Labor Day, 2017

Sometimes things happen and you just want to call your parents and your older brother and talk about the great fortunes in your life.  Sometimes you think to yourself, and it is so real, that you can just pick up the phone and call.  You think you can just hear their voice and the enjoyment and pleasure they would get from your news, your story, or just even a joke.  Sometimes you think you could. 

But not today.  Today the reality hits that you can't call.  You can't talk to them about the news, a story, or just even a joke.  You should have done that years ago.  When you could have. 

But I talk to them now.  I try to imagine that they are watching.  I hope they are guiding me to do the right thing, to be a good person, to make the right choices.  I hope.  I am trying to be the person that perhaps they thought I could be. 

These are just some thoughts that occurred to me today.  Today, the wildfires in the Gorge are blowing smoke all over the Portland area.  It kind of reminds me of the San Diego wildfires of 2004.  I saw ashes floating down in the backyard tonight.  It was like little snowflakes.  There is a slight layer of ash on all the cars.  The air outside smells like a campfire.  They closed I-84 in both directions just east of here.  I do hope they get it out soon.  Forecast is for rain on Thursday and Friday.  I hope that helps. 

D.