The season never ends in southern California, so there's no need for depression over lack of good riding weather. It was in the 80s when I climbed on my bike for a ride at about 3:30 p.m.

Then again, Los Angeles, if not the world, does seem to be ending in catastrophe. Today, a giant smoke cloud filled the sky, as the sun sank into a another cloud bank, formed of smog, coastal haze and more smoke. Apparently it was a turn-on for a couple standing near the Griffith Park Observatory, which looks out over much of the city on the south side of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Although my breathing seemed unaffected, I'd rather put up with a little cold than deal with deal with smokey particulates.