Blood Red Sun; Smoke Filled Skies

Blood Red Sun

This photo doesn't do it justice.
The air today is thick brown. My throat feels like I've been drinking lighter fluid. The white dusty flakes slowly settling to the ground may look like snow- but unfortunately they're ashes.

A large fire is burning nearby.

The wind has graciously decided to send it our way.
My house is filled with streams of yellow reflection bouncing off every wall. The place feels weird. Strange. Calm. Not a breath of air moves outside. It's quiet, yes, but unnerving as well.
I want to go sit out there. Listen for warning, but I know the fire is far enough away. It doesn't threaten us, yet...

The sun has been trying to shine all day. If you can see it all, it's through a curtain of haze, giving it the appearance of a big red bouncy ball. I hope tomorrow the smoke is cleared. I haven't been able to run all week. I was really hoping to go out this morning until I smelled that familiar scent of burnt trees and brush.

I told the girls to stay in at recess today. I told them to tell their teachers I wanted them to stay in. I told them it was dangerous to be breathing in this stuff. Unfortunately, our principal didn't agree. He announced over the intercom to have all children attend regular recesses outside, but instructed them not to run, skip, kick balls or jump rope. Okay- right! They're kids! That's like putting them in a toy store and say "don't touch!" Really...

I'll try to get you an update tomorrow...