The sight of Bald Mountain aglow last weekend was both breathtaking and shocking.

I say breathtaking because the glow of the fire against the night sky was a stunning sight, and shocking because I understood its potential for damage should it not be quickly contained.

As I write this column, I have learned that the 1500 Road Fire, while not intentionally set, was the result of human behavior that went out of control.

As I think on this, it became clear how quickly numerous events in our lives can get out of control and become potentially dangerous, if not life-threatening.

Just this last week I heard of a very lucky driver who played side-swipe with a truck that crossed the center line, from a pastor who was having an enjoyable walk until a spider bite froze up his arm for a week and of a third individual who luckily missed hitting a deer and a ditch.

All of which is a reminder that we should never take anything for granted. Life is short enough without the unexpected.

While you might not be able to avoid a hidden spider, an errant truck or a deer trying to cross the road, in the words of the Hoskins-Kings Valley Fire Chief Dave Evans, "Be vigilant!"

You never know what you will avoid just by being aware of your surroundings.

A trail to romance

Sometimes the timeliness of awareness does not always make sense. What may seem like old news to some, will be new to others.

Several weeks ago Sandi Newell and John "Rev" Revell celebrated their springtime wedding.

Why this reception was so late is a story in itself and involves multiple continents, an untimely death in the family and waiting for the completion of county fairs.

While this alone might be worth discussing, what makes this marriage even more special are the circumstances that led to it.

Rev, a native of England, and more specifically of the village of Three Legged Cross, near the town of Wimbourne in the county of Dorsetshire, became intrigued with the idea of wagon trains of the Old West.

In the course of his studies he became associated with Lucky Newell's famous trail rides.

On one occasion there was a need for a driver for the lead wagon. And while it had been some time since Sandi participated in one of these rides, she was enlisted by her mother, Audrey Newell.

It was during this particular wagon ride that John and Sandi crossed paths and became friends. Upon the ride's completion, John returned to England and Sandi to Central Oregon and time passed.

During this time, Sandi's husband, John Howell, passed away. Rev learned of Sandi's loss, contacts were re-

established, and the rest, as they say, is history.

As one can also say, this is truly a case of a romance that extended across the time zones and seas.

As I spoke with Rev, he noted that he enjoys the couple's new home in Kings Valley and finds the climate very similar to southern England.

More importantly he finds Sandi about the "nicest American gal" he has met.

I can't think of a nicer way for a husband to say "I love you!"

All of which is to say that new beginnings can occur in ways that one might never expect.

Congrats to Sandi and Rev. May your home be blessed as you cherish your lives together.

A delicious event

Cherish might be the wrong word to use concerning the Pie Dessert Contest that will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Kings Valley Charter School.

In the tradition of a good 'ol spaghetti feed, this event will feature local pies that will not only be judged, but also eaten.

This event is being held to supplement the fund-raising towards the Kings Valley Charter School's playground.

For $5, those in attendance can eat pie (and ice cream) and wash it down with juice, coffee or tea.

For a nominal charge of $10, pie makers will submit two pies each, one for judging and one for eating.

If bakers are willing to let go of their carefully guarded secret recipes, the students at the charter school want to create a recipe book.

This year's judges will include Philomath School Board member Rick Wells, Hoskins-Kings Valley Fire Board members Jane Brandenburg, Betsy Boren and Dan Hayes, Pedee Women's Club member Juandeane Skidmore, and maybe - hint, hint: bug him if you see him - Superintendent Pete Tuana.

In preparation for Pie Dessert 2008, a judgeship auction will be held during this year's event to determine the judges for next year's contest.

Keep your eyes open for more details, as flyers will be up shortly. For more information, contact Diana Barnhart at at 929-4111.

Dan Hayes reports on news in the Hoskins-Kings Valley community and can be reached at 929-2356 or travelor54@peak.org.