Updates

A satellite image of the Northeast Pacific taken by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Sept. 12.

NOAA

SMOKE STACK: Another day, another smoke 'storm.' I could literally see the cloud rolling in from the southwest this afternoon. Don't get me wrong, it was already *plenty* smoky, but it became even worse. Shortly thereafter, my eyes started (and haven't stopped) working. 

Here's what the Environmental Protection Agency  has to say about what we're breathing:  "The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into your lungs. They can cause a range of health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose to aggravated chronic heart and lung diseases. Exposure to particle pollution is even linked to premature death."

Forecasters keep promising rain, and we did get a brief (two minute) shower last night, but it's not nearly enough.

You know, 2020, Dumpster fire that it is, has been a real eye opener and a 'great' reminder of how many things we take for granted. Things like being able to go outside without getting sick. Ironically, it's also the year you're supposed to try to do things (socially-distanced) outside, because being inside is so dangerous thanks to COVID.

FINALLY, FAN PHOTOS: For weeks, I've been wondering what happened to the cut outs we ordered of CJ and Annabelle for seats at T-Mobile Park during this COVID-shortened, no-live-fans Mariners' season. 

Back in July I received an email from the Ms with the location of the Rick and Kennedy cutouts I'd ordered. I didn't understand why I didn't get an email about where CJ and Annabelle are located. 

Today, I finally started investigating and realized that Christian's email address was listed on that order. I asked him about it tonight and sure 'nough, he has had that email notification sitting in his inbox for weeks. Sigh. But better late than never.

Can you spot CeeJ and Bee in section 143? 

They're pretty much in the center, in row 2.

I couldn't help but notice that they're seated in the section we were in for the last game that Felix "The King" Hernandez pitched as a Mariners player. 

Yesterday, the Mariners surprised us by inviting us to pick the cut outs up after the season is over. That was a big surprise, because when we bought them, we were told often and emphatically that they would be recycled post-season.

I told Christian I suspect the Mariners' organization realized a marketing opportunity to get their most ardent fans to the team store likely drove the decision. I also predicted they would pitch ticket plans during pick up. By responding to the pick up survey, it sounds like I was right on both counts. 

Short Stuff

SPA STYLE: We're keeping busy, in the pandemic sense of the word. Plus, I'm working long hours, hence the lack of blog posts. Apologies to those who are actually curious regarding what we're up to.

Last week we fit in a Birthday Dreams donation cake. The teenager chose a spa theme. (Name on cake above is obscured.)

We looked online for ideas and more often than not, the cakes included makeup, spa masks and such, so we used those ideas as inspirations.

First, we had to bake the 3-layer cake. It had to be lactose free, so that was an extra consideration. It was also one of the reasons we chose that cake/kid, because we knew they were likely not to get a cake if it came down to Birthday Dreams having to buy them a store bakery one. 

Once the cake was baked and built (filled and iced), it was a matter of decorating. Annabelle crafted nail polish bottles, lipstick, eye shadow, and more as cake toppers. 

I wish I had taken better photos of the cake. The two here don't do it justice.

LETTERED: CJ is pretty much consumed with politics at the moment. I think it will be good for him once school starts Sept. 29, to get his mind back on classes and away from the ugliness that can be current events. In the meantime, we have at-length discussions about all of the many, MANY things so wrong with the world right now. It ranges from forced hysterectomies at the southern border to the founder of cray-cray QAnon being from Mukilteo, a town just to our north. 

I challenged him to do something other than doomscroll, and write a letter to his senators. He is focusing on the disastrous fires and climate change. The letter writing process has been an ongoing edit and re-edit affair over the last couple of days. I have stressed to him that the communication should be constructive, and offer resources and a buy in instead of just a bitch out. Stay tuned for a final missive.