It’s Super Bowl Sunday and time for 5 random things from my corner of the world.
Ready? Let’s do this!
1. Snow. Our part of the country is well UNDER “normal” snowfall levels. But late last week/this weekend a big storm blew in …Lake Effect snow, high winds followed by bitter temperatures. Local grocery stores were crowded with folks in line, chatting through their masks and talking about stocking up. I don’t know about you but I think people like a big storm, gives ’em something to talk about. π
2. People. Sometimes I do wonder about people: the same ones whose mask hangs half off their face while they fondle produce can be seen shrieking at another for standing too close in line. When I go out there are often moments when I think, “well, this is why I don’t go out!” Mask-idiots = Maskiots!

3. Walks. I miss my walks. I’ve been able to get in a few here & there but, for the most part, it’s just too icy. I miss my doggie friends; just last week my buddy, Chief, and I were reunited. Hard to say who wiggled and twirled more!

4. Zoom Exhaustion. It’s a thing. Extroverts are all about Zoom calls, Zoom Happy Hours, Zoom-you-name its. You see Zoom allows them to be on camera, talk over each other, comment too much and tell others every single thought or concept they ever had. Meanwhile introverts are muted with the camera off because we know our facial expressions will give us away.

5. Road Trips: I miss road trips. Having a new place to go (besides the grocery store) and meetings in-person. I miss driving and listening to music or podcasts, sipping my coffee or water, and thinking. I sure do miss road trips. But I don’t miss doing so in winter. π
So, how are you doing? What are you missing?
Oh, I miss welcoming family and friends inside. I miss haircuts and shopping in real stores with in person friends,and dinners out.
I miss shopping in real stores, too!! and I don’t even like shopping all that much π MJ
Good to hear your updates MJ! I am so NOT a zoom person. Had to take one continuing ed (lead removal training) that I endured for 4 hours. Other than that, when my wife’s cousins and extended outlaws get together, I am not in the picture. While we do not have the Lake effect here in Eastern Iowa, our weather pattern sounds similar. this week promises to have temps subzero every night and maybe single digits as day time highs. thankful all of my outside work is done, except for one small project that can be done anytime it warms up. Has your Nazi governor been behaving herself? I don’t watch too much news, but always think of you when she’s in the news cycle. Haven’t seen her smiling face recently. Take care! I know you will as a resourceful farm girl. DM
The zoom calls are my life right now; yes I am very grateful to be well-employed but some calls could be an email. Ugh!
Yes the single digits are here, too, and up at home -45 or more. Brrr!
Our Governor has made so many decisions “based on science” that weren’t & then changed course so much we are all dizzy. It feels endless. I hope I am wrong.
Onward! Thanks for weighing in ………. MJ
I’m retired so I don’t have Zoom business meetings but we’ve done it with friends. It’s not the same. Yep everyone talks over everyone else and somehow whatever is said is not as interesting as it would be in person.
I agree, it’s not the same. one-dimensional and the timing is off, like a bad movie audio! π MJ
Yep. Winter arrived in full force here too. I’ve been lucky to be able to continue my walks until late last week when the temperatures really fell. Today’s high was 9 degrees but I think that happened sometime between midnight and 5 a.m. because it never got anywhere close to 9 degrees during the daylight hours.
At least you have a pretty tree as a result of your weather. But I sure hope it warms up soon!
I cracked up at the reference to making a face out loud. That is so me! I tend to be a bit on the quiet side, but my face can’t hide the things I’m feeling. I have to work REALLY hard at it.
We’ve been spoiled here by a very moderate winter thus far ~~ this deep freeze + ice has me locked inside, not my favorite!
The faces out loud, yes I tend to stay muted but we are reqd to be on camera for certain calls. I often have my hands near my face to cover my expressions .. it looks like I’m thinking, kinda .. ha ha !! Onward π
Thanks for chiming in, Tee~
MJ
Yes, yes and yes! You described my life in MN very succinctly. I have a dog that needs to be walked so that hasn’t been fun on all the ice. Some neighbors do a great job of cleaning their sidewalks, but others do not. Usually I don’t mind winter, but this one is doing me in.
Stay well and upright.
I hear you ~~ I am the sidewalk-clearer in my house b/c I am also the walker, so I appreciate it when it’s been done for me π Have seen a few dog walkers get yanked off their feet when Rover surged forward and they hit ice, not fun … be careful out there and thank you for visiting my site, Liz π
-MJ