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As I stepped outside my front door the first time this morning, there was a familiar scent in the air. The smoke was back, although the sky above was still blue, and the air seemed clear to the south and west. Then, as I pulled out of my driveway and headed toward the northeast, the horizon was dim and hazy, as it was for most of June. The smell of smoke was stronger when I got to the post office, leading me to believe something was burning fairly close to home this time.
The wind blew madly through the grasses and trees all day today, but the smoke must have stayed where it started. The sky was still blue late in the afternoon, and the horizons that I could see were still clear. My view of the northeast quadrant is totally blocked by trees and fences and my landlord’s shed in the adjacent lot, so I couldn’t say how things looked in that direction, but the smell of smoke wasn’t as bad later in the day, so I’m hopeful.
Some people are probably nervous about the holiday. I know I am, but not necessarily for myself. I think my yard and house are as safe as I can make them, but I do plan to stay home and observe the neighborhood, just in case. Some Fourth of July fireworks displays have been canceled, especially in areas that have been hit hardest by the fires. I guess I can still see the appeal, but I feel as if I’ve seen all they can show me in the way of fireworks. Colors, lights, loud noises. It’s like a video game in the sky, not the kind of thing that motivates me to leave the house. |
