February 9, 2024- The air was cold, but crisp, and the sidewalks largely easy to navigate, even when there was 1-3 inches of snow covering them. Few people were out and about, even in cars. I walked to the nearest grocery store, Sprouts, and took some advantage of the BOGO (Buy One, Get One) sales, on a couple of items. Other than the faint scent of a skunk, or two, in someone’s back yard, there were no signs of life. To and from downtown, whether day or night, active or silent, still makes a nice outing. 

The streets were not too crowded this morning, either, as I drove a disabled friend and her mate to a medical facility. Double checking on a Blood Drive, at which I was to be the registrar, I found it had been canceled, again due to the icy roads which, along with the snow (2 feet, in downtown Prescott) have resulted in three straight days of school cancellations. 

We will all get back to the routine, next week, whilst enjoying the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and Valentine’s Day, in the process. Yes, I know those events may not be some people’s cup of tea, but I tend to enjoy the camaraderie and the ambiance of harmless fun that go along with the festivities. That said, we do owe attention and vigilance to human trafficking at the Super Bowl and during Mardi Gras, and sensitivity to those who have lost a loved one, or are otherwise alone, on Valentine’s Day. (This will be the first time in 13 years that I will be honouring someone dear to my heart, on February 14, so aloneness is quite familiar.)

Tonight, though, I was glad for the fresh air and fair amount of exercise.