Summer and Smoke

August has been definitely hot in Eastern Oregon along with smoke that has drifted in and out of the valley; a result of so many wildfires in the Pacific Northwest.  Not only fires in Oregon but California and Washington as well as smoke from multiple forest fires occurring in British Columbia, Canada.  A tragic waste in the devastation of nature, properties and lives..... and its not over with yet.  We welcome fall with its cooler temperatures and perhaps some rain.  Many places will rejoice in the advent of winter that will squelch embers with falling snow and blanket charred remains from devouring fire.

Meanwhile, we anticipate fall days ahead that will end stifling heat and bring a type of calmness to the land that only the season of fall can do.  I was able to get a few pictures of the horses that were on the hill that seemed oblivious to smoke but very interested in our two dogs as if to say, "what kind of creature is this??"

The photo below shows a smoke obscured valley, hills and town.  There have been days when the smoke was thicker than this picture shows and you kept house windows shut to keep the smell from entering the home.  We sympathize with those who have suffered loss in other areas of Oregon and elsewhere.  Grant County had its own experience with devastating fires three years ago that consumed forests and homes.  The wilderness fires left black twisted remains of trees that we still view today and residents who lost homes went on to either rebuild or relocate.  It makes us all nervous having had this community experience since smoke is an all too familiar sight jarring memories of a few short years ago.
 

There have been clear days to remind us to enjoy the beauty - whether it is a sunset, a sunrise, a storm cloud, or a simple butterfly.....

God bless you all dear readers and we'll meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, September 10th...