to visit family. If you don't mind me asking what crew does your FF work on? Sounds like Texas Canyon to me. I had a friend that was on TC for about 2 seasons. Last season was his last time on that crew. My FF is also on a shot crew on the ANF-Arroyo Seco and is in Idaho right now. They don't have their IHC status, but have their RHC status. They are hoping to get their IHC this season. He might be coming home soon, the fire is out and they're mopping up. Poor guy is sick too. One person was sick and of course the whole crew got it. He sounds all bummed out because they are mopping up, I don't blame him. But just wish he was having a better time. But hey, it comes with the job so what can ya do. I get a little jealous too that I'm not out there. But my time will come. I'm working on my Fire Tech. degree & Wildland Firefighter Cert. This semester is going to be tough, I am taking an EMT-B and an Fire Prot. Org. 11 units and working full time! Well, back to the books for me.

Be safe everyone.

-Amanda
8/20 Becca, the casserole got snarfed down and got multiple pairs of thumbs up!

I plan to make it again and take it to a potluck tomorrow.

Robbie
8/20 Hello to all!!!

Boy, there sure is a lot of chatting going on, it took me a long time to catch up. I tried to look in from time to time while I was gone, but I was always using the computer at a friend’s house, and it’s hard to sit down and do anything while watching the baby at a non-baby-proofed house.

My time in CO was wonderful. My intention was to beat the heat out there, but the whole state had record temps, above100, for about a week- Taz, were you still home for that? 2000-2002 were unusually hot and dry summers for CO, but I’ve still never seen it that hot there. I went to Zion NP for the first time on the way out, what an awesome place. I spent LOTS of time with all my old friends from HS and fire buddies too, my Grandparents came out and stayed at my Dad’s for a week, and I saw my Mom in Grand Lake. Gavin went on his first train ride on the historic Georgetown loop and went to his first rodeo at “The Daddy of ‘em All” Cheyenne Frontier Days. My dogs miss roaming in the mountains, they got to swim almost every day, they are just the waterest dogs I ever did know. I wanted to stay even longer, but after five weeks, I decided I should probably come home. I came home from the N. and saw Tahoe for the first time too. Now I know why CDF is so big, I couldn’t believe the amount of fires there were along I-5, going S. from Sacramento.

My hubby stayed pretty busy while I was gone. I left early after I thought he would be in AK for a while, he was on the Kenai fire too, but they sent him home after only 4 days on the fire, after 2 days of travel to get there, seems like a big waste of time and money to me. He was home for a couple of weeks, but busy locally, and then he went to Oregon and then on to the old School Fire in WA. He came on Tues. and had some RR, and he’s back at work today, they’re still around, I don’t think they are even available nationally. His crew is on the Angeles NF and they often make their crews stick around in case the forest needs them.

I was only home for 3 days before he came home and it seemed like an eternity. I wish the season was nearing an end, I will not be having any more vacation time to distract me. I think we will have a late season here in So. Cal., it really dried out while I was gone. The grass is taller than the brush in some places, and even a small wind event will send fires raging, we may see fires like Oct./Nov. of 2003, some of which were the biggest on record in CA.

About FF being grumpy during fire season, my FF is like Jekyll and Hyde. He HATES fire season, I think he’s been shotting for too long, but he is a totally different person in the off season. I think a lot of it is from just plain being tired, I know I get grumpy when I haven’t had enough sleep. Some times it really brings you down when you come home from a hard assignment and you know you only have two days off before you go out and do it all over gain. Some times it’s weird when I read you guys talking about fire and you’re SO’s from a non-FF point of view. Both of my parents were FF at one time, then me, and now my brother is getting into it too, and I forget that it’s much different when you come from regular families. It’s often easy for me to be supportive of my FF because I know and love the job too. I think it’s great that you all can not quite understand, but still love them anyways.

I keep a picture of my FF on the fridge, so I can see it all through out the day, it’s even a fire picture, there’s a wall of flames coming out of burning brush behind him. I don’t have very many pics of him because he hates to have his picture taken, its one the few pics where he’s actually smiling. I like to roll over and smell his pillow, to me, it’s like he’s right there in bed with me, I think the smell is almost better than a pic. Some times it’s hard for me because not only do I miss him, but I miss work too, I wish I was the one out on a fire. I don’t miss the long days and sleep dep., but I miss the excitement and the cool places you get to see, and the fire of course, I miss seeing flames, seeing mother nature in action. It’s been hard going from being so active, to a stay at home mom. I don’t work nearly as hard, but I think I put in more time. I will say on thing, I am soo glad I’m not pregnant this year!!

I hope every one’s FF is doing well.

Jess
8/18 Ab,

Got the E-mail you forwarded. Thanks, Amanda.

I just got off the phone with Tony Duprey. We talked about logistics, etc. and he had a good point that some of the folks that will be with me that day may not show up at the start. So, for those that are running a bit late, and would miss the briefing, I thought I would put it down here, so that we've got everyone covered.

As I mentioned in my last post, Wendy will be pacing me for the first ten miles. From about ten to 40 miles, I'm not sure if I will need a pacer, but for the last ten, a motivator is a nice thing to have around. Between those two points, it is actually good to be able to retreat into my own little world. However, as Tony and I discussed, having a bike rider riding a bit behind, as a safety and welfare dude is a good idea. I was also thinking of making a sign of some sort reading "CAUTION RUNNER ON ROAD" that we might be able to affix to the rear of a volunteer's car or truck, and have that person follow a little behind would be cool also. So if anyone is interested in doing any of these things, let me know (I am going to put my E-mail address at the end)

Now for the safety briefing.....

Bike riders: The Bouquet Canyon portion of the course is pretty gnarly in a couple of places. I can't give you mile markers, so you will have to keep heads up. Make sure you bring water/gato, etc. And for goodness sake, where a helmet. Once out of the canyon, the road opens up, but there still could be a lot of traffic.

Drivers: Same as above! Bouquet Res. is a popular spot, as are the day use picnic areas, so heads up for that. There are plenty of turn-outs and parking areas. I believe the Angeles has prohibited smoking outside vehicles. but you shouldn't smoke anyway...and please don't do it as I'm running by. Please obey all traffic laws. The road is open, and we don't want to have to turn around and do this in the desert. Best way to do this is not to follow me. Just go ahead a few miles and have a coke. Once we get into Santa Clarita (Copper Hill, McBean and Majic Mtn. Parkways) there is no parking on the curb. Best thing hear is to spread out and pick parking lots, etc.

Hydration/food: From Palmdale (Albertson's at Ave N) to Santa Clarita there are no stores, so make sure you bring some snacks and drinks. And, as you drive by me, if you have an extra bottle of water, I might just grab it...Thanks.

Tony has been in contact with the folks at Sta. 76. They are aware that we are coming, in fact you may see a fire engine or two along the route. An LACO Fire PIO is in contact with the LACO S.D., as well. Good thing...that's what worried me the most.

Okay, I think that covers it. Now, there is a bit of a discrepancy in start times. So, Let's go with 0700 on the 10th. Sorry about that. That's what's on the "flyer". If there is a bit of confusion close to run-day, if I need to be I will be at Fox at 0530, just in case.

I joked ealier about having to turn around. However, if for some reason (fire, flood earthquake, etc.) we cannot continue down Bouquet, we will load up and head back to Fox, and I will continue the run out into the desert. Cool?

More later,

KCP
perrykc93 @ hotmail.com (copy and take out the spaces)
8/18 Here's the link to the 52 Mile run flyer on our website. Folks can download and print it to hang around your offices or around town, attach it to emails to friends or ????? www.wildlandfire.com/docs/52.doc. It is a MS Word .doc file.

It's also available on the Wildland Firefighter Foundation Website in a link at the very bottom of the Ken's Run page (where it says "To print a pledge form to mail in, click this link!")

Ab.
8/18 Robbie,

How did the casserole come out? Hope you enjoyed it! :)

Becca
8/18 Thanks to those of you who are reading theysaid and are getting info on Ken Perry's Benefit Run out in your communities, to the media, etc. People are working on a flyer that can be posted. Ab.
8/18 Becca, 

Thanks for the recipes. I'm going to try your Sausage Casserole 
for dinner with French bread and salad.

Robbie
8/17 Hi Ab!

I've been lax in sending recipes to you, so here ya go! I have a new computer and for the life of me cannot remember what my login and password were for the familysaid chat. Should I just make a new one? :)

Becca

Rhubarb Cake

2 c. sugar
2 c. diced rhubarb
1/2 c. shortening
1 egg
1 c. sour milk or buttermilk
2 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
Topping:
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

Dissolve soda in sour milk or buttermilk. Cream sugar and shortening. Add egg, sour milk and mix well. Add vanilla and flour. Sprinkle rhubarb with a little flour and fold it into batter. Pour in a greased and floured 9x13 pan. Before baking sprinkle with topping mixture. Bake about 50 mins at 350.

Becca's Lasagna

2 lbs Ricotta Cheese
3 eggs
3 8 oz packages moz cheese
2 8 oz packages cheddar cheese
1/2 to 3/4 cup parm cheese
1 tbs parsley flakes
2 jars of your favorite sauce or homemade if you prefer
2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion diced
a couple cloves of garlic minced
1 package lasangna noodles (you don't need to cook them first)

Mix ricotta cheese and eggs together with parm cheese and parsley flakes. Chill.
Cook ground beef, onion and garlic. Drain and add sauce.

Order of Layers:

add a little sauce to the bottom of a 9x13 or lasagna pan. Add a layer of noodles, cover noodles with sauce, add ricotta cheese mix, top with mozz and cheddar. Follow these steps in order till you have 2 or 3 layers.

Bake at 350 for about an hour or until bubbley.

Breakfast Sausage Casserole

1 12 oz package breakfast sausage (cooked, drained and crumbled)
4 cups cubed day old bread
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 12 oz cans evaporated milk
10 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp onion powder
ground pepper to taste

Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Place bread in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Combine evaporated milk, eggs, dry mustard, onion powder and pepper in medium bowl. Pour evenly over bread and cheese. Sprinkle with sausage. Cover; refrigerate overnight.

Bake at 325 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Cover with foil if top browns too quickly.

Thanks Becca. I'll send you the username and password to get on, then just make your own moniker and moniker password. I just entered the recipes. Ummm rhubarb, I have some growing... Ab.
8/16 Hi Shawna,

My name is Rebecca and I'm a newbie here too! I'm also preggers and missing my FF ALOT! This is my first fire season and I think I'm handling it fairly well. (At least alot better than I was a couple months ago!) I try to keep busy and have been spending alot of time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes. (God help my FF when he gets home!!) Anyway, it was nice to meet you and I hope to chat more soon!

Hugs!

Rebecca
8/15 The new Familysaid Chat (link is at top of this forum) now requires a username and password. I sent those out to those I could identify as familysaiders. If you didn't get one and want one, email us. Of course anyone is also invited to the regular wlf chat forum as well. Ab.
8/14 Hi family members. Original Ab had to shut down the new Familysaid chat room. It got hijacked to some degree by a huge group of roving revelers. Thanks ~C for letting us know. Thanks, Ab.
8/13 Ab,
Thanks for a great site, it has been fun to watch it come along over the years.
I have been working mapping fires since '99, and have been really blown away by some recent new web-based tools that we have to gather intel. Wanted to share a few of them:

All you need to access a great library of online Satellite Imagery are the lat/long (decimal degrees seem to work the best) of the fire. You can use GEOMAC.GOV's map viewer to zoom to any fire in the Sit. Report, and then check out ownership, thermal satellite images, and fire perimeters.

Use the "Identify" tool to get the lat/long of a fire. Then use the lat/long to search in Google Maps or Google Earth. 

Google Earth - http://earth.google.com - is a free map browser that lets you look at satellite imagery in 3-d, and spin it around (you need to download the free browser, have a fast internet connection and a fairly new computer, but it 
is a great tool!) If you don't want Google Earth, Google Maps - http://maps.google.com - let's you look at the same imagery, just not in 3-d.

WARNING, DO NOT USE GOOGLE EARTH UNLESS YOU HAVE A LOT OF FREE TIME TO CHECK IT OUT, AS IT IS TOTALLY ADDICTIVE!

Most of the imagery is a few years old, but fires show up well - there are some great high-res images of the Biscuit Fire effects for example. 

Have fun!
- mapguy

Interesting stuff. I have heard that some websters are working with the google maps programs to take 'em even further and make 'em much more responsive to individual needs and purposes. It will be interesting to see how it all may apply to fire. Ab.
8/12 Just wanted to stop by and say hi. Welcome Shawna, it's nice to meet you. I am going to periodically stop by the chatroom throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend if any one wants to stop by. School starts again for me next week...yeah! But I'll be busy, going 3 nights a week and working full time. It's always busy, busy for me. I'm so used to it so now when I have the time to just sit, I don't know what to do.

Ab-I wrote a letter to this little free local paper we get in our town about every 2 weeks and to the regular local newspaper to put an article in their papers about Ken Perry's run. We had a huge fire here back in 2003 and it destroyed some homes and our hills. So I felt that if our community was aware they could help out. The local newspaper already told me they may run an article. So we'll see what happens. My FF and I plan to pledge But not sure on the amount yet. He just left again for another fire, so I'm sure we'll have the funds for at least $4/mile.

Be safe everyone.

-Amanda

Thanks for the pledge comment. Ab.
8/9 Hello ladies!

I'm new here (well, to this site, not new to being a FF's wife). My FF has been coming to this site for a couple years now and I JUST looked on here a couple weeks ago while my FF was out and found this FamilySaid! It's such a wonderful thing to have other women in my shoes to talk to. I've been married to a FF for 2 years but "with" him for 4 1/2. this is my fifth season and it gets a little harder each year because we have a 2 yo little girl and I'm now preggers...so, again, it's nice to have the support and GIVE support to those who know what I'm going through! What wonderful, strong women you all are for being there for you're FF's. YOu know, I just have to share, that after my our first season together, my FF said "do you know how much more in love I am with you since you stood by me throughout this season?!" *TEAR*

Anyways, I really look forward to getting to know all of you ladies. Again, what a wonderful site! We all need the support! 

Hugs, Shawna

Welcome Shawna, Ab.
8/9 Hi Ladies,

Has anyone heard of any good books, reading material, etc. on being involved
in a relationship with a fire fighter?

Thanks-B
8/8 You are not alone, girls. I too do the staring at the pictures thing. We have to do something to stay connected to our men when they are gone. I have not heard from Chad since he arrived in California on Tuesday of last week. It's been pretty hard to go from seeing him every day to not talking to him for a week. I'm so glad that this board exists so that I have people to talk to who can relate with me.

Darcy
8/8 Yes, I can identify with the looking at pictures of him forever thing, catskilldog. It's nice to know I'm not the only one and that we aren't going a little kooky. God, you feel like such a cheesy dork sometimes, but those are the silly things we do to get any ounce of them we can. The longer it's been since I've seen or talked to him, the more I do these things. Makes you feel closer, I guess. I have old messages I listen to over and over. The other day I even read YEAR OLD emails. And I kept pics of him on my digital camera so I can look at them while I'm away and show them to whomever is willing to look. As it is now, I haven't talked to him in 8 days and probably won't until next Sunday or Monday. I've been trying to write a lot so that he can keep up but then I never mail them. Uh, duh....

That is a good sign that your man will already be home this early!!! I'm hoping fire season ends early for him too. I think he is starting to think it might too. They are still up there and the longer they stay up there, the smaller their window of opportunity to come down south and fight fire here gets. And it doesn't really seem like there is much of a demand in the lower 48. I mean, why else would they send your FF home right? That would be awesome if he's finished by the time I get back from Costa Rica, in mid-September.

You are so right Catskilldog!!! Boquete is known for it's coffee. El cafe rico y muy delicioso. And I laughed when you read about trying beer and coffee, because that is precisely how I am, coffee all day and beer at night. Although, I don't think I'm as healthly as you sound, so I probably drink too much coffee and sometimes too much beer. The beer tour here isn't quite like the beer tour in Europe, but they are okay. They drink Imperial in Costa Rica, and Panama and Atlas in Panama. They're pretty good. Better than Budweiser, that's for sure. 

I just got to my school in Costa Rica today and I'm so excited!!! It's good to hear from ya catskilldog. Enjoy the time with your man and your fun weekend. Where do you guys live? Ab can give you my email if you want to get in touch that way.

You guys take care!

Taz Girl
8/7 well, my FF hubby will be home at the end of this week. yea! he'll be home until next season and now he's talking about jumping next season. he will, of course, still be at least 2000 miles away from me even when he's off a fire since he's based out west. i feel the same way as you, tazgirl, i would be much happier if he came home to me when he came off of fires. eventually, it will be that way, but for now, we need to live where we are for goals we want to reach here. i have built myself up to be very strong about this, but again, just like you said, tazgirl, some days are totally fine and others i miss him so badly i can't think about anything else but him and how much i miss him. the other day, i spent quite some time staring at photos of him! and then there's the intimacy factor. that's reeeeallly hard!!!! except for when i'm at work, i will be attached to him, literally, for a long while when he gets home. ha ha! i even just miss the smell of him! oh well. 

hey, tazgirl, i hear they make some good coffee in boquete. do you like coffee? i love coffee, but i've stopped drinking caffeine for months now, just for health reason, so i've switched to decaf. wherever i visit, i have to try their coffee and beer. beer at night, coffee in the morning. i have found better beer than coffee, though, even in the middle of nowhere in missouri.

how's everyone else hanging in there? tazgirl, sounds like you are going to have a great trip! i wish i could do what you're doing. this coming weekend, when my man gets home, we are spending the weekend at a local resort. i won on a local radio station a two nights stay at a really nice place on the lake and it includes tickets to the water park and horseback riding. we'll go to the water park and act like kids and, well, the horseback riding should be interesting since i'm a spaz about it -- that's what i get for being raised by parents from NYC. but, just like anything else, the more you do it, the easier it gets. i can't wait!

hope all your FF's are safe and you are all doing well. 

~ catskilldog ~
8/5 Hello everyone. 

I was just catching up today. I haven't checked in, in a while. I have been a busy girl. For you new ladies, I have been around Family Said probably about the same time as catskilldog, I think. Well, three fire seasons now anyway. I did live in Texas, but my FF and I moved to Colorado last December. He works on a Shot crew in Alaska. I must say, I really admire a lot of you for standing by your man, supporting them and what they do, and being so proud of them. I am proud of what my FF does, and I stand by him, but I feel like I might be a little more selfish than you guys about it. I hate the time apart. But I think part of the difference is that he works out of Alaska, not where we live. So I don't get to see him every two weeks, or 21 days. I feel like that would be much more tolerable and maybe that will be the case next summer. Anyone with connections to Colorado Shot crews, let me know. He would love to get a job down there. Also, his cellphone pretty much never works on AK fires so we go extended periods without even talking. Luckily, I have seen him twice since early May, 9 days total. I'm thinking there is a possibility of his season ending earlier than usual so maybe I will get him back early. That would be a dream! Like he says, one day at a time.... one day at a time. Looking at the expanse ahead of you can just be too overwhelming can't it?! And you women out there having babies or being pregnant while they are gone, I especially admire you. That is very brave and strong!! I don't think I could do it. Kudos to you!

To catch you up on my whereabouts and doings, I am actually writing to you all from Panama right now. Yes, Panama. I quit my job in Colorado so that I could go travel for 6 weeks, 2 of which will be spent at a Spanish language school in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. So I got into Costa Rica on 8/1 and came down to Panama for a week to sightsee, by myself. Then I go back to Costa Rica this weekend and start my language school on Monday. I will be living with a local Costa Rican family. After that, my brother comes down and we will travel together for 2 weeks. Then my mom, uncle, and brother's girlfriend come down for a week at a resort. You can see I planned plenty of distraction for myself while my FF is away. That being said, and I told him this too, I would give it all up if I could have him instead. Yeeshh.....I miss him like crazy! Isn't it funny how some days it is totally fine, and others you miss them so terribly that it is barely tolerable?! This is what I find anyway.

I'm in Boquete, Panama, right now. It is in the highlands and is very beautiful. Google it and you will see. :)

You guys take care and wish I could join ya to chat! Ciao.

Taz Girl
8/2 B-

I check the room periodically through out the day. If you want to set up a for 
sure time let us know. Talk to you soon.

Mindy
8/2 Hey all. 

Sorry I went MIA for a bit. My DH FINALLY came home from the fires for a week and it was wonderful. However he got the call yesterday that it was time to go and he left this morning for California at 7:00am. I am so bummed but so happy we got to have a week together. Hopefully he will be home again for our little girl's 1st birthday next month. Anywho, I'm back, so let me know about chats!!!!

Darcy
8/2 Catskilldog-

I know what you're saying. My husband is very dedicated, this was a dream since he was a little boy. He says that he sees a lot of people out there that aren't really so proud about what they do, they kinda hang their head, but he holds his head high. So that makes me feel good, it is awesome. When my FF is away and then comes back it's like falling in love all over again. The look in his eyes, his hugs, his kisses, ahhhh. That makes the time apart worth it. I am proud of what he does. It's hard to find people who understand, they just think I am crazy for being alone so much and they think my FF is crazy for what he does. Sure it's risky, but so is driving now a days, and many other things. I cannot be selfish. As long as the time we do get to spend together is quality, I don't worry about the quantity.

-Amanda
8/2 Hi Ladies,

I would love to get on the chat room too. I live in California, so I'm on
Pacific Time. Let me know when you guys might meet up again.

-B
8/2 hi girls ( and guys? are there any out there?),

sorry i missed the chat. i have been without my FF since may 30. he has been in touch wiith me often -- calling late at night since we are in different time zones and actually, quite often in between (i'm wanted, i'm wanted!! hah hah!). he is my best bud, and i miss him a lot, but i know that he is sooooo happy to be working a lot! and hanging out with some buddies he hasn't seen in a long time. (shhhh.....by the way, that means getting really drunk with them -- for all you new girls) the past couple of days have been very quiet since he went to idaho. i can't wait 'til he comes home next weekend. i am like a kid on christmas morning waiting to open my present! yea!

well, i have been here (wildlandfire.com) now for three years and plan to be around for awhile. new girls, (by that i mean new to FF SO's) over time, you will realize how awesome it is to be with someone who is dedicated to being a WWFF and why. anyway, i'm sure some of you don't know what i mean, but it's actually kind of cool if you realize what you have. i was talking to my sister today and telling her how proud i was of my hubby FF and that i think that our time apart was actually a good thing and (gasp!) she agreed. she thought that couples needed time apart to discover themselves and also she brags about her brother in-law (that would be my man) and how 'cool' he is -- **sigh**. well, DUH, i do that all the time. i'll spare you guys from my braggin about my FF hubby, except for the fact that i love him and i wish i was FF'n out there with himl, but someone's gotta make some serious money to support our motorcycle, gun, skiin' and who knows what else hobbies!!! anyway, i hope you all are doing well. i have to say, for you ladies having babies while man is away, i fully respect you. i have no idea what that experience is like. i am here, though, for anyone who wants a positive ear!

hope you and you FF's are safe and you are enjoying life!! over and out --

~~ catskilldog ~~
8/2 5 more days and I get to see my FF !!!! It will have been 21 days since we've gotten to see him so this should be a good homecoming. The fire he's on is now 50 % contained. I like to see those kind of numbers. Well I hope everyone has a good week and all your FF stay safe.

Sorry you missed a few of you last night. I'll be on probably every evening to try to catch more folks. Have a great day !!

Mindy
8/1 Hi Rebecca, Amanda and I are both on the West coast. So it will be 5:oo pm 
our time. Hope to talk to you this evening. Have a great day !!

Mindy
7/31 Hi Mindy!!

I'll be sure to be there with you on the 1st. What time zone are you in? I'm sorry if I missed that part in your posts. I am going stir crazy missing my FF so much, it's hard! Hope to talk to you soon :)

Rebecca
7/31 Hi all, just wanted to let you all know I will stop by the chatroom around 5pm (Calif. time) this evening if anyone is interested. I'll hangout there and check back throught the evening if no one is there around 5pm. I will also be on tomorrow (Aug. 1) at 5pm. 
-Amanda

I'm a bit late on posting. She should be there. Ab.
7/30 OK, well how about this. I'll be on the chat room Monday Aug. 1st at 5:00pm 
(Or. time for those of you not in this time zone.) Maybe we'll be able to get some 
chatting goin on. 

Oh.... Sorry to hear it Darcy. That is a really long time to be away from your FF. 
Stay strong !!

Mindy
7/29 Mindy-

That was Darcy that said she hasn't seen her FF since May. That's a long time, what a bummer!

Anytime between 4pm and 8pm are good for me. And since I don't have class right now I'm available just about everyday. I'm in California, and I think there are a few people from the midwest area that would be on different time zones. I think that's why it's so hard to get people in the chatroom at the same time.

-Amanda
7/29 Nice to meet you too Amanda. 

Oh, I thought when you had said in a previous posting that he had been gone since the end of May that maybe he was doing a detail somewhere. OK, so what time is every one on??? I am in Oregon and I am available everyday. I'm so happy for you that your FF is home !! Mine was in Utah for a week then home for a day and is now in Idaho. So I wont be seeing him for a while I'm sure. :( Well let me know when a good time for you would be to get in the chat room. You all take care.

Mindy
7/29 Hi Mindy, nice to meet you. I think we all should try to set up a time to get together on the chat too. I usually check the chatroom in the evenings to see if anyone is on.

My FF left on 7/8 for a fire in Arizona and he came back on 7/23 (just in time for my b-day on 7/26). For now he is home, but he did get sent out yesterday at 4am to a fire and ended up just staging and coming a back home later the same night. I am enjoying have him home while I can. 

-Amanda

That was my b-day too. Ab.
7/29 Maybe we should set a date for everyone who wants to to meet up in the chat room. 

Well I hope everyone is going to get to see their FF soon. Mine just got sent to Idaho, 
so there goes another 14. 

Amanda - How terrible. Why has your FF been gone so long? 

You all take care.

Mindy
7/28 Hello to everybody. I'm new to this, just tryin to learn the ropes. 
Does anybody ever go to the chat room???? Well hopefully I'll 
be speaking to you all soon. Take care.

Mindy

Hi Mindy, Familysaid folks have tried to get it together to chat, but I think folks haven't gotten online at the same time. Ab.
7/25 hi to everyone new and old (not age, you know what i mean!)

sorry i haven't been around in a while. i've been keeping myself busy. i am now reading three books at once. it's really hot and yucky here, so reading is my main indoor activity for now. it's nice to read all of your posts. i am looking forward to my FF coming home in a few weeks. we haven't been together since may 30. somehow, once he's home, it doesn't seem like he's been away so long. he calls often and it's nice to be in touch even for a minute or two. i'm glad he's been busy otherwise he'd get bored.

hi amanda,

about your desire to fight wildlandfire -- i agree with what nerd said. do what you want to do if it makes you happy! my family and some of his family don't understand why my husband wants to continue to be a FF after we got married. i actually tried to explain a little bit and i said, "look i'm not going to speak for him on exactly why he does it. he can explain it best so you'll have to ask him, but you have to realize that i knew what type of person he was when i married him and i support him." and i'm confident about that. 

to everyone,

hope all your FF's are safe and you all are doing well!

~ catskilldog ~
7/22 I hope everyone and their FF's have a safe weekend!

Amanda - Have a great time with your FF!

- B
7/22 Greetings,

On July, 3rd I was making an ultra-distance run for my birthday, and at about mile 30 or so, during a moment of runner high bliss, I had a wonderful idea. And here it is!

On Sept. 3rd, 2005 at 0700 I will set out on a 52 mile run from Fox Air Attack base in Lancaster, CA. The exact route isn’t known at this time, because I need to check out the suitability of the roadsides I have ideas for, and confirm mileage. But the idea is to have fire stations, or wildland fire related points along the route. It will most likely be in and through the Angeles National Forest. I will have a back-up route in case….well, for instance….there is a fire where I want to go. Once I have confirmed the route, I will let everyone know.

Why Sept. 3rd, you ask? Well, no reason really. Symbolically, I felt it should be during fire season. And quite frankly, I like running in the heat. I had originally planned on a bit earlier, but I think this will give everyone a chance to decide if they wish to pledge. I’m kind of hoping for a lull at that time between the Northwest cooling down and the Santa Ana’s kicking up.

This run is intended to reflect the “52 Club”. In order for the WFF to benefit, we would like to ask the wildland firefighter community to pledge. Folks it’s just like when we were all kids in school and had a “walkathon”. People would pledge whatever they felt comfortable with, on a “per mile” basis. After the run is completed the referee will confirm with Vicky that it was completed, and the pledge money would be sent directly to the WFF.

The Rules:

1. The course must be completed in 14 hours. If I don’t, you pay only for the mileage completed at the 14 hour mark. 

So within that 14 hours, I can walk (trust me no one can run 52 miles without walking some) and stop for quick rests (change socks, etc.) But remember, the point is to raise money, so it would not benefit the WFF for me to walk and sit around for 14 hours. A distance like this would normally be a 12 hour cut-off time, but because I’m planning on running normal roads that, of course, will be open to normal traffic, I want to pad for unknowns. It should take, if all goes normal between 9 and 11 hours.

I will have a support team that will provide food, fluids and medical aide (blister popping, etc.). I’ve asked Tony Duprey to be the referee. He is well known and respected, and I’m sure a good motivator at the 45 mile mark. Anyway he has agreed to help us out. If for some reason he is unavailable due to fire assignment, we’ll find someone.

If anyone happens to be in the area on that day, please feel free to stop by Fox or along the route. Trust me the further along in the run, the more entertaining I will be, and as anyone who’s done big races can tell you, there’s nothing like spectators along the route.

Vicki Minor wanted me to tell everyone a little about myself. I’ve never been real comfortable with bios, but here goes.

Currently I’m an Air Tactical Supervisor, for the BLM. Before that I was an Alaska Smokejumper, and before that I was with the USFS with the Fulton Hotshots on the Sequoia NF. I also spent three summers working for the Kern Co. FD on an engine. In the spring of 2000, I injured my back during a rescue operation in Alaska. After two major operations, I now have a couple of pounds of titanium and a complete fusion of the lumbar spine, and constant lower back and hip pain. This of course limits many activities that I can do. However on a whim this past winter, I decided to run the Los Angeles Marathon, and while training for that, I realized that running didn’t make my back hurt more. It didn’t necessarily make it hurt less either, but I found something I could do. I also realized, after my performance in the LA Marathon that speed as not really going to work for me. Of course, many will tell you, it never really has. So if speed will be no friend of mine, then maybe endurance and distance would. That would be the route I would take. A perfect sport for plodders. So that’s me folks….not much there.

I am in contact with Vicki and the WFF, and I am not sure how she plans to set up the pledging, collection, etc. But I’m sure that will be worked out. I wanted to get this out so that many that are out on fires will have a chance to see this.. We’ve got just over a month.

Depending on how this goes; how much money we can raise, and how much support we can get…….there is the possibility for “52x2” in the summer of 2006. 52x2 means just that; 104 miles. Location and time limits to be determined. Unless I can get Dean Karnazes to be my personal trainer, I don’t see a “52x3”…..But who knows???

More later.
Kenneth C. Perry

Great idea KCP. We'll post updates from the road. Ab.

7/21 It's been really quiet around here the last few days. Hope everyone and their FF's are okay. 

I am really excited, my FF is coming home on Saturday. It will be so nice to see him. He is 
now at the 3rd fire on his 2 week assignment in AZ. They are working nights cause it's about 
110 degrees in the day. At least they got put up in a hotel with some A/C today. Take care.

-Amanda

Have a good time. Ab.
7/19 Robbie;

Actually, I have heard that question asked by male FF…it’s usually put more in terms of “Why does my girlfriend go all psycho if I don’t call for a week/assignment/month/season?”, but I’m pretty sure it’s the same question. (tongue in cheek). And of course I had to present the academic insight…I’m not Nerd for nothin’! (laughing)

Amanda;

I’ve heard so many times that women shouldn’t be doing so many things that I do, that I’ve developed a pretty good boilerplate response (and I know that with someone you’re so close to, boiler plate doesn’t really work). I found that if you let them speak their piece, ask questions to get them to clarify their point of view, then say “I appreciate your opinion, but I enjoy this job and I’m trying very hard to be the best firefighter I can be.” I’ve found one gets more credit, and a more thoughtful response, that way than by getting defensive and confrontational, or by starting a debate. Usually, you impress the heck out of the bystanders, too. You said you’re very close to your sister…if she sees you confident in what you’re doing, and happy, I’m sure she’ll come around. Good luck and best wishes…

Nerd on the Fireline
7/18 Has anyone ever heard a male firefighter ask for advice on how to combine marriage and a fire career? My ex-hotshot sister raised that question, albeit only once.

Just wondering...

Thanks Nerd for the academic insight.

Robbie
7/18 I realized last night that I was signed into the fire chatroom by accident. I'm going to check the family_said chatroom this evening. Are most of us on Pacific Standard Time? I'll check between 4pm to about 9:30pm. 

B- Thanks for the advice, I just don't think I will get support from some of my family. Especially my sister. She doesn't think women should be in that line of work. I am really close to her, so that makes it really hard.

-Amanda

You follow your heart! Ab.
7/18 Nerd on the Fireline,

Thank you for the description and graph of what the guys go through when
they are on the fireline and when they come off. It makes sense and it
helps "us" (the ones they come home too), prepare on what to expect.

I have really enjoyed emailing on this site. Thank you all for all the
advice and understanding.

: ) B
7/18 Amanda;

I know exactly how you feel…when I started volunteering, I didn’t tell my family for about six months. My mother’s reaction was classic…”You get to wear the hats and everything?” “Yes, Mom.” “Well, don’t go into any burning buildings” “It’s WILDLAND fire, Mom.” “Well, don’t go near any forest fires, then.” I love my mother, but she openly admits that she has absolutely no idea what I actually DO. On the bright side, my family as a whole has been far, far more supportive and enthusiastic than I had ever hoped…hopefully your family will be the same way. I’ve found that a good way to ease worries is to emphasize how important safety is on the fireline and how much you trust your crewmates. I actually gave my dad a five-minute lesson in fire shelter use that really made him a lot happier with what I was doing.

I attached a sketch of the graphic I tried to show in my last post…hopefully this works better than my last attempt.

Nerd on the Fireline

Many thanks, Nerd, for not giving up on that graphic. I moved your earlier explanatory post forward and now it's just below with your graphic inserted. As you can see I made it much smaller. Ab.
7/18/06 Ladies with grumpy FFs;

Kind of an intro, ‘cuz we’ve got new folks on the site (warmly welcomed, by the way)…I was a hotshot’s girlfriend for three years before becoming a FF myself (small-town volunteer), and now my SO (different guy) is a cop. There are some very good books out there on the psychology of police officers, and some of them have good advice on how to be a police officer’s SO. Some of the advice is pretty applicable to grumpy FFs too. Here's a sketch.

A firefighter on the line is often at the [Fireline High]. They feel alive, humorous, active, and strong.



Normal people tend to stay pretty much between the top and bottom of the blue line in the Normal Range, without huge swings.
When they’re off the line, firefighters tend to crash: where they feel dead, down, and weak in the Grumpy FF region.

Basically, there’s lots of reasons for this, but when coming off the adrenaline high of the fireline, there’s gonna be a crash; the highs are just so high that body has to go low to compensate. Trying to get back up into normal ranges, firefighters off the line will try to simulate that high, or just get back into normal ranges, with risk-seeking behaviors, impulse buying, and sometimes promiscuity or ‘reflexive attachment’ (falling in love hard and fast). This is loosely translated from “On Killing” by Dave Grossman and “Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement and their families” by Kevin Gilmartin; they’re mostly about training soldiers and police officers, but both books have neat applications for anybody in high-adrenaline jobs. 

So what can we, the SOs, do? Be supportive, respect his down time, be aware of risk-seeking behavior and impulse purchases. I read up a lot on post-traumatic stress disorder a while back, and from everything I’ve read, it sure sounds to me like the best cure for that, and for the seasonal blues, is good food and a welcoming home (both of which I think you ladies have covered). I mean, how down can you be with a big plate of ribs, a hot fudge sundae, and a lady you love in front of you?

Nerd on the Fireline
7/17 Hi,

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I just checked the chat room, but no replies. 

Are you all signing in on the Family_Said chat room? I'll keeping checking back. Looking forward to meeting some of you : ).

Amanda - sorry your FF isn't on his way home. Look at it this way, sounds like he's about 1/2 way through his 14 days and should be getting his 2 days off soon. Believe me, I understand. I'm not sure if my FF is going to another fire...as of this morning they were still on the Florida fire, but they could've gotten another assignment today also.

I think that's great that you want to be a FF. I can't relate, but I think the sooner you tell your family, the sooner they will respect your decision. If I was in your situation, I would want all the support I could get. 

: ) B
7/17 My FF called me early this afternoon and said they might be coming home or go to 
another fire. Well I just talked to him and they are on their way to another fire 
somewhere in AZ. I knew they would probably go to another fire, but I really wish 
he was coming home. Well, if anyone happens to be around later this evening, I will 
stop in the chatroom off and on.

-Amanda
7/15 Hello all. 

I tried stopping into the chat room on and off last night, but I have a cranky teething baby right now which makes it hard to do anything for an extended amount of time, lol. My DH is back from Alaska and is now on his way to Arizona. Not sure which fire. Unfortunately, their crummy broke down in Arkansas and then again in Oklahoma, so the crew is currently hanging out in Okalahoma. Not exactly fun for them.

I am so excited. My DH is coming home for a week long visit NEXT WEEK!!! I haven't seen him since May 15th. I can't wait. I just wish it would be longer than a week, but I can deal. I'm just jumping out of my skin waiting for him to arrive. Hope all are doing well.

Darcy
7/15 B- Thanks for that website with the slide show. 

Have you checked out this site? www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/florida/index.shtml 
It has some of the news releases and some photos. Also thought it was pretty cool that there are some fire maps to check out how much has burned. 

It's all so interesting. Thing is, I want to be a wildland FF too. Just have to finish my Fire Tech. Degree and Wildland Fire Tech. Certificate first. Thing is my family doesn't know that's what I'm going to school for, I think I am worried that they won't want me to do it or what they will say. Any advice anyone? Anyway, sorry I wasn't in the chat tonight. I left unexpectedly to have dinner with my sis. I'll keep stopping by to see if anyone is there. 
-Amanda
7/15 Hi Amanda,

Just thought you'd like to check out some photos of the Florida fire. Go to
www.azstarnet.com/ and click on the slide show.

: ) B
7/15 Hi everyone,

I'll try to get on the chat tonight too! Can anyone tell me how to sign up?

- B

Go here: http://wildlandfire2.com/chat/phpMyChat.php3  To register you click that option at the bottom and fill in the fields with the *. You may choose any moniker or chat room name you like. When you have registered, you can enter on your moniker (or name or - B) using your password. If you are in the Fire chat room and see there's someone in the Familysaid chat room, choose that location by clicking on the Familysaid option on the right-hand side. Ab.
7/15 Nerd -- Thanks so much for the info and book recommendations! I'm sure they will be a great help.

Amanda -- I'll be around Friday night will check in chat off and on to see if anyone is there. Nice meeting you!

Rebecca
7/14 Friday evening works for me if anyone else is available to chat.

-Amanda
7/14 Hi Amanda,

He is also on the Florida fire! That's funny! I talked to him this morning
and they were just getting ready to get their assignment. He sounded tired,
it's got to be so hot down there! Hopefully they will get some rain this
weekend.

I would love to set up times to chat...what works for you??? Have a great
day!

: ) B

T-storms are a mixed bag as they can cause radical and unpredictable wind shifts that affect fire behavior. Ab.
7/14 Original Ab activated the Familysaid Chat room so you don't have to compete with the firefighters. Of course anyone who would like to visit the regular chat is welcome to do that anytime. Folks are nice and welcoming.

Here's what OA said, 
"You can use this chat room for a temporary site."
http://wildlandfire2.com/chat/phpMyChat.php3  

At either site you need to register. Your moniker/name can be the same as or different from the one you use here. Let me know what day/time works and I'll announce it. How about this evening or tomorrow evening?
7/14 It's great to see so much advice and kind words here! I think like everyone else, I want to be the person he can come to when he needs to vent and more than anything I want to understand. The separation is tough and so is being pregnant as I have my own hormones to deal with. ;)

I would love to set up a chat time for all of us to get together. I'm excited that there are others I can talk to and learn from who going thru what I am right now. 

Rebecca

It's great to have new participants along with the regulars. Ab.
7/14 B,

What fire is your boyfriend on in AZ? My husband is at the Florida fire. Talked to him yesterday for the first time in about 2 days. Haven't heard from him today and I doubt I will. That's just the way it goes. Looks like they might have has some rain down there. Hope it's enough to help.

Let me know when you all chat, I'd like to be there.
-Amanda
7/13 When do people usually chat? I think that would be fun.

Darcy

Familysaid folks were coming on on Sunday or Monday nights a year ago, I can't remember. Then the guys who hadn't been chatting much, started showing up more and more and kinda took over (because there's more of them). Original Ab created a second chat room for Familysaiders, but the season ended, interest fell off and he retired that chat site. He will bring it back if there's interest. If someone wants to pick a time, I'll post it here. Sometimes just posting "folks are chatting" is enough to get people stopping by. By the way, Ember is our chat moderator (her su means "super user" which gives her powers). Ab.
7/13 Hello All-

I just wanted to let you know that even though your honey may be "grumpy"
with you- in reality these folks are spending 24-7 acting the tough guy
image with their engines, crews, etc. Sometimes it is hard to shift gears
from firehouse mentality to home mentality.

Also if they are able to shift gears they may simply be telling you all
those bad things that they tough out during the day. So they may simply be
letting go with the only safe person there is- the one they love. So
instead of hearing all the good things (which are okay to share) you may
hear all the bad things because you are the only person they will truly
feel comfortable trusting.

If you love them you'll learn how to deal with the fire season. Just
remember having a good support group for yourself is the best present you
can give them.

I've got a firefighter of my own,
BLMgirl
7/13 Hi Amanda,

Thank you so much for your reply! It helps to know that other people
understand. You are right...they need support and if they don't get it, it
will only make things difficult for the both of us. He is also down in
Arizona (about 5 days now too), working hard! I hope your husband 
gets back safe and sound!

Thanks again,

B (Looking for advice : )
7/13 Hello everyone!!

It is nice to see so many new "faces" around here. I have been around but just not posting!! My FF is still around. He has been burning but that is about it. I believe he is at the top of the list though to go if the call comes in. I know he is itching to get out!! If and when the call comes though, it shouldn't be as bad this summer for me. I am now working and going to school. Plus the kids are growing like weeds so they are keeping me busy! I have one trying to walk, one trying to potty train, and one ready for kindergarten this fall!!

I hope to find time this summer to get on her more though. I hope everyone is feeling better this summer and that we can have some good chatting sessions!! Is anyone going in yet to chat?? Let me know ok.

FireWife
7/13 Hi everyone, I have been visiting this website for about a year now and just found this section. Pretty cool to get to meet others who go through the same thing. My husband was on an engine last season and this season he is on a hotshot crew. He is out on his first fire this season (gone 5 days now in AZ) and I can already tell he'll be gone much more than last season. 

My advice is to support your hotshot if this is what he loves to do. Nothing makes it harder than to have no support from the ones you love. And that can cause it to fall apart. Make the best of the time you do spend together, remember quality not quantity. Don't get me wrong it's still really hard when he goes out for the first time of the season, but it gets a little easier. My husband and I have been together for 7 years and married about 2 1/2 years before he started firefighting. So maybe I had it a little easier, but I still miss him a lot. I've talked to many hotshots that have told me it is hard to find a girlfriend because it is hard to find someone that won't leave them since they are hardly home. Just hang in there, it'll get better. Just be strong. 

-Amanda 
7/12 I have been dating a Hotshot for just about a year now. I am very much in
love with him and I miss him terribly when they are gone, but I know how
much he loves his job and I want to be supportive. Their schedules can put
a real strain on a relationship and I was just looking for any piece of
advice from anyone that has "been there" on what to expect during fire
season. 

Thanks 

: )
7/12 Speedo, if he's on night shift, he might be grumpy on a morning phone call to you due to no sleep. If he's on day shift he might be grumpy due to knowing he's facing a grueling day or, worse yet, another hurry-up-and-wait day. 

Firefighting is really stressful. My sister, a former hotshot, had ups and downs too. Goes with the territory. I just tried to be understanding and positive. With a love interest it might be harder. In new relationships you fall into each other and want to fall in head over feet. I'd just say don't loose yourself when you do. Keeping your feet on the ground may be the best gift you can give him.

Robbie
7/12 Oh Speedo, 

I know exactly what you are talking about. My DH is the same way. He can be such a grump during the fire season. I stinks, but sometimes they are just so wiped out from long hours on the fires, etc. that they take it out on those who love them most. That's just my experience. Hang in there. It's hard, but we love them and they come around, I promise. 

Darcy
7/11 I need some understanding... and some advice if anyone has some...

I was just curious if its normal for FF's to be really moody during fireseason. Since he left, I'm lucky - I've gotten to talk with him multiple times a week usually in the morning. But he is on an engine far, far away. This isn't his first year fighting fire, but this is our first separation. I'm not used to it. I don't know what to expect or how to help, or even if he needs help. Our relationship is fairly new even if it seems we've been together for eons. I want to help him but don't know how and he's soooo grumpy. Any advice is appreciated.

Speedo
7/11 this song says pretty much everything about how I'm feeling at the separation from my firefighter
Who can say for certain
Maybe you’re still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You’re still an inspiration
Can it be
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn’t faith believing
All power can’t be seen


As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
’cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are

I know you’re there
A breath away’s not far
To where you are

Lyrics by Josh Groban 

Ab, please sign me Noname
7/9 Ab,

This one is awesome!!

Barbecued Succotash:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin or vegetable oil
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 (14-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10-ounce) box frozen corn
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup smoky barbecue sauce

Heat a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add onions and peppers and sauté 5 minutes. Add beans and corn and season with salt and pepper. When corn heats through, add barbecue sauce.

Rebecca

I added it. I'll have to try it. Ab.
7/8 Hey AB,

I didn't know you did recipes here on the family site. Here is one of my most favorite of all time.

Sticky chicken
1 envelope Lipton onion soup
1 small bottle Russian dressing
1 small jar apricot preserves
1 whole cut up chicken
Mix the first 3 ingredients together and pour over chicken in a 9x13x2 pan. Can be frigiderated over night or cooked right away. Bake for one hour in a 350 degree oven.

This is really great for those of you who have young children. Its so quick.

Cris

Thanks Chris, I added it to the Recipes list. Ab.
7/7 Sounds like a lot of the crews are on the Kenai fire. My husband said they were trying to keep them there for at least 7 days, if not 14, so I'm not sure when he heads back to the lower 48 here. lol. This is his first time in Alaska and it's ALWAYS been his dream to go, so I'm glad he has finally had the opportunity!

Jess- I was also pregnant last summer while my husband was away doing fires. He missed a lot and it was really hard so I know what you are talking about. My husband hasn't seen our daughter since mid-May. She has gained 4 pounds since then, is a jabber mouth, and is starting to walk. He's not going to recognize her when he gets home. She's gonna seem so big to him.

Darcy
7/6 It's great to see some new people here! Welcome!

I know I was sure happy to stumble across this board when it was my FF's first season. This is my third as a FF's SO. Sounds like some of our FF's might be up in Alaska together. Mine is on the Kenai fire as well right now. Doesn't sound like there is much action on that fire, as it is pretty dead. You won't hear me complaining if they get sent down south soon. That way maybe I can sneak in two days with him before I leave for Costa Rica. And at least his cell phone is actually working on this fire. That pretty much never happens when he is in AK. The last fire we didn't talk for 2 weeks, except for one 5-minute phone call. That makes time go by much slower doesn't it?

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth. I just got back from Florida this morning. A bunch of my family went down there to see my Dad and celebrate his 60th birthday. He lives right on the beach, just south of Cocoa Beach. It was so nice to relax and get some sun!

Jess, since you asked, I am 40 minutes west of Denver, in Conifer. Drop me a line if you are somewhat close and we could get together. That would be great! The weather sure is awesome here right now. I don't miss those Texas summers at all. You are quite the trooper for being pregnant, in a new place, and alone. I have wondered what that would be like if it happened to me and I think I'd be a big ol' baby. But we just have to suck it up sometimes huh? My SO is all concerned and frustrated about me going to Costa Rica for 6 weeks, but honestly, I haven't been able to drum up much sympathy. ;) It's his turn this time to miss me and worry about me. I did the math the other day and figured we have only been together 2 months longer than we've spent apart. Crazy...

Great to come back and see such an active board!!!

Taz Girl

***Hi catskilldog! That tubing trip and German beer are right up my alley!! Why didn't you invite me? ;)
7/5 Ab note: I'm going to post this here for right now, until I get it entered on the recipes page. Yummmm.

is it ok if I send some? I love to cook and share recipes.

Rebecca

Rebecca's ribs

bbq rub....

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup garlic powder
1/2 cup coarse sea salt
1 tbls dry mustard
1 tbls creole seasoning
1 tbls chili powder
1 tbls ground red pepper
1 tbls cumin
1 tbls black pepper

vinegar sauce....

2 cups apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar or more to taste depending how sweet you want this
1 tbls coarse sea salt
1/2 tbls black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

heat in a saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat simmer 15 mins

Ribs....
3 slabs babyback ribs
apple juice

rub meat with bbq rub.. wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill 8 hours

start grill....for charcoal place coals on ONE side of the grill, for gas light one side. Arrange ribs over unlit side.

Grill 2 hours covered with grill lid. Add 5 -7 charcoal pieces every 45 mins to 1 hour, keeping temp between 225-250. Add a handful of hickory chips to the charcoal every 20-30 mins. Spray ribs with apple juice when you add the wood chips.

Grill 2 more hours.. remove the ribs wrap in foil and grill another 2 hours. After last 2 hours remove foil place back on grill baste with vinegar sauce and grill 20 more mins.

7/5 Hey all- 

I'm another newbie to this board but I think it's wonderful. My husband has been a wildland firefighter for 3 years now. He started on a hot shot crew the year before we got married, and has been on an engine crew for the past 2 years. He is back on the Jackson Hotshots this year and is currently on a fire on the Kenai (sp?) Peninsula in Alaska. Today is the first day I've been able to talk him on the phone since he left about a week and a half ago. I am currently living in NH with our 10 month old daughter while he works on the shot crew this summer. I too understand the difficulty of having you spouse gone so often. Thanks for a place to go where I know others know what I'm going through.

Darcy
7/5 Hi again!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th! I did alot better than I thought I would, had a lot of family around to keep me busy (and insane). We got alot of pool time in so I'm paying for that now! My FF had a great weekend, all safe, I got to talk to him last night and he was exhausted but sounded good.

Jess~~ thanks for the kind words, it's nice to meet ya!

Take care everyone have a great day!

Rebecca
7/4
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*-Happy Independence Day-**-Happy Independence Day-**-Happy Independence Day-**-Happy 4th!-*

~¤/***\¤~~¤/***\¤~~¤/***\¤~~¤/***\¤~~¤/***\¤~~¤/***\¤~~¤/***\¤~~¤/***\¤~~¤/***\¤~~¤/***\¤~~¤/***\

from the Abs
7/3 I thought for sure my FF would go to Utah, they were on a fire on the Mojave National Preserve, only an hour or two away, but they came home, but not before catching a few extra hours on an 800 acre blaze, not too far from our house, on their way home. He had one day off, and he was off to Alaska, I got see him for a couple of extra days though, they had trouble finding a flight because of the 4th of July holiday travel. He’ll be gone for 21 days I’m sure, but I don’t mind because I’ll be in Colorado!! I’m actually leaving a week early since he’s not going to be here, I’m happy to have the extra time there.

Taz- I hear ya, its rough being the better half in a new place. I was in the same boat last year. I had just moved here at the end of April, after being separated from him for two months in Colorado, then we only had a few weeks together before he started going out. I was SO lonely, it was hard too being pregnant because I was so emotional. Its much better now, I don’t really have any friends here, but the baby and my dogs keep pretty good company. I’m so busy most of the time, I don’t notice that he’s not around until I crawl into my empty bed at night. Where did you end up moving to anyways? Maybe we can get together.

Robbie- your sister will never stop missing the smell of smoke. Sometimes I find something around the house that smells like fire, and I always go back for a second wiff. I know, it’s a little weird, but I have a saying about FF, once you’re out of the blue and into the black, you can never go back. Actually, I stole it from the great Neil Young, but he doesn’t have to know about it.

Hi Rebecca!! Welcome aboard. I used to be a FF, so I don’t worry too much about my hubby, but I would imagine that other people who don’t know so much about it probably worry a lot. You’ll get used to not having him around by the end of the season, and don’t worry too much if you don’t get that phone call, sometimes they have to work a long shift, or go some where with no cell coverage, I used to expect my morning call too.

I’ll be leaving tomorrow, I won’t be home for 4 or 5 weeks, my Dad does not have internet at his house, but I’ll probably check in from time to time, most of my friends have internet I can use. Have a great 4th everyone!!!!

Jess
7/2 Hi Everyone!

My name is Rebecca and I'm new around here. My fiancé is busy at work in Austin, NV and I'm so glad to find a nice forum like this with others who are in the same boat I am. I'm going a little stir crazy today, I usually get to talk to him each morning before he goes out, but haven't heard from him today. This is my first fire season so I'm a bit anxious/nervous. I miss him so much. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all.

Rebecca

Welcome, Rebecca. It is hard to take the separation in relationships. That's probably about the hardest thing fire families have to deal with. This is a good spot to ask questions, share worries, try to understand what's really going on. Ab.
7/2 Hello everyone, glad to see the action here.

This is the first season my sister is not fighting fire. Her friends say she's gone
over to the dark side... Actually, she just finished her degree and she's
traveling to see if she can stand not smelling the smoke. We'll see.

Robbie
6/30 Wow!! What a neat site for the families. I finally decided to check it out. Boy
those are some very lucky FF out there who have such great ladies who are
willing to watch their backs.

Keep up the support ladies because nothing brings a FF down lower and
quicker then having no support from family.

Personal experience.

Cris
6-30 hi all,

boy, it's quiet around here. my FF man is on some serious fires in utah. he called me late last night (1:30 am for me!) and early this morning before he headed out. we've been text messaging for over a week now. it was so good to hear his voice!

i actually mowed my whole front and back yards over the past few days. we have an acre of property and i think i burned about 2000 calories. i got such a good workout, i told my hubby that i would do it from now on! this is the first time i have conquered this task from start to finish -- ever!

other than that, well, i went tubing down the river with my sister-in-law last weekend and had a blast. we were originally planning to go hiking afterward, but the german beer in town kinda called us to it and we decided to take in a brew or six.

i usually fly out with the hopes to see my man for the 4th, but this year we are low on funds, so i didn't even plan it. good thing, because the west is burning up! good for the FF ($$), but i hope all the residential areas and the FF are safe. he said that they were surrounded by fire the other night and told me how cool it was. scary how we share the same excitement of the fire (in a good way).

hope all is well with all of you!

~~catskilldog~~
6/24 Hey Jess. Welcome back. Good to hear from you. Sounds like you have quite a household! How wonderful!

I just have to say.....I miss my FF so bad!!! I feel like such a wuss, but I can't help it. I don't have the support system in Colorado that I did back in Texas, since I'm still kinda new. That's alright though, what doesn't kill ya makes you stronger right? Plus, I'm only at my job for another few weeks and after that is over, I will feel better. It is really wearing on me right now. Work, and then working out...two versions of work in one day. I need more FUN. ;) I can't complain too much though, because my brother was in town last weekend and we had an absolute blast. We spent the weekend on a little mini-road trip and saw some beautiful country. We went to Grand Lake for a friend's party and then the next day off to a place about 30 miles from Kremmling on the river. It was great! Colorado can't be beat in the summer.

I did finally hear from the SO yesterday after 7 days of incommunicado. Luckily, or it would've been 14, they were moved to another fire, so he was able to briefly call from the airport. It will be nice when he gets transported down south so he can actually get cell reception.

In my household there are no babies yet, just two dogs. It has been somewhat difficult to care for them by myself, because I work 30 minutes from home and one of them has to be on the tie out all day b/c he is a fence jumper. I feel guilty about it and try to make up for it on weekends. I would not have consented to the second dog (we got him in January) if I'd known my SO was leaving to work again for five months. But that's the way it goes... 

The southwest really looks like it's starting to burn right now huh?! Man, that sit report can be dull as dull for weeks and in one day sure changes drastically. Hope you all have a great weekend!!!!

Taz Girl
6/23 Hello all-

I hadn’t checked the site for a while, but low and behold today, there were messages! Things have been slow here in So. Cal, my FF has been around all season. He didn’t even have his first fire until Father’s Day, he’s down in San Bernardino now though, and its HOT and windy. I’m sure things will start picking up as it dries out, there’s going to be lots of fuel out there from all of the rain we had over the winter and spring.

Gavin is ten months, he has been walking for a few weeks now, and the majority of my time is spent following him around, making sure he’s not causing baby mischief. The other part of the time I follow my dogs around and make sure they’re not causing puppy mischief. My FF wanted to get our 1 yr. old lab a little girlfriend, I was not so eager to get another puppy, but I lost that battle and now she’s 4 mo. Trigger is the older one and Gunner is the little Mrs.

I’m taking a trip to Colorado in a few weeks, I’m so excited to go home and see family, friends and old fire pals, I haven’t seen most of them since I moved. I’m looking forward to the nice Rocky Mountain weather too, that’s what I miss the most, I don’t much care for the desert.

That’s about all around here, just regular old mom stuff, until next time…

Jess
6/13 Hi everyone!

Great to see everyone is back and healthy! I am doing well. We moved to Colorado last December. Then the SO decided he had to go back for another year. He got a promotion he couldn't turn down. He left early May and now I'm holding down the fort by myself for now. I visited him in AK a week ago and we got to spend two weekends together.

I decided to turn lemons into lemonade for the summer (I was NOT happy about his decision to leave, since we are new here and haven't been here very long) so I am going to Costa Rica for 6 weeks come August 1st. I'm taking a spanish immersion for two weeks, traveling around for a few weeks, mostly w/ my brother, and then spending a week at a timeshare w/ my mom and brother. I am really excited!! I will be leaving my job here in Colorado in late July and then will spend the rest of September back in Texas until the SO is done w/ his season. I made sure I had a lot of things to look forward to make the long absence much easier! :)

I have not been playing roller derby in Denver, even though they do have a new league. I miss it really bad, but it just isn't in the cards for now. I put a LOT of my time in the last few years into it, and need to focus on other things for now.

Hope all is well and wonderful w/ everyone and I will be checking in again regularly.

TaZ Girl
6/8 hi everyone!

it's been quite a while since i've posted. my FF
husband has been gone since mid may. i got to spend
memorial day weekend with him and some friends in
moab, ut, which was fun! now i miss him! i won't get
to see him again until mid august. oh well, just
checking in with you all.

hope all of your FF's are safe.

~~ catskilldog ~~
6/7 Hello all. Thank you for the e-mail Mellie...
I too was checking on the site all winter. So quiet!
I am doing fine. Been back to work full time since October. I have all my hair back and then some. Even had to cut it twice. (whoo hoo!)

My Firefighter has been laid up with injuries, so it is an iffy thing if he will make it out this summer. He is itching to go, as he missed most of last summer staying home to watch over me. <G>

If anyone wants to e-mail me directly, Abs, I give permission for you to give out my e-mail.

Poet
5/31 Hey Ladies…

In case you hadn’t heard, here in Northern NM we’re getting more water than fire…though we got a dry lightning bust night before last I’m very surprised didn’t turn into more. I was sitting standby on a flood situation, wondering if we were going to have flooding and fires all at the same time. It’s hard, sitting there at the fire house coordinating sandbags for other folks wondering if the creek’s coming in under one’s own propane tank. We got all the rain and snow the northwest didn’t this year (sorry, Sammi, didn’t do it on purpose), so creeks that haven’t flowed since the seventies are going full bore. What we’re hoping is that we don’t get a dry, hot midsummer to cure all the fine fuels growing right now. Needless to say I haven’t gotten to play with fire much this season (so far), but I’m studying like crazy to brush up on my swiftwater stuff. Now if I can just catch up on my sleep…and my day job!

Nerd on the Fireline
5/31 Mellie,

Thrilled to hear from you. I'm thinking of everyone and hoping everyone is well. My son broke his arm January a year ago and had some complications (4 surgeries and another one planned). So, he didn't fight fires last summer and it looks like he won't again this year. But I still follow the news. And I'm grateful for the three summers of support and encouragement I found on TheySaid and Familysaid. 

My best to you all. 
Montana Mom
5/31 Hi guys, 

I also have checked the list a couple of times thru the winter but no one was around soooo I figured everyone was busy and some in treatment, etc. Seems like we had a rash of cancer treatments but am so glad to hear from a couple of people are doing really well. I now am doing great and all tests come back with very good news.

My guys and gals are all busy, there was a fire in Montana but as they were getting gear and trucks ready it rained so they were cancelled. I don't think it had gone to "project fire" level but we are so close they do mutual aid sometimes.

We also had a real tragedy a week ago with the murder of a mom, her 13 yr old son and her finance. There are two children missing an 8 yr old girl and her 10 yr old brother. So a couple of my kids and my husband have been doing standby's etc. Look on the Kootenai County Sheriff web page to get their pictures and send them to anyone you can.

It is not looking good around the northwest as far as burn expectations. We have had very little snow and less rain. The creeks and lakes are very low....lots of stranded boats. So the predictions are lots of fires and some major work. So it is a catch 22, I want my family to work but don't like to see the damage.....the Firesafe program has really been successful up here and hopefully that will help with property damage. Anyway, I am going to read some on my book today. Hope everyone will come back on the list soon and we have a safe, healthy summer. glad to be back and hope to hear from all our Family and new people please write in......we really are a blast when we get going. 

Sammi

Hi Sammi and all. Ab.
5/31 Howdy AB...greetings from Colorado.

I came across your website wildlandfire.com in an effort to locate some written history about smokejumpers and specifically about smokejumpers or forest fire fighters wives...and widows. I am trying to find some specific accounts of wives and widows of fire fighters and their stories, preferably from the earlier years of the Forest Service, that I can use to write a couple songs for a friend of mine in the Forest Service who is also working on this project.

Your website was very interesting to go through, and it was also very interesting to read the emails from today's wives (in familysaid) about their lives going on while their husbands and boyfriends are out on the firelines. I am certain that the communications between wives in the days before email probably read pretty much the same, with the concerns for the safety of their loved ones and the joys and tribulations of having babies and raising families without their loved ones around, plus all the other news, like the wives health issues, sharing recipes, talking about where their partners are working, etc etc....

If anyone in your 'family' there has any information they would care to share with me or any info on books or reference material I can get my hands on in regards to stories of wives or widows of forest fire fighters, I would be most obliged. Please feel free to email me at pattyclayton@msn.com. 

Thanks for your time!

Patty Clayton ~ Performing Songwriter
Female Performer of the Year for the Western Music Assoc.
website: www.cimarronwind.com  
5/29 HI Taz Girl!!

I have been checking regularly to see if anyone is around, but all I kept seeing was
my last post!! My husband is stillaround, nothing going on here yet. He has been
teaching though and doing some burning. He is itching to go though. Glad to see
a post from someone!! Hope all is well there...

FireWife
5/18 Hello. Taz Girl here. I just went and checked on Family Said (first time in a while) and don't see anything new since December. Is it still active? Can I send you a post? My SO is back out on fire now and figured it was time again to check in with the rest.

Hope all is well w/ you!

Thanks,
Taz Girl

If you want, I could get a heads up note sent out to those who regularly chatted here. It could include whatever message you want to send as well as my greetings... Ab.
 

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