Tuesday

Until today, the sight of a light mist over a body of water made me breathe a deep sigh of contentedness. It conjured up images of Monet's Morning on the Seine. From there, I'd float into the Giverny gardens (in my head) and I would begin the day with hope and a gardener's determination to do even better out there, in the flower fields. Nature, in partnership with you, me -- all gentle, beautiful and kind.

But this morning, one glance at my smart phone confirmed what I already knew to be true, just looking outside: we have an air quality index of 190, which is absolutely unhealthy even for people without underlying health concerns. Small particles are entering your bloodstream. The advice is clear and strong: dont hang out outside if you can help it.

My walk to the barn is brief...

(what have you humans done to the air??)

I then have a breakfast date with my Madison friend -- for croissants at Madison Sourdough. We eat inside.

On the ride home, I pause by the lake. 

The same image, under different circumstances, is worthy of delight. Not today. That's not mist hiding the shoreline. It's plain smoke.

At home, I have a second, fruity breakfast with Ed.

We turn on our air purifier to Medium, keep the windows closed and stay indoors. 

In the afternoon, I pick up Snowdrop. She's biding time with the kids in her group. If you're my age, and a girl, you surely will remember hand clapping games played at recess? 

I ask her later in the car to recite/sing some of them for me. I'd say they've evolved! For the better! 

At the farmette, I don't encourage outdoor play. Well, just one minute to raid the strawberry baskets.

(The kids always use the Secret Path to get to the farmhouse door...)

No matter, we are way behind in our usual activities in the farmhouse! Bring out the books!

The temptation to bike in the evening is strong, but thoughts of those small particles entering your bloodstream are even stronger. I ignore the B-Cycle stand. There will be brighter days this summer. Today, we stay home.