Safe from fire, surrounded by smoke

For any out of town family or friends who are wondering about us and the current wildfires burning in southern California, we are fine.

At this point, we aren't in the fire's path at all. Things can change at any time, of course, but I have a certain level of confidence that our valley will be spared. News reports are saying that the hillsides that are aflame right now haven't burned in more than 50 years, so the "fuel" is plentiful. That is definitely not the case in our valley, which has had its fair share of fires over the last 5 years.

The only effect we are feeling is the terrible air quality. This morning, I walked outside and thought I was standing next to a campfire. It's that strong. And there is little, itty-bitty pieces of ash all over everything-- I read one article calling it "southern California snow."
I found this AMAZING VIDEO that gives you a good idea of what our skies have looked like for the past 3 days. I was particularly excited to watch it so that I now know how the "white tops" have been formed amongst the smoke. (You'll see what I mean if you watch it!) I couldn't tell if the smoke was enveloping a cloud, or if the smoke itself was turning white, or what.... I started to think it looked like whipped cream on top!

Anyway, we are well. Will keep the blog updated if anything changes.