Our region has been plagued with wildfires this spring. So what does one do? We prepare of course. Between the cowpoke, the boss, and the next door neighbour we have an impressive arsenal of fire fighting equipment at our finger tips, tested and ready to go. The area around the ranch is being well irrigated to create a green belt. We feel confident that we are prepared to fight from a position of power.

Apparently not all of our neighbours are as conscientious. As I speak, we have a fire burning 2 km from the ranch. The volunteer fire department and forestry are on the scene. The above mentioned three good 'ol boys went to check out the situation - I later discovered - with a pick-up load of fire equipment. Cause of fire - aforementioned neighbour decided it was a good day to burn a slash pile... We are prepared to fight fire to save our homes and livestock, but how does one fight stupidity?

I have had one close up and personal experience with wild fire. The Fly Hills fire of 1998. I kept a journal so will one day post my diary and pictures. Remind me, if you are interested.

I loved the old Queen Mum and here's one of my favourite stories: When London was being bombed, during WWII, "the King and Queen made the decision to stay in London, come what may. Suggestions that she take her daughters Elizabeth and Margaret Rose to Canada for safety were met with a typical straightforward response: 'The girls will not go without me. And I won't leave without the King. And of course the King will never leave.' It was a decision that would be forever remembered and held up decades later as a shining example of loyalty and commitment." http://www.cbc.ca/news/obit/queenmother/

So - if we can smell the smoke - do we run? Hell no!