I am experiencing the South California Fires. Actually, I am experiencing the after-effects of said fire.
One of my fond memories from the tender young age is roasting marshmallows over an open fire. Sometimes, there would be certain type of woods added to give the fire a much sweeter smell. Wood grills also produce the same smell, and is all common at cub scouts camping trips.
This type of smell is exactly what I smell when I arrived here in Long Beach for work this week. This, after experiencing an incredibly strong turbulence while going over the mountains on the way down on approach to LGB. The sky is hazy, with dust particles landing over everything, including the rental car. Walking produce footprints in the sea of orange-gray tinge. Sunsets creates a bold orange facade, a boon for artists around.
I was able to determine that I am highly allergic to dust, with the entire Monday spent sneezing my head off. Claritin does the job well enough for me to be functional the last two days, although my body is already giving hints that if it wasn’t for that, I would be a mess.
We are not even experiencing the full brunt of this firestorm — San Diego and south into Mexico, countless people are affected, including people I have worked with, and known. I do hope they are all safe and sound, with minimal issues from this inferno.
To the arsonists fanning the flames: It won’t be long before you will have eternal flames. The lives you have harmed, not only humans, but also animals, will be too great to be ignored.
