It's officially summer 2020

Robert J. Nebel, Monday, June 22, 2020

Congratulations to us: it’s summertime. Well, officially it’s summertime, but here in our neck of the woods, it’s been summer for a few weeks. I do have to say that we have been experiencing spring, which during most years, we do not receive such a gift from Mother Nature. I can’t complain. 

Here’s summer during a rather wet season. We have storms one moment and then sunshine and resulting humidity the next. It’s quite an ugly feeling. The only good to me that comes out of it are those occasional rainbows. Speaking of weather, there is something else to think about as I write this post. A dust cloud from the Sahara Desert is heading towards us. I’m told not to be alarmed, but it makes me wonder if that will affect any outdoor activities. 

I’ve been taking on the challenge of attempting to get a run in each morning. This is known as “streaking.” Some folks commit to streaking year-round, while others choose specific dates to start and end a streak. Runner’s World magazine challenged readers to streak from Memorial Day to July the Fourth. Whether it’s a mile a day of running at any pace, it all qualifies as streaking. 

The idea of running every day is daunting -- what with life’s obligations in the way. Compound that fact with the actual act of running and if doing the activity outside, then there’s the weather. Typically one can get a quick run in outside during the early morning hours since it doesn’t rain or storm all that much during those hours in this region. For me, once it’s 10 a.m., I am not hitting the great outdoors for a run. The intense heat and sun are too much for me until after 7:30 p.m. Certainly, I can hit the treadmill in those hours, but there’s something special about doing some outdoor scenic running. Some folks label the treadmill as, “the dreadmill,” but one has to simply get in the mindset of getting on that machine. 

Aside from running, the stores seem to be getting back in shape under the banner of “the new normal.” One-way aisles, masks, register shields and so forth are part of the scenery in most retail outlets and grocery stores. Restaurants are doing their best at social distancing, which is working well since there are still many who are not seeking to venture out at the moment -- although business does seem to be picking up in the dining world.

Still, it’s a bit nerve-wracking in our “COVID age,” so while most things are “coming back online,” adhering to the safeguards is of the utmost importance. In the meantime, I’ll do my best to continue on the streak.