Sorry about your sting. I’ve had 3 different stings in the past couple of years and have had pretty severe reactions. I hope it won’t cause you any problems!

A few years ago, while riding on some country roads , my phone also somehow dialed 911. In my case, I had the phone in the back pocket of my jersey and I didn't hear the operator answer. At some point on my ride I stopped and had a look at my phone. There were three missed calls. One of them was from a county sheriff's officer who left a message saying to call him back. What did I do, I wondered? Maybe he saw me go through a stop sign, which is something I commonly do while riding. But how did he get my phone number?

So I called him back and he said my 911 call was referred to him for follow-up. I told him I didn't make a 911 call. He assured me a 911 call came from my phone. I checked, and he was right. I apologized like crazy and explained I must have accidentally "butt-dialed" the number. I also assured him I was doing just fine.

"I know," he replied, "I drove past you a little while ago. I figured that must have been what happened."

I was a little surprised that he was able to pinpoint my location like that--apparently from my phone--and even more surprised that he didn't stop to talk to me at that time. I mean, what if I had been riding my bike to the place where the emergency happened?

Thanks Kathleen. This is a such a sad time for sure and I can't even imagine what that area looks like. People say that it's like a nuclear bomb went off, leveling so many homes. But my sister is already moving forward as they dream about designing and building their perfect home.

Thanks Scott. I think they are both in shock now as they literally made it out in just minutes with little more than a few clothes, meds, computers and a few family pictures. There is nothing left of the house but ash and debris but you never know what you'll find that's survived the flames. They are now focusing on the rebuild and dreaming of the type of house they want.

That’s awful news about your sister’s home. Sending best wishes to her and her husband.

That’s such awful news about your sister’s home, Marilyn. Thank heavens they made it out safely, but it must be so traumatic for them.

Good plan to leave now, and a good model for life these days - do it when you can.