a corner of biscuits and warm tea

About a few days ago, we had a wind storm in our area. It's quite windy that it actually took some massive trucks out as if you were to tip a cow to its sides. A friend of ours mentioned that we haven't been getting any rain at all, we were expecting our wet season. With the chaparrals region being under drought combined with the intensity of the wind pretty much equals fire.  Before the wind storm happened, Bern and I feared this would happen and it did. We saw what happened in Nor Cal; similar situation with the wind in Los Angeles County.  Hearing about fires is not unique to us, we have friends who lost their homes to them. However, we're still pretty shocked because it's winter.

Everyone in our local circle are from middle class, working class families, different ethnicities and racial backgrounds. These are people who work in service jobs or trade-related work. Back then around most of the 20th century to the 80s, a sizable suburban homes were affordable for working class families to purchase. People have built communities in towns where they felt belong and accepted. There are BIPOC communities. They have been living there for generations. Until after the 90s, the value of their homes increased at a high value. This is a common thing that tends to happen at any populated region with high economy.

My family called/ texted us to check on us. While the air quality was bad (the AQI is better today, but the air still smells bad), fortunately, the evacuation zones didn't catch to our district. Bern and I are currently safe. On the watch duty app, it looks as if one of the fires are going in an opposite direction? Not great for those who are on the East of the fire! I basically just have to make sure to keep our air filter on. I lost some sleep and spent one whole night sealing up our windows & door. Some of the smokey air did seeped in a bit. I added a bit of humidity to clean our indoor air. As for today, I managed to get some sleep, especially after the 'accidental' heart-racing phone alerts.

My heart breaks for those from Pasadena & Altadena. This person described a bit of Altadena's history quite beautifully. Some of my favorite go-to spots are located there! If you follow my blog long enough, you probably read that I watch a lot of Huell Howser tv and somewhat of a local history nerd when it comes stories from the 20th century. As someone who loves everything involving rabbits, I was disheartened when I heard the Bunny Museum caught fire.

I had to put my workout routines to a halt, but I'm going to get back to doing my indoor workout today! Otherwise, I'll feel crummy and end up with a bad indigestion. Apparently someone was jogging in a neighborhood through a smokey air and my reactions were ''. Honestly, it's okay to skip fitness routine for a day or two. Breathing in the toxic air with no mask is quite awful. Perhaps work out indoors instead?!

After that, I'll do a bit of house organization. I know I have some practical clothes that no longer fits, I'm looking forward to donate them. There's a reason why I don't ever drop them off at most thrift places. I rather just give them away to those who wants them. I'm going to have to do some resources-hunting. So far, I found this list, thanks to my neighbors.