Random Sunday Things

We were shopping Friday night at what used to be our weekly stop for food and other household items. We’ve since found a better spot for food so it is a once in awhile stop. Anyway, I noticed at checkout that they had finally removed the stupid plexiglass “shields” that sprung up during the COVID hysteria.

Like most of the “controls”, this one never passed the logic test. Because you always went to end the of the shield to get your card scanned and to take the receipt. Plus, as my wife said, I can’t imagine what kind of stuff piled up on the plexiglass since you know they weren’t cleaning it regularly.

Lady in the car next to us was masked up entering the store. Wonder what she thought about the dropping of the shields? COVID really just broke a lot of people and they are never going to be able to live a life without fear. And it looks like we may be ready to amp up the fear and hysteria again.

The long awaited power washing of the deck is due to happen tomorrow. It was originally scheduled for the first week in August but we’ve had periods of rain and intense heat since then so it kept getting pushed back. That meant I spent some time yesterday and today moving stuff off the decks. They really look empty.

It also meant taking down the various birdfeeders and that has not made the birds happy. Had several fly in and do what looked like a double take when there was no food. I don’t feel that bad because there should be plenty of natural food available even though they might have to work a little harder. Might also get the grackles to move on and that would be a bonus.

Was able to leave the hummingbird feeder up and I think that is important because they will be headed south for the winter shortly and they need to fuel up for the journey. Still think it is amazing that these tiny little birds can fly as far as they can. It will be sad to see them go.

The heat and the high dew points broke as predicted. For once, the weather people read the tea leaves correctly. It was very pleasant on our walk this morning. I know that we only had a few bad days while other parts of the country have been sweltering for months. Then again, if you live in Florida or Texas, you should probably expect it to be really hot in the summer.

Although the long term forecast suggests that the heat will be back over Labor Day weekend and possibly extending beyond that. This seems to be the new normal pattern where early September can be hotter than most of July or August. The apple orchard near us opens up after Labor Day but visiting an orchard in 90 degree weather just feels wrong for so many reasons.

To be honest, I don’t really like super hot weather in September. Falling leaves and 90 degree days don’t go together. At some point, you have to mentally prepare for fall and winter and hot summer days start to feel like uninvited guests the farther from August we get. I know I like the warm days but I’d take 80 degree days because you can still wear shorts.