the sky is a hazy shade of summer

My travel to northern New Mexico began three days ago. It was clear there was a smoky haze.

The further north we drove, the more obvious the haze became.

We could see it. Smell it. Taste it.

The next day the haze slightly disappeared, as seen at sundown.

However the next morning, the first day of school, it looked like this.

Headlines in the Taos News:

Taos is socked in by Frijoles Fire smoke overnight

“The mountain peaks typically visible around the Taos Valley, have been obscured the past several mornings behind a scrim of particulate matter generated by the lightning-caused Frijoles Fire.”

“The smoke from this wildfire has regularly dropped air quality into the “Unhealthy” and “Moderate” categories across northern New Mexico. Local school districts and the New Mexico Department of Health have issued advisories due to the heavy particulate haze blanketing the region.”

Santa Fe Opera has had to cancel several performances in order to protect both the attendees and the artists.

I have found some difficulty breathing. My asthma, while under control for many decades, has made its presence known.

Not knowing if our performance will be called or not, my friend and I talked it over and decided another day in Taos at the Casa was best. After notifying the SFO Box Office, I arranged for another night at the Casa.

Peace is found in this place.