Connections

Went to have coffee with my cronies this morning and can report that all the conversation was a lively as ever with the major complaint being that the washers and dryers on the first and second floor are not functional.  Those residents will be joining us on the 4th floor to do their wash.  We have two units.  I expect that traffic will increase.  Sometimes it feels like the management here is patting our collective hands. At a bare minimum, we need washing equipment that operates properly. So much for the luxury appointments.  Brought some cookies for the gang that were immediately scarfed up so I could bring back an empty container.

Judy took a 2 mile walk in the 13 degree temps today.  It is sunny at least at this point.  Got herself a new hat that is doing a better job keeping her ears from freezing.  My lovely and stalwart spouse moves forward.

Took a trip to Trader Joes for some provisions this morning as well.  They are out of farro till the end of the month, with manager citing import shortages.  They have no sweet chili sauce either.  It's all the fault of the world wide supply chain shortages.  

So I'm standing in the checkout line and the female cashier asks me about the Up North, Michigan hat I am wearing.  She tells me she is from Leeland Michigan which is close to Sutton's bay.  We swap stories about places we like up there and a small connection is made.  We talked about raclette cheese and the cheesemakers in Leelanau, favorite bars and restaurants.  We say our goodbyes and I feel I've met someone new.  New connections like this cannot be replaced by electronic chats.  This kind of spontaneity is uplifting, kind of gets you through the day. 

The distribution of free N95 masks has begun with Meijer stores being the first locations.  Biden is providing 3M 8210 masks to this area.  In my working days we sold many cases of this item to the auto industry.  North probably has another portion of the distribution perhaps in another part of the country.

We ordered our free Covid Rapid tests via email as well.  They will be delivered by the stripped down US Postal Service run by Trump appointee Louis DeJoy.  With this guy at the helm, maybe we will see some by summer. 

all for now

stay warm and safe