Pamela, No, it's an issue I need to figure out how to fix. I've also recently had two people saying my blog is blocked for being a malicious site. I've looked into that one but still need to figure out why BlogLovin' isn't working. Thanks for letting me know!

Wendy, Thanks for your concern. It's horrible that so many homes are being lost. It's about 15 minutes away from our home at the north end of town and we're not in any danger other than how the smoke might affect allergies, etc. but we're thankful we're safe. Still, after last year's Waldo Canyon fire that spilled over into the edge of town, it's hard not to be on edge until it's put out. Thankfully it seems the first responders are much better equipped this year because of extra training they got in case this happened again.

Mandi, Gosh, well done! I love that you looked at that boy and told him it wasn't okay for anyone to talk to him that way because it seems like that's all that was probably modeled to him. Sometimes that's almost more important than confronting the bully.

Thank you sweet friend! I hope more than anything that Sebastian and Ruby learn to stand up for themselves and anyone else that needs someone to do it for them. I know you know the feeling!

Yes! Sometimes not saying anything is just as bad. I know that kid heard me and we made eye contact when I passed him on our way to our car the second time. It was my hope, too, that he felt some courage or hope that there are complete strangers out there willing to stand up to that kind of hatefulness. And maybe one of these days we'll remember our comebacks sooner! ;)

Esh, It's such a heartbreaking part of life and I know we both wish we could shield our kids from all the hatefulness that will come their way for one thing or another. It's my hope that their generation will grow up with more love and compassion in their hearts for all the ways people are different.

Bethany, Yes, Shugas! We've only really been there for date nights because we love it so much but we've also been to The Rabbit Hole once and it's kind of a novelty spot because it's underground and you enter through an enclosed bus shelter that has a neon sign and sparkly chandelier inside. It's kind of fun and has a lot of ambiance down there. The food was excellent. It's downtown, too. If you need a great breakfast/lunch spot try Smiley's (also downtown) on Tejon and Boulder. It can be a bit of a wait at lunch so brunch is really the best time. Good luck and I hope you have fun here!

Mel, I am forever endebted! If my memory serves me correctly, you were always the life of the party on any hall you were on and DID know everyone! So, we secretly wanted to be like each other!