There was one Horrifying Moment

            Even before Jenna’s two friends and most of their family had perished in a fire (see here and here) I have been paranoid of open flames and space heaters and such. During the power outage we had candles. 

            At first, Roland had placed a candle in one of the sinks so that we could have light in the bathroom.  Gradually it moved above the sink so that we could use the sink without putting out the flame.  He made sure there were no towels near or anything that could catch on fire.  So a few days later when I told Jenna to do the same thing, Roland went with her to make certain that the area of the bathroom she picked would be safe.  She started her candle in the sink also.  But her sink is evidently shallower than ours and the faucet was made out of plastic which I hadn’t even known was a thing.

            The smoke alarm in Jenna’s room had been whining since the power had gone out – like it needed fresh batteries.  I don’t know why hers went off and ours didn’t.  They had been installed at the very same time (see here) 

            The smoke alarm in the hall is electric – which I thought was weird – or rather it’s power source feeds off the electricity but is still able to work in power outages.  We learned that when the faucet caught on fire and the smoke alarm in the hall and the one in mine and Roland’s bedroom went off.  We chose not to call the fire department as we know they have been busy throughout the week.  Roland figured it was a problem we could deal with ourselves. 

            After the fire was out, he made certain that all the inside doors were closed and opened a window in the bathroom, the front outside door, and some other windows and handed each of us a towel to wave down the hall and toward the open door.  It seemed a bit amusing at first – I mean the very idea of a faucet catching on fire because of a candle.  Jenna kept apologizing, but I told her it wasn’t her fault.  This house is made out of cheap material. It’s a wonder that our roof didn’t cave in.

            I made comments about any passers-by who could be watching (not that there were, but just at the thought of it) that would question as to why we had the door open in the first place, and why we were all waving towels as though it were an exercise ritual or something.  The thought made us smile at first, but we quickly became exhausted.

            The alarm in mine and Roland’s room had stopped, but the one in the hall continued to whine – though the pitch seemed to be getting duller.  Roland said we had to continue to wave so that there wouldn’t be carbon monoxide in the air.  Only he could smell the remains of horrible odor – or at least I imagine it was horrible.  I couldn’t smell it when it happened let alone an hour later or even the next day.  How blessed I feel that Roland was able to get to the fire before it went out of control.

Clearing Up the Sky to Blue, Yellow and Green

                The wind has been blowing each morning Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Carolyn said she had a surprise for the class for Wednesday morning, but I did not go.  Roland and I had gone to the Roseburg Cinema to see Dog Days - which I really liked. 

                 I had left my phone with Jenna in case she needed to get a hold of us.  She spent the day with her friend, Marie.  She reported to me that the dentist had called, but neglected to tell me about Coffenberry; she decided it was not important as she is no longer a student there.

               

                A couple of hours after Roland and I had returned to Tri-City, Jenna said there was word from the theatre to get there ASAP to be fitted for costumes.  Wednesday night was the dress rehearsal and I had invited my close friends from the water group to come and see the performance as I cannot afford to buy tickets for the regular productions.   

I asked how the "surprise" went for the morning class and was told that it was too windy and had to be postponed. Thursday morning seemed a bit windy also - although we did introduce Carolyn's surprise that day.  I wrote about that in my last post "Deceiving Skies" which they were.  Skies filled with smoke gave the appearance of an overcast sky with the promise of rainfall - but it never did.

                My friends all enjoyed the play very much.  I took pictures with my phone as Roland's phone and I don't seem to get along.  Too bad.  His produce better quality. 

Before rehearsal - Roland helped with the scenery

Jenna with the owners who play her mom and dad

Little John, Friar Tuck, Young Scarlett and Alan Adel

Jenna and Roland are not in many scenes together.

                                   This would be a better pic if Roland didn't look like just a shadow

Little John, King Richard, Friar Tuck and Salome outside theatre

My friends Dan and Sue hang in gallows outside the theatre

                You can see better quality in the photos in the News Review here.                

                Roland plays Friar Tuck and really got into character when he asked if I would shave a bald spot on his head.  It also shows bravery by allowing me to use a razor on his head.

This pic is horrible quality - worse than the haircut

                On Thursday night, I happened to check my phone while Jenna and Roland were on stage performing the opening show. I found my messages from the dentist (who I had called back as Jenna had mentioned it to me) and Coffenberry.  I had put in an application as an instructional assistant and was being contacted for a job interview for Friday morning.  Thanks, Jenna. 

 I contacted the school and left a facebook message for the principal to let her know that I'd be there - though neither message was received as I was contacted again on Friday morning, this time by the secretary who seemed excited about the possibility of my working at the school.

                The wind was a bit overpowering - nothing outrageous but enough to disturb an outdoor picnic.  It felt cool and blew away much of the smoke bringing back the blue sky - so much of Douglas County has gone from Yellow back to green (65 on my Thursday post to 38 right now) and even more surprising was cutting Medford form 161 (very red) to 70 (orange) though it started out green as we headed there this morning.  

 It was our day to go and pick pears.  I thought Alexa was wrong when I heard that the air quality was only 48 but maybe.  The air quality wasn't near as bad this year as it had been last year. 

                Last year Roland had purchased a box of 20 respiratory masks which Jenna and I had both used.  He may have also, though I don't remember.  I did post pictures of me and Jenna here.  

 I could have really used a respiratory mask last year but did not have;  this year we took the box and whatever contents were left but did not use.  Breathing has been challenging end of July to beginning September.  I'd rather have the 4-6 weeks of breathing irritation during Oregon's fire season than the 4-6 months of inversion and an additional 2 months of other breathing challenges in Utah. 

                Tonight I'm going to a charity dinner with my friends.  I am so touched that they wanted me there badly enough that they were willing to pay for my ticket to get in.  Fundraiser for our community pool.  Perhaps I will write about it tomorrow or later on next week.

Deceptive Skies

                Carolyn picked me up at 6:45 this morning.  I was happy to see misty clouds or fog hanging over the hills ahead of us, but from behind the appearance told us it was a hazy smoke.  From the pool, the skies gave the impression that it might rain, but to the north of us, there was also a musty haze covering the hills, trying to hide them as it had all of the blue that had been there last weekend.  What happened?

            Two weeks ago after the smoke started to descend upon us, the haze made gave the sun the appearance of being blood red - like in this photo by Richard Bartz. 

It was taken for an article for a station in Portland, I think.  The name of the article is Poor air quality could affect your dog or cat: Tips to avoiding respiratory stress in pets which you can find here. 

            I don't have that great of a sense of smell, but I can smell it - even taste it - as I sit at my computer writing this post.  I have not even had the windows open all week as to not let the bad air in.  The air quality guide tells me moderate, but it feels like the number should be higher and orange rather than yellow.

 I realize that in comparison to other areas in Oregon, California, and even Utah, the quality of air is worse than here.  I don't understand.  According to the fire map, there aren't even any fires that close to us - not like last year when we were surrounded by fires.  How fortunate that we did not have to evacuate - where would we have gone?  What roads would we have taken to get there safely?

            The pool was nice.  There were only five people in Josh's class.  It was an extreme workout.  I felt out of breath and was grateful for the opportunity to rest between classes - though we did not fully rest.  Carolyn and I put up a net that Josh had started for us.  And then she pumped air into nine beach balls while I plugged up the holes.  We put the balls in the water.  It was fun to watch where the air carried them.

            There weren't as many participants as usual.  The class has been getting 16 - 20 people on average.  On Tuesday there was 20.  Today there were twelve.  .  We did not have a routine workout in the morning.  Carolyn had wanted to try something different, and we did.  First, she incorporated some of Josh's routines into our morning exercise and try something different that she hoped would be fun.

            We attempted to pass the beach balls to one another over the net, but the wind generally sent them to directions other than what we were aiming.  It appeared that everyone in the water was having a good time, and I know the lifeguard was enjoying watching us

            I still need to write my assessment.  I am having the hardest time getting into it.  If I don't post something new tomorrow, it means I am working on my assignment . . . still.

Hodgepodge of Thoughts

          The skies cleared up this last weekend.  The smoke had cleared from the south and the skies were blue.  For two nights and mornings I had my windows   Now we have smoke coming in from the east. The windows remain closed.  I think it's wrong for the skies to appear overcast as though promising cooler weather and learn that it is 80 - 90 degrees outside.  

          Roland has taken off for a week.  Monday felt like a Saturday to me.  Yesterday felt like a Wednesday.  I don’t know what today will bring (as it really hasn’t started yet) Not a normal day for me.  Roland and I will be going to the theatre in Roseburg this morning.  Jenna will stay in town with a friend who stayed the night. 

          They have their dress rehearsal tonight.  I have invited my small group from my water fitness class.  They are excited to see Jenna and Roland perform.  It will be fun for all of us.  I am happy that they are looking forward to this.

          I just barely started my research for this week’s assessment.  It is all that is required this week.  165 points for 1,000 words 975 words (it might as well be 1,000).  I don’t know when I’ll be able to continue working on it today.  It’s a doozer.  Starting Monday I will be taking a break from accounting.  I have a social studies class coming up for the next four weeks.

          I’ve started a new book called “Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles” by A.L. Herbert.  Thus far, it is actually kind of funny.  Halia and her cousin find the body of an arrogant investor in her restaurant’s kitchen.  At first, they believe he is passed out, but when Halia can’t find a pulse, she freaks out.  She was about to call the police believing that death may have occurred as a result of a heart attack, but then sees her cast iron frying pan and realizes that the investor has been murdered.

          She doesn’t want the murder to ruin the reputation of her restaurant, and so she and her cousin move the body to a nearby alley.  When she returns to the restaurant the following day, she prepares herself for rumors and investigations, but as the day progresses without any word of a murdered victim, she learns the body is no longer where she  left if. 

          I am not even halfway into it.  It’s been five days and she has learned that a body was just retrieved from a body of water.  At this point, she does not know if it’s her investor.  It is fun reading about her suspicions and panic.  I am going to attempt reading another chapter before I return to bed.  Though it might be better if I could start applying my references to my assignment.  That seems more likely to return me back to slumberland.

Smoked Peaches . . . . it's a Wonder I Didn't Cut Myself

                We ended up NOT going to McMinnville.  Air quality has shifted.  Yesterday we were at a Very Unhealthy and McMinnville was moderate.  Now we're at Moderate and McMinnville as at an Unhealthy level worse than Roseburg - which seemed more breathable the last time I was there.  And forget Eugene.  As there is no direct line from Myrtle Creek to McMinnville, we'd have to take I5 and through Eugene - which may have been worse off than South Umpqua all along.

                This morning I read that I84 was/is closed due to the smoke (here).  That's crazy.  We are stuck . . . fires north of us (Washington and Canada) fires east of us (Idaho) fires south of us (California) fires to our West (Oregon) Schools have closed or are on delay due to the smoke.  Jenna had school.  That floors me.  I mean, yeah, the air quality is better today than yesterday.  Still can't see the sky or mountains though (I may be seeing more trees) Our state is on FIRE! (here) 

                There has been concern about the crops - particularly those that have been growing grapes in vineyards.  They wonder how the wine will be effected if smoky grapes are used.  That is just one of many crops.  I remember the air quality in Medford was not so great when our family joined others with a pear picking project.  I wondered then how the smoke would/does effect the produce.

                The family next door gave us three buckets of fruit this weekend.  We left them on the back porch and so they have been exposed to the smoke, but I don't taste it.  There are more peaches than we can eat before they start to spoil. We decided to freeze what we can and pull it out as we need it.  Using this video to help guide us, Roland and I decided to start on the peaches this morning.  I say start as there is a lack of trays and freezer room.  So we have decided that we will work on eight peaches per day until we have them all.  We have also bagged frozen apple slices and will continue with apples before moving on to pears. 

                So there is your update for today.  BTW THANK YOU to Better Homes and Gardens for that Tutorial.  Very helpful!

Dust Maks

I remember the smell of smoke or stale air many times when I was in Utah.  It was usually cold outside.  We could shut the doors and stay warm and the smell would stay on the outside.  I've never had smoke follow me inside the house before.  I can't see it indoors, but I know that it is there.  We've been running the fans and airconditioners to discourage the smoke.  It has helped cut down the strength, but I still have a headache.

True Value has sold out all dust masks:

        Roland said he purchased the last bag less than 30 minutes ago.  The next supply won't be in until Friday.  The air is definitely cleaner with this on.  It is also very hot. We also have dust masks in our evacuation bags.  I had forgotten about that until just now.  We really need to go through our bags again.  Perhaps we will do that for family home evening.

         If school should get cancelled tomorrow due to the poor air quality, we will head up to McMinnville to stay with Beth and Graham for a while.  The air quality up there is just moderate.  That beats very unhealthy though. 

           I tried taking pictures of the red sun (the only evidence we've had of there still being a sky) but my camera can't capture what's really there.

         Meanwhile Jenna has decorated her mask. 

Gotta add some humor to this pathetic situation, right?

Harvey is Not the Nation's Only Disaster

          Every time I sign onto facebook, I have been invited to donate to the relief fund for Harvey - as I'm sure all facebook users have.  I have never dealt with the aftermath of a hurricane or earthquake or tornado and hope I will never have to.  I don't know what it's like - but it sounds horrible.  It looks horrible.  I know that there are many who are suffering.  I'm certain that the current situation in Houston Texas is worse than my own in Myrtle Creek. 

          I do know what it's like to be surrounded by cold winds and how heavy snow can get.  I have had a small taste of a heat-wave.  I can deal with mold better than some.  I can actually better deal with strong and unpleasant odors as I have lost my sense of smell - although I can smell the smoke as it lingers through any air holes it may find - the opening and closing of the door.  It is awful. I do know what it's like to struggle to breathe in smoke-filled or polluted air.  I feel for the asthmatic.

          I called Biff's mother-in-law who has already lost three  children to health issues.  Two boys have survived - one in Texas, one in Washington.  The one in Texas had been evacuated before Harvey came.  They returned to debris outside of their home.  Miraculously the inside remained unharmed.  She thinks the other is alright as well and has plans for talking with him later this afternoon.  I don't know if the air quality his family is breathing compares to ours. 

          There have been countless news stories about specific fires and many with several fires.  You can read just a few here, here, here and here.  Or you can Google your own search.  Fires have been burning most of the summer (if not all of it)

          I have been hearing the helicopters, but not seeing them.  I wonder how they are able to see.  Or perhaps I'm not really hearing them.  It just became a common sight and so I just think I hear them.

           I came to Oregon for the clean moist air.  It has disappeared along with the mountains and sky.  But I'm sure I would have headaches and coughing in Salt Lake as well.  The boys have a cousin who is unable to breathe due to asthma and fire/smoke combination in another county.  I have a brother-in-law who has probably been affected by the smoke from the same fire as he also works in an area the smoke has lingered.  It was worse at Church than it is in the house. Good testimony meeting though.

         These are various pictures I have taken of the same mountain that can't be seen at this time:

          I had an instructor post: Assignments due; if you have been affected by Harvey, arrangements can be made!  Please let us know.  That is very thoughtful to consider those who may have been evacuated, for those cleaning up, for those who possibly aren't able to sign on and see the message because of the situation. 

Harvey isn't the only natural disaster that has taken place. 

         

Do You Think We’ll Have To Evacuate?

          We saw deer all the time after we first moved to Oregon.  They had wandered into the city to escape the fires that were burning their homes in the forest.  I don’t recall having seen as many deer in the last two years combined.  The fires seem greater this year than in 2015.

          Shortly after our move to Oregon, I made up three evacuation bags. We kept them in the closet door right next to the front door. I felt quite fortunate that we’ve never had to use them.

          When we moved again, Roland added to the evacuation bags making them three times as heavy. Because of their weight and a extremely small closet, they no longer seem as convenience to get to.  We found five can openers among our garage sale treasures.  I figured we had enough that we could put one in each bag (as all three bags contain canned goods) but haven’t had the desire for moving the heavy bags.  Currently they are sitting on top of the vacuum cleaner which has also been stuffed into the closet.

          Tri City lies between Riddle and Myrtle Creek.  Riddle was at a number two evacuation when I first created this post - now they're at a number three - at least nine houses in Riddle - but apparently not the entire city of Riddle as they are currently using the elementary school as refuge.  I wonder how long that will last.

          Yesterday was the our day at the pool until next year.  We went to Winston today and then to Roseburg. The sky was gone - or that is how it appeared anyway.  Like God had erased the sky and we were looking at a blank whitish-grey canvas. I remember thick fogs in winter that settled over houses in Salt Lake City.  It was always cold.  It looks like it should be cold outside, but it's not.  It's hot and it is smoky.  On the return back to Myrtle Creek, it appeared that more of the scenery was slowly being erased away.  I took these pictures:

          It is highly possible that Tri City could evacuate if the rest of the entire city of Riddle is asked to leave.  The temperature forecast says it may get to 108 today.  108?!?! September should never be this hot. Planet Earth should never be this hot!  Why can’t we sent some heat down to Houston to dry up the floods and have them send us their rain to put out the fires?  Why can’t we have a happy balance?  I came to Oregon in order to breathe better.  Not happening right now.  We need moisture to clean out our gunky air.