Okay, I was wrong about the stars, to a point. The smoke didn’t obscure anything in the night sky, and there were plenty of stars to see until the full moon came over the horizon. After that it was lights out (or lights on, I guess).

Friend in Need:
Because of events described here, my friend Sunshyn needs a little help. If you are moved and able to help, click the donation button.

One year ago: Unique
"Later, after he had gone to bed, he kept sneaking out to take one more thing out of the pile and take it back to bed with him."

Two years ago: Four
"It's inspiring to see how far he's come in a year, and I look forward to see the progress he'll have made a year from today, when he turns five."

Three years ago: Getting There
"It no longer mattered that a couple of hours earlier I'd been in such a panicky state that I couldn't even enjoy a parade."

Four years ago: Clearance Sale
"Earlier this week, as I was minding my own business (I hope), a man came up and tapped on my window."

Five years ago: Missing the Green
"Everything is brown now, or at least that shade of brown we call California gold."

Six years ago: Easy Way Out
"I'm still going to be living within bottle rocket launching distance of these people, so why make them hate me?"