Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 63.8* F, 85% RH, 0648
I went out alone before six to find a photo, walking toward blossoms. Air stale. No breeze along the ground, no breeze in the canopy, eerily still. Sky, brackish. Forward movement, like wading through snow drifts. My lungs tell me everything before reading the air quality alert. I didn’t notice any of this at four when out with the three, who are now sleeping. I did notice the sky, blue, a few clouds.
It was several moments before I heard birds, listening for over seven minutes: Magnolia Warbler, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, American Crow, Hermit Thrush, Blue-headed Vireo, American Goldfinch, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Ovenbird, Brown Creeper, Blue Jay, Red-eyed Vireo, Common Yellowthroat.
Basil thrives in tree debris shrinking away from boulders. A small bird lands on the path. I follow with my eyes.
This day requires inhalers, measured movement.
Photo: LJ Austin
