Could be a l-o-n-g winter

 

Avalanche for clearing solar panels 

I was on a Zoom workout the other day talking about what this city has to offer with it being so dependent on oil. I was saying what it doesn't have - mountains, ocean/lake/river, long summers when someone asked me why I'm still here? In large part it's because it's a good place to travel from. 

Usually we have a spring trip to carry us through the cold but not this year. So what are we doing instead?

workout space

Our lifestyle has seen minimal change in the large scheme of things! I am very lucky my exercise instructor is on board for Zoom workouts. I can participate from home and those of us who do often have a bit of a chat before or after - not that different than class (but different). We're converting our travel fund to a much less thrilling appliance replacement and home improvement. On one hand not exciting, on the other, new tools like the avalanche and area rugs and stuff.

Bennie is definitely as saving grace. Whether walking him around the yard or around the park he keeps us on our toes by being randomly the best attentive dog ever to the best barker ever. He keeps people at a distance (of 2 m) while giving us something to talk about. We also chat with neighbours as we see them. Even food options haven't changed that much. We have time to cook and have been keeping the pantry full so we can eat what strikes us. We're also doing drive-thru so...

Having parents in their 80s really helps us recognize just how fortunate we are. While they all live in their own homes, none of them are particularly tech savvy so it's difficult to video call or suggest virtual activities that we take for granted. Fred's parents are going out for coffee and stuff while my dad is mostly staying home - a difference in mobility and locations. My dad is in the Fraser Health Region in BC while in-laws are in Alberta South Zone. We are in Saskatchewan NW2 zone. Exposures are low enough in our area that we get warned of exposure events and I can check my Google timeline to see if I'm affected. We minimize in store shopping and wear a mask when inside public spaces. We may start wearing a mask outside as well as trails narrow due to snow.  I find it mystifying that people can bemoan the effects of the pandemic on the economy/leisure activities while refusing to take the simple step of wearing a mask🤷‍♀️ 

Once the pandemic is resolved in a year or so, we plan to increase our traveling so that's really something to look forward to! How far ahead are you looking?