Border Restrictions May Not Apply

   That was taken yesterday by me here in Yorkton. I know the international border with the U.S can be crossed by non-essential travelers for a few reasons, including family. And I'm not saying the folks in the Caddy SUV didn't cross for that very reason. But here's the problem. I've heard reports from other jurisdictions saying Americans tell border officials they're making their was to Alaska to see family, but instead are tourists.

   With the recent spike in cases in several U.S States, including Texas, I find this flaunting of border controls, including mandatory self-quarantining for 14 days, counterproductive to what we've been doing in both countries to try and contain as best we can the coronavirus.

   Until last weekend, I restrained from venturing out of town period. I've also listened to health officials advice and socially isolated and practiced physical distancing, hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Seeing this, and again I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, means I will re-double my efforts since I don't know if they were simply passing through, or made stops on the way. I also know there have been plenty of cases going the other way, where Canadians say they have relatives in the U.S, but are crossing for tourism or even to shop.

   I'm not one to get political on this venue, but also believe border closures should be strictly adhered to on both sides. Unless, the person can provide verified proof of the intention to only access each other's country for family reasons.

   I just hope the people in that vehicle didn't bring COVID with them across the border.

TTFN

I May Never Know

   The last time I filled up my little Lancer was April 27th. I'd been wondering how long it would take for me to have to fill it up again. June 10th, some 46 days later, I had to. The only reason I did, was my wife and I needed to get away, and decided to take a trip to Regina to hit some of her specialty stores, and meet up with our son for lunch. We hadn't been down since February, before the whole COVID thing erupted.

   I put 37 litres (8 Imperial gallons or 9.7 U.S) in the tank, which still was 1/3rd full. I'm thinking I probably could've gone another 4 or 5 days, maybe even a week, before I fueled up.

   Why did it take so long? COVID. Due to the restrictions put in place, I wasn't heading to the store as often, meaning a lot less use of gas. Or generally driving around town for that matter.

   Will I try the experiment again? Doubtful, now that restrictions are starting to gradually lift. I won't be going back to my old habits by any means, but with that, and the warmer weather, I'm thinking we'll be taking a few trips come summer.

   By the way, when I filled p in April, gas was something like 75 cents a litre. When I juiced up Friday, it was 96.

TTFN

Heat's Back!

   And a welcome relief it is. Over the past 2 days, walking into the newsroom first thing in the morning was like walking into a deep freeze. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but it really was cold in here. In face, morning man Danny Ismond took pity on me yesterday, and brought in a space heater to keep me warm.

   But all is back to "normal", and I'm no longer shivering. However, something on the roof is making an awful loud buzzing noise, almost like being in a small aircraft.

TTFN

Yet Another Cold Day Inside

   As I blogged yesterday, it was cold in the newsroom. We found out later yesterday morning that a power bump shut off the boilers in the building, hence the nearly arctic conditions. They fired them up, and it did get warmer as the day progressed. This morning, the cold was back. I don't know what the issue is yet, and likely won't find out until someone contacts building maintenance.

   At least I remembered to wear a jacket today.

TTFN

Another Cold Day Inside

   I know I shouldn't complain, but I'm going to anyway. I got into the office at my usual time, and it was like walking into a refrigerator. A.C appears to be stuck of "full", and no matter how I try to adjust the thermostat, I can't get it to turn off.

   And it's not just the whole building, either. The master control suites and the booth I read the news from are all much, much warmer that the rest of the building.

   I prefer things a little on the cools side. Daytime highs of 19 or 20 Celsius are perfect for me. But this morning, it's too chilly for my liking. And, of course, I didn't bring a jacket with me to work this morning. Oh well, it could be worse. The heat could be on full blast instead. I just hope they get it sorted out soon.

TTFN