Who Took My Foothills?

I have a problem. My FOOTHILLS have gone missing and I don't know where they could be. They are usually right here

I live very close to the hills - less than a mile - so I am pretty used to seeing them on a daily basis. But today, this is what my view looks like

I don't see any HILLS, do you? That's what I mean! They have gone missing and I do not know where they can be.

And while I am at it, the stars were missing last night as well. Normally we see a good number of them - especially the biggies, MARS, SATURN, VENUS and the constellations ORION, BIG AND LITTLE DIPPERS, and (this time of year) LEO. We do a lot of star watching at our house. But not lately.

Now that I am thinking about it, I am sure the many many terrible wildfires burning in California right now has something to do with the disappearance of my FOOTHILLS.

I'm gonna go investigate that right now. I'll get back at you with my findings.

Glorious Golden Hills Signaling Summer is Really Here

It is the middle of July and the days are warm and sunny. This is what happens to our green foothills when the sun toasts it - they turn GOLDEN.

I love when they look like this. It is so special.

By the end of August, they will be drier and a darker brown. In fact, they will be almost gray.

In the meantime, I am going to enjoy the view while I can.