Corky the miracle dog progress report

Corky will be 10 in the winter and has been growing younger with the addtion of his new little brother Cooper. They run, fight, play, kiss and generally enjoy each other. Like any siblings there were moments when we thought we had made a huge mistake by adopting Cooper but it has settled down and I think Cooper has done Corky a world of good. He is at least getting more exercise.

Last week Susan took Corky for his checkup and they found a growth on his neck. The vet was concerned enough to suggest immediate removal given his history. Yesterday was surgery day and the vet is 99% sure it is not cancer. Susan was paniced, practically already digging his grave, so it was an immerse relief for her. Corky is still a little shaky but is regaining his personality hourly.

Obama VP and family time

Today is Friday and Obama is supposed to announce his VP choice tomorrow. Amazingly there have been no leaks. Of those who have been seriously mentioned, my vote is for Biden. I like him and he has the foreign policy gravatis to counter the criticism that he is a lightweight. He also has the unusual habit for a politicial of speaking clearly and saying what is on his mind, a mixed blessing in a campaign. This continues to be a fun political season for me. I wish they would hire me to write ads though. I have some great ideas. Actually all they have to do it play back some of the candidates own words.

On the personal front my newly married daughter Maya announced that she and Jeremy are expecting. Everyone is sure, for no good reason, that it's a girl. I don't think they are going to want to find out but my son said that too and weakened at the end. Maya is having all day sickness on top of her full time job and her doctoral program which is in its second semester. They also just moved, thus violating all the rules. I will see them all in a couple of weeks.

Fires all extinguished

The fire season in Mendocino County got off to a terrible start this year. We had unusual dry lightning which set literally hundreds of fires. Fortunately only 2 structures were burned but over 50,000 acres were charred. At the low point we had over 1000 firefighters battling the blazes and several hundred National Guard troops were dispatched to assist. It was like an invasion. Every hotel room in Ukiah was booked.
Our favorite tenant Marrissa works for the Mendocino Redwood Company and many of the fires were on their lands, often is very inaccessable locations. She worked 14 hour days for 2 weeks doing logistics. Her company hired contractors to assist as Cal Fire was overextended and were trying to save structures as their priority. Marrissa got to know some of the contractors very well and was devistated when the helicopter crash in the Trinity National Forest killed 8, 3 of whom were her friends. This brings home the dangers and how heroic the firefighters have been.

Fortunately the coast was clear. We had a bit of smoke drifting our way a couple of days but for the most part people from inland were all coming here to breath.
We were nervous because the fire touched Montgomery Woods, home to the disputed tallest redwoods in the world. I've been told by the experts that the fires were "good fires" in that they cleaned up the undergrowth which needed to be cleaned and didn't touch the crowns of the giants. Redwoods are very resiliant and will survive.
The fire season lasts until the rains come in early Nov. so there is still plenty to worry about.