Smoke in the City

It’s the hot topic of the day. Rather than having to wear a mask indoors it is recommended to wear a mask outdoors. The horrible smoke and haze has forced us all to stay indoors on some of the most beautiful days in June. The air quality index is now 245! That forced us to take our morning walk in the mall. Yesterday the index was 180 - so we took a chance and walked on the National Mall. We found a parking spot by the air and space museum and it was already quite busy. The haze was very obvious in the distance - today it’s in your face. It was difficult to see the Washington monument. The Smithsonian was setting up for the folklife festival that they have every year. It looked like a bunch of tiny houses were being built. We walked by the American Indian Museum pond and stopped in the US botanic garden where several unique plants were on display. Then we meandered over to the Capitol where it was extraordinarily busy with huge crowds. The sirens were running and one of the main streets was blocked. When we tried walking in that direction we were turned back by Capitol police. I really don’t miss that and the crowds anymore. So we headed to the National gallery of Art to get out of the bad air and also look for photo options for my weekly challenge. On the way back to the car we passed though the sculpture garden. The haze was still noticeable along the GW Parkway driving home. Last evening I think both my husband and I had a bit of a reaction to being outside. His eyes were stinging and he was more stuffed up than usual. My nose was stuffed up too. I feel bad for all of the workers outside. Today we are staying indoors - again. Why does it always seem there is some calamity going on somewhere every day? Things could be much worse but it’s hard getting harder to tune out.