Ugly Summer/Really Who Cares about Ugly Summer

I started this post several days ago.  I titled it "Ugly Summer" and I was writing a post about my plans to not buy any new summer shorts/capris and wear holes in all of my old out-of-date shorts/capris.  You see, I have a habit of when I find a particular shorts/capris on sale that work with my Mormon sense of modesty, I end up buying them in all colors available in my size.  

Well, I have been buying things when I really don't have a need for them, just because they are on-sale and fit with my "Mormon sense of modesty."  In my closet, I have a section for "out of style" clothes that still look brand new and I can't just give them away.  (I paid hard-earned money for them!) Well, this summer, I decided I am wearing those items until they literally have holes in them and I declared out-loud, "Welcome to Ugly Summer." 

But then, last night, on the local news, I discovered my beloved hometown Boulder, Colorado was in fire danger.  The news was talking about areas that were my local stomping grounds.  Mentioned on the news was my high school, my favorite hiking trail, my family grocery store, streets I drove on a daily basis to church, work and school, etc.   I was horrified.  After speaking to my parents and learning they were OK and not that worried, (they are in the pre-evac area), I became mesmerized with the coverage.  Most of my high school friends and church friends live/lived in the pre-evac area.  I have been in contact with many friends, who like me are out of state but worried about their parents, and our city.  You see, while I love my Utah life, I am true blue, Boulder, Colorado girl.  My husband jokes, "When we drive into Boulder County, you relax.  It is like the cells in your body recognize home."    

So, a blog post about Ugly Summer seemed a little stupid.   (And, then learning about the fire in Colorado Springs, CO, made Ugly Summer seem even more stupid).

Here is the smoke hovering over my beloved hometown.  

Me in my recently purchased (for an upcoming trip home) Colorado flag t-shirt.  (I didn't say I wouldn't buy new tops, just shorts/capris.)  My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Colorado and the people and firefighters living there.

Now for some levity (still stupid in comparison to dealing with fire danger but NOT as stupid as Ugly Summer)  two of my favorite things recently:

Going here and seeing 

 this.  

If you get a chance, watch this.  

For my local friends, we own a copy if you are interested.  

My second favorite thing:  My clothes line in my garage.  Several years ago, I had the idea to put a retractable clothes line in my garage.  All summer, it has our wet swim suits and towels on it.  In our hot garage, everything dries fast and it is out of the way and no wet stuff in my house.  In the winter, snowy ski clothes hang on it.  

Again, in light of things going on around the world, who cares but since we must live, these two things have made my life easier and happier.