Day three

A dubious distinction:  We now have the worst air pollution in the world, with an air quality index of 156 (very unhealthy.) To put that in perspective, Beijing's air quality index was 80 and Mumbai's 34 yesterday.  Only New Delhi at 158 was slightly worse.

There's no escaping the smoke anywhere in the Northwest right now.  In fact, the air quality is so bad in central Washington they are handing out masks to protect sensitive peole. Many of us are complaining of itchy eyes and scratchy throats.

In Seattle, another lurid red sunrise and murky day ahead.  We need those ocean breezes and rain to wash it away.  That's not going to happen. We're at day 47 without measurable rain, within spitting distance of the 54 day record dry stretch in 1951.  So long ago, I was just a little bitty baby.

What to eat on scorching summer days?  Charcoal fires are banned right now, but fortunately gas grills are OK, which takes the heat out of the kitchen. 

I grilled a couple of big marinated sirloin steaks last night. We could have gobbled it all, but I saved some meat for tonight (maybe tostadas.)  And the perfect summer salad to go with--  beefsteak tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella and fresh basil.  At least we're eating good under the gloom.