That’s the current air quality index in my part of Montana. The air quality here has been unhealthy for weeks, but I’ve never seen the index so high. I can taste the air; it’s gross. There have been a few times in the last week where I felt lightheaded and where my throat hurt, almost like I had a sore throat but didn’t. A new fire flared up near me a few days ago, prompting evacuations. Some homes burned down. A week before, this same city started enforcing water restrictions on their residents. Our water reserves are at record low levels, and so many ponds I used to see around town have now dried up.

What is this world? Is this how’s it going to be from now on? And what gets me is how powerless I feel. I do not know what to do to stop this, or to at least mitigate it, even if just a little bit. I guess all I can do is just hope it gets better, if it will.

“Woah woah woah.”

Those were the three words I said as I drove over the train tracks and saw a fox run across in front of me.

Woah #1: Dammit, Fox!

Woah #2: I’m glad I didn’t hit you!

Woah #3: Wait, you were a fox! I love foxes!

A few hours earlier, I saw a pair of deer gamboling across the vast fields lining the road on my way to work. I saw a horse bump its head against another horse, and not far away, a few calves playing with one other near their mom. I saw a hawk fly low across the road right above my car and countless ducks and geese and swans swimming in the reservoir.

Life can be so beautiful sometimes.

I stopped taking photos, especially macro photos, and that has made me sad. I asked a friend the other day where all the bugs have gone, and she said there are no bugs during winter. So I looked it up on the internet: Where do insects go during winter? Thought this was cool.

Woke up early to run some errands and was awarded with a beautiful sunrise. I used Apple ProRAW and my god, what an incredible tool to have when I’m out and about with just my iPhone. I was able to bring out the pinks and the shadows in a way I couldn’t before.

Had some fun playing in the snow tonight.

Today I had one of the absolute best experiences with a doctor in my life. Although she had to cut into me with no anesthetic and I have to be on antibiotics for a week, I’m happy. Finally some good feelings! Here’s a random picture of some beautiful ducks because why not!

What a beautiful sunrise this morning.

Good morning!

I am very happy my succulents haven’t died yet. I also love these pots.

Beautiful sunrise yesterday morning. Also, the iPhone 12 Pro takes beautiful photos.