For me, the good news is that there are currently no fires near me.

It is small consolation as I see what is happening in Washington State, Oregon and Northern California: beyond heartbreaking!

No fires near me, but smoke from the incredibly devastated WA/OR/CA fires is making things pretty miserable for Auggie, Emmett and me.

We go out in the morning and then … mostly inside except for what is necessary for Emmett.

Auggie is understandably NOT happy with this scenario.

Emmett is our “ray of sunshine” as he has the joyful, upbeat spirit, in spite of challenging circumstances.

I am somewhere in between. I wish I could help Auggie understand that I keep him in for his health and safety. I am not much happier than Auggie at being inside and dealing with smoke and pandemic and fear for friends in OR, WA and all that are affected by fires.

I try to always be aware that every day is a gift and that there is beauty and joy in the midst of challenging circumstances, but it is difficult to embrace joy when I KNOW so many are suffering.

The best I can do is to take care of me, so that I can take care of Auggie and Emmett and so that we can send care: prayers, $$$ to all who are in such dire circumstances.

Additionally, I pray that as the U.S. moves through this election year … that we vote in people who understand that Climate Change is a CRISIS and that we need to act and act now if we hope to keep Planet Earth a sustainable place for human and animal dwelling.

Time is VERY short.

I wish I had better news.