D is for DROUGHT

 

Here in greater Vancouver, brown is the new green!  "How could that be?" people ask.  Vancouver is a beautiful city known for its lush green forests, beautiful beaches, snow-capped mountains, and perfect year-round weather.

Think California drought...not as bad here, but getting there.  It's been so hot and dry here that we have reached Stage 4 (out of 4 conditions) for drought.  No one is allowed to water their lawns at any time, wash their cars or do any hosing of driveways, windows, patios, etc.  Flowers pots and flowers in the garden can only be watered by hand.  For example, I take a bucket out and douse my pots but in no time at all, they dry up.  Fortunately, the flowers are surviving so far.  Oh!  and people with pools or hot tubs are not allowed to top them up, either.  My friends have a hot tub, but they've turned the heater off so they can use it as a "cool pool." 

 

Farmers are losing their crops, which will affect our economy.  

And fires are out of control in the forests, with about 200 fires burning across the province.  To view a brief video about the forest fires from Global TV, click here. 

Actually, for a couple of days in July there was ash floating in the air all around the city and its suburbs - even out to my village!  An air quality advisory came into effect for several days that was compared to Beijing! Here is a shot of a section of Vancouver during the day when ash was floating everywhere. 

I take Tegan out early to play Frisbee at a local park where I found some morning shade in one corner.  She lasts no longer than 10 minutes, needs water, and pants her way back to the car.  Right now she's crashed on the hardwood floor and probably won't get up for at least an hour. 

 

It's so hot, I often sleep downstairs on the sofa because it's "only" 80 F downstairs!  People in this area don't normally have air conditioning in their homes - it's just not needed.  But boy oh boy do I wish I had it now!  It seems all I do lately is find ways to stay cool.  Now don't get me wrong.  Some people absolutely LOVE this weather.  They're the kind of people who go to Mexico in the winter and love to bake on the beach.  But I'm not that type - I just feel sick! 

 

This is actually quite a scary predicament with fires coming too close for comfort and thousands of people being relocated  from their homes.  So much of our beautiful province is being destroyed, even on Vancouver Island and towards the north.  The last time we were at Stage 3 was in 2003, but I don't remember ever having a summer like this one in my lifetime. Maybe I'm feeling the effects because I'm getting a "bit" older.   Anyway, just for fun, here's a photo of my sweet Tegan feeling the effects. 

 Many thanks to the divine Miss Denise, creator of ABC Wednesday, and to the dapper Mr. Roger, our administrator.  Also, thanks to the delightful team of volunteers who drop by to say hello to all the contributors and to leave dazzling comments.