Wildfires and Baked Goods.

Steven is in Cle Elum today working very hard to protect the homes that are being threatened by a fast moving fire. It is hot and windy and this fire that started as a brush fire which was sparked by a construction crew about 24 hours ago, had grown to over 26,000 acres and destroyed 60+ homes by the time I woke up this morning. I just read an article on King5.com that says about 31 square miles have been burned -- roughly the size of the city of Bellevue.

Steven worked 72 hours this weekend (8am Friday to 8am Monday) and was home for only 8 hours yesterday before getting called out to Cle Elum and I am missing him! As he was rushing around packing clothes he made sure to tell me that he didn't know how long he would be gone and that I probably wouldn't be able to reach him by phone. I bravely nodded, attempted a smile, and said, "okay." but was maybe kind of panicking inside. I didn't get much sleep last night but then... he certainly didn't either. He has been in touch, thank goodness, and said they arrived in Cle Elum around 9pm and got straight to work.

He's finally settling down for a rest and some food. From what I understand the firefighters just have this huge camp full of tents. I'm not sure who organizes this type of thing but they're feeding the firefighters and providing LOTS of water and everything. It seems like a pretty incredible experience.

(cases of water and Gatorade in the camp)

Lena and Aaron were driving through the area when Steven was first heading over there and they sent me this picture. Crazy! I'm so bummed that I didn't think to send a camera with Steven! I'm probably going to borrow some photos from the internet for a blogpost later this week. I have already seen some shocking images and can't even imagine what it must be like to be there.

In the meantime, I am at home, baking. Yes, baking in this summer heat. And no my new house does not stay nice and cool. It gets hot hot hot, just like anybody elses, but baking keeps me busy and makes me happy. Todays recipe: Maple Pecan Scones. Oh. My. Goodness. So tasty. This icing is basically what you find on top of a maple bar and it's amazing. Probably not the best that I've discovered how to make it. The scone itself is light and buttery like a pecan shortbread. Delish!

Yum. Feel free to come over and eat with me. I'll make you a cup of tea.

I'm doing my best to keep busy because when I'm not busy, I think I'm a bit anxious. I sent him a text earlier today telling him that "I'm not worried but sometimes I think my tummy is." And that's how I feel! I don't think I'm actually scared of him being so near this raging fire but my tummy has felt sick since he left last night so maybe I'm more nervous than I thought. I know they all make safe choices though.

I seem to be spending lots of time on the computer reading every Taylor Bridge Fire update that pops up on Seattle Times and King 5 so I'm sure you'll be hearing from me again soon.