September 13, 2015. Smoky day from the fires

LOCATION:  Organic farm outside of Ukiah, in NW California

WEATHER:  Smoke, smoggy skies. Highs in 70s

Our last farmers' market!  We got up early to prepare.  Dark skies welcomed us to the morning.  We could hardly breathe.  The smoke from the Valley Fire, about 20 miles away, has floated here and is hanging on our mountain.

Traffic at the market was slow.  Otter vendors said it was because people are staying home, watching the news about the fires.  One vendor had to leave to help his parents evacuate.  The fire is 60,000 acres and only 5% contained.  One town has completely burned down.  

Valley Fire, near us, is the red dot,  number 3.

Paola, our housemate, left for San Francisco.  We have been a good team, sharing chores.

We cut up some fruit and tomatoes, and put outside to dry, mostly to get it out of the house,  due to a recent ant invasion.

We started packing up, as we only have a few days left here.

Because of the black sky all day, our solar energy has dwindled.  We are trying to get the back-up generator started.  Meanwhile, all of the electricity, except the refrigerator, is turned off.  We are using flashlights to see.

DINNER (by romantic flashlight):  Pizza.  I made it with leftover meatloaf, tomatoes, goat cheese from the farmers' market, and basil.  Roasted garlic to spread on it at the table.  Yum!