We had a touch of rain on Monday morning. The smoke has cleared enough to be able to see the mountains.
BC Premier, John Horgan toured some of the places hit by wildfire, shrugged his shoulders in front of the cameras, and said this could be our new normal.
You hear it a lot – this is our new normal.
It’s been two bad fire years in a row.
***
The garden seems to be wilting early. The tops of the spuds are dying off same as the onions. There is a couple of big holes in the garden where the peas and garlic were. The red cabbage has formed good heads and will do plenty of growing once it cools. The carrots are getting large the same as the Detroit Dark Red Beets. Every meal contains both prepared in some form or fashion, from grated raw to boiled to roasted or barbecued.
***
Perhaps it’s the heat or the orange haze that blankets everything. The mountains obscured, the traffic, the gentrification of downtown, yoga, soaps and massage, just another place of haves and have nots, the lake, misted, picturesque if not for the hundreds of motorboats running hither and yon across it’s surface, seemingly oblivious to sky, mountain, shore or water. It’s still summertime after all, but I can’t help feeling sad.
***
The mosquitoes are out in force. If you’ve read this far, you know I find them the least of summer irritants. The nights are getting longer. The moon is waxing gibbous, half full, not blood red. The constellations can be easily seen. The temperature will drop to 5° just before dawn. It feels good.
Everything’s fine I tell myself until it will be again.
Palliser Pass 
Jim R
Nothing better than wide clear blue skies to make one feel better. Our day started that way. It really helps. I hope you see some soon.
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underswansea
Thanks Jim.
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Carol A. Hand
It’s important to document what you see now and how things have changed, Bob, and you do so with such poignancy and clarity. It’s a gift to future generations that want to know history from the perspective of people who lived it so fully.
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underswansea
Thank you Carol! I’m not sure if people care for history at this time. Take care.
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Carol A. Hand
Perhaps many do not care about history now, but it’s crucial to record it nonetheless. How I wish my grandparents and parents had done so! I’m sure your grandchildren will appreciate the photos and stories you share. My grandchildren value the silly stories or poems I’ve written for them…
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underswansea
Hi Carol, you are correct it is crucial to document the passing of time and the changes that occur. Often I wish I could talk to my parents and grandparents. Your grandchildren are fortunate to have you as a grandmother.
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Carol A. Hand
And your grandchildren are incredibly fortunate, too, Bob. ❤
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Julie@frogpondfarm
I’d be feeling a tad sad too Bob! As for that garden of yours .. I’m impressed with you growing cabbage in summer. I like the idea of eating lots of beetroot, such a great veg.
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underswansea
Hi Julie, the cabbage will do plenty of growing during the fall. I will harvest after the first few frosts. It weathers the frost well and makes the cabbage sweeter. Take care.
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