Garage Explosion in Roanoke County

Reed Bohon and Fire Marshall Scott Jones survey the remains

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A Roanoke County man's garage exploded into flames destroying it completely and damaging part of his house on the afternoon of Dec 27.

Reed Bohon was startled by noise outside of his house that he thought was a car accident. He looked out the window and saw smoke pluming from the garage through the bay doors and windows.

Roanoke County Fire Station 11 was the first on the scene with Engine 11, along with other fire trucks. The fire was raging when they got there. Despite the damage from the fire no one was hurt.

Dean Peroulas, Captain of Fire Station 11, said that their main concern was Bohon's house did not catch on fire.

Engine 11 experienced hardships while trying to contain the fire. Getting water to the fire was difficult. The wind made it difficult to keep the fire away from house.

Firefighters set up a water shuttle to transport water from hydrants close by.

"Sometimes we ran out [of water], but most of the time we had enough water to do what we need to do," said Peroulas.

Though the fire did not destroy the home, it melted the siding and caused smoke damage.

Scott Jones, a Roanoke County Fire Inspector, said that he estimates the damages to be $80 to $100 thousand.

Fire inspectors are still determining what caused the fire, though there are many sources that could have started the blaze.

"A lot of heat and electrical sources in here," said Jones. "So far we have not come up with anything yet, but it is still under investigation."

Power tools, a pickup truck and vintage tractor parts were some of the most expensive things that Bohon lost in the fire.

"It's all up in smoke," said Bohon.

Mistakes help us learn

Film forces you to make mistakes. It's a good thing.

In the Shakespearean play "Othello", the character Iago said, "But men are men; the best sometimes forget."

No one is perfect. Yet, it is easy to forget this when your scholarship depends on what happens in the testing center.

It is our human instincts to avoid pain, embarrassment or discomfort. Therefore, we naturally avoid mistakes and shun them as skeletons in the closet.  However, a fear of mistakes can be debilitating because they are impossible to avoid entirely.

I have trained many photographers while I have been photo editor. Many of them have never used anything more than their Facebook-ready cameras, so they have to be trained on the basics. Many members of my staff have asked what they should do to improve their skills. I tell them to buy a film camera.

The shock on their face after hearing this is more entertaining to me than NBC on a Thursday night.

There is a reason why this seemingly archaic medium is so important to a photographer's progression. It takes time, money and a great deal of thought to produce an image with film. However, film helps a photographer learn how to take a real photograph rather than a trial-and-error image.

Unlike digital photography where there are few consequences, mistakes in film are much more costly. These mistakes hurt, but that's how we learn.

The same principle applies to all aspects of life. The course of our lives depends on the choices we make. Many times the fear of making a mistake leads us to the path of least resist. However, the path of least resistance can quickly become the path of least learning.

Dr. Judith Wright, a motivational speaker and author of "The One Decision" said that creative minds "do not see mistakes as indictments, they see them as data."

R. L. E. Schwarzenberger, a German Mathmatician, said, "The willingness to make mistakes and to learn from them should become an important element in problem-solving and in investigations."

Granted, it is not a good idea to go out and intentionally make mistakes, and trial-and-error is a poor approach to test taking. However living with an understanding that mistakes will happen and then committing to them will enhance learning.

The problem could stem from a lack of accountability. We refuse to own up to our mistakes when they are made. A failure to do so inhibits learning and the gaining of experience. When we make an incorrect decision, we need to accept it as a mistake and learn from it.

In simpler terms, be humble.

Use pens instead of pencils., get back up after falling off of the skateboard or go on a date with that person you've been eyeing in your class without fear. Commit to making mistakes and embrace error as a gift.

Seattle: Days 20-22: "Wrapping up"

It is the day before I leave Seattle. I am going to miss this place, but it is time to continue on. I need to see my family at home before I go back to school.

On Sunday I went to a singles ward meeting where converts spoke about how they came to find the church. I realized that this area is full of people who have found themselves here just like me. I fit in.

I scheduled an interview with the Editor in Chief of the Bellevue Reporter. If I get the internship, perhaps I will be in this area for longer.

For now, it's time to pack. I'll miss this place.

Seattle: Day 19 "Birthday"

Today is my birthday. To me, turning 25 was bittersweet. It was nice to be a year older and surrounded by friends, but it was bitter to think about where I am in life. I need a good job. I need to get my life in order.

I had dinner with a lot of friends and then we went to Alki beach. And it made me realize what is really important in life.

I feel confident about life and where I am going. And the cake was good, too.

Seattle: Day 18 "Hanging with the Asplunds"

A lot of nothing took place today. The most exciting thing that happened was the trip to the Asplunds. We watched "Arrested Development" and ate homemade pizza. Her family is a lot of fun. They remind me a lot of a family that I used to spend a lot of time with except friendlier.

It was relaxing.

Seattle: Day 17 "Took it easy"

Not a lot to write about today, so here is a simple list of what I did:

1.) Watched two Harry Potter movies.

2.) Did my laundry.

3.) Went to Idylwood park with Rachel and her friends.

4.) Went to Rachel's home to watch 30 Rock with some of her other friends.

That is all. I had a lot of fun.

Seattle: Day 16 "Bainbridge Vacation"

My adventure began at a bus station. It is amazing that $2.50 can get you into Seattle in 35 minutes. I arrived at the Westlake center, which was booming with people who have somewhere to be. I fit right in.

I passed through the flying fish of Pike's Place as I rushed down to the ferry station. I prefer traveling alone because it feels more adventurous.

The ferry ride was breezy. Children were scurrying around pretending to be pirates while their parents watched Seattle disappear. When we arrived on Bainbridge island, the ferry felt more like a bus at the station. Everyone migrated off the ferry to the taxis and minivans waiting for them. Julie picked me up there.

Bainbridge is beautiful. The beaches are rocky, but that makes them different. Families were playing on the tree trunks that rest on the coast line.

It was quiet.

Julie and the rest of the Rencher family were accommodating. Julie and her siblings joked over taco salads while their mother listened in tolerance. They were wonderful people. They live in a small town called Poulsbo, which is Dutch for something I'm sure.

We kayaked in Liberty Bay after dinner. I saw some amazing sights while on the water. We skimmed over a school of jellyfish as they puffed through the water. Some seals looked at us curiously as they passed by our boats. I never imagined I would kayak with jellyfish and seals.

Eventually, I said goodbye to my friend Julie and boarded a ferry back to Seattle with about 30 other people. I recalled all of my many blessings in life while watching Seattle grow on the horizon.

Quite an amazing trip.

Seattle: Day 15 "Non-alcoholic hangover"

I didn't think someone could be hung over from non-alcoholic sparkling cider. My head hurt when I woke up this morning. The family dog was sleeping on my back, which startled me awake.

Staying up until 4 am loses its edge after the "5 hour energy" wears off. I was a zombie throughout church, which I unfortunately can vaguely recall.

I went with Jessica and her family to University of Washington, which only made me sad about my school. Such a beautiful campus.

These are all the words you are getting out of me.

Seattle: Day 14 "The Groundbreaking"

Today marked the end of a chapter in my life. I spent it in the midst of caring friends and bottles of Martinelli's non-alcoholic sparkling cider. Despite my socially induced anesthesia, it was a rough day.

It is difficult to think that the person you spent two and a half years with got married by the end of your morning shower. It is even more difficult to save face in front of people who do not entirely understand.

We spent our day at the carnival in front of the Pacific Science Museum in Seattle. While riding teacups and merry-go-rounds, I would occasionally drift into thoughts of her standing in a receiving line giving hugs to people she rarely associates with.

I imagined what the punch was like at her reception while purchasing the night's first bottle of Martinelli's. I am sure everything was decadent considering how bourgeois her family is.

After the "5 hour energy" wore off, the second bottle of Martinelli's finally elicited an emotional response from me at 3 am. Tsige was their to receive the hateful rants and declarations of independence.

However, a hopeful future lies in friends, family, health and wealth.

It is time to rebuild, and today was the groundbreaking.

Seattle: Day 13 "Quirky Folks"

I did some chores around the LeFevre home today. They are giving me a place to stay, so it is the least I could do.

Later that night I decided to go on a single's ward camping trip.

After the second "Twilight" conversation ended I realized that I had made a mistake in coming. The single's ward here is one that Mormon filmmakers would like to exploit for their plots. It is loaded with quirky folks mixed with a handful of moderately sane people. It is a ward you cannot help but adore.

That night I learned a few names, some "Star Wars" facts and that a majority of the camp was on "Team Edward". I went to be early.

Seattle: Day 12 "Creation day"

Art museums are recharging stations for creativity.

We went to the Seattle Art Museum today. It inspired me to go beyond the thoughtless work that I have a habit of creating.

I was able to see work from Pollock, Warhol and many more. As I admired the work that many seem to simply overlook, I felt a strong impression that I was capable of creating just like the artists I was admiring.

I felt the worth of human creation.

There was a meteor shower later that night. My day filled with creations by masterful hands was ended by viewing the greatest work of all.

There is an art museum all around. Thanks be to God for that.

Seattle: Day 11 "Petty Theft"

I went to lunch with some missionaries this afternoon. Tsige called me 15 minutes before her appointment with them. Luckily, I was already strutting around my room in my new skinny jeans.

We ate Red Robin. Tsige kept requesting more fries for me so she could eat them. Technically, that is petty theft. I'm sure she was aware.

Later, we went to half-priced books and shopped for books no one has heard of. I think we secretly competed to see whose book was more obscure.

Later that night I went to dinner with Stephanie and Marni. I met them at a dance party. Nothing makes you look more legit than going to dinner with two beautiful women at the same time.

The End.

Seattle: Day 10 "Sushi and Shopping"

I bought skinny jeans. If you do not like that, then the punk side of me says, "I don't care." I bought them while at the mall with Tsige. On the way back, Tsige put us on the wrong freeway. Here was the dialogue:

Joey: "Tsige, is that Seattle?"

Tsige: "Errr....Ummmm..."

J: "Well, there is the space needle right there."

T: "Darn, I thought you wouldn't notice."

J: "What?!"

After we went through traffic hell, we went to a sushi bar.

All food should be presented conveyor style. Notice the period at the end of that sentence.

Seattle: Day 9 "An Ethiopian Tour Guide"

My tour guide for the day was the lovely Tsige. She was pretty inexpensive. All I had to do was pay her bus fare and she was set.

We went to the Seattle library, which was one of the coolest places to house books I had ever seen. Locals busied themselves with study and Facebook updates while the tourists took photos of them as though they were part of an exhibit. The sea of computers dominated the third floor with the sound of keyboard clicks crashing against the shore of the metallic walls.

We also saw the Seattle Art Museum sculpture garden. Big Brother scolded children over a loudspeaker when they touched the artwork. We were not excluded.

I ran into a person who tried to sign me up for a children's charity organization. She asked me to join after pitching for five minutes. I thanked her, but told her I already contribute through another organization and I would have to give her's more thought.

"What would you possibly be thinking about? I told you everything," she said.

At that point I realized that she was pushing a sale, rather than a cause. I was disappointed. Her insistance made her intentions clear.

We later had Thai food, which was rather spicy. My nose ran as I took my stomach lashings like a man. Tsige was fine.

It was a productive day.

Seattle: Day 7 "New friends"

Day seven was lazy. I just did my laundry and watched rain splash the pond behind the house. I played a lot of Mario with the kids here.

However, I went to a dance party in Seattle. It was a Mormon dance party, so it was clean. The only exception was the tall drunk man who stumbled into the party and started dancing. He made quite a display.

I met new friends there. Mia, Marni and Stephanie are from a place near Redmond.

Meeting new friends and running into old ones made for a good night.

Seattle: Day 6 "I found my soulmate today"

The title was just to get you to read. Sorry.

I had a vanilla bean (coffee-less) frappuccino at Starbucks while designing a postcard. It was an amazing Washington experience.

Today I went to the waterfront in Kirkland for photos. I parked the car and made my way over to the parking meter. The meter did not say how much time I could pay for. I asked a parking lady nearby how much I should put into the meter.

"Just pay for the maximum. You never know when you will meet your soulmate," she said hopefully.

I gave her a quizzical look and paid the minimum.

Soulmate or not, I took some lovely photos.

Seattle: Day 5 "Starbucks and MacBooks"

I used Wi-Fi in a public park today. Washington is a magical place.

I took more photos in Marymoor Park, then immediately uploaded them in the park. It was convenient.

So far this is what seattle has done for me:

1.) Fueled my passionate desire for an iPhone.

2.) Magnified my frustrations toward Microsoft.

3.) Pushed me to become a better photographer.

4.) Enticed me to move here.

The radio doesn't even suck here. THE RADIO.

Washington is so magical that it even has my bank. I was able to deposit $500 that I received when I sold my camera. This, of course, was after I fanned myself with it a few times. There are only a handful of times I will have that amount of money in my hand, so I have to take advantage of it.

I went with Jessica to Bellevue Mall to buy a MacBook. That city seems to be owned by Microsoft, which made the purchase that much sweeter.

We have plans to sit in a Starbucks with our MacBooks talking about how original screenplays are dead while sipping our hot cocoa.

I'm living the dream.

Seattle: Day 4 "Wash me"

The back of a moving van said "Overtaxation is not the answer" written in the dirt that covered it. You know you are in Seattle when hooligans write political statements instead of "Wash me!"

I sold my old camera today. I was a little nervous about money, so I am glad that it is gone. A part of me will miss it, but that part of me is ok with starving to death.

The man who purchased the camera clearly had the money. He arrived in a nice Audi, his hair was slicked back and he spoke to me like a was kin. He was a very friendly man. He offered $400. I told him I would go no lower than $450. He examined the camera while I explained to him why I came to Seattle. I told him about internship opportunities, friends and adventures.

The real reason I was here was irrelevant.

Something must have struck his compassion. He left with my camera at full price. I mustered up all of the stuff and offered him a "call-me-if-something-goes-wrong" warranty.

He was a good man and a Godsend.

I went to Marymoor park today. I took photos of a garden where volunteers grow food for local shelters. Ah, Seattle.

Seattle Day 3: "Night and Day"

Today was a lazy day. I spent most of it playing Rockband and Super Mario with the family that I am staying with. Their 11-year-old daughter loves to cook. Her knowledge of recipes is limited, so I had rice crispy treats for breakfast.

Later that day, I wandered the historic part of Redmond with Jessica. There was a bookstore that sold at half price. Conversations about lowering the drinking age and nuclear war were heard over the cash register. It was good to see a local bookstore do well.



When evening approached, Jessica retired to talk with her boyfriend. Tsige and I ventured to Seattle for some night photography. While I shot, I got to hear her stories. Tsige Tafesse was born in America, but is Ethiopian by blood. She spoke of the incredible story of her parents, her feelings, her opinions and so on. It was a refreshing conversation.


We traversed the city until 2 AM. The city at night is calming in its quiet beauty.


A day of beauty: Stories, cities and people.

Seattle: Day 2 "Clam Chowder Sums It Up"

Let me begin with the following statement: Iver's in Seattle has the best clam chowder I have ever had.

The city of Seattle is calm. It was nice getting a tour from locals because they would be nonchalant about most of the sites, which kept me from being over-enthusiastic about people throwing fish.

The people of Idaho believe that a camera will steal your soul. In Seattle it is an everyday occurrence to see a photographer chasing you. It was like a shooting gallery where the targets don't get mad when you shoot them while they have food in their mouth or when they are not smiling.

There is one universal constant that remains unscathed even in Washington. The single's congregation here is odd.

They are fun, likable people but weird nonetheless.

There was an activity at the church tonight. We performed improv skits. Nothing beats an comedic routine where the only laughs produced were from Star Wars references.

I had fun.

Seattle: Day 1 "Kind of Like Japan"

I woke up to a rooster this morning. No, I am not staying on a farm. I am in Redmond, Wash. which is just outside of Seattle where I arise in the morning to the sound of "urban chickens."

I feel like I have gone to another world where everything is backwards. Kind of like Japan.

Seattle is beautiful and full of interesting people. I thought I would stand out here as the stranger looking to escape his problems by running away to Seattle. It turns out that it is made up of people like me.

My accommodations have been wonderful. Jessica's parents were delighted to meet me. All of my unspoken and unanswered questions about her personality quirks were solved by 10 minutes of conversation with her family. When I arrived at my temporary home, the lady of the house taught me how to give a proper hug, gave me a tour and left for Japan the next day.

In conclusion, Washington is full of Starbucks, hipsters and trees.

It is wonderful.

beautiful motivation

The alarm screeched. It begged for my attention like a dog needing a morning walk. It wouldn't receive it.

I was sleeping off a day of travel. Vacations have their costs, and mine left me with a debt of late work. That debt was paid with midnight oil.

After realizing where I was, I began searching for reasons to postpone my return to student life. Sleep beckoned me like a silent siren, and I was powerless.

I was startled awake by a striking revelation. There was one reason to attend class that stood firmly planted against an army of opposition.

Arianne.

I regularly sit next to the reason for this dissonance. She makes the 7:45 am trudge uphill worth every exhausting step. Unfortunately, I have spoken fewer words to her than I had minutes to get ready for class. There weren't many.

"Today will be the day," I thought.

I conspired against the simple "hellos" and awkward smiles and made a resolution to ask her out. I dashed from the apartment with razor burns and a wrinkled shirt and began my march.

I rehearsed some pathetic ice-breaking jokes that could probably be found on a taffy wrapper. I felt fully prepared when I arrived.

Ten minutes passed with no sign of the reason for my attendance. The teacher lectured while my attention was homed on the door. My second revelation of the day was not as exciting. She wasn't coming.

I smiled at the irony of it all.

I imagine that she had the same morning struggle. She woke up to a needy alarm and weighed out her options. Unlike me, her morning experience was not filled with beautifully motivating thoughts.

"Is there a reason for me to go to class today?" She probably thought.

Nope.

Grudges and Grenades

A grudge is like a hand grenade. You shouldn't hold on to it for to long. You could hang on to either for as long as you like, but the consequences are equally as deadly.

I tend to hold on too long.

Forgiveness does not come natural. It is a matter of conditioning. If someone has wronged to us, we hold it against him or her because of the negative experience we now have.

One such occasion has happened to me recently. As many of you may already know, my ex-girlfriend and I broke up in January. She is getting married in August.

The speed of her flight to another man shattered my self-esteem. I often blame her for things like low confidence, bad dating experiences, inclement weather or anything else that I can peg her to.

I cannot let go because of what she did, but I have to.

knowing art

I once ran into my friend as he was leaving the art gallery. He is a construction management major, so this was an odd sight.

"What brought you to the art gallery today?" I asked.

"I'm in FA 100. I had to go," he replied.

"So, what did you think?" I inquired.

"I think it was ridiculous," he said. "These art students don't know what art is."

I was startled. My friend's accusation was not what I was expecting him to say.

 "What do you mean?" I simply had to know.

"They assume all that stuff is art and everything else isn't," he said. "To me, a well done set of cabinets is art." 

I pondered for a while on my friend's claim. Perhaps he is right. Yes, the more obvious arts are beautiful, inspiring and arguably necessary. But what is "art?" Art goes far beyond the bounds of traditional fine art mediums. Creativity can be found in writing, cooking or even welding.

Whenever we create, we are being creative.

We are children of God. We have inherited characteristics from Him just as we inherit characteristics of our mortal parents. If we gain divine attributes from the Great Creator, then we all have a natural ability to create.

Cherish it. 

Not what you were expecting...

I do not like describing my ideal woman. Here is why:

• Describing her would ruin the surprise- If I think about a Christmas present that I want too much then get that exact thing for Christmas, it isn't as exciting.

• It imposes expectations on people- Constantly thinking about an ideal marriage partner may cause me to miss someone who is perfect for me. Though someone does not meet the standards that I have concocted, they may be exactly what I need. Too many expectations will only set people up for failure.

• I am not perfect- I have a hard time creating "list" because I am typically not up to par. I have improvements to make, not expectations.

She does need to be attractive though.

Cath...

This about sums it up...

pet peeves

1.) A girl who goes on numerous dates with you but isn't interested.

2.) When people tell me that they are pronounce "AppalaiSHEAN" mountains, then tell me my pronunciation is wrong. I think I would know how it is pronounced. I live there.

3.) People who are not informed.

4.) Themed dates.

5.) People who get engaged on a rebound.

6.) Country Music.

7.) People who break curfew intentionally and frequently.

8.) Bad musicals.

9.) Indecisiveness.

10.) Girls waiting for missionaries.

11.) "Fauxhawks."

12.) Summer Sales Programs.

13.) Hollister.

14.) Large, pointless trucks.

15.) Any combination of numbers 11, 12, 13 and 14 on the list.

16.) Girls who are attracted to any combination of number 11, 12, 13 and 14 on the list.

17.) A lack of appreciation for art.

18.) Pretentious art snobs.

19.) People who are obnoxious to me when I am out taking pictures.

20.) People who do not read.

21.) People who insist on looking at this blog even after numerous posts have been negatively geared directly towards them.

on my mind

Here are some things that are on my mind:

1.) People are horribly fickle. Loyalty and sincerity are dying. Emotional connections with people can be easily severed in order to move on to something easily accessible.

2.) We always take the path of least resistance. We only want things to be easily handed to us. When it does, we simply say "everything just fell right into place." I don't think God simply gives his children what they want like a parent buying their child a car. Some have everything handed to them on a silver platter. I have to work for what I want.

3.) I'm going to be successful. Why? Out of spite.

4.) Destiny is a fallacy. Destiny insinuates that we have no choice.

5.) There is a reason why love stories are portrayed in movies. Because the odds of living out a Movie-quality love story in real life are worse than the lottery. Stop watching Disney and get real.

6.) Everyone is getting engaged. This especially hurts when your ex-girlfriend is, as well. All these Facebook announcements are a reminder that I get to sit around while the person I loved for the past 2.5 years marries someone else.

7.) My sunday school lesson.

Scroll Office Vlog: Episode 2 "Ideas"

Why did you do this to me?

Scroll Office Vlog: Episode 1 "Where is Aaron Carter?"

comparing sufferings

I recently read an article from the New York Times about a series of bombings in Baghdad that killed 58 people on Friday. It was devastating to see what happened to the people who were killed.

Allegedly, it was in retaliation to an Iraqi/American combined assault that killed two Al Qaeda leaders.

The photos attached to the article show the devastation that occurred.

This morning, I was stressing over my financial aid for college. Honestly, that could be the best thing that I could ever stress out about.

It is very humbling to see what little I have to deal with in my life.

Comparably, I suffer no trials.

I have never had to deal with a bombing. I have never had to live in fear of a terrorist attack, nor have I ever lived in a politically hostile environment.

It's not so bad.

Be grateful.

to my future wife.

I am currently looking for food recipes. Why am I doing that? I am looking them up because I need a good dating idea.

I am struggling.

I have never really been good at dating. You probably know all about that. I am sure that it was miserable.

I am not sure who you are or if you even exist. But there is one thing that I am sure of. You believe in the Atonement.

How did I come to this conclusion? I know this because I would be a hopeless, un-dateable mess without it.

So when the conversation comes to an awkward silence over the mediocre dinner that I have cooked for the inevitably bad date that I will take you on, remember that the Lord mends all flaws.

Be patient.

Signed,

Your future husband

*Note: This is blog post for my Advanced Media Writing class. I will probably post a few of these assignments.