Bastrop Wildfires

Many of you have probably heard about the wild fires in Bastrop this past weekend. Luckily our home and property are undamaged. We are located across the Colorado River and about 5 miles from the fire's leading edge, so we were well away from the danger area. The fire is 90% contained and there are just a few spots that are still smoldering so for the most part the danger is over. (Barring any more flare ups, high winds, etc.)

The fire was located on the east side of the county near/in one of the two state parks here. Currently the report is that it burned 1200 acres (roughly 2 square miles) of the Lost Pines Forest. Interestingly, one of the homes we considered buying out here would have put us right in the middle of the fire. Ultimately we ended up closer to the Austin (west) side of Bastrop. Apparently it started with a downed power line that set the dry brush on fire (we've been in a drought for a couple of years now).

While this was going on, Krista and I were in Tucson visiting family! There is something strange about being 800 miles and 2 states away watching your home town of 8,000 on national cable news! Luckily we were able to reach the neighbors and confirm that our neighborhood was safe. Also the dogs were kenneled near our home so they too were safe.

Thanks to everyone for their emails and calls, we appreciate the concern!
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/region_3/wildfire_victims_return_home_to_remains

New Website!

Well, I've finally updated our website and uploaded it to the web: www.nextofken.com
It is still in process, but let me know if you notice any errors or if there is anything that you'd like to see. At some point, I will add separate pages for me and Ken. You know, in my copious amount of spare time.... :-)
Enjoy!
-Krista

Skype

Well, Ken and I have both joined Skype. It is a free way to call friends and family with a computer, speakers, and a webcam, so that you can see and hear each other. So far, I've been able to talk to my mom in Tucson and conference call my best buds Jess (in Denver) and Laura (in Virginia), while Ken has talked to his friend Todd in Oregon.

It's pretty cool. To download, go to www.skype.com and follow the directions. Once you've got it loaded on your pc, look us up!

Will write later!
Krista

Sewing Triumph!

Well, I've been working on this blanket for several months now, and I'm finally finished. I meant the embroidery to be practice only, but they turned out so well that I decided to make them part of a blanket. Looks pretty good, I'd say. Now, if I only knew what to do with it!