I had the good fortune to play golf with two friends on Wednesday. The golf course was not busy like a normal Wednesday–red alert due to smoke from fires around the West was being heeded by many. I walked most of the 18 holes with my clubs being packed by a golf cart. Several times during the round we commented on feeling a less than well, even a bit dizzy. We finished and went into the comfort of an air conditioned 19th hole and the breathable air was a welcome relief. We had been warned over and over by the news and my spouse chimed in as well to re-in force the health risk. “The unhealthiest material in wildland fire smoke is the small particles (particulates). They may make it harder to breathe or make you cough. These small particles can also make existing heart and lung conditions worse.” Now that I have a bit more knowledge I have discovered that older adults can be at risk–fortunately I am still young. I escaped to McCall to seek cleaner air. It’s still a bit smoky but the photo clearly shows one of the few benefits of smoke. The beautiful red and orange sunsets are best observed with only a brief trip outside.
A few days ago a stray cat appeared at our door. The animal was starving and skin and bones. This cat did have personality which quickly endeared it to Karen and Katie. They determined we should feed her and then Katie decided to take her to the Humane Society. Would they just euthanize this kitty? Katie made sure that it had a future home if it was healthy. Unfortunately it turned out the cat was older and had several issues giving him a short life span. The kind folks working on the vet side of the Humane Society said they would keep the cat, give it medicine and make it comfortable and loved through the end of its days. I admire Katie for her compassion and the HS organization for its support for all animals. Happiest ending possible under the circumstances.
Mahatma Gandhi said “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” I also liked this quote from Henry Beston. “They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other Nations, caught with ourselves in this net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth.” During this time of political discord and partisanship we may look to what has been called the “immortal declaration” written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776–“all men are created equal”. Wish us all luck.
Enjoy the week end. Mike