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

The Razor's Edge

                                             

   Quite a few years back, I decided to get an old-fashioned double edge safety razor. The reasons were simple. I'd used multi-blade razors in the past, but ended up with a full beard for decades because of razor burn, nicks and bumps I got from using the new-fangled ones.

   Since making the switch, I have had very little razor burn, no bumps and the odd nick. Also, I'd been wanting a high-end razor for a few years now, and finally got one this week through the on-line shop I use for shaving supplies. You may not be  able to see it very well, but there it is. What sets this apart from other razors, even other high end ones, is the chrome. The manufacturer says they use the same process as Rolls Royce does for their cars. And it wasn't cheap. It cost north of $200 Canadian, but they did include a 5-pack of some top end blades as well.

   I guess this is my birthday/Fathers Day gift rolled into one. How does it shave? It is comfortable? I'll be finding out today, when I  get to use it for the first time.

TTFN

Been Away Way Too Long

   In  fact,I'm just back from 2 weeks vacation, COVID style. No, I did not have the virus, but it did impact any and all plans I may have had. Not that I wasn't busy for a time, though. Around-the-house projects that got crossed off the list included re-staining the front veranda of the home (a task that took a lot longer than it should have), and helping my wife with her garden. Mostly by staying out of her way.
   COVID restrictions started to ease while I was away, meaning we had our first restaurant meal (albeit take-out) in quite a while. It was delicious, and the staff took high precautions, for which I'm grateful.
   Normally, we would've taken at least 1 trip to Regina for my wife's flowers, but with the pandemic, decided against it. That, plus a search of the prices showed they were outrageous.
   If there is a positive side to this virus, it's the fact I've been spending a lot less, therefore saving a lot more. I used to grocery shop almost every day, meaning I'd pick up stuff I didn't really need, which also cost extra. Since going out 2 times a week, I'm not buying the garbage I used to, and the saving has been somewhat incredible. That means when, and if, things ever get back to  "normal", I won't change my new habits, but will only shop 2 or 3 times a week.
   The other big saving has been gasoline. I've got a fuel-sipping sports sedan, which I normally would only need to fill every 2 weeks or so. The last time I filled up was April 27th, and I've still got over half a tank left. I'm not expecting that to continue when/if we get out of this.
   As for this blog, I'll try and be a little more attentive to it, since I hadn't posted in a long, long time. Just over a month, to be exact. And yes, it IS good to be back at work again. Sitting around the house doing nothing got quite boring.

TTFN