Update
For all of you who have asked, Mom is safe. Thank you for your thoughts. She is just a bit concerned and coughing from the smoke and ash.

She and my step-father are supposed to leave for a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico tomorrow - if they can fly out. They are taking their insurance papers with them.

For a vivid verbal illustration of the situation I refer you to Gringo.

Addendum [23:32 EST]: For those of you who are visually oriented check out the pictures [link via Digital Catharsis]