Sunrise this morning was just like yesterday–a small red ball in a gray haze. Odd, sorta pretty, but also eerie. An indicator of what the rest of the day will be for us living near one of the many California fires.

I’ve been getting lots of email from friends and family worried about our situation, so let me assure you we’re not close to the actual fires. A couple of thousand acres above us in the Ponderosa Basin have burned, though. That’s about thirty miles away. And the news reports from the west and southern parts of the state are equally discouraging. My heart goes out to the many, many people who have lost their homes. I read that, locally, 10 homes were evaculated but none have been lost to the fire. That’s good!

Our problem is the terrible air quality. My eyes are constantly watering and mucked up. My throat is dry and I’m constantly clearing it, even though I don’t have a cold. Sometimes I’ll have a sneezing fit for no apparent reason. Everyone around here–even the smokers–are suffering from these kind of complaints.

We’re staying indoors a lot. I’m working in my first-floor bedroom on my laptop because I have a great Nikken air filter in there. Instead of my daily walk, I’m riding a stationary bike. Early. (The dogs are really not liking that.) Did I mention we’re supposed to hit triple digits this weekend? Oh, joy.

Anyway, I just thought I’d give you an update. Stay cool and enjoy that fresh air where you live.

Now, back to work on the next proposal for book IV–Mac’s story. Another hunky hero for me to fall in love with.

Deb