I’m grateful that today was significantly cooler and that what little wind there was came from the north, clearing the air considerably. Instead of Air Quality of 150-200 it’s fallen steadily through the day from 80 to 56 at bedtime.

I was able to spend a little time at the pond this morning, and run errands this afternoon with the car windows down. I was grateful for the kindness of Christina at the DMV, and the consideration of pharmacy staff, and the tiny blonde girl who said hi to me at the market. I said hi back and smiled, but she couldn’t see that because I was masked; with the forthright candor of her three or four years, she asked “Why do you have that?” I was happy to explain that my lungs don’t work so good so I’m wearing it because I don’t want to get sick. She nodded and continued chewing on the date in her hand.

I was grateful to sit by the pond for awhile this evening and watch tadpoles and frogs; and later, to sit on the deck while a small festival of dragonflies feasted on mosquitoes overhead and a few stray swallows swooped through, watching heavy clouds roll into the mountains, breathing easily. I’m grateful that the firefighters had an easier day too.