Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Clear Skies!

From this, taken on 7/11/2008 at 8 am:


To this, taken on 7/14 at 7:40 am:



Although today is Tuesday, I am thinking of Monday right now--Monday is not my favorite day of the week for varous reasons, but yesterday was the absolute best Monday!  We woke up to blue skies and puffy white clouds, the sight of which no one in our area of northern California has seen in too long.  The photos above are ones I took when I awoke yesterday morning--I felt like jumping up and down, I was so happy and grateful!  With all of the awful California wildfires the past few weeks, the air here has been horrible.  I've never in all my life seen it this bad, and for such a long stretch of time, too.  Day after day has brought smoky air, a blood-orange sun both at sunrise and sunset, and burning eyes and throats, not to mention breathing problems for so many.  My youngest grandson has asthma, and at the tender age of 2, has already taken more trips to the emergency room than I can count--so naturally, we were very worried about him during the smoky days.  Fortunately, even though she had to use his inhaler a few times, my daughter was able to keep him indoors and out of the hospital during the past couple of weeks.  I have similar issues due to too many bouts of bronchitis over the past 15 years (and, no, I am not and haven't been a smoker), so I was very uncomfortable and scared, too.  I just kept thinking, Jann, you need to think about the poor firefighters and the people who have either lost their homes or have been evacuated, and pray for them and stop worrying about yourself.  So I did try, but it was still very depressing to see the ugly gray and brown skies day after day.  At any rate, my hubby and I were able to go back out and start our evening walks again last night, and although it was such a simple thing, I was just filled with joy at being able to do that!  I think we tend to take so much that we have for granted, and yet are terribly upset when we don't have the things we're used to.  So today I will just be happy for what I have right now and not worry about what I don't have, and I will breathe a sigh of relief and pray a big Thank You to God, over and over!

10 comments:

Lydia said...

Dear Jann,

Thank you for all your wonderful comments.

Wow- that is scary with the skies and your little grandson. I will pray for him and all those affected by the fires. My son, 13 tomorrow, came down with acute asthma when he was three. So I know about the hospital visits... He had pneumonia 4 x that year.

We've come very far since the daily yucky meds. I pray that he will continue to be strong and healthy. His steroidal daily meds caused over $2k in damage to his teeth. And he has to keep up with his tooth brushing to keep things healthy. Those inhalents now tell you to drink water or brush after usage. They didn't then.

When 911 happened, I just cringed at all the horrible skies and thought of all the breathing problems to come.

I'm so glad that you have clear , blue skies to be able to go walking. Yes, the simple things in life. I pray and thank God every day for these simple things as well.

Have a wonderful day. Lydia

The Feathered Nest said...

Oh Jann, I'm so very glad for all of you out there!!!! The sky is so beautiful now ~ funny how we take something so simple for granted! Hope you're feeling wonderful ~ and the grandbaby too! xxoo, Dawn

My Vintage Studio said...

Hi Jann. What beautiful blue skies! Hope everyone is feeling better soon. Thank you for visiting and commnenting on my blog! Hugs, Sharon

Barb said...

Hi Jann,
Happy to read you enjoyed your "visit" to my blog - many thanks for the nice comment you left. I greatly appreciate it.
Sending get well wishes your way.
Barb in Texas

Myrna said...

Yes! I am SO THANKFUL for blue skies again!
And YES-YES! Let's do Old Folsom--maybe next week if you're free??

pchickki said...

Being from Southern CA not too long ago I know the feeling. I am glad to hear that the smoke is finally going away for all of you there.

It is nice to be able to take walks or whatever without the smokey unhealthy air.

Bless You
Patti

Faye said...

Jann, your pictures are gorgeous. I'm so happy for you that you escaped any big loss in the fires and pray that your grandson will not have any adverse effects from the smoke. You opened up for us our understanding of the terrible situation when wildfires occur.

Carol Anne's Boutique said...

Hi Jann,
The fires have been such a tragedy for so many, I am just happy in knowing that you and your family have been safe. I hope your dear precious grandson stays well & that you are feeling good too.
I am glad to see the beautifu blue skies for you!
xoxo
Carol Anne

Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups said...

Glad for some relief for California. :)

Maggie Ann said...

It sounds so awlful...to not have good air to breathe. I hadn't thought of that. I'm glad for you that things are getting back to normal...I hope! wishing you blessings!