Theme Thursday--Fire !!!

I have never "bought into" prevent forest fires. Don't get me wrong, I am not a pyromaniac and I believe in being very responsible while visiting forested lands. In fact, I am a "land steward" as a hobbyist. That said....forest fires renew our lands by giving back nutrients, burning out ladder fuels, killing deadly pine beetle and spruce bud worms and allowing new seeds to germinate and give forests life. My grandfather a 8th generation cattle rancher learned from his Native American neighbors to set fire to his range land when he left it in the fall for his valley ranch in Northern California. When he returned to his summer range the next spring all grasses were new and life was abundant. My family arrived in northern California in 1856. We still hold the title to the lands but regulations have been imposed by those in Washington DC who know NOTHING of range management thus the reason for the now raging forest fires and deadly beetle outbreaks. If they subscribed to "control burns" our lands would be so much more healthy for everyone to enjoy. How about less government regulation...let nature do what it is suppose to do without costly intervention. Our tax dollars could certainly be used for better purposes.

Fires Renewing the Earth
(not my photos)

Yellowstone fire 1988







Yellowstone Fire 1988












OK now I am off my political stand and on to rustic fireplaces. I love our mountain home...the warmth of the fireplaces are extraordinary in the fall and winter and still a delight on cold spring mornings!!! Wish I had this 1st photo fireplace...oh my!(1st Photo not mine)

























And because this is a whimsy site....I have added some favorite toys!!!


Cast Iron Firemen Toys:




























Tin Firemen Toys: