Attached Link: NASA Photo - Smoke from S.CA fires is so thick it can be seen from space

I'm tickled with the great work you've all done. The entries youve submitted are TERRIFIC. short notice, or not! Keep 'em coming. We're really enjoying ourselves. We've got some cool prizes so for those who have not entered, please join in. Thanks you all again for providing such great entertainment with no cover charge! ;)

OT - Being a native of this state, it has been particularly heartbreaking to watch these devastating fires envelope Southern California From the southern most part of San Diego, to Santa Clarita, 200 miles north, its path of destruction has spread from the east to the western portion of the state with unyielding firestorm force. It is just unfathomable, but more unconscionable that all of this is a result of arson. 2 friends of mine (2 couples actually) lost their homes in Lake Arrowhead & Big Bear. Their homes are just GONE.

NEWS UPDATE (an overview):
Temperatures dipped to around freezing overnight, and continuing light rain was expected to keep the flames at bay while firefighters bulldozed buffer zones around mountain communities. They hoped to complete the fire breaks before the expected return of hot Santa Ana winds next week. While the heavy fog has reduced visibility and icy roads have slowed firefighters' effort, the cooler weather since Thursday has helped them make progress against wildfires that have killed 20 people, destroyed more than 3,300 homes and burned more than 750,000 acres across Southern California over the past week. The acreage that has burned to date is larger than the entire State of Rhode Island x2

So hold good thoughts for our courageous firefighters, and pray they get ALL of these fires contained before the Santa Ana winds kick up next week. With the heavy rains expected this winter, mudslides are next since there is little to hold the earth in tact now. Happens every time.

So after that uplifting bit of news, wouldnt a Creature Couple render be fun about now? 3 more days...Cmon...

;)
Pam

That link is actuallly to our contest! (I got a little carried away.. Sorry. :/) pg