Thursday, June 26, 2008

Cabin Fever



We awoke to more smoke-filled skies. We’ve been advised to remain indoors; at least that directive came across the web-section of the local paper yesterday. Since we depend upon the internet for our news and weather, we feel a bit cut off. Oh, did I forget to mention that our DSL has gone down due to fire-related damage somewhere along the line in Northern California? Hopefully we will have service returned sometime tonight or tomorrow. Hmmmmmm … when I posted my intention to take a rest from blogging I thought it was MY idea. Ah well, I’ll just continue to load up my computer with thoughts and potential posts for a later time when we reconnect to the world wide web. I may be just spinning threads that no one ever reads …

In theory a day dedicated to indoor pursuits can refresh the soul. One can take time for reading, writing, junk-drawer cleaning, whatever. One can relax, slow down the pace, and savor the freedom of a bit of margin to the day. Yesterday we thoroughly enjoyed the mandate to remain in and confined – sort of a mini vacation. Today, however, the news of continued indoor activity, no internet, and no fresh air has thoroughly undone the placidity of the place. Tones have sharpened, eyes flash, and the stale air creates an atmosphere of captivity that we do not tolerate well. “I want to go outside,” moans one. “I can’t breath!” exclaims another. “Let’s watch a movie,” pleads a third, to which I reply, “At 10 am? I think not, go get your math book.”

Dusk falls, but truthfully it has appeared to be dusk all day long. The smoky skies obliterate the sun and cast an amber pall over the landscape giving it a surreal quality that enchanted yesterday and spooks a bit today. Even the kitties keep peering in the sliding glass door with an inquisitive look imploring us to remember they exist and come to play.

Funny, when I began my blog just a day or two ago, I scoffed at the idea of reporting on the fire. Somehow today it seems essential to mention it as a way of making some sense of our suspended life. We remain thankful to have water and power and no imminent threat of fire danger to our home, but are astonished at how quickly we chafe at any disruption in our comfortable routine.

3 comments:

Cindy said...

We've had a lot of smoke in the Bay Area too! It seems to be getting a little better here but I think it's because the wind shifted.

Kathy said...

It is worse here in the valley south of Fresno, than it was yesterday. Jerry says it's real bad at home, 4 hours north of here.

Anonymous said...

Good for people to know.