The Squamidian Report – Sept. 9 / 17   Online Version Issue #798 Hi All, First off and most important, Greg is currently not available to write his column as he has been hospitalized with a very serious health issue. I know I speak for all of us when I wish him the best and hopes of a speedy recovery. * And now to the weather.... there may finally be a slight chance of a break in this relentless harsh stifling heat the western part of the continent has been enduring. If only for a couple of days, we may see some relief. We'll take what we can get. Ironically there has been some minor relief from the direct searing rays of the sun by of all things the dense smoke that has blanketed the whole province of BC for a good part of the summer. It actually can cut the expected high temps by several degrees by blocking out the sun. On the other hand, visibility has been limited to not much further than the end of our street for most of the time and breathing has been very difficult. We've had days this past week or so where automatic street lights and parking lot lights have stayed on for most of the day and one must have the house lights on during the day in order so see in the house.  I've spent more time hiding in the house this summer than being outside doing summer stuff because of both the heat and the heavy smoke, that smoke making it very hard to breath. When its simply too hot to think and you can't breath well enough to even go for an easy short walk it takes the fun out of doing most things. And more than just us people suffer from these conditions. We has started to put bird food out again as there is simply nothing for them to eat. We had stopped doing that years ago as the birds tend to make a huge mess and just want more and more. But this years its different. The birds are starving, or at least what few birds are left around here. We have also been putting a pan of water out for them as water has become even harder to find than food, and they sure make use of that pan of water. As well, we've been having ground squirrels come to drink. Poor old Willow must be appalled up there in dog heaven at the thought of squirrels on her deck. But I think she's understand. Anyway, take my word for it, a desperately hot dry smoky summer is just as much a disappointing bummer as a cold wet one is, but a lot more dangerous. Hopefully there will be a bit more to write about next week. Or not, who knows. doug **** Sister Carol has sent a few more pics from their eastern excursion. They should be visible  below. **** Have a good one.. the doug The Fine Print! The articles in these issues are the sole property of the persons writing them and should be respected as such.