The weather let up in time for Cindi and Jean’s flight to make it in with little delay. During their visit, we all took a trip down the Willamette River on a paddle boat and had a great time (not to mention a little champagne!)
Nermal even dressed up to play Santa for our Christmas celebration
It started snowing the week of December 15th and continued on through Christmas. It did warm up briefly enough to start melting but then the temperature dropped down again below freezing, and everything turned to ice. This caused a LOT of tree limbs to start falling, leading to down power lines throughout Colton and a loss of power to the Elwood area for 2 1/2 days. Luckily, Brad was ready (and even anxious) to get the backup generator set up – and the fire department had nearly a month’s worth of calls in one week! In one day, Brad and Jodi went on a house fire call in Estacada, down power lines on Bauer Road, a chimney fire on the far side of Colton, and more power lines down on both Shibley and Elwood (blocking both our routes out to the highway). JB Ranch had quite a few branches down around the property, and a few fences needing to be fixed.
The Kittens had a chance to go outside and play in the snow. But once done, Nermal likes to return right back to the warmest spot in the house…the top of the pellet stove!
Brad & Jodi have been hanging out at the Colton Cafe, especially for Friday night dinners and weekend breakfast. The Cafe features paintings for sale by local artists. A few months ago, Jodi noticed that one particular artist signed his work as “redneck”. His theme seemed to be around old shops with even older cars and gas pumps. During casual conversation with one of the waitresses, she mentioned that “Redneck” was actually Dennis, one of the regulars, and made introductions. From there, an idea for a shop with a tractor was born, and artwork was commissioned! A few weeks later, this was hanging in the Cafe, custom made for Jodi & Brad!
One of our Lieutenants, Dave, is planning to build a new house. But first we had to help get rid of his old one! Brad and Jodi spent half the day Saturday practicing forced entry, rapid egress, and just had some fun tearing through walls.
Breakfast thanks to Kent
Jodi & Brad breaking through the walls
Oh, and Jodi driving Engine 125!
And Sunday was spent practicing exterior attack, then burning down the house!
We always look forward to Thanksgiving Day…not just for the turkey, stuffing, and gravy, but for the Black Friday Ads!!! Thursday is traditionally spent studying the ads and strategizing the most efficient route for Friday morning. This year, Joan (Brad’s mom) joined in the festivities since she has a new house to furnish! The day was a success and we all made it back to the house by 2 to take naps.
Here are pictures from walmart 15 minutes after the doors opened – the line was still wrapped around the building!
Tigger & Nermal scored a new pet bed, but Brandi was a bit jealous and didn’t want to share…
…On the Web, that is! Brad’s been working diligently to give the Colton Rural Fire Department their first ever website. Jodi has been helping out behind the scenes with some content writting and design consultation. Although we’re still working on some details, you can check it out at www.coltonfiredistrict.org.
As part of Colton Fire’s community services, the department provides EMT coverage for the high school varisty football games. Wanting to be first on call for any emergencies Halloween night, Brad and Jodi volunteered to help man the Rescue at the game. Good news – no one at the game needed medical attention. Bad news – the Colton Vikings lost in overtime!
[picture coming soon]
Brad and Jodi started EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) school, which means lots of extra hours studying. Nermal has been very supportive by ensuring we get our much needed sleep!
Brad and Justin had the opportunity to participate in Monitor’s burn to learn. They needed to use Colton’s air trailer and were very gracious in including our Colton crew in their training exercises.
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