Native Californian sighting

I snapped this pic real quick, as we were out walking to lunch today. I got a real kick out of seeing Logan in a short sleeved shirt, shorts and flip flops..... while it's raining outside! 😂😂😂

Man. Such a Californian kid.

Thankfully, our air quality literally went from complete crap, to clear and healthy, overnight, due to some much needed rain that came in last night! We even ate outside because it was just so dang nice to breathe the fresh air again!!

Emergency Preparedness

Yesterday, I spent most of the day compiling a checklist and inventory of our emergency grab n' go bag I had put together last year. I added a few things and mostly double checked expirations dates, adding those into my checklist now so that I have a better way of tracking down the road! :) I also put together a second bag with change of clothes for all of us, since I had not done that before but thought it might be a nice to have....

I hope I never have to break this baby out and use any of it. But having it ready to go at least gives me - and the boys, who have been worried with the fires burning up our state recently - a little peace of mind.

Getting ready for Thanksgiving

The house smells pretty amazing right now! 😋

Adulting

Who knew there'd be a day where I'd be excited to get, and install, an air purifier in our house?!? 🤣

Home improvement projects

Another day indoors due to shitty air quality. 😷 So I'm finally tackling a project I've been putting off for a couple of months: assembling our new Flor rug. 😩

It's been quite the chore to put together, especially when working with our old crummy uneven floor! 🤨 But, I'm liking how it's coming together. 👍🏼😅

School closed tomorrow

Northern California has been fighting a tremendous fire (the most deadly in all of our state's history!) for the past week. While the fire is hundreds of miles away from us - we have been covered in a cloud of smoke which has affected our air quality each day.

All week, the schools have canceled any outdoor activities and have been operating in a "Shelter in Place" protocol, keeping windows and doors shut, and turning off all HVAC systems. Slowly, and unfortunately, the air quality has worsened - to the point that our district decided late tonight, to close the schools tomorrow. I'm glad that they did.

I was out running errands today and was just shocked at how hazy and crappy our visibility has been. Normally, we have amazing views of the hills all around us. You can hardly make them out right now. It's so sad and heartbreaking, since it means if it's this bad here, it's unthinkable how awful it is near the site of the fire. 😩

Luckily, the boys don't seem to be too affected by the smoke. I've been the most sensitive to it - headaches, burning eyes, persistent cough, pretty much since the weekend.

They're forecasting some rain next week, right around Thanksgiving. We need it so desperately - I may try to get us all to do a rain dance, or two, tomorrow.

After all, there's no school. What else will we do? 😊

Loganism at The Nutcracker

In my haste, I failed to mention the best part of the Hip Hop Nutcracker show, the other night.

When the Nutcracker put on his "magic shoes" that suddenly allowed him to dance amazingly - Logan leaned over and whispered to me, "Clearly, he already had the talent."