So after what will probably go down in history as one of the worst years on record (so far), 2020 is well behind us and the 2nd half of 2021 is starting to look better, thanks in large part to the availability and distribution of the three, large-scale COVID vaccines. As we look forward to brighter days, it’s important to look back on what we’ve experienced, analyze it, and see if we’ve learned anything from it. I won’t say we…
Like many of you, I have had my share of boring days and evenings during the pandemic. Nowhere to really go, lots of household projects that I really don’t want to get started, and it seems like I’ve pretty much exhausted all of the choices that peak my interest on Netflix, Hulu, AND Disney+ (hard to believe, I know). So, I find myself bringing up YouTube on my laptop and going down multiple weird alleyways and corridors of videos. One…
I was forced into town this past weekend to pick up the final touches to complete my Christmas shopping for this year. While I bought most of my gifts online (an absolute joy at this time of year), there were some stocking stuffers and other knick-knacks that had me out and about among the masses to complete my Christmas lists. And oh, what masses there were. The parking lots were full, the mall was crowded, and I had to wait…
Apparently, I shouldn’t have raised a hand against the year 2020, else – like a woman scorned, she hammers back with a vengeance. I should probably explain. Last week, I wrote a brief article on how 2020 basically sucked in a number of ways, but the fickle hands of fate must have read my blog and thought “who is this clown?” and “how may I now reap misfortune upon him?” Let me give you a brief summary of my past…
To say that I’m completely over 2020 by now is an understatement. What a year. The pandemic rages on (yet people where I live still refuse to wear masks because – you know – ‘Murica). My kids are attempting to get through their 2nd years of college and senior year of high school at home by staring at a screen all day. We’re shopping around for colleges (for my youngest) that may (or may not) be holding classes next fall,…
Nothing beats being able to combine two good things and turning them into one great thing. Chocolate and peanut butter, Crown Apple and ginger ale, or Steve Martin and Martin Short are fine examples. For me, that means cool, autumn evenings and watching classic movies. Since movie theaters are still mostly closed due to the pandemic (or just starting to reopen at limited capacity) and drive-ins are all but extinct (but making a comeback in some areas), the next best…
I generally steer away from “toxic” topics or political discussions on this blog (there are plenty of other places you can certainly click on to get your fill of that, no matter which way you politically lean), but I have to say that I’m baffled by the continued resistance of wearing masks in public places, stores, and other indoor settings as we navigate this pandemic. We’ve been very fortunate in Maryland (so far), and especially in the western portion of…
I’m sitting here in my back room, watching the multitude of birds flitting in and out of my bird feeder, thinking about the lessons I’ve learned from the ongoing pandemic. It’s been a long couple of months in isolation from friends, family, and the normal daily routine of what I call “life” (and it looks like we may be in for an up and down summer as infection rates rise and fall), but I have a few takeaways. I Used…
Many states are beginning to slowly ease back on restrictions and business closures they imposed as a result of the coronavirus and pandemic mitigation efforts. Here in Maryland, we’ve just entered the beginning of “Phase Two” of the economic “reopening” plan, which allows most retail locations, restaurants, and other businesses to resume operations (albeit with several caveats and restrictions). As the recent lock-downs as a result of COVID-19 start to expire, what exactly does that mean for our future experiences…
I’ll admit it – I’ve been cranky lately. It’s a combination of being cooped up in the house, working from home, the entire family living on top of each other, and watching the news and social media for updates on what’s happening in the world, the country, my state, and my county. Another source of all of this moodiness and aggression? Well, let’s be honest here – it’s all of you. I’m kind of tired of the public-at-large. I have…