DarlaJP 
In Mid-March 2020 the news that California was going into lockdown, “14 days to slow the spread”.
As surprising as the announcement was…… the air in California had become so clear & clean it was like a miracle.
By August, the fires started, and walking the hill became impossible. The poor air quality left an orange hue across the Valley.
My niece (Christine) invited me to Laguna Niguel, near Dana Point which was beautiful! She reported “No smoke here”.
Christine was right, the air was clear and her home along the coast spectular. I went for a few beautiful days.
This adorable bouncing creature is Dana, Christine & her husband Don have two beautiful Alaskan huskies, Dana and Ava.
Christine and I enjoyed sharing stories about my Dad.
We went paddle boarding in the Ocean. It was more like a lagoon/harbor but it sounds cooler saying “I went paddle boarding in the Ocean”. Christine, (left) was a natural. Me…. Not so much. Still, so fun!!
Back home, daily hikes to my tree have ushered me through the pandemic. I am now vaccinated and life is back to the better part of normal.
Looking back, the pandemic offered quiet contemplation and self discovery, and that truly is a blessing.
